In the last two parts of this series of articles, I have been discussing the latest scientific research on fasting as well as the wisdom behind the ordinance of fasting and why Allah, ordained it in the Holy Quran, in Surat Albaqarah (Chapter: The Cow; Verse: 183). But then, He continues with the following explanation in ayah 184 that For to fast is to do good unto yourselves - if you but knew it. The verse 185 gives more detailed explanations about the holiness of the month of Ramadan and the exceptions for those who cannot fast. Muslims should stop and contemplate why Allah said that fasting is good for us. Many believe that the benefits of fasting in this passage meant the rewards in the Thereafter, but what is not understood is that there are many other kinds of rewards resulting from fasting, spiritual as well as physiological benefits, only discovered very recently through scientific research. The rewards come in different forms in this world and after. In our lifetime, we gain multiple benefits from abstinence from food, drinks, sensual acts, lying, badmouthing, and evil doing. This kind of comprehensive fasting purifies our spirits from coveting, greed, egoism, and lust; strengthens the character with endurance and resistance to all types of temptations; teaches perseverance and determination; softens our hearts toward those who are deprived or disadvantaged; and makes us reach out for the underprivileged, feed the hungry, and assist the needy. History showed us how Gandhi with his determination had the leading role in ending British colonialism in India in the first half of the 20th century just by practicing silent protest, abstinence from food, patience, perseverance and wisdom. Fasting was instrumental because it develops strength of character and will and mental and physical resistance. Apart from requiring us to perform the many religious observances like the main and additional night prayers (salat alfardh, taraweeh, and qiyam) and the mandatory and optional charities (zakat and sadaqat), Islam urges Muslims to be involved in public work; to become active in their communities; and be useful to their relatives and immediate circles as well as to society as a whole and reach out to their brethren everywhere possible in order to spare them the humiliation of begging and soliciting financial assistance. However, before performing the prescribed and voluntary practices, we owe some attention to ourselves and our bodies as Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him) expressed it: And you owe dues to your body. And fasting addresses both the spiritual and physical aspects. Hence, Muslims receive from fasting not only rewards for the Thereafter, but also the benefits of body hygiene, sanity of the brain, and quietness of the spirit. Without physical health and energy, power of the brain, and peace of mind, we would be unable to live a normal productive life or execute most of the required practices of Islam. Only very recently the physiological advantage of fasting has been finally revealed to the public. Since I have already covered some of the newly discovered researches about fasting and intermittent fasts that came out in June 4, and others, I shall pursue the discussion on its other good effects on health, now. The latest findings showed the unexpected benefits of fasting on the metabolic rate, body weight, diabetic conditions, digestive, vascular, respiratory, and immune systems, brain, memory, even cancer, and much more. With fasts, cancer patients went into remission much faster, by strengthening their immune systems (see Part 1 and 2). Here are other exciting and surprising news for everyone. Patients with asthmatic conditions saw significant progress and relief with intermittent fasting, which resulted in a decrease of frequency in asthma attacks. By reducing inflammation caused by the stress of excess body fat and weight, fasts helped them breathe more comfortably and lowered their inflammation biomarkers. However, when intermittent fasts were interrupted, relapse was seen and asthma attacks and symptoms returned, indicating that such fasts should become a long-term lifestyle and not a hit-and-run practice. Another advantage is that during fasting the bodys metabolic rate slows down; organs and systems are given a break; and body temperature drops a little along with the blood sugar count. With all the earlier mentioned benefits (fat loss, lower metabolism and glucose blood levels, better protein synthesis, cell renewal and white blood cell regeneration, immune responses, improved hormone production) general health improves along with the heightening of spirituality and an increase in mental clarity. Tibetan monks practice fasting to enhance spirituality and facilitate meditation. According to a scientific research, fasting promoted the release of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH). The hormone also helped the production of an anti-aging hormone in lab earthworms, extending their lifespans. The worms also managed to survive on the protein of their own broken down tissues and cells and remained healthy much longer than their well-fed counterparts in the experiment. Due to better hormone production during fasting, HGH is also released in a more efficient and controlled manner. With the stimulation of HGH, the anti-aging hormone is also secreted effectively and steadily, giving a chance for cell regeneration, tissue renewal, and immune bolstering, leading to an increase in life expectancy along with good health, vitality and wellbeing. In other studies, fasting seemed to revive a longevity gene that lies dormant in the body in the presence of overconsumption and excess weight in fruit flies. When the flies were subjected to fasts, the gene was stimulated and they lived longer. You may have noticed that nonagenarians and centenarians are hardly ever overweight. It appears that to extend the lifespan of humans, it is necessary to become a little underfed from time to time, avoiding the starvation of the body or its malnourishment. Corpulence is the enemy of health and longevity. A study on the lifestyle of a sect of Mormons, who kept the habit of fasting one Sunday a month, showed that by fasting, they lowered their risk of heart attacks and heart disease more than their non-fasting counterparts in the study. This can only be done by fasting Ramadan correctly, eating the right nutrient-rich and balanced nutrition, drinking enough water after iftar (breaking fast) until abstinence time at fajr (early morning prayer around 4:00 a.m.), doing mild physical activity apart from the prayers, and other healthy lifestyle practices that promote good physical and mental hygiene and enhance spirituality. Because many people dread fasting because of fear of hunger, thirst, fatigue, and headaches, they think fasting is bad for health. These symptoms are due to the toxins getting released from the body, but a day or two after performing fasting, all undesirable signs disappear and a renewed energy will come. That is why we need to restructure the way we live and fast in order to to reap all the earlier-mentioned benefits. Next week in the last part, I will, Insha'Allah, discuss healthy methods of fasting and breaking fast; what to eat just before abstinence; and how to start eating at iftar. I will walk you through that step by step in order to minimize the nasty effects. References: Fasting for three days renews entire immune system, protects cancer patients, remarkable new study finds, by Sarah Knapton, The Daily Telegraph, National Post Wires Services Science Discover that Fasting Triggers Stem Cell Regeneration & Fights Cancer by Arjun Walia Fasting at least Twice a week Seen as Alzheimers Hedge, by
Makiko Kitamura, Oct 29, 2013 The Health benefits of fasting by Will Carroll

N.B.: Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural. The previous Health Solutions articles are located at www. arabnews.com Email: [emailprotected]

Continued here:
What is the point of Ramadan fasting? (Part 3)