Fasting in Ramadan can drastically improve your health, doctors say
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat and drink from sunrise to sunset every day.
In Islam, fasting is a form of worship that fosters spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God. It is also a way to practice self-control and show empathy toward those in need. As the sun sets each day, the breaking of the fast becomes a moment of gratitude, reflection and unity.
This act of self-discipline not only serves as a means of cleansing the soul and strengthening one’s connection with the divine, but also has profound effects on the body.
Experts in gastroenterology, cardiology and endocrinology say that fasting during Ramadan can positively impact physical health. It has been shown to improve digestion, boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Moreover, it allows the body to detoxify and rejuvenate, leading to renewed vitality. Gastroenterologists have noted that fasting can promote a healthy digestive system by giving it a break from constant digestion, allowing it to heal and regulate itself.
Breaking the fast with dates during Ramadan connects to Islamic customs and is considered spiritually important, as Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to do.
Dates are a good source of nutrients, including carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, magnesium and potassium. Consumption of dates leads to a quick increase in blood sugar levels, and the high amount of carbohydrates in dates helps prolong the feeling of fullness.
According to Cleveland Clinic hospital, most gastrointestinal diseases and conditions can be treated or prevented.
These include irritable bowel syndrome, which causes bloating, painful abdominal cramps, constipation, and sometimes diarrhea. Other examples are gallstones, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and malabsorption syndromes.
Dr. Adeeb El-Ghalayini told Arab News that fasting for a month has tremendous value and impact on the gastrointestinal system for people suffering from chronic problems or healthy people who want to maintain their gut health.
El-Ghalayini is the head of the gastroenterology and endoscopy unit, a gastroenterology and therapeutic endoscopy consultant, and a fellowship program director at the International Medical Center, or IMC, in Jeddah.
He said that to reap the benefits of fasting during Ramadan, individuals must follow healthy, clean and light dietary habits.
Doing so allows the body to detoxify and boost immunity against bacteria and viruses accumulated in the gastrointestinal system over the years. “The main idea is to give our GI system resting periods to allow the normal and healthy flora that line our stomach and bowels to replicate and get rid of the bad bacteria that cause bloating, pain, acid reflux, and more,” said El-Ghalayini.
The healthy flora will then allow better absorption of nutrients, providing a great energy source and reducing fatigue at the beginning of Ramadan.
He added that by the end of Ramadan, gastrointestinal symptoms should improve noticeably, and the frequency of complaints during the rest of the year should decrease. Cardiologists have found that fasting can improve cardiovascular health in people with and without preexisting conditions.
“Fasting has several positive impacts on cardiovascular risk factors, such as reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting weight loss, which will lead to decreased future cardiac events such as heart attack or stroke,” Dr. Seraj Abualnaja told Arab News.
The main idea is to give our GI system resting periods to allow the normal and healthy flora that line our stomach and bowels to replicate and get rid of the bad bacteria that cause bloating, pain, acid reflux, and more.