assalamu aleikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh sister, Jazak Allah Khair for your time. I am Bosnian living in Egypt for one 1 mashaa Allah. I love the fruits and veg. in Egypt, they remind me of my country Bosnia. I try my best to eat them often. Drink alot of water (is it possible to drink to much?) And to add to extra work, I just found out I am Anemic still this year. What is best for an Anemic person, trying to eat healthily for life. Are grapes good to eat? How about bananas? And eating to much watermelon I read was not good, but it helps to lose the weight. Jazak Allah Khair sister lejla :) *dumyat jadida*
Answer
Wa alaykum as salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
Anemia, though it varies in severity and causes, should not be left not dealt with. In your case, the types of food you are eating are great, you just need to add some other types that increase the hemoglobin inside your body. For example:
Red meat: When eaten in moderate amounts it can quickly increase hemoglobin levels. It also increases the absorption of iron from foods from plant sources. But you have to be sure first that your uric acid level is within normal since it is elevated by meat.
Dark green vegetables: The greener the better as the chlorophyll in it changes to hemoglobin when it enters our bodies.
Beet root: This is an excellent way to treat anemia. Eat one every day and you will be satisfied by the results insaha Allah.
Beans and other grains are a good source too.
And generally lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits increase iron absorption in the body.
Bananas are great (in the absence of kidney problems) and the Potassium content in them increases the efficiency of muscles.
Also, watermelons are good when eaten in moderation and when free from hormones added during cultivation.
Name
Hasnaa
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Profession
Question
Peace,
i wonder if healthy food in summer differs than that of winter or any other time. is there certain kinds of healthy food for each season?
thanks.
Answer
As a general rule, when food is eaten in moderation it is good at every season.
Yet some types of food are better for every season. There is a very effective and fast way to know it; eat seasonal food, and avoid the food grown by special techniques to fit another season.
The reason is that Allah has created every thing in balance, and in its optimum time. You will find that watermelons grow in summer to reduce thirst while oranges in winter to fight flue and so on.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables:
Summer greens are rich in vitamin A -- as well as vitamin C -- which provides antioxidant protection against sun damage. It is also rich in the different types of Vitamin B, which help prevent dry skin, rashes, itching and skin diseases.
Cantaloupe: promotes healthy skin with its high beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene turns into vitamin A, which is essential for the growth and repair of skin tissue.
Tomatoes are considered a "wet carbs". Tomatoes are an ideal food to fill up on. They're packed with water, fibers and vitamins, but have very few calories.
Whole wheat: Whole grains, including whole-wheat breads, are high in zinc. It is essential for making collagen, a fibrous protein that is a primary skin component. Zinc also plays an important role in repairing burned skin during summer.
And don't forget fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy, well-moisturized skin.
Vinegar is good all the time.
Fresh yogurt has protein and zinc for tissue building, calcium to facilitate muscle contractions, and carbohydrates for energy.
Name
Maria
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Profession
Question
I drink a lot of Pepsi and such carbonated drinks, I know it is wrong, what can I do about that?
Answer
Well, as a nutritionist, I advice every one to decrease drinking carbonated drinks especially those containing cola to the MINIMUM.
The body functions best when the pH (A measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution) is around 7. The pH of carbonated cola soda (which contains phosphoric acid) is in the 2.5 range. I guess you have noticed the difference!
To get a better understanding try out this little experiment. If you have a stain on the kitchen floor pour some of the soda-containing drinks over it and leave it till morning. It will dissolve the stain - so have mercy upon your stomach!
Cola is something else and is more dangerous, on the long run it may cause osteoporosis, cancers, and nerve destruction. It also increases the deposition of heavy metals in our bodies. It is even considered in some books to be a type of addiction - though a mild form - as people get used to it and crave for it just like chocolates.
So make it a "sometimes drink" rather that "every time drink".
Name
Haruna
- Nigeria
Profession
Off-shore Engineer
Question
Assalamu'alaikum. Kindly throw more light on the issue of fruit eating. Some nutritionists advise taking fruits after meals while others ask us to refrain from such.
Answer
Wa alaykum as salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
Fruits are great for our health, they are a very good source of vitamins and minerals. That makes them excellent for health and immunity.
They also contain antioxidant which counteract what is called "free radicals" - thus decreasing the risk of cancers and slowing the process of tissue aging. It also offers protection against sun rays damage. In addition to that, they are also a good source of fiber which decreases cholesterol and enhance good bowl motion.
The point is that they contain sugar. Although the type of sugar they contain is "fructose" (fruit sugar), which is better than the ordinary sugar we eat, eating it in excess may cause obesity and gases due to sugar fermentation especially when eaten on a very full stomach.
So my advice is: Eat it in moderation.
Eat fruit before meat not after. Fruits are mentioned in Qur`an before meat, so we can eat it before meat (although not obligatory). Also fruits contain enzymes which can better digest meats.
{ “And fruits such as they choose, And the flesh of fowl such as they desire .”} (Al-Waqi`ah 56:21-22)
{“And We shall bestow on them, of fruit and meat, anything they shall desire.”} (At-Tur 52:22)
Name
Fareeha
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alykum sister
Thank you so much for your time..my question is regarding the issue of organic food..which carries the label of no harmful pesticides or hormones, no artificial coloring or flavoring..that makes me feel bad about the regular fruits, veggies and other things available from regular food stores..how bad are those to consume..which ingredients are harmful to health..i have heard that artificial colors, flavorings, corn syrup, ascrbic acid are not good..can you please give us some tips how to buy healthier foods..thank you so much
Answer
Wa alaykum as salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
Unfortunately sister, these sorts of things are sometimes added to food.
