Do you know what changes occur in the body after fasting in Ramadan?
Fasting in Ramadan causes many changes in the body. Many famous personalities fast intermittently in months other than Ramadan in order to reduce their body weight and develop better body.
In the Muslim world, Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and spend most of their time in worship.
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Memory Improvement
A Dubai-based nutritionist named Dr. Lina Shabib is quoted in Arab News as saying that the body heals and functions better after a month-long fast during which one must refrain from eating anything.
According to a new study from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, fasting increases brain power, improves memory and creates new ‘hippocampal’ neurons, which help protect against neurological diseases. help
Dr. Lena Shabib said that during fasting, apart from reducing stress, new neurons are produced which help to improve memory.
According to researchers, fasting can help focus, reduce stress, improve neuroplasticity, learning, and memory. Apart from this, Ramadan is also very useful to prevent dangerous diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Relief from Diabetes, Heart, Liver and Kidney Diseases
Similarly, health experts have observed subtle changes in the functioning of organs in other parts of the body during fasting.
For example, Dr. Lena Shabib says that the amount of glucose in our body is less during fasting compared to normal days.
Apart from this, after fasting for 30 days in the month of fasting, the system of organs like liver and kidney works many times better.
Reduction of Toxic Body Fat
Body fat, on the other hand, is one of the most toxic substances that is a bit harder to get rid of. Just as fatty liver increases the risk of diabetes, fat in the muscles and pancreas can lead to diseases like cancer.
However, fasting throughout the day reduces the toxic fat in the body and keeps the person healthy. A review of 70 studies by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center found that fasting during Ramadan reduced body fat in people who were overweight or obese.
Fasting is thought to be especially helpful for those who wish to lose weight since it increases metabolism, regulates hormones, and increases appetite. According to Dr. Lina Shabib, while people experience bodily benefits during Ramadan, daily prayers and worship also contribute to mental tranquility.
Metabolic Adaptations
The body goes through major metabolic changes throughout Ramadan in order to accommodate the extended fast.
The body uses its glycogen stores as a source of energy when it is not receiving any incoming nutrients, such as carbohydrates from diet. The liver and muscles store glycogen, which is a quickly available supply of glucose.
The body converts to fat metabolism once these reserves run low, breaking down adipose tissue to create ketone bodies for energy. Weight loss may result from this metabolic change, especially in those with higher-than-average fat reserves.
Changes in Hormones
A series of hormonal adjustments are brought about by fasting with the goal of preserving key functioning and preserving energy balance.
Insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, is one important hormone impacted by fasting. Insulin levels decrease during fasting, enabling the body to release glucose from glycogen reserves and encourage the breakdown of fat for energy.
On the other hand, in order to maintain blood sugar levels, the hormone glucagon increases, causing the liver to produce glucose. Fasting also affects the release of other hormones, including growth hormone and cortisol, sometimes referred to as the stress hormone.
During a fast, cortisol levels usually rise in order to help maintain blood pressure and release stored energy. In contrast, growth hormone increases in order to support tissue repair and maintain lean muscle mass.
Repair of Cells and Autophagy
The capacity of fasting to start cellular repair mechanisms like autophagy is an intriguing feature. Derived from the Greek words for “self-eating,” autophagy is a process by which cells recycle parts of themselves that are broken or malfunctioning.
Autophagy is enhanced during fasting as a survival strategy to guarantee optimal cellular resource utilization. This mechanism contributes to longevity and the prevention of disease in addition to improving cellular health.
Modulation of the Immune System
Fasting throughout Ramadan can benefit the immune system, despite popular assumption. Research has demonstrated that fasting enhances the immune system’s efficiency and resilience by modulating it.
Fasting has the potential to lower oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors linked to the emergence of chronic illnesses. Fasting also promotes the development of immune cells like lymphocytes, which are essential for protecting the body from illnesses and infections.
Also read this: Useful Tips to Protect Stomach from Acidity in Ramadan
