Ramadan 2019: The benefits of fasting on health | New

Ramadan, which begins on May 6 in most countries this year, is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.

This involves refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn to sunset, in the hope that it will lead to greater " taqwa ", or awareness of God.

Muslims were ordered to fast during Ramadan more than 1,400 years ago. The ancient Greeks had recommended fasting to heal the body. Today, some scientists advocate a modified fast for its mental and physical benefits.

Known as intermittent fasting, this modified fasting comes in a number of forms that require not eating for 12, 16 or 24 hours at a time. Another form, called the fast 5: 2, advocates a caloric restriction (consuming only between 500 and 600 calories) over a 36-hour period, twice a week.

Eat Stop Eat, a book by Brad Pilon published in 2007, recommended to abstain from eating for 24 hours once or twice a week, leaving individuals free to decide when to start and end their fasting.

In 2012, Michael Mosley released his television documentary Eat, Fast and Live Longer and his best-seller The Fast Diet, both based on the 5: 2 concept of intermittent fasting.

"In The Fast Diet, I advocate a form of fasting called" time-restricted consumption, "Mosley told Al Jazeera.

"It means eating only during certain hours, like the fasting practiced by Muslims during Ramadan.

"The proven benefits include improved sleep and evidence of reduced risk of certain cancers, especially breast cancer."

Benefits of fasting

Experts also found that a reduction in food intake during the day can help prevent health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, as well as to improve mental health and well-being.

By not consuming food, our body is able to focus on eliminating toxins by resting the digestive system.

Nutritionist Claire Mahy told Al Jazeera, "Fasting allows the gut to clean itself and strengthen its lining, and can stimulate a process called autophagy, in which the cells clean themselves and remove the particles themselves. damaged and dangerous. "

Scientists have also studied the link between diet, intestinal health and mental well-being. As Mosley explained, fasting can lead to the release of BDNF (neurotrophic factor derived from the brain) in the brain.

"It has been proven that it protects brain cells and can reduce depression and anxiety, as well as the risk of developing dementia," Mosley said.

Many people who have adopted fasting have also discovered that, properly done, it has helped them to lose fat and gain lean muscle mass.

When not to fast

As with any change of diet or lifestyle, fasting involves risks because it is not suitable for everyone.

People whose health condition is compromised or who are followed by a doctor for any health problem should consult a doctor before trying to monitor some of the side effects.

"Fasting can lead to low blood sugar, which leads to lower concentration and increased fatigue," said Nazmin Islam, a registered nutritionist.

Islam added that a lasting weight loss was only possible with a regular fast and that any weight loss during Ramadan could easily be reversed once the individual had resumed his / her daily eating habits.

"However, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages: in the long run, fasting, if done properly, can improve the digestive system and metabolism in general."