It is pertinent to say that fasting, particularly in the holy month of Ramadan apart from its spiritual benefits, also has physiological benefits. In this article, we shall discuss some of the benefits of physical benefits of the Ramadan fast. In the first instance, the noble Prophet of Allah who says nothing out of caprices was reported to have said: “Fast, you’ll be healthy”.
From this golden statement which was said more than fourteen centuries ago, it is obvious that fasting has countless health benefits. From improved weight management and healthier blood cell regeneration to better heart function and vascular well-being, fasting has become quite the go-to method of keeping young, fit and healthy. In addition, fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan improves mental health by lowering depression, anxiety, and stress levels.
The three fathers of Western Medicine; (Hippocrates, Galen & Paracelsus) prescribed fasting as the greatest remedy and the physician within. Life Magazine in its September 1996 issue considered fasting: the healing revolution. There are more than 500 medical journal articles available on therapeutic fasting on the internet.
The outstanding physicians named fasting as being the medicine of the 21st century. They believe the human body is designed to heal itself if only given the opportunity. Dr. Otto Buchinger; Germany’s great fasting therapist after more than 100,000 fasting cures says: “Fasting is, without doubt, the most effective biological method of treatment. it is the operation without surgery, it is a cure involving exudation, redirection, loosening up and purified relaxation.”
He furthers therapeutically; fasting cures many of our modern illnesses, including the following: allergies, cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases of the digestive system, degenerative and painfully inflammatory illnesses of the joints, myriad disturbances in one’s eating behaviour, glaucoma, initial malfunction of the kidneys, tension and migraine headaches, as well as skin diseases. Preventively, it’s designed to cleanse and regenerate, rejuvenate and restore a person’s sense of well-being, in body, mind and soul. As Doctor Buchinger would conclude: “When the body fasts, the soul is hungry; when the body becomes lighter, the soul also craves relief.”
Dr. Joel Fuhrman in Fasting and Eating for Health notes: “Fasting has been repeatedly observed to alleviate neuroses, anxiety and depression.” (Fasting and Eating for Health, by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, p. 19.)
Michael Rosenbaum, M.D., Director of the California-based Orthomolecular Health Medicine Medical Society, notes the significance of fasting as a detoxification program: “The hidden cause of many chronic pains, diseases and illnesses may be invisible toxins, chemicals, heavy metals and parasites that invade our bodies . . .Chances are slim that your doctor will tell you that toxins may be the root cause of your health problems. He or she may not even know about how these toxins are affecting your body . . . As your cells go, so goes your health. If your cells have been invaded by toxins and dangerous chemicals, your disease resistance is diminished. Clean and nourish your cells, and you’re on the road to better health.” (See: Fasting and the Holy month of Ramadhan by Mansour Leghaei)
Meanwhile, the following are some of the health benefits of fasting particularly in the holy month of Ramadan:
- Preventing obesity and chronic diseases
Ramadan fast involves abstinence from the consumption of food and water between sunrise and sunset. This according to research enhances the levels of proteins providing insulin resistance. It also offers protection against the hazards of a fat and sugar-rich diet. Fasting prompts the liver’s enzymes to break down cholesterol and fats to convert them into bile acid, which, in turn, converts to heat – ultimately stimulating faster metabolism. Thus, fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan may assist in preventing obesity and other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Similarly, during the fasting process, glucose levels are stabilized which can lead to the prevention of type 2 diabetes as a result.
- Lowering cholesterol level
Fasting in the holy month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset for a period of 29 or 30 consecutive days stimulates and improves the lipid profile and lowers the blood cholesterol. Consequently, it prevents heart attacks, strokes, and other disorders. In addition, by consuming a healthy diet after the holy month of Ramadan, one will maintain and retain the newly reduced cholesterol level.
- Improving the immune system
Similarly, fasting improves the immune system. The immune system is largely comprised of white blood cells and fasting encourages your body to recycle any old white blood cells which result in a healthier, more robust immune system. Your body regenerates stem cells that consist of red and white blood cells along with your platelets once your body consumes food again. Partaking in fasting promotes healing in the human body as it applies core focus to its immune system and metabolism as opposed to focusing on digestion, further enhancing muscle growth in the process.
- Improving the digestive system
Another health benefit of fasting particularly in the holy month of Ramadan is an improved digestive system. Naturally, abstaining from all matter of solids and surviving on liquids for a few days is a great way to cleanse the human body and detoxify; improving the function of organs whilst promoting a cleansed digestive system – improving blood circulation and getting rid of any harmful toxins in the body. In other words, the human body detoxifies after a month of flushing out of the toxins in the body. In addition, it balances the heat generation and acidity levels in the human stomach.
- Improving Mental Health
During the fasting process, blood in the human body is filled with more endorphins, which in turn, gives you a feeling of well-being and great mental health. The overall effects of fasting have a similar impact on the brain as physical exercise would. Fasting also goes a significantly long way towards balancing the mind and reducing mental stress. Fasting is also known to strengthen the mind, sharpen focus and provide mental clarity – this is primarily due to a reduction in calorie, sugar and salt intake.
At this juncture, it is pertinent to mention that those fasting sometimes experience side effects during the first days. The side effects may vary from fatigue, malaise, headaches, and vomiting to the symptoms of cold and flu. These reactions are sometimes called in medicine the healing crises, which are temporary and caused due to elimination and cleansing of toxins. A fasting person should be patient and let this period pass.
