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The physiological changes that occur during a fast Aug 28, '09 7:30 AM
for everyone
Category: Other
May this reach you in the best of health and strongest of Imaan.
Health is the key to happiness, and what we consume directly affects our
health. Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their
health. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Take advantage of the good health
before illnesses afflict you". He also encouraged Muslims to try their best to
take up a healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular
mental and physical exercise and a balance between material and spiritual needs.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a
balanced and healthy lifestyle in our life. Through fasting we begin to learn
how to manage our eating habits, how to improve self-control and discipline.
This month requires us to give the stomach a break, and by doing so we are able
to break down and expel the accumulated toxins from our body. Fasting is
complete abstinence from food and drink between dawn / Sahur (the light meal
generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn) and dusk / Iftar
(the food eaten immediately after sunset to break the fast).
The physiological changes that occur during a fast
For many people, the key question regarding fasting is whether it is good or
bad for our health? The answer to this requires a quick overview of what
happens inside the body during fasting.
The changes that occur in the body in response to fasting depend on the length
of the continuous fast. Technically the body enters into a fasting state eight
hours or so after the last meal, when the gut finishes absorption of nutrients
from the food. In the normal state, body glucose, which is stored in the liver
and muscles, is the body's main source of energy. During a fast, this store of
glucose is used up first to provide energy. Later in the fast, once the stores
of glucose run out, fat becomes the next store source of energy for the body.
Small quantities of glucose are also 'manufactured' through other mechanisms in
the liver.
Only with a prolonged fast of many days to weeks does the body eventually turn
to protein for energy. This is the technical description of what is commonly
known as 'starvation' , and it is clearly unhealthy. It involves protein being
released from the breakdown of muscle, which is why people who starve look
emaciated and become very weak.
As the Ramadan fast only extends from dawn till dusk, there is ample
opportunity to replenish energy stores at pre dawn and dusk meals. This
provides a progressive, gentle transition from using glucose to fat as the main
source of energy, and prevents the breakdown of muscle for protein. The use of
fat for energy aids weight loss, preserving the muscles, and in the long run
reduces your cholesterol levels. In addition, weight loss results in better
control of diabetes and reduces blood pressure. A detoxification process also
seems to occur, as any toxins stored in the body's fat are dissolved and
removed from the body. After a few days of the fast, higher levels of certain
hormones appear in the blood (endorphins) , resulting in a better level of
alertness and an overall feeling of general mental well-being.
Balanced food and fluid intake is important between fasts. The kidney is very
efficient at maintaining the body's water and salts, such as sodium and
potassium. However, these can be lost through sweating. To prevent muscle
breakdown, meals must contain adequate levels of 'energy food', such as
carbohydrates and some fat. Hence, a balanced diet with adequate quantities of
nutrients, salts and water is vital.
P lease Remember us and all muslims ummah and all our Marhumins in Your Pious
Duahs.
May Allah SWT give all of us Hidayat and taufeeq Ameen...
Our Lord! grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us
from the chastisement of the fire.
Wishing Your Days Be Filled With
Happiness, Peace And Good Health...
•,¸,.•´ (¨`•.•´¨) *Always *
•,¸,.•´ `•.¸(¨`•.•´¨) *Keep*
•,¸,.•´ (¨`•.•´¨)¸.•´ *Smiling ! *
Sweet Shenu
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