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Medical Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan)

THE PURPOSE OF RAMADAN:-

The month of Ramadhan is not like any other month; its purpose is to rid man of those habits which he has accumulated throughout the rest of the year. It is a month that prepares man for the remaining eleven months by teaching him discipline and self control. Thus, Allah has made some acts which are beloved to man, like eating, drinking and fulfilling one’s desires, Haraam. If man can control these desires in this month, which are usually permissible for him, then he can surely control himself from other desires which are not permissible throughout the remaining months. This blessed month has been sent by Allah to His bondsmen so that can create a connection and draw closer to Allah by reaping the many rewards that lie in this month. A person who has been given the opportunity to be present in this month can take this as a sign that Allah Ta’ala has given him another opportunity to draw closer to Him and earn His paradise through worship in this month.In this month we will be given many opportunities, as mentioned above to reform ourselves and seek forgiveness for our bad sins. This is a month of reformation and self reflection, where a believer can ponder of over spirituality and piety and bring a change for the better.

Medical Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan):

• Most Submitters(Muslims) do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting.

Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one’s entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.

The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity. The physio logical effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension..

Incredible Health Benefits Of Fasting

Many people observe fasting as a religious obligation but only few know the health benefits it has. Fasting is a good practice, if properly implemented. It promotes elimination of toxins from the body, reduces blood sugar ans fat stores. It promote healthy eating habits and boost immunity.

1. Fasting Promotes detoxification Processed foods contain lots of additives. These additives may become toxins in the body. Some of them promote produc tion of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Most of these toxins are stored in fats. Fat is burnt during fasting, especially when it is prolonged. And the toxins are released. The liver, kidneys and other organs in the body are involved in detoxificati on.
2. Fasting Rests Digestive System During fasting, the digestive organs rest. The normal physiologic functions continue especially production of digestive secretions, but at reduced rates. This exercise helps to maintain balance of fluids in the body. Breakdown of food takes place at steady rates. Release of energy also follows a gradual pattern. Fasting however does not stop production of acids in the stomach. This is reason patients with peptic ulcer are advised to approach fasting with caution.
3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response Some studies show that fasting promotes 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 healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
4. Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar Fasting increases breakdown of glucose so that the body can get energy. It reduces production of insulin. This rests the pancreas. 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 break down of glucose. When the store of glucose is exhausted, ketosis begins. This is break down 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. Metabolic rate is reduced during fasting. The fear-flight hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline are also reduced. This keeps the metabolic 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. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.
8. Fasting Promotes Healthy diet It has been observed that fasting reduces craving for processed foods. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is one way fasting promote healthy lifestyle.
9. Fasting Boosts Immunity When an individual is on 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 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 these benefits, fasting has some demerits. It may cause reduction in body water called dehydration. This leads may lead to headaches and even trigger migraines in predisposed persons. It may worsen heartburn and peptic ulcer. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, malnourished people, and individuals with cardiac arrhythmias, renal or liver problems are advised not to fast.

Maintaining a healthy diet during Ramadan Fasting

Understanding what Ramadan is and the sanctity of the fast is important to all of us whether we are Muslim or non-Muslims. The Fast of Ramadan lasts the entire ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, whereby Muslims fast during daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit friends and family.The goal of fasting is to teach patience, discipline, modesty and spirituality. Whoever is observing a lengthy period of fasting must stay healthy, eat wisely and sleep enough.

Dates

Although three dates are eaten at the start of Iftarevery day during Ramadan for spiritual reasons, they also come with the added bonus of multiple health benefits. One of the most important aspects of fasting is getting the right amount of energy, and considering an average serving of dates contains 31 grams of carbohydrates, this is one of the perfect foods to give you a boost. Dates are also a great way of getting some much-needed fibre, which will aid and improve digestion throughout Ramadan. Add to that their high levels of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, and it quickly becomes apparent that dates are one of the healthiest fruits out there.

For Suhoor, i.e. starting your fast before dawn, keepit light and healthy. This is your last meal for a while and it is important to keep the body nourished and alert -not stuffed with unhealthy foods that will make you feel lethargic, hungry, thirsty or bloated. For Iftar, at sunset, dates, soups and fresh juices are traditionally consumed. Dates are a staple fruit of the Middle East, having been in cultivation for thousands of years. And they are perfect for Iftar across the world, as your body will be looking for an easily available energy source in the form of glucose. Having moderate amounts of dates and fluids(water, juice and soup) are good sources of sugars and are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. This also ensures that the body fluid levels are balanced as juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in the body. However, the key word is moderation as it is easy to eat an excess of sugary or fatty foods and gain weight.

