Benefits of fasting in the month of Ramadan.

Every time the blessed month of Ramadan comes, believers welcome it with joy as a dear guest. This is a time of spiritual growth, worship before the Almighty Allah, a time of night vigils and prayers, a time of mercy and hope for the forgiveness of sins.

Most of the people around us are rationalists, they do only what brings benefits and benefits. Often, not understanding the wisdom of the divine establishment of fasting, they are perplexed about this prescription and do not fulfill it.

Therefore, let us turn our attention to the topic of the benefits of fasting.

Firstly, fasting is an undoubted command of the Almighty Allah (Holy and Great is He!). And Allah is our Lord, who created us, endowed us with all the blessings that we have, who constantly takes care of us, who knows not only all our deeds, but also our thoughts, and before whom we will answer on the Day of Judgment. Allah is our Lord, and therefore it is necessary to unquestioningly fulfill all His instructions because of sincere love for Him, because of the desire for His mercy, because of gratitude, because of the fear of His just punishment. This is already the greatest benefit of fasting in the month of Ramadan. Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for your predecessors - perhaps you will be afraid.

The fasting person is satisfied that he has fulfilled the order of Allah with dignity, his heart calms down.

Secondly, by fasting, we move away from committing a great sin, which is the refusal to fast without a good reason.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “He who misses at least one day of fasting in the month of Ramadan without a good reason will not be able to make up for it, even if he fasts all his life.”

This hadeeth is narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud

Thirdly, the fasting person is waiting for great rewards from Allah, and the reward for any good deed done in Ramadan increases tenfold.

“It is narrated from the words of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The Almighty and Great Allah said:“ Any deed of the son of Adam is done by him for himself, except for fasting, for, verily, he is for My sake, and I will repay him."

Leads by Al-Bukhari

Fourth, forgiveness of sins is promised to those who fast.

“Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hope for the reward of Allah, his former sins will be forgiven.”

Fifthly, the fasting person has hope for the mercy of Allah and a place in Paradise.

It is narrated from the words of Sahl bin Sa'd, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Verily, there is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which fasting people will enter there on the Day of Resurrection, and will not enter through these the gates are none but them. It will be said: “Where are those who kept the fasts?”, - and they will come forward, and no one will enter through this gate besides them. When they enter, the gate will be closed, and no one else will enter through it.”

(Al-Bukhari and Muslim are cited)

And also the hope that Allah will remove the fasting from the fire of Hell.

“It is narrated from the words of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Any slave who fasts on the path of Allah for one day, Allah will certainly remove this day his face from the Fire for seventy years of travel.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim bring

The grace of Allah is especially widespread during Ramadan.

It is reported from the words of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise open, the gates of Hell close, and fetters are imposed on the devils.”

Al-Bukhari and Muslim bring

Sixth, during Ramadan, a Muslim tries to read the Qur'an often, and at the same time, for each letter he read from the Qur'an, he receives a reward.

Seventh, during Ramadan, love, forgiveness, mutual assistance and brotherhood spread in society. All Muslims, striving to do more good deeds during Ramadan, help their relatives, neighbors, companions spiritually and materially, distribute sadaqa, greet them with a smile, and ask about business. At this time, one should especially strive to avoid sins, because sins can devalue good deeds and destroy rewards.

“It is reported from the words of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “If during fasting a person does not stop lying and acting in a lie, then Allah will not need him to refuse his food and drink.”

Leads by Al-Bukhari

A fasting person should remain calm and not get into altercations.

“Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting is a shield, and on the day when one of you fasts, let him avoid everything obscene and not raise his voice, but if someone someone will scold him or try to start a quarrel with him, let him say to such a person: “Verily, I am a fasting person!” I swear by Him in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasing to Allah than the fragrance of musk, and the fasting person will experience two joys: he will rejoice at his breaking the fast when he breaks his fast, and when he meets his Lord, he will rejoice that he fasted ".

Al-Bukhari and Muslim bring

Eighth, fasting educates the soul of a believer, accustoms it to order, discipline, patience and humility before Allah. During Ramadan, you need to wake up on time, eat on time, and pray on time. Although it is necessary to observe prayer on time throughout life, it is especially important during Ramadan. Fasting teaches a Muslim to be sincere with Allah. In any other case, there may be a share of window dressing. If a person has a disease in his heart, then he can even pray in a mosque not for the sake of Allah, but for the sake of people to see how pious he is and praise him. But the post is an example of sincerity. During daylight hours, a person is often left alone when only Allah sees him. And at these moments, it may be tempting to quietly quench your thirst or hunger. But then the believer realizes that he is fasting for the sake of Allah, from whom there is nowhere to hide, and then he continues to fast until sunset.