You can't imagine what people are capable of doing just to gain some extra dollars. Instead of using the safer pesticide (if it exists) they use the internationally banned ones as it is much cheaper.
Of course not everybody does this, but in countries where there is not a lot of food inspection, you can find these things happening.
Flavorings are also harmful when added in excess. Genetically modified (GM) foods are made from plants that have had traits in their DNA changed. It is a very controversial issue.
Right now, soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola are the most commonly engineered crops. But if it were up to me, I'd prefer food the way Allah created it - "natural" and free from any changes. Also when you introduce a new gene into a plant, it's possible to create a new allergen and to cause an allergic reaction in susceptible people especially children. (Signs of an allergic or bad reaction to any food include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, swelling, abdominal pain, cough, crankiness, excessive gas, hives, itching, runny nose, shortness of breath, stomach bloating, and wheezing. Symptoms most often show up within a few hours of eating.)
What makes it even worse is that their effect is cumulative i.e. not excreted efficiently like other food residues. Therefore, the body tends to accumulate them.
So what can you do if you are in such countries? Try to choose the organic food as much as you can.
Eat food only in its season as they require much less additives. Homegrown foods are better than wrapped ones containing preservatives. Cut fruits and vegetables and soak them for a few minutes in water if you highly suspect them.
Always say Bismillah before eating and drinking everything, besides being Allah’s order it reorganizes molecules especially in liquids rendering them more healthy.
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
IT
Question
Dr. I would like to ask what are the foods benefit for digestive system to avoid gases and gastric troubles.
Answer
When there is no specific illness, gas in the digestive tract (that is, the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) comes from two sources:
• Swallowed air (when eating and drinking rapidly, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose dentures.
• Normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine (the colon).
Foods that produce gas in one person may not necessarily do so in another. Some common bacteria in the large intestine can destroy the hydrogen that other bacteria produce. The balance of the two types of bacteria may explain why some people have more gas than others.
Try these guidelines:
Diet
• This is left for trial and error yet you can reduce added sugars and try to stick to natural food. Eat fruit and vegetables in moderation and reduce whole grain. But there is one type of whole grain I would like you to take as a trial which is talbinah ( barley soup). Barley is one of the best grains known. It protects the digestive tract, increases immunity, purifies the kidneys, increases good mode and helps for a quicker recovery from illnesses.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend At-Talbina (barley soup) and used to say, "It is disliked (by the patient) although it is beneficial." (Buhkari 7#594)
• If you noticed a link between drinking milk and gases try lactose-free milk.
• You should also limit high-fat foods to reduce bloating and discomfort. This helps the stomach empty faster, allowing gases to move into the small intestine.
Herbs
• Boil one cup of water then pour into it a teaspoon of anise, fennel, or cumin seeds. Leave to soak while covered for no longer than 15 minutes. They act as gastrointestinal relaxants and help expel gas.
• You can also use fresh mint, but only use one or two small leaves, and follow the above directions.
• Try Chamomile tea. It is cheap and it works.
Warm baths
Warm baths may help relax and soothe colicky infants. Add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil of lavender or lemon balm to the bath to enhance the benefit.
Massage
Clockwise abdominal massage may help relieve spasm and expel gas. Apply warmth, or heat olive oil for a short time and rub it on the child’s belly in a circular motion.
Name
Aalimah
- United States
Profession
Finance
Question
My question is regarding the benefits we recieve from the sun rays,I believe vitemin C. What issues may a Muslim Woman,if any, face due to our lack of sun exposure?
Answer
Al hamdulliah for the gift of being Muslimat and that we wear hijab.
Besides protecting us from bad looks and immodest people, it also protect our skin from the damages of ultraviolet rays. Overexposure to sunlight causes more than 90 percent of all premature aging (sagging, bagging, wrinkling, scaly skin) and 90 percent of all skin cancers.
Ultraviolet rays cause skin damage and weaken the skin structure by diminishing production of elastin and collagen, the two important substances that keep skin firm, youthful and wrinkle-free.
There are 3 main types of UV rays (UVA, UVB and UVC). The truth is we need the sun's UVB rays as it triggers our supply of Vitamin D which in turn regulates Calcium. This gives us stronger bones and disease protection. But it only takes 10 minutes of sun exposure to manufacture a month's worth of vitamin D, and the hijab can by no means block this benefit. It's easy to get the necessary amount simply by taking a short walk at lunchtime with your hijab or simply stand in the balcony also with your hijab for 10 minutes.
For other people we suggest sunscreen, fully protective clothes, and even wear full body suits for men that might block some more sun rays out.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow circulation of air between your skin and the environment. Also, light-colored clothing will reflect sunlight, while darker clothing will absorb the heat. Cotton and linen are natural fabrics that may absorb moisture (sweat).
Name
Host
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Profession
Answer
Dear visitors
We apologize for not answering all your questions due to time constraints.
We will try to answer the rest of the questions in a future session.
