Ramadan: Commissioner harps on healthy ways to break fast

The Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Kennedy Ishaya, has advised Muslims on best ways to utilise the breaking of fast for the maximum benefit of their health.

“When breaking fast, take warm water first and after a few minutes, take hot beverages before any other food.

“Lukewarm water on empty stomach helps yield maximum health benefits; it will help stimulate the removal of toxins, as well as provide protective barrier against multiple disease,” Ishaya said.

He gave the advice on Wednesday in Gombe.

He warned that it was not good to go to bed immediately after eating and advised that an interval of at least 30 to 40 minutes be given to allow the food move to the small intestine.

“Sleeping immediately after eating causes heart burn which is a threat to health,” he said.

He also advised the public to be careful on food handling and food handlers to avoid contamination.

“Do not buy sliced fruits left outside; it is already exposed and the possibility of contamination is high.

“Even the water you will use to perform ablution, make sure you know the source because the rainy season has commenced and everywhere soaked gutter had been washed down,” he said.

According to him, there is an outbreak of a disease in North Africa recently called listeria.

“Listeria is a food borne illness caused by listeria monocytognes bacteria and it is found in soil and water.

“The disease can also be in a variety of raw food as well as processed one.

“Make sure you wash fruits and vegetables with vinegar or salt and clean water before consumption to avoid diseases.

“Remember that prevention is better than cure,” the commissioner said.