Fasting: A Path To Physical and Mental Well-being

By Hajiya Hafsat Akanbi

Fasting is the practice of voluntarily abstaining from food, drink, or both for a set period. It can be done for religious, spiritual, health, or personal reasons. There are various kinds of fasting but we will be talking about Religious fasting in the holy Month of Ramadan.

Fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection.
Benefits of Fasting in the month of Ramadan include;

1. Psychological Benefit
2. Physical Benefit
3. Hormone Secretion
4. Cancer Prevention
5. Brain Boosting
6. Heart diseases prevention
7. Detoxification
   *

Psychological
Benefit:

Fasting, especially during Ramadan, offers several psychological benefits alongside its spiritual and physical effects. Here are some key psychological advantages

1. Improved Self-Control & Discipline:Fasting strengthens willpower by training the mind to resist temptations (e.g., food, drink, negative thoughts).
2. Enhanced Mental Clarity & Focus:Fasting can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports cognitive function, learning, and memory.

The absence of food digestion allows more blood flow to the brain, improving concentration.

3. Lower Stress:Fasting promotes the release of endorphins, leading to feelings of well-being and calmness.

Reduced calorie intake can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), helping to decrease anxiety and irritability.

4. Enhance Will power:
5. Blood pressure regulation:It is found that Fasting may improve blood sugar control which could be especially useful for those at risk of diabetes

Physical Benefit:Fasting, particularly during Ramadan, provides numerous physical benefits, improving overall health and well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Weight Loss & Fat Reduction:Fasting encourages the body to use stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss. Fasting could reduce body weight up to 9% body fat,in one month, Fasting can help lose 4-5 pounds(2kg) of weight
   2.Improved Metabolism & Digestion:Gives the digestive system a break, promoting gut health and improving nutrient absorption.Can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing insulin resistance and lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
2. Detoxification :Fasting activates autophagy, a process where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones, potentially reducing the risk of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s
3. Prevent Inflammation : Fasting promote health by fighting inflammation which can be use to reduce the severity of chronic inflammation thereby promoting better health.

*Growth Hormone
Secretion: Fasting is good for hormone secretion which is vital for growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength.
1.Increase HCH levels: Studies have found that fasting can naturally increase HGH level

2. Sugar level: It helps maintain sugar level and insulin level through out the day
   *Cancer prevention: Fasting aid in Cancer prevention and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
3. Reduce glucose level: It helps reduce glucose level in the blood system making it harder for cancer to grow
4. Cancer Treatment: fasting could play a vital role in Cancer treatment by fostering conditions that limit cancer cells survival and growth

Brain Boosting: Fasting improve brain health by the following ways

1. Reduction of inflammation: It help to relieve inflammation and prevent neurodegenerative disorders
2. Brain cells: Fasting help in producing more brain cells ,thus improving brain functions.

Detoxification: The process of removal of unwanted substances from the body.
By not eating or drinking throughout the day,your body will be offered the rare chance to detoxify your digestive system throughout the month
*Heart disease prevention: A team of cardiologist found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect of their lipid profile which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood
1.Can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of heart disease.
2.Helps regulate blood pressure by improving blood circulation and reducing oxidative stress.

Being A Paper Presentation at an Event in Ilorin recently.
Hajiya Akanbi is the Matron of the Emir of Ilorin Palace Clinic.