Health

Before, with or after meals? Why medications timing matters

Many medications can be taken before, after or during a meal with little to no side effects—but for some, timing is everything.

This is because having a full stomach can interfere with how well medications are absorbed and processed by the body.

Some studies have even found that certain medications, like blood pressure drugs, are most effective earlier in the day if you are a morning person, and vice-versa for night owls.

More than 30 million of us take some form of medication every day and with instructions often as long as your arm, it can be confusing to know exactly what time each should be taken.

But, an intriguing area of scientific research alongside long-proven effects of food-drug interactions, may provide the answer.

Chronotherapy—the study of how the body clock impacts drug efficiency—is said to be the key to ensuring we get the best out of our pills, especially once we’ve worked out whether its best to take them before, with or after a meal.

One study found that patients who are ‘morning people’ could reduce their risk of heart attack by around 26 per cent by taking their blood pressure medication in the morning.

Significantly, they increased their risk of heart attack if they took the drug in the evening—the opposite end of the day to their chronotype.

So when is the best time to take your pills?

Always on empty

Food significantly alters the environment of the digestive tract, changing pH levels, delaying gastric emptying and ultimately reducing the bioavailability of certain medications.

For this reason, a lot of drugs should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes to an hour before a meal, or two to three hours after eating

As prescribing pharmacist Ayesha Bashir explains: ‘Some medications need an empty stomach so nothing gets in the way. Food can slow them down, bind to them, or stop them from being absorbed at all, which means they may not work properly.’

One example of this is bisphosphonates, a widely prescribed drug used to treat osteoporosis, which works by slowing the rate that bone is broken down in the body.

This helps to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of a broken bone—if taken on an empty stomach.

According to the NHS, bisphosphonates should always be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. GPs also recommend standing or sitting upright for at least half an hour after taking them to avoid indigestion.

The reason for this is because bisphosphonates, like alendronate or risedronate, have extremely low oral bioavailability meaning that even small amounts of calcium from food can almost completely block drug absorption.

But if indigestion does strike, the most commonly prescribed anti-indigestion drug, omeprazole should also be taken on an empty stomach ideally 30 mins before eating.

But, Dr Jarvis added: ‘If you’ve got heartburn rather than indigestion, that tends to be worse late at night when you lie down, you could take it half an hour before dinner or an empty stomach, so you have peak levels in your system when you go to bed and the acid will be most suppressed.’

Thyroid medications, like levothyroxine, should also always be taken on an empty stomach, around the same time each day if possible.

Studies show that the body can absorb the drug far more efficiently when taken before any food has entered the digestive tract, whereas taking the pill with food can reduce bioavailability by up to 60 per cent.

With a meal

Whilst some drugs are best taken on an empty stomach to help boost absorption, others can do serious harm to the stomach lining if taken on empty, increasing the risk of stomach ulcers, liver failure and kidney damage.

Ibuprofen—taken by millions daily to treat everything from headache to fevers—is safe when taken correctly.

But routinely taking the painkiller on an empty stomach can cause permanent liver and kidney damage.

The danger with the ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDs) comes from how they are processed by the body, irritating the stomach lining and increasing the risk of stomach ulcers.

‘In some cases, this can lead to peritonitis,’ warned Dr Dean Eggitt, GP and CEO at Doncaster Local Medical Committee.

Peritonitis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes infected, which can be caused by routinely taking painkillers on an empty stomach.

Left untreated, the condition can be life threatening.

Taking certain medications with food can also help reduce side effects like nausea, dizziness, stomach upset and ulcers.

This can also protect medications from being broken down in the stomach, before they reach the intestines where most absorption occurs.

After dinner or before bed

Some studies suggest that certain short-acting statins, like lovastatin, taken to combat high cholesterol, are best taken in the evening.

High cholesterol causes fat to build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. left untreated, it can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even dementia.

But taking potentially life-saving medication at the wrong time can render the drug almost ineffective.

This is because statins tend to have a fairly short half-life.

Most cholesterol in the blood comes from dietary fats, which are then converted into cholesterol by the liver.

Therefore, taking statins at night can help supercharge the medication as this is when there is the most cholesterol in the bloodstream.

However longer acing statins, like atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor, can have a half-life of up to 19 hours, meaning that patients can choose which time of day suits them best.

Blood pressure drugs are the most commonly prescribed medication in the UK, with as many as non million people receiving prescriptions for drugs including beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

And recently, researchers from the University of Dundee found for the first time that a person’s chronotype—determined by the time they wake up and go to sleep—impacts the efficacy of their blood pressure medication.

