Doctors have long advocated the health benefits of fasting during the holy month.

But, guess what?

Those benefits were highly understated!

We have uncovered a lot many mental, physical, and psychological benefits of the rituals that this holy month has to offer and that too — with proof!

Dig in if you suffer from anxiety, hypertension, cloudy memory, or even obesity!

A Real-Life Example to Get You Started

Syed Aleem, a 45-year-old expatriate in the UAE, faced multiple health issues, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease.

In Ramadan 2023, he made an effort to work on his health. Through a combination of proper diet, physical activity, and increased prayers and Islamic rituals during the fasting month, he committed himself to making significant lifestyle changes.

Syed's dedication saw remarkable results, according to his doctor Kiran Kumar, head of internal medicine at Thumbay University Hospital in Ajman.

In just one month, he lost 6kg, resulting in "substantial improvements" in his metabolic profile. "Notably, his blood sugar levels, fatty liver condition, and blood pressure control showed enhancement too, highlighting the positive impact of his lifestyle modifications," said Dr Kiran.

Benefits that Go Beyond Just the Physical Well-being

According to Dr Kiran, many patients like Syed experience an overall improvement in both medical and psychological well-being, thanks to a strong spiritual connection they develop coupled with a focused diet and exercise routine.

As in the case of Syed, “The spiritual connection nurtured during the holy month contributed to an improvement in his mood and overall fitness, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.”

Another UAE-based doctor highlighted the case of Nourah B, a young woman who struggled with anxiety and sleep disturbances for years. She mentioned that with increased prayer time, community engagement, and mindfulness, she found a sense of peace which eventually alleviated her mental health struggles.

Experience Improved Medical & Psychological Well-Being with 5 Simple Tips

1. Sleep Well - 6 to 7 hours of sleep per day is essential for proper physical and mental activity.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet - Mindful fasting involves not just going hours without putting anything in your system for it to reset, but also eating fruits, vegetables, nuts and lentils in sufficient amounts. Also, try to avoid caffeine, sugar and processed food as much as possible.
3. Be Social, as Much as You Can - Ramadan offers the best time to connect with your families and friends. This can help in reducing stress.
4. Move that Body a Bit - Exercise, even if done at home, helps increase the blood flow and oxygen throughout the body, leaving you feeling fresh, energetic, and mentally active.
5. Meditate/Pray - With increased prayer time during Ramadan, your mind may feel less anxious and more at peace.

Happy Healthy Fasting!

Written by - Tashika Chopra