A Fasting Person’s Sleep is Also Rewarding

In this week’s Friday bulletin, coinciding with the blessed month of Ramadan, we have endeavoured to discuss the effects of fasting on the body and soul from the perspective of academic experts.

Introduction:

When it is said that “a fasting person’s sleep is also rewarding,” it is not merely a spiritual statement but also a scientific reality. According to medical experts, when a person keeps their stomach empty and sleeps for 12 hours, they benefit from significant health advantages.

Professor Valter Longo, one of the world’s leading researchers, states that fasting, particularly in a state of extreme hunger, protects the organism (i.e., the body of a living being) and contributes to longevity. He explains that eating less increases the likelihood of a longer lifespan. Research indicates that the life expectancy index across all living beings, from unicellular organisms to humans, increases by approximately 30%.

According to oncologists, fasting provides significant protection to healthy cells in cancer patients and helps eliminate toxins produced by chemotherapy and cancer itself. Perhaps now, after a millennium, Avicenna’s words are better understood when he advised: “Do not cut into cancer with a blade, for it will become aggressive; instead, starve it so that it may be cured.”

Fourteen hundred years ago, the noble Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) said, “The stomach is the home of all illnesses, and abstinence (from excessive eating) is the greatest medicine.”

Similarly, Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) stated. “It is only through fasting and prayer that Satan leaves you.”

To gain a deeper insight into the effects of fasting on physical and mental well-being, we engaged in a conversation with Dr Abdolvahab Baradaran, a cardiology specialist and university professor from Iran, who has travelled to London twice in the past year to attend international conferences.

1. Dr, is it true that fasting affects not only the body but also the mind and soul? Please explain.

Fasting offers not only physical benefits but also profound psychological and spiritual effects. Some of these include:

1-1. Strengthening Patience and Willpower

Fasting helps individuals develop greater control over their physical desires, strengthening their willpower. This practice of patience and perseverance positively impacts daily life.

1-2. Closer Connection with God and Increased Spirituality

As an act of worship, fasting brings a person closer to God. Abstaining from food and worldly pleasures provides an opportunity to focus more on prayer, remembrance, and reflection on the meaning of life.

1-3. Enhancing Empathy and Altruism

Experiencing hunger and thirst allows individuals to better understand the struggles of those in need, fostering greater compassion and generosity towards others.

1-4. Purifying the Soul and Attaining Inner Peace

From a psychological and spiritual perspective, fasting reduces stress and anxiety. Less dependence on food and material pleasures cultivates inner tranquility and liberates the mind for contemplation and reflection.

1-5. Increasing Piety and Self-Control

Fasting serves as a means of refraining from sin and strengthening self-discipline. A fasting person learns not only to avoid eating and drinking but also to refrain from verbal, mental, and practical sins.

1-6. Establishing Discipline and Order in Life

Planning meals for Suhoor and Iftar, structuring prayers, and adhering to fixed times for worship contribute to improved personal discipline and organisation.

Overall, fasting not only cleanses the body but also provides an opportunity for spiritual growth, strengthening one’s connection with God, oneself, and others.

2. How does fasting impact physical health?

In addition to its spiritual aspects, fasting has numerous health benefits that have been widely studied in international research. According to the latest credible studies, the most significant effects of fasting on human health include:

2-1. Reducing Inflammation and Promoting General Well-being

Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of long-term diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that fasting can lower inflammatory markers and contribute to overall health improvement.

2-2. Improving Blood Sugar Control and Reducing Insulin Resistance

Fasting increases insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Research suggests that intermittent fasting reduces insulin resistance and improves blood glucose control.

2-3. Enhancing Heart Health

Fasting can lower blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, all of which are major risk factors for heart disease. Studies indicate that fasting improves these indicators and reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

2-4. Boosting Brain Function and Preventing Neurological Disorders

Animal research has shown that fasting enhances brain function, promotes neural cell production, and provides protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

2-5. Supporting Weight Loss and Improving Metabolism

Fasting helps in calorie reduction and metabolic enhancement, aiding weight loss. Studies have demonstrated that fasting contributes to fat loss and better body composition.

2-6. Increasing Longevity and Slowing the Ageing Process

Animal studies have found that fasting can extend lifespan and reduce the occurrence of age-related diseases. Although human studies are still limited, the findings remain promising.

2-7. Reducing Oxidative Stress and Enhancing Vascular Health

Fasting has been shown to decrease malondialdehyde (MDA), a key marker of oxidative stress, thereby improving vascular health.

In summary, fasting offers a range of physical health benefits. However, individuals with medical conditions should consult a doctor before adopting any fasting regimen

3. Dr, what are the specific considerations for heart patients when fasting?

Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting and fasting during Ramadan, has multiple effects on cardiovascular health, as explored in various studies. Some of these positive effects include:

3-1. Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that intermittent fasting can help reduce blood pressure levels, potentially due to improved insulin sensitivity and weight loss.

3-2. Improving Lipid Profile

Fasting influences different blood lipid levels:

• Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart disease. Intermittent fasting has been found to reduce triglyceride levels, promoting heart health.
• LDL and HDL Cholesterol: Studies indicate that fasting can enhance the LDL-to-HDL ratio, which helps lower the risk of heart disease.

3-3. Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Fasting is associated with lower inflammatory markers, which can benefit heart health.

3-4. Promoting Weight Loss and Improving Anthropometric Indices

Fasting, when combined with regular physical activity, can lead to weight loss, a decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI), a lower waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and a reduction in body fat percentage. These changes help lower the risk of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis (a condition that causes narrowing of the coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries).

3-5. Enhancing Vascular Function

Studies suggest that fasting during Ramadan improves endothelial function (the inner lining of blood vessels), which plays a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

However, individuals with existing heart conditions should consult their physician before fasting to ensure it is safe and suitable for their specific medical condition.