Fasting and Heart Disease

Muslims in all over the world are currently fasting from dawn to dusk as part of Ramadan. Is there a connection between fasting and heart disease? Though it has been viewed as a way to cleanse our body and soul,it is a well-established fact that fasting is excellent for health. It has many beneficial effects on our health, especially the heart, on our blood glucose level, blood pressure, lipid profile and weight reduction. Fasting also helps in controlling diabetes, thereby reducing the chances of heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and other atherosclerosis diseases. It, in fact, works as a method of regulating insulin.Muslims fast continuously for about 16-18 hours followed by a meal. This definitely improves our vital parameters and helps reduce diseases related to the heart and atherosclerosis. Fasting not only helps in reducing cardiovascular problems but also psychological concentration, meditation, as well as in reducing obesity. However, people should not over-indulge in eating after fasting. Those who compensate for fasting by overeating at night will not benefit. In fact,it may prove detrimental. So, along with the religious aspects, if people can reduce the intake of food during the night time after fasting during the day, that will prove to be much more beneficial for their health. Fasting can be practised as a preventive measure by everyone, not just patients. It is not just during Ramadan that fasting is recommended, but at other times as well, preferably once in a week.

The holy month is not only about improving our spiritual health, but also staying physically fit and healthy.

Ramadan Kareem to all.