Also, we often see a lot of people suffer from an increased gastric acidity. Symptoms include a burning feeling in thestomach, heaviness in the stomach, and a sour mouth. Whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans, and fruits are excellent sources of dietary fibre which help reduce gastric acidity and excess bile acids. Light meat such as chicken and fish at times are also recommended to maintain the balanced meal.

What foods and drinks should we avoid?

Increasingly, people are becoming more aware andhealthy regarding their food choices. First of all, avoid eating an excess of carbohydrates. Avoid an intake of excessive sugary foods and also spicy food.It is better to stay away from caffeine drinks such as coke, coffee or tea. Slowly reduce your intake now a sudden break may prompt headaches, mood swings and irritability. Also avoid snacks high in salt like chips or nuts. Note that the dinner should be taken before Ishaa Salaah and Taraweeh, so the time afterwards is spent in Ibaadah, prayers and dhikr. Also, ensure that women are not made to cook all day– hence, keep the meals simple and humble, so they get the time to engage in equal Ibaadah and prayers, during their day, and post-Iftaar as well.

When considering dinner, post Iftar, it is important to include food from all these food groups: + Meat/Bean Group: A good source of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins. Beans are a good source of dietary fibre. + Bread/Cereal Group: A good source of energy, this also provides some protein, minerals, and dietary fibre. + Milk Group: Protein and calcium are essential for body tissue maintenance and several physiological functions. + Vegetable Group: Provides dietary fibre as well as vitamin A, carotene, lycopenes and antioxidants. Helpful in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and many health problems. + Fruits Group: This should be the last item of the dinner or eaten soon after dinner, to facilitate digestion and prevent gastrointestinal problems. As we know, foods with fibre help reduce bothgastric acidity and surplus bile acids. Remember to add fruits into your Suhoor dietary plans as well, to ensure a good source of fibre.

Namaz is the finest form of meditation

Namaz is one of the best forms of meditation or Dhyan from Yogic point of view where the person unilaterally surrenders to Allah. Meditation is defined as the uninterrupted flow of mind towards a particular object. Namaz is one of the best stress buster and tension reliever modules. Namaz (Sala’at) is the perfect example of meditation where the performer thinks only and only about Allah. Thus, Namaz provides the ultimate satisfaction and peace to the mind thus save you from many diseases and disorders. It enhances your concentration and reduces the level of depression. Namaz helps to develop positive milieu around the Namazi.

Namaz and physical health benefits

Namaz has multiple many health and fitness benefits. Some of the important physical health benefits are as follow:

• Namaz is one of the important means for health, happiness and harmony.
• Offering regular Namaz keeps one fit and healthy by burning extra calories thereby losing weight. Namaz is one of the effective ways for weight loss as well as to control obesity.
• Namaz stretches your muscles and helps to provide tone body.
• It is good to overcome arthritis as Namaz is good to enhance flexibility of the body and reduces stiffness.
• Namaz is a good source to balance Anabolic and Catabolic bio-chemical process of the body.
• Namaz is good for heart, brain, above all for the entire body
• Standing posture in Namaz (Qiya’m) ensures proper blood flow the lower portion of the body. It is also good in strengthening the leg muscles.

Health benefits of Ruk’u

The forward bending position of Namaz (Ruk’u) is good for your lower vertebral column. It helps to ease your back pain as per Yogic philosophy. Doing Ruku properly helps to control backache and vertebral column related diseases. Namaz Ruku is effective in developing flexibility to shoulder, elbowm wrist, knees and ankle regions. Ruku exerts abdominal pressure thereby eases constipation and peristaltic movements. During Ruku, the kidney experiences a sort of massage thus helpful to kidney problems.

Health benefits of Sajdah

During Sajdah, one sit in Vajrasana, a very important yoga pose from health point of view. Vajrasana strengthens the thigh and calf muscles. It is good for digestion and keeps your spine firm and erect. Sajdah is very beneficial in the proper functioning of brain, lungs, body muscles, joints and entire vertebral column. Sajdah helps to maintain smooth blood to the brain region, and also stimulates the master gland pituitary gland as well as the pineal gland. Sajdah reduces the chances of brain hemorrhage and headache due to smooth blood flow to the head region. While performing Sajdah, the toes are experiencing acupressure which is good for better health of the body, especially for body pains.

Health benefits of Sala’m (Neck Yoga)

Salam is the excellent form of neck and upper vertebra exercise. Namaz’s Salam is the Griva-sakti-vikasaka (Strengthening the Neck) of Yogic Sukshma Vyayama, which is helpful in loosening the neck joints and also helps to relax the shoulder and upper back muscles. Salam helps to refresh all the nerves passes through the neck, thus good in case of headache and contend migraine.

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