Is Fasting During Ramadan Good for Your Health?
Find out the health benefits of fasting in Ramadan with Penny Appeal!
Is fasting during Ramadan good for your health? That’s the question everyone’s asking and now that we are in the holy month of Ramadan, the answer is important. For thousands of years, Muslims all over the world have been participating in fasting from sunrise to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan. It is one of the blessed pillars of Islam but some people worry about the effect of Ramadan fasting on health and wellbeing.
When we fast, there is no food or water being consumed so our bodies will first begin to burn up the calories from foods eaten during Suhoor and Iftar to get energy. Once all those calories have been used up, our bodies take energy from the carbohydrates and fat we have stored up. By not drinking water throughout the day, we do not get to replace the fluids that are naturally lost by sweating or using the bathroom until we break our fasts. So you can see why people would be concerned about the effect of Ramadan fasting on health and wellbeing with all that we lose during the day.
But not to worry - as soon as you sit down for Iftar, you can replenish your energy and rehydrate after a long day of fasting. When done properly, fasting is really a very rewarding and healthy act. So, is fasting during Ramadan good for your health? Yes and we’ll tell you why!
Health benefits of fasting in Ramadan
The health benefits of fasting in Ramadan are many, and we hope you enjoy them this Ramadan! People who have taken part in fasting throughout the holy month have reported seeing great health benefits such alower cholesterol, a more efficient metabolism and an improvement in mood.
One of the great health benefits of fasting in Ramadan is the month-long detox of your body. By not eating or drinking during the day, your body has a chance to rid itself of the toxins that have been building up within its fat reserves. It also allows acts as a cleansing agent for your digestive system and supports in strengthening its lining. Many people come out of Ramadan feeling healthier than ever before, and can easily transition to a healthier lifestyle after the month of fasting has ended because their bodies are feeling fresh!
Fasting can also benefit your mental wellbeing as well, as studies have shown a link between digestive health and mental health. In some cases, fasting can release the protein abrineurin, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which can help the brain develop new connections, repair failing brain cells and protect the healthy ones. This defends our brains from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
So, is fasting during Ramadan good for your health? We think so! There are of course some negative symptoms that can crop up throughout the month as we continue fasting, so let’s take a look at what you can expect.
Is there a negative effect of Ramadan fasting on health and wellbeing?
We spoke before about how our bodies use up our stored energy to keep us going during our fasts, and how we inevitably will lose water throughout the day but let’s take more of a look at the negative effect of Ramadan fasting on health and wellbeing.
If you’re fasting this Ramadan, some negative effects that you might experience throughout the day could be dehydration, headaches, tiredness, difficulty focusing, low blood sugar, heart burn and muscle ache.
Fasting is not for the faint of heart, so if you are experiencing any health concerns or your doctor advises against fasting then you should consider missing your fast this Ramadan. You are allowed to miss your fast during Ramadan if you are physically or mentally ill, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, need to take daily medications or have reached old age.
People who are unable to fast in the month of Ramadan, with an acceptable reason, need to pay Fidya. Your Fidya will provide 2 healthy meals to someone struggling with hunger, feeding others in place of your fast. You can pay your Fidya with Penny Appeal this Ramadan if you know that you will be missing a fast and if you intentionally break your fast, you can pay Kaffarah with us as well!
Dua for the Fasting
Now if someone asks you, “Is fasting during Ramadan good for your health?”, you can proudly let them know that the pros definitely outweigh the cons here. But Fasting in Ramadan is good for more than just your physical health, it nourishes your spiritual health as well.
Fasting brings you closer to Allah (SWT) and supports important self-reflection throughout the month of Ramadan. So before you begin your fast and before you break your fast, you should make dua to the Almighty.
Check out these two duas we have chosen for Suhoor and Iftar and try reciting then this month!
Dua for Suhoor
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan
Dua for Iftar
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَليْكَ تَوَكّلتُ وَ عَلى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu
O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance
WEDNESDAY 14 APR 2021