Fasting is the daily work of the soul during Ramadan, when it is necessary to make the right choice. The first level of this work is to make an effort of will, to force yourself to abstain from food, drink and marital relations. This is the initial level, when the love for Ramadan, fasting and worship has not yet taken possession of the human soul. At this level, the punishment for leaving the post is more motivating than the reward for keeping it. The second level, when the soul itself meets Ramadan with sincere joy, then thoughts about the possibility of disobedience and leaving the fast do not even come to mind. Love for Allah, gratitude to Him for giving us the opportunity to worship during Ramadan overwhelm the soul of the believer at this time. But it does not matter if a person, for example, having only recently converted to Islam or started observing the precepts of Islam, feels himself only at the first level. And then there is no need to despair, one must observe fasting, prayers and hope for the mercy of Allah and support in this and the next life. Careful performance of the rites of worship will strengthen his faith, increase sincerity and fear of God.

American researchers indirectly confirmed the benefits of Muslim fasting.

They were able to uncover a cellular mechanism that explains the relationship between starvation and longevity in humans and other mammals. Islam prescribes abstaining from food and liquids V daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. Scientists David Sinclair and his colleagues found that during fasting, the SIRT3 and SIRT4 genes are activated, which prolong the life of cells. Perhaps this information can be used to create drugs for diseases associated with aging. Mitochondria are responsible for energy metabolism in cells. Scientists have previously assumed that the work of mitochondria is associated with the lifespan of the organism. When mitochondria are depleted, the cell becomes vulnerable to damage, it begins, that is, the program of self-destruction starts. The signal for the onset of apoptosis is a decrease in the amount of NAD+ in mitochondria, the cell nucleus, and the cytoplasm.

The experiment, during which laboratory animals were hungry for only 48 hours, made it possible to establish that the Nampt protein was activated in the body of rodents during this time, which triggered the synthesis of NAD + in the cytoplasm, which in turn leads to an increase in the synthesis of enzymes encoded by the SIRT3 and SIRT4 genes. . These enzymes favorably affect the work of mitochondria and energy metabolism in the cell, that is, they slow down cell aging and prevent apoptosis. “If it were possible to maintain a high concentration of NAD+ in the mitochondria, which would stimulate SIRT3 and SIRT4, for some period of time the cell would not need anything else,” the authors of the study explain. They called this phenomenon the mitochondrial oasis hypothesis. It can be assumed that there is a certain molecule that could affect the concentration of NAD + in mitochondria, as well as SIRT3 and SIRT4. By creating such a molecule, one can significantly increase life expectancy. There are suggestions that fasting helps to rejuvenate the body and prolong life. According to University of Florida scientists led by Dr. Christian Lewenburg, insufficient intake of nutrients in the body and subsequently limited delivery of them to cells, in turn, prolong their life by activating intracellular autophagy - the breakdown and processing of damaged mitochondria and other cellular structures, which can later be used as a new-forming cellular material for life support. But young cells, in turn, have the ability to quickly process damaged structures from old cells and use them to build new organelles or replenish energy reserves.

Unfortunately, as cells age, they lose this ability, which leads to the accumulation of damaged organelles and aging of the whole organism. Experiments conducted by scientists on animals show that fasting by 120% increases the ability of the heart cells of old animals to self-purify and had virtually no effect on the condition of the cells of young animals. To assess the effect of calorie restriction on the ability of cells to get rid of toxic waste products, scientists assessed the change in the content of certain proteins in the body depending on age and diet. It turned out that the cells of old animals that were subject to starvation were characterized by a very high level of proteins, which is essential for starting the autophagy process. It is interesting that the activation of autophagy is especially important primarily for heart cells, which contain a large number of mitochondria. Partial processing of damaged mitochondrial organelles is the key to maintaining the performance of the heart muscle of an aging organism as a whole.

It has also been found that the deformed membranes of slowly dividing or non-dividing senescent cells under endogenous nutrition acquire shapes similar to those of cells of young animals. That is, with SH, the process of restoring cell barriers is underway. The process of dividing rapidly dividing cells slows down. At the same time, the restructuring of the enzymatic system provides an increase in the receptor apparatus of efferent cells (nerve endings) due to a qualitative improvement in the state of the enzymes of these receptors (chemoreceptors), which are embedded in the cell membrane and are able to enhance the barrier function through the activation of the intracellular cAMP nucleotide. Thus, with SH, a complex restoration of cell barrier functions is ensured by normalizing membranes and strengthening the cAMP system. Due to the renewal of the genetic apparatus of cells, cells are formed during starvation, and additional cells appear in some organs. As a result of the elimination of old, damaged cells and the appearance of new stem cells, the organs and tissues of the body become much younger.

