Ramzan Check

Is Sugar Controlling Your Iftar? 🌙

Ramzan is meant to reset the nafs, the gut, and the brain.
But for many of us, iftar has quietly become a sugar and flour festival.

Gulab jamun. Pakoray. Rooh afza. Extra naan.
And suddenly… no control.

If that sounds familiar, pause.
👉 It’s not weak imaan or weak willpower.
It’s biochemistry.

Why Sugar Feels Stronger in Ramzan

After fasting all day:
• Blood sugar is low
• Insulin sensitivity is high
• The brain is primed for dopamine

Now add sugar + refined flour at iftar.

For Sugar-Sensitive People:

Carbs → sugar spike → insulin surge → crash → intense cravings
Result: overeating, lethargy, brain fog, irritability, reflux, guilt.

It’s like lighting a match in a dry field.

For Tolerant People:

One sweet. Satisfied. Done.

Same iftar.
Different brains.

Sugar Is Everywhere on the Dastarkhwan

Not just mithai.

Sugar + refined carbs hide in:
• Naan / roti / paratha
• Pakoray & samosas
• Biryani & pulao
• Rooh afza / sharbat
• Sweet lassi
• Chai after iftar

Even “just one” can flip the switch.

Ramzan rule:
If it wasn’t food 100 years ago, question it.

Ramzan Self-Test:

Sugar & Flour Addiction Screening

Think broadly:
Mithai, naan/roti, rice, fried snacks, sweet drinks, potatoes, biscuits, chai with sugar.

Answer Yes / No for this Ramzan or last year’s:

U — Unplanned eating
Did you eat far more than intended at iftar?

N — Neglected ibadah or duties
Missed taraweeh, felt too heavy for salah, or skipped family time?

C — Can’t cut down
Tried to control iftar sweets but couldn’t?

O — Others noticed
Family commented on how much you eat at iftar?

P — Preoccupied
Spent the fast thinking about food more than ibadah?

E — Emotional eating
Used food to cope with stress, fatigue, or mood swings?

Score:

• 2 or more YES → Problem likely
• 1 YES → Early warning

(Adapted from clinical addiction screening tools)

If You Scored High — What Now?

This Ramzan isn’t about punishment.
It’s about reset.

Smarter Iftar (Brain-Friendly 🌙):

• Water + salt
• Dates (1–2 only, not 6)
• Protein first: eggs, chicken, kebabs
• Vegetables before carbs

Better Choices:

• Saag without roti
• Grilled fish or tikka
• Omelette at sehri
• Keto/low-carb Ramzan desserts if needed

When blood sugar stabilizes:
• Cravings calm
• Focus improves
• Ibadah feels lighter
• GERD & bloating ease

The Deeper Truth

Ramzan isn’t just about not eating all day.
It’s about mastery when food is in front of you.

If sugar controls your iftar,
it controls your brain.

This month, choose clarity over chaos.
Stability over spikes.
Healing over habit.

🌙 What will be your score this Ramzan?

References

1. Brown, R.L., Leonard, T., Saunders, L.A. & Papasouliotis, O. (1997)
2. A two-item screening test for alcohol and other drug problems. Journal of Family Practice, 44(2), 151-160
3. Hoffmann, N.G. & Harrisson, P.A. (1995). SUDDS-IV
4. Substance Use Disorders Diagnostic Schedule. Hoffmann, N.G. (1995)
5. TAAD: Triage Assessment for Addictive Disorders. St. Paul, MN: New Standards Inc