What are the benefits of fasting during Ramadan on physical and mental health?

Ramadan is the month of worship and devotion, where Muslims draw closer to their Lord and their ranks are elevated. Muslims feel joy as Ramadan approaches, being the month of goodness and mercy, a time when prayers for our wishes are answered. Muslims spend the hours of Ramadan fasting, which benefits their health. Is there anything more sacred than this month? It is a relief for your distress and an elevation of your status.

Therefore, in today's article, we will explore the benefits of fasting during Ramadan, important tips for preparing for this blessed month, and how to help refugees during this sacred time.

Fasting in Islam

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and actions that break the fast from dawn until sunset. It is obligatory for every sane Muslim to discipline the soul, practice patience, and thank Allah for His abundant blessings.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the greatest and most sacred months in Islam, occurring in the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. It is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed on the Night of Decree. Muslims engage in fasting and prayer, turning to Allah as it is a month of acceptance.

Effects of Fasting on the Body

Fasting has significant positive effects on the body, including:

• Giving the digestive system a rest by lowering cholesterol levels harmful to the body.
• Renewing body cells and expelling toxins.
• Maintaining brain health, strengthening memory, and improving focus.
• Helping burn fat and reduce weight while preserving body energy.
• Improving heart health and lowering blood pressure.

Vital Processes in the Body During Ramadan

During Ramadan, the body undergoes many vital processes while fasting, including:

• Converting fat into energy via the liver instead of glucose, leading to higher fat burning.
• Reducing blood sugar levels, lowering insulin, and increasing glucagon to produce energy from glycogen stored in the liver.
• Repairing damaged cells through the activation of blood cells, strengthening the immune system.
• Increased focus after the initial days of fasting, improving cognitive functions.

Benefits of Fasting on Physical Health

• Fasting reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks by lowering blood pressure and harmful cholesterol, greatly improving cardiovascular health.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity and protecting against diabetes.
• Reduces inflammation in the body by decreasing free radicals, alleviating joint pain.
• Improves skin health and reduces acne by renewing cells and activating autophagy.

Benefits of Fasting on Mental Health

Fasting offers great benefits to mental health, including:

• Strengthening faith and drawing closer to Allah by performing acts of worship, which increases piety and prevents sins.
• Purifying the soul, choosing goodness, and avoiding evil.
• Appreciating Allah’s blessings by abstaining from food and drink.
• Enhancing awareness and tranquility in the heart, eliminating negative emotions.
• Improving mood, increasing focus, and enhancing cognitive performance.
• Reducing anxiety and stress by calming the mind and emotions.
• Training patience and self-control, enabling the handling of life’s challenges.
• Strengthening human and spiritual bonds by gathering with the community and avoiding isolation.

Effect of Fasting on Weight

Fasting is one of the best ways to lose weight and maintain a healthy body. It reduces daily caloric intake, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances fat burning for a leaner physique.

Fasting also reduces appetite and shrinks the stomach, so it is recommended to limit sugary and fatty foods for better weight management.

Moreover, fasting improves metabolism, balancing body functions and reducing the risk of many diseases.

Effect of Fasting on Hormones

Fasting plays a vital role in hormone regulation by increasing endorphin levels, which enhances a sense of well-being and improves mood.

It also improves the secretion of important hormones such as growth hormone, which helps burn fat, and thyroid hormones, which maintain energy levels during fasting. Female hormones temporarily decrease, which may disrupt menstrual cycles.

Additionally, fasting lowers insulin during fasting hours, benefiting women with polycystic ovary syndrome by increasing cell sensitivity to insulin.

How to Prepare for Ramadan Fasting

Muslims should prepare for the holy month by following important plans that benefit the body and help endure fasting hours. Key tips include:

• Start adjusting sleep schedules to wake up early and avoid lethargy.
• Adjust meal times for lunch and dinner to suit suhoor and iftar.
• Reduce intake of sugars and fats.
• Limit caffeine and soft drinks.
• Prepare some Ramadan meals in advance to reduce effort.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.
• Consult a doctor if you have a chronic illness before starting fasting.
• Welcome the holy month with a sincere and good intention.

How to Help Refugees During Ramadan

You can help refugees during Ramadan through the following actions:

• Provide iftar meals for displaced people and donate through Al-Wafaa Humanitarian Association.
• Ensure refugees have access to healthcare.
• Provide safe shelter and clothing.
• Offer employment opportunities to meet daily needs.
• Provide psychological support, especially for women and children affected by war.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of fasting on mental health?

Fasting improves mood, reduces anxiety, regulates emotions, strengthens memory and focus, aids in overcoming addiction, and provides spiritual peace.

What is the reward for a fasting person from Allah?

The fasting person receives immense, unlimited reward, forgiveness of sins, entry to Paradise, and protection from the punishment of Hellfire.

What is the effect of fasting on neurological and psychological disorders?

Fasting helps treat neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, reduces symptoms, lowers psychological disturbances, and supports the creation of new neurons.

Does fasting treat depression?

Fasting alleviates depression symptoms, improves mental state, and reduces tension, although it is not a direct cure.

Does fasting help with fear?

Yes, fasting helps reduce fear by regulating happiness hormones, lowering cortisol, and calming the nerves, which decreases anxiety in fasting individuals.