How Fasting Alters Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels

News Desk:

Islamabad: Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, dedicating much of their time to worship.

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity among various individuals, including some well-known figures, as a means to manage body weight and improve overall health.

However, it’s important to distinguish between the spiritual fasting observed during Ramazan and intermittent fasting for health reasons.

While both involve periods of abstaining from food, the intentions and practices behind them differ significantly.

When Arab News questioned the physical and mental effects of Ramazan on fasting individuals, Dr Lina Shabib, a nutritionist based in Dubai, asserted that fasting for a month and abstaining from all food during that time enhances the body’s system and promotes healing.

Dr Lena Shabib also highlighted that fasting not only reduces stress but also promotes the generation of new neurons, consequently enhancing memory.

According to a new study from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, fasting has been shown to increase brain power, enhance memory, and stimulate the creation of new ‘hippocampal’ neurons, which contribute to protection against neurological diseases.

Furthermore, researchers suggest that fasting can aid in sharpening focus, reducing stress levels, and improving neuroplasticity, learning abilities, and memory.

Additionally, Ramazan has been noted for its potential in preventing serious conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Moreover, fasting during Ramazan has been associated with benefits for diabetes, heart health, liver function, and kidney health.

Similarly, health experts have noted subtle changes in the functioning of organs throughout the body during fasting.

For instance, Dr Lena Shabib highlights that the body experiences lower levels of glucose during fasting compared to normal days. Studies have indicated that fasting aids in detoxifying the body, eliminating toxins accumulated over time.

Moreover, after fasting for 30 days during Ramadan, organs such as the liver and kidneys demonstrate improved functionality. This enhanced performance can be attributed to the physiological effects of fasting.

Furthermore, fasting contributes to the reduction of toxic body fat, which is known to pose health risks. Accumulated fat in organs like the liver and pancreas can increase the susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes and cancer. However, fasting helps to mitigate these risks by reducing toxic fat levels in the body.

Research conducted by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center, reviewing 70 studies, concluded that fasting during Ramadan led to a reduction in body fat among overweight or obese individuals.

This weight loss can be attributed to fasting’s ability to boost metabolism, regulate appetite, and modulate hormones, making it particularly beneficial for those aiming to shed excess weight.

Dr Lina Shabib emphasizes that individuals not only experience physical changes during Ramadan but also derive spiritual benefits from worship and prayers throughout the day, contributing to a sense of peace of mind.

The news report was published in Arab News and it is reproduced by the PenPK.