Fasting is a profound spiritual experience prescribed by Islamic teachings, but medical experts also highlight the neurological and nutritional benefits that fasting offers to the human body and brain.

Ramadan, the month in which believers fast from sunrise to sunset, brings great joy to Muslims worldwide.

Scientific evidence, dating back to the seventh century, indicates that fasting has health benefits, which are especially needed in today's world.

Murad Alimdar, an assistant professor of neurology at Sakarya University in Turkey, states that an individual who maintains a regular sleep schedule, organized nutrition, and other structured lifestyle habits will benefit more from fasting in Ramadan than others.

However, for individuals with irregular lifestyles and disruptions in sleep and nutrition, the benefits of Ramadan fasting will be more limited, Alimdar explains.

Alimdar has conducted extensive research on how fasting affects human brain activity, concluding that it provides significant benefits for leading a healthier life.

Ramadan Extends a Helping Hand to the Brain

Scientists from various religious and academic backgrounds have long argued that fasting can aid the metabolism in renewing itself, leading to the detoxification of the human body.

This renewal process can be particularly beneficial for brain function, as fasting can trigger the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is crucial for the production of stem cells.

These cells serve as the fundamental units of human metabolism, functioning much like a body repair department due to their ability to regenerate and repair damaged tissues. They also produce new white blood cells, strengthening the immune system against external threats.

Alimdar states that there is a connection between fasting and increased secretion levels in brain-derived neurotrophic activity, which boosts the production of brain stem cells. He explains that the presence of more brain cells will help the central nervous system function more effectively.

Fasting also allows the brain to rest during a period when other bodily organs, such as the stomach, are less active—since eating, drinking, smoking, and related activities cease during Ramadan, according to Alimdar.

During fasting, when less food enters the human body, other organs send far fewer signals to the brain. Given that over 100 billion neurons constantly communicate to ensure the body functions properly, this reduction in signals allows the body to rest more than usual.

On a spiritual level, the brain also experiences joy when the nervous system perceives that something essential to life has been achieved through fasting, Alimdar notes.

He emphasizes that the feeling of peace from accomplishing an act of worship is known to bring tranquility, creating positive effects in the human brain.

Increased Mental Focus

The mental focus of Ramadan also helps improve brain performance, as fasting is not just about abstaining from food and sexual activities but also about avoiding negative thoughts and reimagining our lives, relationships, and family matters in a spiritual way, according to experts.

Alimdar noted that fasting frees the brain from many other daily activities, increasing its ability to focus on essential functions within the nervous system and leading to reduced anxiety during Ramadan.

However, he also advises that fasting alone is not a free pass to mental health and stability, urging people to carefully plan their time between iftar and suhoor.

"We need to regulate our sleep and nutrition patterns between iftar and suhoor," Alimdar suggests, explaining that if our bodies adapt to a good Ramadan routine, it can help our minds function better.

During Ramadan, Muslims wake up at midnight for suhoor, which disrupts their sleep, but that should not mean sleep deprivation, says Alimdar. He strongly advises people to stick to their regular sleep schedule even during Ramadan.

Alimdar also suggests taking a short midday nap to give the brain a break from its functions, reminding that sleep is as essential as food.

The Nutritional Benefits of Fasting

Fasting also improves the digestive system, as the body gets a rare opportunity throughout the year to detoxify its internal organs. A light diet forces the body to use its fat reserves to keep functioning in the absence of food intake, leading to the elimination of harmful toxins stored in fat deposits.

"Our bodies spend a lot of time digesting food daily because we consume large amounts of it. During fasting, the digestive system works less, allowing the body to focus on other areas such as strengthening the immune system and reducing infection levels," says Seren Küçükvardar, a Turkish nutrition specialist.

Küçükvardar notes that fasting can also help the body resist conditions such as oxidative stress, which increases the likelihood of cancer and slows the spread of cancerous cells.

However, for many nutrition experts, the most significant benefit of fasting could be weight loss, according to Küçükvardar.

"When you eat less, it also means you're reducing insulin levels (a hormone that controls blood sugar), which decreases fat storage," says Küçükvardar.

In her opinion, this significantly improves liver function by reducing fat accumulation.

According to various studies, fasting helps lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce excess fat tissues, which decreases the risk of heart disease and strokes.

"Our bodies have a hormone called adiponectin, which is essential for protecting heart health and keeping glucose levels low. According to some studies, fasting increases this hormone," Küçükvardar states.

As a result, she concludes that fasting protects heart health.

However, she also warns that fasting individuals must be cautious about their eating habits during Ramadan.

"If we eat too much food during iftar, it can lead to stomach and intestinal problems," she warns, suggesting that iftar should be divided into two phases: first, consuming low-calorie foods such as soup and cheese, followed by a 15-minute break before moving on to the main course.

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Source: “TRT”

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