CONNECTOR.AE 44 CONNECTOR.AE 45 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Benefits Of Fasting According to the World Health Organisation, “there is evidence to suggest that fasting can have positive effects on your health as well as boost your mental health and well-being, improve mood, help relieve stress, anxiety and depression”. Tips To Stay Healthy During Ramadan During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk, abstaining from eating, drinking and even habits like smoking and vaping. The day begins with Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and ends with Iftar after the sunset (Maghreb) prayers. While fasting has spiritual significance, it is equally important tomaintain good health and overall wellbeing, especially as the sudden change in eating patterns can be challenging. Connector looks at how to stay fit during Ramadan with the help of expert insights and essential health and lifestyle tips. Here are some benefits of fasting on your health and well being: Regulating cholesterol and insulin levels: Studies have shown that fasting can have a positive impact on your overall lipid profile by regulating “bad cholesterol” and can help you lose fat without muscle depletion. It can also help improve insulin levels. Blood pressure: There are studies that suggest a correlation between fasting and reduced blood pressure, which can also keep other related diseases, like heart failures and stroke at bay. Cleansing the body: Fasting for a month can be beneficial as a detox exercise because fasting does not only burn the excess fat reserves but also cleanse your body of harmful toxins that may be present in your fat reserves. It is also a good time to get rid of harmful habits like smoking, and detox your body. Mental health: Studies have shown that fasting can make the brain more resilient to stress, moodchanges and can improve memory and brain function involved in learning. Fasting can also be a way of triggering the growth of new brain cells, which sharpens our mental acuity and processing of information. “Fasting can also be a way of triggering the growth of new brain cells, which sharpens our mental acuity and processing of information.“ While fasting can be beneficial, it is not suitable for everyone. Even Islamic teachings exempt groups such as the chronically ill, pregnant women, young children and older adults from the obligation of fasting during Ramadan. If you have health concerns, it is important to consult a doctor and adjust medications before fasting. Dr. Fahmidha Abdul Rahim, Emergency General Practitioner and clinical tutor at Thumbay Hospital Ajman, says that for diabetic patients, “close monitoring of blood sugar along with opting for complex carbohydrates and lean proteins can help maintain stable glucose levels” and “those with hypertension should reduce excessive salt intake, processed foods and incorporate potassium-rich foods like dates and bananas into their diet”.
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