Ramadan season has begun, which is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During this time, individuals practicing this faith abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset as their way to increase devotion and worship.
But aside from its benefits to spiritual health, did you know that fasting also has numerous advantages to physical health?
Today, let’s discuss what we can learn from this Ramadan season by following abstinence for the good of our health.
It can facilitate detoxification in your body.
When you put food and liquid consumption to a halt, your are able to give your digestive system a rest and a chance to detoxify. According to Nutritionist Claire Mahy in an article in Al Jazeera, “Fasting allows the gut to cleanse and strengthens its lining. It can also stimulate a process called autophagy, which is where cells self-cleanse and remove damaged and dangerous particles.”
That is why fasting is highly recommended and is the perfect way to jump-start your journey to good health.
It can lower cholesterol level.
In the United Arab Emirates, a team of Cardiologists found that people who are fasting in Ramadan had positive outcomes in their lipid profiles. Therefore, fasting can be one of the effective ways to decrease your cholesterol level and improve or maintain good cardiovascular health, reducing your risk to heart attack, stroke and other heart diseases.
It can lead to healthier skin.
Yes, fasting can help with your skincare problems. Going back to the term “autophagy” that was mentioned above, when no food or liquid is consumed, the body will recycle cellular components by destroying unnecessary cells, thus producing healthier cells and tissues. As a result, acne is treated and more collagen i produced.
Despite of its positive effects, fasting is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or someone who is suffering from malnutrition, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, it is best to consult with your doctor before you start abstaining from food and liquids for a long period of time.