I want to remind you that Islam prescribes to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan, that is, it turns out to be short-term.

Experimental studies on the effects of Muslim fasting on healthy and sick people

Fasting and the immune system

The effect of continuous fasting on the functioning of the gonads

In a clinic in Massachusetts (USA), a group of six healthy people aged 26 to 45 was examined. The survey was carried out in three stages:

• The preparatory stage, which lasted three days, during which the subjects ate according to their usual daily schedule.
• The period of fasting, or complete abstinence from food, which lasted 10 days, during which the subjects did not eat around the clock, receiving only distilled water, which they could drink both day and night.
• Way out of hunger for five days. On the 2nd, 11th and 16th days, blood tests were taken for the study of sex hormones. On the 3rd, 12th and 17th days after stimulation of the pituitary gland with hormone (LRH), repeated blood tests were performed. The following hormones were studied: the male hormone (testosterone) and the follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing hormones belonging to the gonadotropic group. The results were as follows:

During fasting, testosterone levels dropped significantly and continued to decline for another three days when leaving hunger. On the fourth day out of hunger, the level of this hormone jumped sharply, exceeding its usual value, observed before hunger.

During fasting, the content of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones and urine significantly increased, remaining at this level for another three days after the end of fasting. It is likely that this shows the limited effect of fasting on the decrease in sexual potency. From this it follows that the effect of fasting on sexual desire is expressed by two facts: firstly, sexual desire decreases during fasting and for several more days after it; secondly, after the end of fasting, the sexual and goes to a higher level than before fasting.

Ramadan is a good occasion for Muslims to put everything in order: to bring spiritual and physical life in line with the norms, change their lifestyle, and give up bad habits. During the entire month of fasting and prayer, believers are required to abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, which is not only a spiritual, but also a physical test. What should be the food? What problems can arise and how to deal with them? How not to harm the body, but to benefit from such a strict abstinence from food? We bring to your attention a special guide developed by the UK Department of Health in conjunction with the National Health Service (NHS) and the national Islamic community, where you will find answers to these questions, as well as information on maximizing the medical benefits during the Muslim fast. In preparing the guide, the material was agreed with medical experts, Islamic scholars and researchers.

Physiological changes in the body during fasting depend on its duration. Physiologically, the body enters a state of hunger about eight hours after the last meal, when the absorption of nutrients in the intestine is completed. Normally, glucose, stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, is the main source of energy for the body. During fasting, glucose stores are quickly depleted, and fat becomes the next source of energy. Only with prolonged fasting (up to several weeks), the body turns to proteins for energy, which is why people who are starved look exhausted and become very weak. Since the fast of Ramadan lasts only from dawn to dusk, there are great opportunities to replenish energy reserves in the pre-dawn hours and after sunset. This ensures a gradual transition from glucose to fat consumption and prevents muscle protein from being wasted. Using fat to replenish the body's energy promotes weight loss, preserves muscle, and ultimately lowers cholesterol. In addition, weight loss leads to better control of diabetes and lowers blood pressure. There is also a process of detoxification, as the body's fat toxins are dissolved and excreted. After a few days of fasting, the level of endorphins in the blood increases, which improves attention and overall mental state.

During fasting, a balanced diet with enough nutrients, salts and water is important. Food should be simple and not much different from normal daily food, contain products from all major food groups: fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, potatoes, milk and dairy products, fish and meat. As well as foods containing complex carbohydrates that slowly release energy over long hours. These are grains: barley, wheat, oats, beans, lentils, rice, foods rich in fiber that are slowly digested: bran, cereals, whole wheat, seeds, potatoes with skins, vegetables, green beans, almost all fruits, dates, etc. .d. Fried foods should be avoided, especially deep-fried foods. It is better to bake in the oven or on fire, if frying, then shallow. Try to reduce the amount of vegetable oil consumed to 4-5 tablespoons per day, avoid fatty oriental sweets (baklava, fatty cookies, etc.).

Which food is good, and which is harmful

To maintain vitality, a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients, salt and sufficient water is essential.

