ISLAMABAD: Frequent fasting in children below 11 or 12 years of age can lead to serious complications that affect the child’s physical and mental growth. This is because children need proper nutrition for physical and cognitive development, and skipping meals during fasting can cause nutritional deficiencies and impede thinking abilities. And the reason.
Many health experts say that regular fasting during the month of Ramazan, especially for children under the age of 12, may not be medically recommended as it may cause growth-related problems. It has said. Frequent fasting in children can lead to dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), which can also affect immunity and make children more susceptible to serious infections such as diarrhea and recurrent pneumonia. There is a possibility.
It is important to note that in Islam, children are expected to begin fasting once they reach puberty, usually after the age of 12, and health experts say that fasting can help children, especially if they are in adolescence. There is no need to risk the child’s health. It’s not mandatory.
Children need at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day, but their small stomachs prevent them from getting it in a hurry. Also, children may not be able to take in large amounts of food and fluids at once in the “Sehr” like adults, but rather need to eat small but frequent meals every 3-4 hours. Inadequate food and fluid intake can affect a child’s growth.
Experts believe that children differ from adults in that a certain percentage of the food they ingest is used by the body for growth, and some of it is necessary for activity, so children, more importantly, need frequent intake. states that it is necessary. It is also worth mentioning that metabolic processes in children are faster than in adults. Medically, it has been proven that a child’s metabolic level must be normal, otherwise immunity may be weakened. For example, malnourished children are more susceptible to infectious diseases.
Research has shown that the brain relies primarily on the oxidative utilization of glucose to function at a high metabolic rate. Brain function can be affected by glucose deprivation under hypoglycemic conditions, and even small fluctuations in central glucose availability can affect neurological and thus cognitive performance.
Research also reveals that avoiding sharp peaks and troughs in circulating glucose and maintaining a more stable blood sugar profile is associated with sustained cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive impairment. Optimal supply of glucose to the brain is critical to maintaining cognitive function.
In our society, children under the age of 12 fast repeatedly according to their passion, and in most cases, their parents encourage the practice. Experts say fasting is compulsory for Muslims once they reach adulthood, and the practice should be abandoned. Experts say observing a child’s one-time fast or fasting for those over 10 or 11 years of age can be managed to the satisfaction of children and their parents, but they also require special consideration. Parents should ensure that their children remain active and alert during the fast. The fast should be discontinued if the child shows signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry mouth, or decreased urine output.
