Fasting has physical, psychological and spiritual benefits

Rawalpindi
It is proven through medical science that Islamic fasting has great physical, psychological and spiritual benefits but it is a must to modify dietary habits positively to get maximum benefits of fasting in the holy month of Ramazan. Fasting lowers blood sugar and cholesterol in blood that is extremely beneficial and it also regulates the process of metabolism.
Thinking positively during fasting in accordance with the teachings of Islam not only keeps body functions normal but also it has great psychological and spiritual benefits. Principal at Rawalpindi Medical College Professor of Medicine Dr. Muhammad Umar expressed this while talking to ‘The News’ on various aspects of fasting in the holy month of Ramazan. He said fasting regulates all functions of the body and normalises working of all organs and the body systems in a healthy person but to get benefits from fasting, one must take balanced diet at the time of ‘sehr’ and ‘iftar’.
Fasting, in no way, harms any function of the body and it is bad dietary habits and carelessness that harms functioning of various body systems, he added.
To a query, he said it is commonly observed that majority of our population consume heavy quantity of sugary drinks and spicy dishes at the time of ‘Iftar’ which is dangerous for health and put extra burden on stomach and other body systems as well. The increase in the consumption of fried and sweet items in Ramazan increases fats and extra calories in the body which is certainly harmful for the stomach, intestines and colon and other systems of the body, he explained.
He added that fasting improves the process of decomposition and elimination of waste toxic materials in the body if a balanced diet is taken. To keep working of the stomach ideal, one should take food that is high in fibre. He said fasting is a natural way to normalize our body weight and control obesity. He said the digestive system gets regulated through fasting however, extraordinary heavy diet at the time of ‘Sehr’ causes stomach-related problems including acidity and the risk increases if fried items like ‘parathas’ and fried eggs are taken. One should eat boiled egg and take yogurt or ‘lassi’ with ‘chapati’ at the time of ‘Sehr’ to avoid complications of the digestive system, said Dr. Umar.
He added that medically, it is not advisable to take extraordinary spicy meals during Ramazan as it causes bad impact on the working of digestive system. “Sweet, salty and spicy foodstuff and sugary drinks at the time of ‘Iftar’ should be taken in modest quantity to keep body functions normal,” said Dr. Umar.
He suggested the best option for consumption at the time of ‘Sehr’ and ‘Iftar’ is yogurt-based dishes while the use of fruits and natural drinks like fresh lemonade at the time of ‘Iftar’ is beneficial for body systems and stomach, however diabetics should take lemonade with salt and black pepper instead of sugar.
To a query, he said the patients of hypertension and blood pressure should not take greater quantity of salty and fried dishes both at the times of ‘Sehr’ and ‘Iftar’ as it may cause complications and severe damage to their body systems. The best thing for chronic patients is to have advice from their physicians before opting for fasting, said Professor Umar. He said studies reveal that Islamic fasting can help cure cardiovascular and circulatory diseases, diseases of the digestive system, diseases of the locomotors system, including rheumatism, respiratory system diseases including asthma, and the early stages of malignant cancer but to get these benefits, one must take balanced diet in the month of Ramazan.
Studies reveal that through fasting, the stomach, intestines and colon are given a complete rest and are enabled to repair damaged structures. Piles, inflammation of colon and stomach etc speedily recover under the fast. The alimentary tract becomes practically free of bacteria during fast and the small intestine becomes sterile. Fasting also helps maintaining self-discipline and managing anger while convincing one to think seriously of taking steps to improve self-management. Fasting, during the holy month of Ramazan, minimises personal hostility and brings peace of mind and heart. Professor
Umar said all these benefits can only be obtained by modifying all habits including dietary habits in accordance with the teachings of Islam. He added to get stomach in ideal working during Ramazan, one should take simple food which should be high in fibre. To a query, he said patients with hepatitis B or C must consult their physicians before going for fasting while patients who have developed complications of hepatitis B or C should not fast at all. He said fasting below 12 years of age is not recommended medically as it may cause growth-related problems including mental retardation.