Fasting is supposed to improve a person's health, but if the right diet is not followed, trouble is possible. And the determining factor in the state of health is not fasting in itself, but the food that is eaten at the right time, its quality and quantity. In addition, it is important to remember that, being overly fond of food (gluttony), a person harms not only his body, but also his spiritual growth.

During the holy month of Ramadan, meals should be moderate and as simple as possible. Taking into account the long hours of fasting, one should not consume fast, but slowly digestible foods, including those that contain fiber. Energy from slowly digestible foods can be enough for 8 hours, while from quickly digestible foods - only for 3-4 hours.

Slowly digestible foods - foods containing complex carbohydrates (grains and seeds: barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, brown rice, etc.)

Fast-digesting foods - foods containing free, refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, for example, premium flour).

The food consumed should contain foods from each food group (fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, breads/cereals and dairy products).

It is important to exclude: fried and fatty foods; foods containing a lot of sugar.

It should be avoided: overeating, excessive consumption of tea (especially in suhoor, tea has diuretic properties, while removing valuable mineral salts that the body will need during the day); smoking. If you are unable to quit smoking, gradually reduce your cigarette consumption starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is haram, that is, it is forbidden and is considered one of the sins. Smoking is injurious to health and should be avoided completely.

What is?

Complex carbohydrates in suhoor to make food digest longer.

Dates are an excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.

Almonds are rich in protein and fiber.

Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

What drink?

As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime.

Eating foods high in carbohydrates and fats (especially during meals after sunset) is fraught with a high probability of weight gain.

Spirituality and food

Food is of great importance in Islam. Through food, relationships with the Almighty are also built. Chapter 20 (verse 81) of the Quran says that food should promote a healthy life and not indulge in bad habits, the physical body is a divine gift, and a person should take care of it in the best possible way. The choice of products that have a beneficial effect on the physical and spiritual state of a person depends on the person himself. And health and well-being depend on his choice.

The products consumed affect the state of mind, the psyche and, in general, the behavior of a person. Natural healthy food promotes development. Gluttony dulls the spirit, causes slowness of action, and contributes to the development of physical ailments. Islam considers health and well-being much more than just bodily health: well-being, peace requires a strong connection with spirituality, good physical health, peace of mind, meaning in life, a good reputation and good relationships with others.

What are the benefits for those who fast

1. Fasting is a period of spiritual growth and purification of the physical body, which brings great dividends in the future. A person becomes less preoccupied with the questions of pleasing his body, thinks more about the questions of the universe, relationships with the Almighty, those around him.

2. Leading a healthy lifestyle, a person learns restraint, his self-awareness, discipline increases, respect for food is brought up. Fasting contributes to the revision of the usual way of eating and living.

3. Ramadan is the month of mercy. Fasting helps to develop such qualities as compassion and charity.

4. This period contributes to an improvement in the mood in society: people care more about each other, not being divided into rich and poor, white-collar workers and manual workers. Everyone eats at the same time and prays at the same time.

5. If you keep a fast without spiritual development, this is a waste of time. Fasting is not held in order to lose a couple of extra pounds. To abstain from food for a long period of time is not easy. But at the end of the month, you will feel at ease. Ramadan is the perfect time to break bad habits, which will improve your character as well.

Fasting is not just "refraining from eating and drinking, but also from empty talk."

How to deal with possible ailments

1. During fasting, heartburn may occur. An acidic environment in the stomach is a necessary condition for the digestion of food and the destruction of bacteria. During fasting, a smaller amount of acid is released, but the thought of food, its smell provokes its release. As a result, heartburn may occur. Therefore, people with stomach problems who regularly take acid-neutralizing drugs may continue to take them (proton pump inhibitors before meals in the wee hours, H2 receptor blockers before bed). Control heartburn or belching by eating foods that are cooked with as little oil as possible, without strong spices. For those who suffer from heartburn, it is recommended to sleep on high pillows.

2. Interestingly, in many countries, type 2 diabetes is not a contraindication for fasting, but for such patients, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is mandatory (probably during fasting, they will need to adjust their glucose-lowering drugs) and strict glycemic control. This is especially true for patients with complications of diabetes mellitus (cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy). Decreased blood sugar during fasting is dangerous, as it can lead to weakness and cramps, which should be avoided. Dizziness, sweating, disorientation are the first signs of low blood glucose levels. If these symptoms appear, immediately drink a sweet drink or put a piece of sugar or candy under the tongue. Long-acting tablets (glibenclamide) increase the risk of hypoglycemia and should be replaced with short-acting tablets before fasting.

