10 Health Benefits From Fasting During Ramadan

This question originally appeared on Quora. Answer by Abu Sayeed Ahmed.

Here I am posting about Fasting Benefits collected from other websites.

1. Fasting Promotes detoxification

Processed foods contain lots of additives. These additives may become toxins in the body After consumption. Some of them promote production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These toxins are mostly stored in fats or lipids of adipose tissue. Fat is spent during fasting, especially when it is prolonged. And the toxins are released. The liver, kidneys and some other organs are involved in detoxification.

2. Fasting Rests Digestive System

During fasting, the digestive organs especially alimentary track rest. The normal physiologic functions continue especially production of digestive secretions at reduced rates. This exercise helps to maintain balance of fluids in the body. Breakdown of food takes place at steady rates. Release of energy follows a gradual pattern. Fasting however does not stop production of acids in the stomach. This is reason patients with peptic ulcer are advised to approach fasting with caution. Some experts believe they should not fast.

3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response

Some studies show that fasting promotes resolution of inflammatory diseases and allergies like inflammatory diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some experts assert that fasting may promote healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

4. Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar level

Fasting increases breakdown of glucose so that the body can get energy as carbohydrates are primary sources of energy, reducing production of insulin. Thus the pancreas gets rest. The outcome of fasting is a reduction in blood sugar.

5. Fasting Increases Fat breakdown and weight loss

The first response of the body to prolonged fasting is break down of fats to release energy. The fats stored in kidney and muscles are broken down to release energy. It helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is clogging of arteries by fat particles. During fasting glucose and later, fat stores are used to produce energy. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.

6. Fasting Corrects high blood Pressure

Fasting is one of the non-drug methods of reducing blood pressure. Metabolic rate is reduced during fasting. The fear-flight hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline are also reduced. This keeps the metabolic steady and within limits. The benefit is a reduction in blood pressure.

7. Fasting Promotes Healthy diet

It has been observed that fasting reduces craving for processed foods., promoting desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is how fasting promotes healthy lifestyle.

8. Fasting Boosts Immunity

If someone is on balanced diet in between fasts, this can boost immunity. When individuals take fruits like date to break a fast, they increase the body's store of essential vitamins and minerals. Immunity boosting Vitamins A and E are good antioxidants readily available in fruits.

9. Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions

Some authors show that fasting can help addicts reduce their cravings, for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other substance abuse. Although there are other regimens required to resolve addictions, fasting in Ramadan can play a role with increased Prayers and other religious activities.

10.Change in meal schedule

Occasional change in meal schedule is highly beneficial to nervous and digestive system.

Despite these benefits, fasting has some demerits. It may cause reduction in body water called dehydration. This leads may lead to headaches and even trigger migraines in predisposed persons. It may worsen heartburn and peptic ulcer. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, malnourished people, and individuals with cardiac arrhythmias, renal or liver problems are advised not to fast.