I am hungry…
The delicious aroma of cooking food wafts from the kitchen making my stomach growl in hunger. But I cant eat. Well, not yet and not until a little after sunset. As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to a close I have been fasting continuously in this manner daily from before sunrise until after sunset for nearly 30 days and so has been the rest of the world’s Muslim population. This obligatory practice of a month long self-deprivation may seem pointless and foolish to many and impossible to the rest. But like the rest of the commandments in Islam, fasting, or depriving oneself from even a drop of water from dawn to dusk has spiritual, psychological and health benefits.
Many people observe fasting simply as a religious obligation but only a few know the health benefits it has. Fasting is a good practice and if properly implemented it promotes the elimination of toxins from the body, reduces blood sugar and fat stores. It promotes healthy eating habits and boosts immunity. According to Dr Biodun Awosusi here are the top 10 health benefits you can derive from fasting..
1. Fasting Promotes detoxification
Processed food contains lots of additives. These additives may become toxins in the body and some of them promote the production of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) most of which are stored in fats. Since fat is burnt during fasting, especially when it is prolonged, these toxins are released. The liver, kidneys and other organs in the body are involved in this detoxification.
2. Fasting Rests the Digestive System
During fasting the digestive organs rest, but the normal physiologic functions continue, especially the production of digestive secretions, but at reduced rates. This helps to maintain the balance of fluids in the body. The breakdown of food takes place at steady rates and the release of energy also follows a gradual pattern.
3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Resolution
Some studies show that fasting promotes the resolution of inflammatory diseases and allergies. Examples of such inflammatory diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some experts assert that fasting may promote the healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
4. Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar
Fasting increases the breakdown of glucose so that the body can get energy. It reduces the production of insulin. This rests the pancreas and Glucagon is produced to facilitate the breakdown of glucose. The outcome of fasting is a reduction in blood sugar.
5. Fasting Increases Fat breakdown
The first response of the body to fasting is the breakdown of glucose. When the store of glucose is exhausted, ketosis begins. This is the breakdown of fats to release energy. The fats stored in kidney and muscles are broken down to release energy.
6. Fasting Corrects high blood Pressure
Fasting is one of the non-drug methods of reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is clogging of arteries by fat particles. During fasting glucose and later, fat stores are used to produce energy. The Metabolic rate is reduced during fasting. The fear-flight hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenalin are also reduced. This keeps the metabolic rate steady and within limits. The benefit is a reduction in blood pressure.
7. Fasting Promotes Weight loss
Fasting promotes rapid weight loss. It reduces the store of fats in the body and keeps it in shape.
8. Fasting Promotes a Healthy diet
It has been observed that fasting reduces craving for processed foods. It promotes a desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is one way fasting promotes a healthy lifestyle.
9. Fasting Boosts Immunity
When an individual is on a balanced diet in between fasts, this can boost immunity. Elimination of toxins and reduction in fat store also helps the body. When individuals take fruits to break a fast, they increase the body’s store of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are good antioxidants readily available in fruits. They help to boost immunity.
10. Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions
It is believed that fasting can help addicts reduce their cravings, for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other substance abuse. Although there are other regimens required to resolve addictions, fasting can play a role.
Despite fasting in the month of Ramadan being made obligatory by Islam on every Muslim, the sick, the pregnant and nursing mothers, the travelers etc are exempted from fasting if they find difficulty in keeping fast.
Other than the above health benefits, fasting also makes a Muslim realize the hunger experienced by the poor and encourages charity in him. It makes him humble and teaches him humility in his religious obligations. So the next time my stomach grumbles and growls asking for some food, I won’t be running to the fridge to cram some food into my mouth like I do the rest of the 11 months. My body has been working hard all that time and it is about time I had a break.
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