However, some patients may experience dizziness after taking their first dose, as drugs like ACE inhibitors work by relaxing the blood vessels, so it’s usually recommended take the first dose at bedtime.

Betablockers similarly can make users feel dizzy, as they work by slowing down the heart, so again GPs may recommend starting by taking the drug in the evenings.

Daily Mail

Health

Cervical Cancer: Why Vaccination and Screening Can Save Lives

Cervical cancer is a malignant disease that develops in the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix begin to grow uncontrollably. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer develops slowly, often over many years, progressing from precancerous cellular changes to invasive disease. This long development period makes cervical cancer one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when appropriate screening and preventive measures are in place.

Globally, cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide,after breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Each year, hundreds of thousands of new cases are diagnosed, and the disease causes a substantial number of cancer-related deaths. The global burden is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries, where limited access to healthcare services, screening programs, and vaccination contributes to late diagnosis and poor outcomes.

The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is a DNA virus which is spread by skin to skin contact. There are over 100 subtypes, most of which do not cause significant disease in humans. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to HPV, with the majority of diagnoses being linked to HPV types 16 and 18 – to name a few . While most HPV infections resolve on their own without causing harm, long term infection with high risk strains can lead to abnormal cellular changes in the cervix that may progress to cancer if left untreated.

Several factors increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. These include smoking, which weakens the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections; a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV; long-term use of oral contraceptives; early onset of sexual activity; multiple pregnancies; and limited access to regular screening. Socioeconomic factors and lack of awareness also play a role in delayed diagnosis.

In its early stages, cervical cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is crucial. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause), unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. These symptoms are not exclusive to cervical cancer but should always prompt medical evaluation.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination and regular screening. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, typically between the ages of 9 and 14. Usually only 2 doses of the vaccine are required at this age, but if over the age of 15, 3 doses are needed. It provides strong protection against the HPV types most likely to cause cervical cancer. Many countries have incorporated the vaccine into their national immunisation programs as a key cancer prevention strategy.

Screening methods such as the Pap smear and HPV testing can detect precancerous changes long before cancer develops. Regular screening allows healthcare providers to treat abnormal cells early, preventing progression to invasive cancer. When cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment success rates are very high. Regular cervical screening decreases the risk of death from cervical cancer by 75%.

Compared to global figures, the incidence of cervical cancer in the United Arab Emirates is relatively low, reflecting the country’s strong healthcare infrastructure and growing emphasis on preventive medicine. However, cervical cancer remains a notable health issue. It is among the top five most common cancers affecting women in the UAE.

Despite the availability of advanced healthcare services, studies and health reports indicate that screening uptake among women in the UAE remains suboptimal. Cultural factors, lack of awareness, fear, and misconceptions about screening procedures can discourage women from undergoing routine Pap smears. As a result, some cases are diagnosed at later stages, when treatment becomes more complex.

The UAE has taken significant steps to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination was introduced into the national immunisation program in 2018, initially targeting adolescent girls and later expanding to include boys. This reflects a long-term commitment to reducing HPV transmission and protecting future generations.

In addition, national and emirate level health authorities regularly conduct awareness campaigns, particularly during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, to educate women about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of screening. Public and private healthcare facilities across the country offer Pap smear and HPV testing services, often at subsidised rates or as part of routine health check-ups.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease with well established methods for early detection and effective treatment. While the global burden remains high, especially in developing regions, countries like the UAE have made notable progress through vaccination, screening programs, and public health initiatives. Continued efforts to increase awareness, improve screening participation, and promote HPV vaccination are essential to further reduce incidence and mortality. With sustained commitment, cervical cancer has the potential to become a rare disease in the UAE, safeguarding the health and well being of women across the nation.

By Dr Dalia Aziz, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP & NMC Royal Medical Centre, The Palm

Health

Countries With the Most Years in Poor Health

Many people are living longer—but not necessarily healthier—lives.

This visualization ranks countries by the number of years their citizens can expect to live in poor health, calculated as the gap between average life expectancy and health-adjusted life expectancy.

Skip to the second-last section for a full explanation of what health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) is, and why it matters.

HALE data (for the year 2021) is sourced from the World Bank, via Our World in Data. Average life expectancy is from 2025 estimates UN World Population Prospects.

Together they reveal how disease, disability, and chronic conditions shape the quality—not just the quantity—of our lives.

The Difference Between Living Longer and Living Healthier

Oil wealth appears genuinely toxic to health outcomes.

Nearly every Middle Eastern petrostate (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait) appears in this worst-performers list.