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes should not fast.

3. Headache. During fasting, it can be due to dehydration, hunger, lack of rest, or lack of caffeine (or nicotine). A moderate, balanced diet, taking pre-dawn meals without skipping, drinking enough fluids and, if necessary, taking a pain reliever (for example, paracetamol) is of great importance in preventing headaches. Reasonable measures such as avoiding overheating (staying in the shade, wearing a hat, sunglasses), and eliminating muscle tension with a massage will also help with this. If the above measures do not relieve the headache, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The reason for the headache may be the refusal of caffeine and tobacco. With low blood pressure, the headache can be severe enough to cause nausea before iftar. The most common cause of headaches is dehydration.

4. Dehydration. This is a common occurrence during fasting. The body loses water and salts through breath, sweat and urine. The amount of fluid lost varies with the weather, individual water needs, degree of physical activity, and the ability of the kidneys to conserve water and salts. During fasting, the risk of dehydration occurs if you do not drink at the beginning of the day. This risk is higher in the elderly and in people taking diuretics. Depending on the degree of dehydration, a person may experience malaise, weakness, convulsions, dizziness, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness. If you are unable to stand up due to dizziness or disorientation, it is urgent to drink a moderate amount of water (preferably with a little sugar and salt added) or a rehydration solution.

5. For diseases such as arterial hypertension and bronchial asthma, it is important to consult a doctor first, it is important to continue taking medications regularly.

6. Constipation can cause discomfort during fasting. To avoid the problem, you also need to think in advance: include fruits, vegetables, bran in the diet, be sure to drink enough. This will help keep the stool regular. If constipation does occur, laxatives will help.

7. Stress. Changes in diet and drinking, night sleep can trigger stress. It is important to avoid those situations that lead to tension, manage your emotions, and refrain from smoking.

8. Obesity. Fasting is a good opportunity to adjust the diet and cope with the problems that uncontrolled eating brings with it.

Questions and answers

1. 1. Can a person with diabetes fast?

Maybe. However, those who are prescribed insulin are advised to refrain from fasting.

1. 2. Is fasting indicated for pregnant women?

Better to post later.

1. 3. Can you swim during Ramadan?

Yes. Baths and showers are also allowed. But it is not allowed to swallow water.

1. 4. Is it possible to fast a person during a blood transfusion in a hospital?

1. 5. Can a woman who is breastfeeding fast?

Traditions exempt a nursing mother from fasting.

1. 6. Can a fasting person take pills, injections, use inhalers?

Anything that passes through the stomach is unacceptable on fasting days. Droppers, injections, instillation of drops into the eyes do not break the fast. The use of an inhaler is desirable during suhoor and iftar. However, in case of an acute attack, you can use an inhaler. This will break the fast and it will need to be restored. The introduction of medicine into the genitals breaks the fast. Islamic law exempts from fasting those who are shown treatment.

1. 7. Is it possible to break the fast at the time of dehydration?

Definitely, if a person, for some reason, becomes ill (faints, loses consciousness, is disoriented), the fast should be interrupted, the person should be given a drink. The deterioration of the condition is contrary to the true purposes of fasting. The one who breaks the fast can return to it later.

1. 8. Can I fast during dialysis?

Such patients should not fast. If the illness is prolonged, then you can feed those who need help twice a day.

1. 9. Is it possible to take tests?

As for the necessary examinations, you need to look at the situation. If outpatient examinations can be postponed, it is better to do them at another time. Blood tests, studies that require intravenous access or the administration of a contrast agent are not allowed. If tests need to be taken for health reasons, you need to do it immediately. Fasting should not be detrimental to health in any way.

Tips for healthcare professionals

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, providing an opportunity for medical workers to promote the idea of ​​recovery, advising Muslims to change their lifestyle, diet, and give up bad habits. Fasting is obligatory for sexually mature healthy people. The exceptions are patients who are on a trip, as well as women during menstruation, pregnant women, breastfeeding. They can either be exempted from the fast entirely (for example, people taking insulin) or they can be allowed to postpone the fast to a later time (travelers and menstruating women). Indulgences exist so that people do not fast, causing harm to their health.

