Muslims were commanded to fast during Ramadan more than

1,400 years ago, the ancient Greeks recommended fasting to heal

the body, and today some scients are advocating a modified fast
for its mental and physical benefits.

Known as intermittent fasting, this modified fast comes in a

number of forms that require not eating for 12, 16, or 24 hours at
time. Another form (aka 5:2) advocates calorie restriction (eating
only between 500 to 600 calories) over a period of 36 hours twice a
week.

Eat Stop Eat, a book by Brad Pilon, recommends abstaining from

eating for 24 hours once or twice a week.

In 2012, Michael Mosley released his TV documentary Eat, Fast and

Live Longer nad published his best-selling book The Fast Diet, both
based on the 5:2 concept of intermittent fasting.
Religious benefits

● gaining consciousness and fear of God

● drawing closer to Allah through namaz, prayer, zikr, etc.
● sensing the unity of muslims as muslims all over the world
fast together in the month of ramadan
● appreciating the blessings
● becoming better muslims as we become more commited to
practicing islam, leave behind bad habits, and abstain from
everything Allah has forbidden

Spiritual benefits
● acquiring patience
● learning discipline as we abstain from food and bad habits
● recognizing one can change as we do our best to be better
people and better muslims during ramadan
● developing empathy as we come to understand how the less
fortunate feel
What happens to the body during fast

1. body enters fasting state approximately 8 hours after the last

meal, when gut completely absorbs the nutrients from the
food
2. the first thing that’s used up for energy is glucose stored in
liver and muscles
3. when glucose runs out, the body turns to using up fat for
energy
4. only during a prolonged fast of many days or weeks will the
body eventually start using up proteins released from the
breakdown of muscles - which is called starvation.
5. this doesn’t happen in ramadan because the fast extends
only from dawn till dusk, giving us enough time to replenish
our energy stores during iftar and suhoor meals. this provides
the body with a gradual and gentle transition from using up
glucose stores to using up fat as a source of energy. it also
prevents the breakdown of muscle for protien.
Health benefits
● the use of fat for energy aids weight loss and prevents
obesity
● reduces cholesterol
● stabilizes insulin and prevents and reverses diabetes
● decrease in body’s salt intake reduces blood pressure
● prevents heart disease
● by not consuming any food, the body is able to concentrate
on removing toxins, as we give the digestive system a rest
● allows the gut to cleanse and strenghtens its linging
● can stimulate autophagy - a process where cells self-cleanse
& remove damaged and dangerous particles; makes you look
and feel younger
● can lead to the release of BDNF (brain-derived neutotrophic
factor) in the brain, which protects brain cells and can reduce
depression and anxiety, as well as reduces the risk of
developing dementia and Alzheimer’s
● improves sleep
● reduces risk of some cancers, particularly breast cancer
● improves mental health & wellbeing
● strengthens the mind
● sharpens focus
● provides mental clarity
Fasting tips
● eating too much for breakfast might make you even hungrier
later, so keep it light.
● take a two-hour nap during the day to conserve energy
● drink plenty of water during non-daylight hours
● concentrate on centering yourself spiritually so you can
empathize with how the hungry feel