Bahrain (17.4 years), Oman (17.3), Qatar (16.5), and the UAE (15.9) all post sizable gaps despite having robust health-care budgets.

The lifestyle changes that come with sudden wealth, like sedentary living, processed foods, air conditioning replacing physical activity, seem to create a specific pattern of prolonged morbidity.

The U.S. makes the top 10 as well, the only G7 economy to do. Americans are projected to spend 15.7 of 79.6 expected years in poor health.

Also worth noting is the average life expectancy at birth for all of these aforementioned countries is fairly high. Which means these countries are good at keeping people alive with advanced medical technology.

But they may be failing at keeping them healthy, as if they’ve optimized for extending life rather than living well.

Life Expectancies in Low-Income Countries

s everal sub-Saharan African nations, including Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia, also record gaps above 14 years.

Unlike the richer Gulf countries, they face this burden alongside much shorter life expectancies, meaning fewer total healthy years.

Latin American countries such as Peru and Brazil post similar gaps, reflecting both higher infant mortalities and higher disease burdens.

These patterns highlight a central challenge for global health: boosting not only how long people live, but how long they live well.

What is HALE (Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy)?

HALE measures how many years a person can expect to live in good health, defined as free from disabling illness or injury.

HALE matters because it fundamentally reframes what we mean by a “successful” life and healthcare system.

Traditional life expectancy tells us how long people live, but HALE tells us how long they live well.

Those “unhealthy years” are extraordinarily expensive. The U.S. healthcare system’s poor HALE performance means they’re essentially running a massive, costly life-support operation for millions of people.

Countries with better HALE ratios spend less on healthcare while achieving better outcomes because they’re preventing problems rather than managing chronic decline.

Source: Ranked

Health

With Exceptional Leadership, Saudi German Health Opens 2026 by Shaping the Future of Healthcare in the UAE

Influential healthcare leadership unites to launch a new year of transformation, collaboration, and human-centred care

Dubai – 16 January 2026

Saudi German Health opened 2026 with a strong statement of leadership by hosting the Multidimensional Community Health Conference in Dubai, reaffirming its role in shaping the future of healthcare across the United Arab Emirates. Held at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the high-level gathering brought together senior decision-makers from regulatory bodies, healthcare operations, and the insurance sector to align on a shared vision for the year ahead.

More than a conventional conference, the event functioned as a strategic forum where leaders moved beyond institutional silos to explore how healthcare delivery can become more integrated, accessible, and personal for patients and families across the UAE.

A Philosophy in Action: Caring Like Family

Rooted in Saudi German Health’s long-standing philosophy, Caring Like Family, discussions throughout the day placed human experience at the centre of healthcare transformation, emphasizing trust, empathy, and continuity of care.

Opening the event, Dr. Ahmed Eissa, Group CEO of Saudi German Health in the UAE, underscored that innovation in healthcare must translate into meaningful outcomes for people.

“At Saudi German Health, we believe that clinical excellence is inseparable from human compassion. This gathering is not just about sharing data or expertise; it is about aligning our efforts to build a healthcare system that is stronger, more transparent, and easier to navigate for every family in the UAE. When we work as one ecosystem, we ensure that the future of medicine remains human at its core.”

Connecting Data, Insurance, and Patient Care

As the UAE advances toward value-based healthcare, the conference examined the evolution of digital health infrastructure, operational efficiency, and modern insurance models that support patient-centred outcomes.

Providing a clinical and operational perspective, Dr. Ahmed Barakat, Hospital Director of Saudi German Hospital Dubai, highlighted how integrated systems directly enhance the patient journey.

“Integrated care is about making complexity invisible to the patient,” said Dr. Barakat. “When data flows seamlessly and teams collaborate across disciplines, efficiency improves—but more importantly, patients experience smoother, safer, and more reassuring care at every stage of their journey.”

Discussions also addressed insurance modernization, emphasizing how data-driven decision-making is strengthening transparency and collaboration between providers and payers.

Setting the Healthcare Roadmap for 2026

With the UAE progressing toward a fully integrated, digitally enabled healthcare model, the conference served as a timely checkpoint for shaping priorities in 2026. Key themes included expanding national digital health platforms to give clinicians a comprehensive view of patient history, optimizing payment and operational systems to reduce fragmentation, and shifting focus toward prevention, wellness, and patient empowerment.

By convening leading healthcare voices at the start of the year, Saudi German Health set a clear direction for the months ahead—one defined by collaboration, innovation, and a deeply human approach to care.

For more information, please visit:

🔗 www.saudigermanhealth.com