Mentioning that fasting refers to abstaining from food and drink within a certain period of time determined by its religious meaning, it also represents the purification of the body from material and spiritual impurity. Dr. Abdullah Inan said, “Fasting is a healthy and relaxing act of worship if rules and eating habits are followed.”
Those who have health problems must consult a doctor
Those with health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, cancer patients, gastrointestinal disorders, those who take regular medication, pregnant and lactating women and children have problems with growth. And the age of development exempted from religious fasting. Dr. Inan said it could be difficult for these patients to fast without the advice of their respective physicians.
Explaining that fasting regularly does not cause any harm to a healthy person but has many benefits. Dr. Abdullah Inan has shared the following information in 11 articles explaining the benefits of fasting in Ramadan, which is recognized as the “Sultan of 11 months”:
1- Accelerated fat burning
“During fasting, the body first stores glucose and then burns fat to provide the necessary energy. This detox effect of fasting, which means getting rid of toxins that we may find unnecessary and even toxic to our body, also helps us lose weight. Studies have shown that fasting people burn body fat at a high rate, but it does not have a catabolic (protein-muscle-breaking) effect, which is harmful to the body.
2- Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, reduces insulin resistance
“As a result of unhealthy diet and increased inactivity, blood sugar levels rise and this increase leads to increased insulin resistance. As a result, type 2 diabetes has become significantly more prevalent in recent years. Fasting in accordance with the rules of healthy eating significantly lowers blood sugar levels and therefore lowers insulin resistance.
3- Protects heart health
“Many factors such as unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise also increase the risk of heart disease, which is currently one of the most common diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Although fasting raises HDL cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, a factor that supports heart health, it helps reduce the ratio of LDL and triglyceride, which is bad cholesterol. In one study, it was determined that fasting increases levels of adiponectin, a hormone that plays a role in fat and sugar metabolism and protects against heart disease.
4- Adjust blood pressure
“Lowering blood pressure is one of the physiological effects of fasting. It helps in controlling sugar and cholesterol as well as high blood pressure. In an article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, it was determined that eating 6-8 hours a day and avoiding food for the remaining 16-18 hours lowers blood pressure and prolongs life, as well as prevents many diseases. It has been emphasized that fasting may be recommended as a treatment for obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
5- Regulates the digestive system
“Our stomach, intestines and liver, which have been working incessantly for 11 months, find opportunities to rest and self-repair for a long time when we fast. Our digestive system is also cleansed of harmful bacteria. Thus, we have many healthy digestive systems. As a result, calorie burning works healthier and smoother. Also, after fasting for a few days, the stomach shrinks to its normal size and the feeling of hunger decreases over time. When we get back to normal eating, we don’t feel extra hungry and we don’t overeat. “
6- Strengthens the immune system
“Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for his thesis that for cell regeneration, old cell particles must be destroyed and that long-term starvation is possible. When the body is hungry, it receives and renews old and mature cells to establish its own immune system and system, resulting in the emergence of new cells. When fasting for a long time, the cells dissolve, at the same time, the production of new cells is activated by the secretion of growth hormone. There are three ways to strengthen this phenomenon, which we call autophagy, that is, self-feeding of our body. The first is to exercise, the second is to fast at regular intervals and the third is to reduce carbohydrate intake. Professor Yoshinori Ohsumi’s thesis suggests that he has scientifically demonstrated the effects of fasting on human health.
7- Kills cancer cells
“Scientific studies have shown that fasting for 3 days completely renews the body’s immune system. Experiments with cancer patients have shown that fasting slows tumor growth, kills cancer cells, and enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. At the same time, one of the benefits of fasting is that it reduces the various side effects that occur during chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. The significant increase in the number of cancer patients in recent years, the weakening of our immune system compared to the past, the serious health problems caused by weight problems indicate that we should be hungry / fast at certain intervals. The body renews itself. Rosa also contributes positively to white blood cell production, which is one of the most important components of the immune system. In this way, our immune system becomes stronger than before. “
8- May increase oxidative stress resistance
Oxidative stress, created by metabolic by-products that occur when our bodies use oxygen to convert nutrients into energy, is a condition that causes many chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, cancer, etc.) as well as aging. . Studies have shown that fasting enhances the body’s resistance to oxidative stress. It has also been shown that prolonged fasting reduces inflammatory markers and protects against inflammation, which is a major cause of many common diseases. “
9- Strengthens the brain and mental activity
“There is a lot of research focusing on how fasting promotes autophagy in the brain. Also, it helps to increase the levels of brain hormones called neurotrophic factors, deficiencies of which can lead to depression and various brain problems. Thus, it can greatly reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Again, some studies have shown that regular fasting improves cognitive function, brain structure, and neuroplasticity. This means that the brain can learn more easily. “
10- May benefit skin beauty
“Out of all the care, internal health is essential for beautiful skin. Rosa is an effective detoxification therapy. It helps people to give up the habit of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, tea, coffee and other addictive harmful substances, which makes it easier for our body to dispose of these accumulated toxins. So, fasting makes us have more vibrant and radiant skin. ”
11- Extends life
“Perhaps the most important benefit of fasting is that it prolongs life. This is achieved by combining all the advantages mentioned above. These are more efficient use of protein, a stronger immune system and more secretion of growth hormone, a type of anti-aging hormone. Growth hormone, also called the nectar of youth, is a popular hormone in recent years. This hormone, which is mostly secreted during childhood, decreases with age and is rarely produced after the age of 30. In addition, a scientific study conducted in the 1930s found that the only way to prolong the life of mammals is to eat less. “