It is the period of Lent for faithful Muslims and Christians. What eating habits should we adopt, especially how to eat so as not to get sick? To situate the fasters, on March 11, 2024 we handed the microphone to Nestor Poodassé, a naturotherapist based in Bobo-Dioulasso, so that he could give them advice.
Give us a brief introduction for those who don’t know you.
I am Nestor Poodassé, professional naturotherapist based in Yéguéré, sector 10 of Bobo-Dioulasso. I am also president of the association of naturotherapists of Hauts-Bassins (ANHB).
So what are your goals?
Our goal is to heal populations through the wonders of nature, including medicinal plants, the sun, massages and many other natural techniques. We want human beings to be able to regain their health through the wonders of nature.
We are currently in the Lent period when the heat is strong. You also play the role of nutrition advisor. What advice do you have for those who are fasting in terms of food?
For someone who wakes up in the morning between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. to fast, we advise them to have a health drink first. It involves taking boiled water plus a teaspoon of cloves and a little honey for those who do not have diabetes and waiting about thirty minutes before mixing with a lemon. It is this water that the person must drink before having breakfast (rice, breakfast, etc.) thirty minutes later. For people who do not do physical work during the day, we advise them to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables which are also very good for your health.
At the time of breakup, we notice that people mix all kinds of foods. They will drink, for example, fresh water, pancakes, drinks, meat soup, fish, dèguè, etc. This is dangerous for health, because the body is not used to supporting everything. We advise not to drink cold water when breaking Lent. You should drink lukewarm water first and then coffee and raw vegetables. An hour later, you can eat a heavy meal to gain some strength.
Your final word on this subject
We have noticed that people want to eat everything even though this is the source of several diseases. We ask fasters to eat a lot of raw fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water (3 to 4 liters/day) to avoid health complications at the end of the fast.
Interview conducted by
Ben Alassane DAO
