Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. It’s a time where Muslims all around the world observe abstinence from dawn to sunset. This involves refraining from eating, drinking,smoking and sexual relations, and teaches us to practice self-discipline,self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those less fortunate than us,encouraging actions of generosity and charity. It has also been scientifically proven that many physical and mental health benefits can be achieved from fasting. Here are some of the ways in which your health improves as a result of fasting:

• Immune System Strength: Medical experts have stated that fasting strengthens the body’s immune system, which provides a first line of defense against infections including COVID-19. Doctors have underlined that hunger triggers autophagy or “protective cell care” in the average healthy person who does not have any serious health conditions. Autophagy is the body’sway of cleaning out damaged cells in order to regenerate newer, healthier ones.This means that at the end of a 10-15 hour period of fasting, our immune system cells regain a stronger, vital physiological balance and rejuvenate by refreshing, and show a more resistant and protective effect against cancer and infections.

• Improved Digestive Health: Experts say that restricting food intake during the day helps prevent digestive health issues. Not consuming any food, allows our body to concentrate on removing toxins and gives the digestive system a break to cleanse the gut and strengthen its lining.

• Stable Blood Pressure &Cholesterol Levels: Incorporating fasting into your lives may be especially beneficial when it comes to high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity.Studies have found fasting to reduce blood pressure, as well as levels of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the body. Another study associated fasting with a lower risk of coronary artery disease, and a significantly lower risk of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

• Reduced Inflammation: Research indicates that inflammation is involved in the development of chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Fasting helps decrease levels of inflammation and promotes better health. Additionally, a study found that following a very low-calorie diet to mimic the effects of fasting reduced levels of inflammation and was beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which is a chronic inflammatory condition.

• Mental Well-Being: Studies have also found fasting to improve mental health and well-being, stating that fasting may result in the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain.This protects brain cells and helps reduce depression and anxiety, as well as the risk of developing dementia.

• Improved Brain Health: Although research is mostly limited in this area, studies find that fasting has a powerful effect on brain health. It can improve brain function and brain structure, protect brain health and even increase the generation of nerve cells to help enhance cognitive function. Since fasting can also help relieve inflammation, it may protect against neurodegenerative disorders and improve outcomes for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

• Increases Growth Hormone Secretion:Human growth hormone (HGH) is a type of protein hormone that is central to our health. It’s the key hormone involved in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength. Research has found that fasting may be able to naturally increase the levels of this growth hormone, showing that fasting for 24 hours substantially increased levels of HGH in the participants. Fasting can also help to maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day,which could also optimize HGH levels.

• Controls Blood Sugar Levels: Fasting helps control blood sugar, which is especially useful for anyone at risk of diabetes. Studies indicate that intermittent fasting can significantly decrease blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It also effectively limits calorie intake and reduces insulin resistance. Decreasing insulin resistance increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to transport glucose from your bloodstream to your cells more efficiently. It’s important to note that studies have found fasting may impact blood sugar levels differently in men and women.

Fasting has many health benefits and is an excellent way to maintain a healthier lifestyle. However, please do not use fasting as a form of treatment for any serious type of illness you or someone you know may have. If you would like to speak to a healthcare specialist, please visit www.shifaam.comto instantly connect with an online health advisor.

Sources:

Aljazeera

The Express Tribune

Healthline