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Ramadan Fasting and Health: What You Need to Know

Introduction

During the holy period of Ramadan Muslims fast 29 to 30 consecutive days every year. Ramadan is an important time for meditation, self-improvement, kindness, and spirituality—and fasting is one of the key foundations of the Holy Season.

This Islamic rule exempts patients and those for whom fasting may be harmful. Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, causing its duration to vary across different seasons each year. People fast from dawn till dusk. Muslims are permitted to eat freely from dusk to sunrise. As a result, the times of sleeping and eating are affected. With approximately 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, particularly in Asia and Africa, numerous studies have examined the impact of Ramadan fasting on metabolic changes and health outcomes in various Muslim populations. [1]

Is fasting safe?

Historically fasting is believed to be safe for most individuals. Ramadan is also a type of intermittent fasting that promotes fat loss while preserving muscle.
Fasting can significantly improve insulin levels and increase the production of human growth hormone promoting fat metabolism.
However, fasting is not for everyone particularly people with chronic diseases including type 1 diabetes, requiring regular sugar intake.
It is important to consult a physician before considering fasting especially for individuals with chronic diseases.
Certain groups of people such as older adults, pregnant women and children may be exempt from fasting as health and safety are prime considerations [2]

Fasting for special groups

For individuals with diabetes fasting can cause complications that may include dehydration, high blood glucose, low blood glucose, and diabetic ketoacidosis for individuals with type 1 diabetes. [3]
Generally individuals with type 1 diabetes are advised not to fast. If individuals with hypertension and type 2 diabetes have their conditions under control with medications or diet may be able to fast, however, it is essential to consult a physician. [3]

Benefits of fasting

Fasting can have several positive impacts on overall health and well-being:

1. Regulates cholesterol (bad)

People mainly aim to lose weight by fasting. However, some studies have found that fasting also influences lipid profile. It causes a significant reduction in blood cholesterol, keeping issues such as strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases away.

2. Controlled appetite

Observing Ramadan fasts can have a positive impact on the digestive system. As the body gets used to eating less, the digestive system gets the time to rest causing the stomach to shrink. This further reduces appetite.

3. Detox

Fasting for an entire month taps into fat reserves for energy and promotes the elimination of toxins that are stored in fat deposits in the body. As the digestive system also gets a reset, the body undergoes natural detoxification promoting a healthier lifestyle even beyond Ramadan

4. Enhanced Mood and Mental clarity

Fasting improves cognitive sharpness as it acts as a catalyst promoting the growth of new brain cells. Studies suggest that fasting improves stress resilience, learning capacity, memory and promotes better mood, supports adaptability to change [4]

Psychological Effects of Ramadan Fasting

In Islam fasting is more than abstinence from food and drink; it involves refraining from lying, avoiding arguments, using indecent speech etc.
It improves impulse control and promotes the development of good behaviour
These practices emphasize on purification of both body and soul creating outer and inner harmony
Overindulgence in food is discouraged during the period of Ramadan with emphasis particularly given to eating just enough to satisfy hunger [5]
As smoking is prohibited during this time studies have shown a reduction in second-hand smoke levels in public places [1]

I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.