The Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan on Overall Health
While Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan because of religious reasons, there are also several benefits of fasting in Ramadan on overall health. Right from weight loss to improvement in blood sugar and blood pressure level and better heart function, there are a range of ways in which the body benefits during the course of fasting in Ramadan. Following are the Ramadan health benefits that you should know about:
Suppresses Appetite
Do you ever feel like you never know when you’re full? Or do you eat out of sheer boredom? One of the Ramadan health benefits is that fasting can help solve these problems. By structuring your day around everything but food, your body will eventually get used to not being hungry all the time. You will have many cravings on fasting days, only to find that you won’t be able to eat much once you break the fast. Our bodies adapt to how often we eat, so intermittent fasting for a few weeks during Ramadan can significantly reduce your appetite in the long run. When fasting, the human body contracts the stomach, which leads to you not being able to eat large amounts easily and feeling full after eating less than usual. One more of the many benefits of fasting in Ramadan is that this process also increases the production of thyroid hormones in the body, which boosts your metabolism in the process.
Boosts Metabolism
Fasting causes liver enzymes to break down cholesterol and fat into bile acids, which in turn converts into heat, thus ultimately boosting your metabolism. After fasting, your portion sizes may become significantly smaller. An improved metabolism can alleviate obesity, thus adding to the list of Ramadan health benefits.
Facilitates Weight Loss
Fasting means abstinence from eating, drinking, or both at the same time. When the human body goes through the starvation process, the body first turns to fat to use and burn the stored energy. When done right, fasting can lead to weight loss. Especially because it reduces adipose tissue in the body and improves overall physique.
Strengthens Immune System
Another one among the benefits of fasting in Ramadan is the positive impact that fasting has on the immune system. The immune system is primarily made up of white blood cells, and fasting encourages the body to recycle old white blood cells, resulting in a healthier and more robust immune system. It regenerates stem cells composed of white blood cells along with platelets.
Helps With Detoxification
One of the benefits of fasting in Ramadan is detoxification. Giving up all solids and surviving on liquids for a few weeks is a great way to cleanse and detoxify the body. This improves organ function while promoting a cleansed digestive system. It also improves blood flow and eliminates harmful toxins from the body.
Manages Blood Pressure
During fasting, the body’s salt intake is reduced, and salt is lost from the urine. This can result in a drop in blood pressure and can prove to be one of the important benefits of fasting in Ramadan on health.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
Ramadan health benefits also include the positive effect fasting has on heart health. Fasting leads to a healthier heart, lowers cholesterol, and promotes muscle performance and blood vessel growth.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Fasting stabilizes blood sugar levels and is another one among the benefits of fasting in Ramadan on health. Stable blood sugar levels can in turn help with prevention of Type 2 Diabetes.
Promotes Radiant Skin Health
Fasting is said to slow down the aging process. Along with this, fasting also results in the production of tissues and cells, while discarding unnecessary cells. This leads to the production of collagen which can give one healthier and radiant looking skin.
Enhances Cognitive Function and Mental Well-being
Fasting affects the brain in the same way as exercise. During fasting, blood is filled with more endorphins, leading to feelings of happiness. Fasting also helps in relieving mental stress. Fasting leads to a reduction in calories, sugar and salt intake, which boosts the mind, improves focus, clarity and an individual’s overall mental health. Ramadan health benefits, thus, are not just limited to physical health but also positively affect mental health.
Supports Training Efforts
The Human Growth Hormone is produced organically by the human body and is known to build muscle mass while effectively burning fat. Although it remains active in the bloodstream for only a few minutes, it can be very beneficial in building strength and in training. Many sports professionals tend to employ fasting methods that lead to the big game, as they are key to burning fat while targeting and optimizing muscle growth. Fasting during Ramadan can also lead to the same benefits and can help with muscle growth and fat burn.
Tips for Maximizing Fasting Benefits in Ramadan?
You can maximize the benefits of fasting in Ramadan by making sure that you are eating the right foods before the fast starts and after the fast ends. Along with this, you also need to ensure that you are getting enough rest and sleep and are keeping your stress levels low. Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that you can get the most of out the Ramadan health benefits:
Opt for Nutrient-rich Iftar Meals
Breaking the fast with three dates and water gives your body instant energy and hydration before your main meal. A light soup is a good start to the main Iftar meal as it helps keep you hydrated. Limit the amount of heavy, creamy, and fried foods, as well as foods high in salt and sugar. Consider opting for fish and lean meats, whole grain or brown rice, and pasta. Don’t forget to include vegetables in your meal. Also remember to eat slowly and use portion control to aid digestion and prevent weight gain.
Make Smart Suhoor Choices
Like breakfast, suhoor is the most important meal of the day. Balance suhoor with nutrient-dense foods such as oatmeal, cheese, fruits and vegetables. Certain low glycemic index foods such as oatmeal, quinoa, multigrain, whole grain bread, hummus, and yogurt are good choices as they release energy slowly throughout the day. Remember to drink water, milk, and fresh juices instead of tea or coffee.
Don’t Forget To Hydrate Yourself
A little dehydration is natural and can lead to mild headaches and poor concentration. However, you can stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids during Iftar and Suhoor. Drink water frequently or drink light teas without milk or sugar during Iftar and Suhoor. You can also add a lemon slice or fresh mint to aid detoxification and digestion. If you drink coffee or sodas regularly, try to limit your intake as they are diuretics in them that dehydrate your body.
Try & Exercise A Little
It is very natural for fasting and dehydration to lead to lethargy, thus leading to a sedentary lifestyle during the weeks of Ramadan. However, trying to stay active can reduce fatigue, give your body the strength to keep going, and help lose weight. To get the most out of your workout, it is recommended that you train just before Suhoor or a few hours after Iftar.
Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Once you start fasting, with a little self-control you can try to stay away from addictive habits such as consuming too much sugar or smoking during Ramadan. If successful, you can try and continue these habits even after Ramadan. Ramadan is also a great time to pick up and maintain healthy habits of healthy eating such as eating more vegetables, drinking more water, and exercising regularly.
Doctor At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare
If during fasting in Ramadan, you experience any digestive issues, dehydration or any other health issues, First Response Healthcare (FRH) can provide the service of a doctor at home. Through FRH, you can also opt for teleconsultation and can receive advice or guidance from a doctor while sitting at home.
First Response Healthcare (FRH) is his JCI accredited home healthcare company in Dubai that provides patients with fast and reliable medical care right in the comfort of their own homes. FRH has received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission International Standards for its international quality services.
We have a team of DHA-licensed, internationally trained and qualified doctors who provide their services in shifts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our doctors can come to you anywhere in Dubai Emirate, whether it’s your home, office or hotel. Our team of doctors can diagnose and treat any digestive problems that you may have, or any other issues such as fevers, colds, migraines, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, chronic conditions, gastrointestinal issues or skin problems.
Before starting to fast in Ramadan, if you are looking to get a full body check-up done, FRH can also help you with that. FRH offers full body exams and wellness plans for people at home. Our full body health checkup package includes advanced profiling combined with health risk screening for lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, and health assessment of all major body organ systems. Our home health checkups are affordable, and our service is prompt and professional. Our services are available 24 hours a day, all days of the week. We also have an annual wellness plan that allows you to manage and assess your health throughout the year by a dedicated doctor who can also create a personalized lifestyle plan for better health.
To book the services of a doctor at home or to get a health checkup done, you can call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also contact us via https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai