It is as good a time to take stock of the host of health benefits – in addition to the spiritual comfort you get from doing the ‘right’ thing – that come from fasting. Intermittent fasting has now been linked to a general improvement in physical health as well as a longer and healthier lifespan. Studies have shown that decreasing caloric intake by 30 to 40% extends one’s lifespan by at least 33%. Recent research also suggest that limiting food intake reduces the risk of contracting diseases in old age.
There is good news for people suffering from cardiovascular complications. A study published inthe Annals of Nutrition Metabolism concluded that fasting lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) by eight percent, triglycerides by 30% and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels by 14.3%.
To maximise these health benefits, ensure that you eat simple foods at sehri and iftar; however, given our typically lavish, fat-laden table spreads, this hardly seems possible! This period is also the ideal time (literally) for people looking to overcome addictions such as smoking or chewing paan, gutkah or betelnuts.
Remember that dehydration is one issue that requires serious consideration. The instances of road rage and a sudden drop in energy in late afternoon may be attributed to this. Consuming salty and fizzy drinks at the start of the fast makes you irritable , while gulping down tea depletes the body of hydration. Restrict yourself to plain water or milk at sheri to stay hydrated until iftar.
In a nutshell, with a bit of self-discipline and restraint, this is the perfect mouth to detoxify, lose a few pounds or kick a bad habit.
By Dr Summaiya Syed-Tariq. The writer works as a Senior Forensic Practitioner at the Police Surgeon’s Office, Karachi.