Some individuals may opt for a quick suhoor with just water or a bowl of instant noodles. However, relying on just noodles or water is insufficient to provide the energy required to get through the day.

Choosing a well-balanced and nutritious meal during suhoor is essential to ensure that your body remains energized, doesn't feel fatigued easily, and avoids extreme hunger or thirst. This article will help you understand the types of foods to avoid for a more effective and comfortable fast.

Foods to Avoid During Suhoor

Certain foods can contribute to dehydration, digestive discomfort, and increased hunger. Here’s a list of foods to avoid during suhoor:

High-Salt Foods

Salty foods, including processed items, chips, and salted fish, can cause dehydration. The excess salt draws water from the body's cells, accelerating fluid loss and leading to increased thirst during fasting.

Fried and Fatty Foods

Opting for fried or high-fat foods at suhoor may initially provide a feeling of fullness, but they can lead to discomfort in the stomach. These foods slow down digestion and may cause indigestion.

Additionally, consuming fatty foods can lead to quicker thirst and a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash that leaves you feeling weak and drowsy.

Overly Sugary Foods

Although sugary foods at suhoor can give an instant energy boost, they tend to cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, followed by a sharp drop. This fluctuation can make you feel more tired, thirsty, and hungry sooner than expected, disrupting your fasting experience.

Spicy Foods

Known for their heat, spicy foods should be avoided during suhoor or iftar. They can irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid, leading to heartburn, stomachaches, and discomfort throughout the day.

Foods with Simple Carbohydrates

Foods like white rice, white bread, and instant noodles contain simple carbohydrates, which are digested quickly by the body. While they may give a fast energy surge, they also cause a quick decline in blood sugar, leaving you feeling hungry sooner. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, or brown rice. These provide sustained energy and help you feel fuller for longer.

Caffeinated Drinks

Although coffee and other caffeinated drinks may help you stay awake and alert after suhoor, caffeine acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and leading to fluid loss.

Consuming caffeine during suhoor can make you feel more thirsty throughout the day, which can disrupt your fasting comfort.

Foods High in Preservatives and MSG

Instant foods, processed snacks, and canned goods like sausages, nuggets, and instant noodles may be quick and convenient, but they often contain preservatives and MSG. These ingredients can cause dehydration and elevate thirst levels, making it harder to stay hydrated during the day.

For a more comfortable fasting experience, it’s best to focus on consuming complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, fiber-rich foods, and plenty of fluids during suhoor.

If you experience any health issues during Ramadan, consider consulting with a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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