Health – The Benefits of Fasting for the Body

ByCaesar Hours
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There are many benefits to fasting, both physically and mentally, and for some, also spiritually. 

Read below to see a list of the types of fasting, some of the benefits of fasting, why fasting is good for the body, and more.

Here are some types of fasting: Each type of fasting has different benefits.

  • Intermittent fasting – fasting on certain days and having a normal diet on others 
  • Water fasting – only consuming water 
  • Juice fasting – only consuming fruit and vegetable juice
  • Partial fasting – cutting certain foods, such as caffeine or animal products, out of the diet for a certain time

Physical Benefits of Fasting

  1. Fasting promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance, which makes fasting a great solution for diabetes. Not only for those with diabetes but for anyone at risk of diabetes, fasting is recommended. 
  2. Fasting reduces inflammation in the body. As the body does not need to digest food so quickly and often while fasting, this allows the body to rest, reset, and focus on healing internal and external injuries or abnormalities.
  3. Fasting can help with weight loss. Depending on the type of fasting, such as intermittent, you can lose weight if done correctly and in a healthy manner. 

Mental Benefits of Fasting

Benefits of Fasting
  1. Fasting makes you mentally stronger. Choosing to fast, even when hungry and thirsty, requires a lot of willpower, so by doing so, you are challenging your body, but willingly. This can encourage you to get through struggles in your daily life as you are used to challenging your body. 
  2. Fasting promotes improved brain function and may prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Fasting allows one to have a clearer and sharper mind, as well as sharper senses.

Read more about the mental and psychological benefits of fasting here.

Spirituality of Fasting

Fasting is also done for religious and spiritual purposes. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dusk to sunset for 30 days, in which they turn to God and fast for His sake. While fasting is just a small part of the month of worship, it is a challenge, especially when Ramadan falls in the summer months and the days are long. 

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon as the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. 

Muslims also fast during other times of the year, such as special or holy days. However, on days of celebration such as Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, fasting is not allowed. 

Dhul Hijjah in Islam 

During this month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah holds ten days that are special to Muslims. It is these ten days in the run-up to Eid Al-Adha that are recommended to fast in. 

For Eid Al-Adha, Muslims give Qurbani – sacrificing an animal to share the meat with the poor. While Muslims try to fast in these ten days, they can understand the struggles of those without food, and can then provide the poor with food for Eid, so they can also celebrate this special day in Islam together, reinforcing a sense of community and unity. 

Why do Muslims fast in Dhul Hijjah?

The Prophet (SAW) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these [first] 10 days [of Dhul Hijjah].” {Bukhari}

 The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of fasting on the day of Arafah. He said, “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”. [Muslim]

How to fast:

If you want to fast, you will need to:

  • Choose a fasting type that suits you and your body best.
  • Set goals – how often will you fast?
  • Stay committed and consistent to see change – do not get unmotivated.
  • Listen to your body – if you have a bad reaction to fasting, do not push yourself, especially in the heat.

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