Spiritual delights of fasting Ramadhan (26)

Today on the 26th day of the blessed month of Ramadhan, we start our daily programme titled “Spiritual delights of fasting Ramadhan” with the special supplication for the day:

 “O Allah, let my efforts this day be worthy of appreciation, let my sins therein be forgiven, my works be accepted, and my faults remain hidden, O Sharpest of listeners!”

Ramadhan, with all its spiritual blessings and strengthening of faith is also a month that refreshes us physically with its great impact on our body. To be more precise our diet during Ramadhan and our abstaining from food during daylight hours greatly improves our health. Therefore, we ought to give thanks to our Loving Creator for granting us ease, rather than hardship in the course of fasting. If we ponder on ayah 185 of Surah Baqarah, and the rules of fasting, this would become crystal clear to us.

“The month of Ramaḍhān is one in which the Qurʾān was sent down as guidance to mankind, with manifest proofs of guidance and the Criterion. So let those of you who witness it fast [in] it, and as for someone who is sick or on a journey, let it be a [similar] number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you, and so that you may complete the number, and magnify Allah for guiding you, and that you may give thanks.”

Ramadhan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last after the end of the month of fasting, for the whole year. If the lessons learned during Ramadhan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadhan, it is beneficial for one’s entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadhan 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. There are ten benefits of fasting connected with dietary habits. First and foremost Fasting promotes detoxification. Processed foods contain lots of additives. These additives may become toxins in the body. Some of them promote production 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 detoxification.

Second, Fasting provides rest to the 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. Some experts believe they should not fast.

Third, 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.

Fourth, 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.

Fifth, 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.

Sixth, 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.

Seventh, 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.

Eighth, 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.

Ninth, 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.

Tenth, Fasting may help to overcome addictions. Some authors show that 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.

AS/ME