When the body is starved of food, it starts to burn fat so
that it can make energy. This can lead to weight loss. However, if you fast for
too long your body will eventually start breaking down muscle protein for
energy, which is unhealthy.
As the Ramadan fast only lasts from dawn till dusk, the
body's energy can be replaced in the pre-dawn and dusk meals.
This provides a gentle transition from using glucose as
the main source of energy, to using fat, and prevents the breakdown of muscle
for protein.
1. 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.
2. Fasting Rests 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.
3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions
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.