• If an acute illness occurs, fasting can be postponed and ended after recovery.
• In chronic diseases (eye, dermatological, neurological), fasting can be continued if it does not cause complications. If the patient takes an oral drug, its daily dose can be reduced. It is allowed to continue taking external agents, injections are not, because they lead to bleeding, albeit minor.
• Fasting itself can have a physiological impact on cardiovascular, kidney, and gastrointestinal diseases. Although fasting is possible in many of these conditions, it may not be well tolerated physiologically, especially by older patients who are particularly committed to fasting. In some cases, where a chronic disease requires a long time to recover and maintain a stable state, adjusting the medication by the clock may be impractical and potentially harmful.
• During pregnancy and lactation, regular intake of food and fluids by the mother is very important. Fasting in such cases, from a medical point of view, is better to cancel or postpone.
• Physical examinations, including rectal and vaginal examinations, do not violate the requirements of the fast. Blood tests (blood sampling from a finger or vein) or clinical examinations that require the administration of a contrast agent break the fast. Where possible, laboratory tests can be deferred, but urgent investigations are essential.

Each situation should be considered in the context of the patient's fasting. This guide is not universal, but the above examples show that fasting should not be done at the expense of health. Fasting is a physical and spiritual experience that requires a lot of preparation. If you are physically unwell or unsure of your state of health, it is advisable to speak with your doctor before starting a fast. Discuss your medical conditions and explore possible treatment alternatives your doctor may suggest.

The composition and quantity of food affects your health, and abstaining from food can help increase self-discipline and restraint, if, of course, everything is done properly. Fasting is an opportunity to make a choice in favor of a healthy lifestyle and put an end to bad habits. Remember: fasting can improve your health, both physical and mental. Maximize your benefits and minimize health problems.

Ramadan is a great occasion for doctors and pharmacists to talk with patients about lifestyle changes, health awareness, how to eat right, move a lot, find time for communication, and keep nerves under control.

Happy Ramadan to all Muslims, may purification and enlightenment bring new vitality. Let this be another step towards healthy longevity.

A recent study showed that fasting during Ramadan is good not only for spiritual health, but also for the heart.

Experts from the National Institute of Nutrition in Tunisia have proven that the level of good cholesterol in those who fast during Ramadan increases by 20%.

The Tunisian Journal of Medicine published the results of a study in which 30 healthy people took part, including 21 women. Analyzes were collected in three stages - 3 weeks before Ramadan, in its last week and 3 weeks after. The percentage of glucose, fats and cholesterol in the blood was checked. The results of the analyzes of fasting people in Ramadan were very good.

As you know, bad cholesterol settles on the walls of blood vessels, causing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Good cholesterol has the opposite effect. Consumption of saturated fat raises bad cholesterol levels.

We often hear from the lips of Muslims that fasting has a positive effect on human health. But more detailed and accurate confirmation of this fact can be heard from dietitians. Their words are medically confirmed. Here are some examples of the positive effects of fasting on various organs of the human body.

Brain

During fasting, the body consumes part of its fat reserve, which helps to reduce blood cholesterol and thus reduces the likelihood of a stroke.

Heart

10% of the amount of blood that the heart carries through the body goes to the digestive apparatus. During fasting, this percentage decreases, in turn, the heart works less intensively and wears out less. In the body of a fasting person, accumulated fats are burned, which has a beneficial effect on the content of cholesterol in the blood, which on ordinary days settles on the walls of blood vessels and can lead to arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Blood

Fasting reduces the amount of water in the blood, which causes it to thicken. This, in turn, reduces the amount of blood in the vessels, which increases the release of prostaglandin, which activates the process of vascular activity, plays an important role in the functioning of the circulatory system, and alleviates stomach ulcers and childbirth.

Skin condition

During fasting, the percentage of water in the skin, as well as in the blood, decreases, and this fact contributes to the treatment of many skin diseases and leads to: an increase in immunity, a decrease in the likelihood of skin diseases spreading to large areas of the body, such as a decrease in allergic diseases, elimination some causes of acne and even cancer.

digestive apparatus

The secretion of gastric juice during fasting decreases, reducing the acidity of the stomach, the excess of which many people suffer from, and subsequently reduces the likelihood of peptic ulcers.

Pancreas

Fasting provides an excellent opportunity for the pancreas to rest. The pancreas secretes insulin, which converts sugar into dry or fatty substances that accumulate in the tissues. And if the amount of insulin secreted exceeds due to excess food, then it affects the pancreas and causes fatigue. In the end, it cannot perform its functions, accumulating sugar in the blood, which can later cause diabetes.

Liver

The liver activates its activity during fasting. Poisonous substances are excreted from the body through the bladder and large intestine. This process helps destroy stored fats in the body and activates the liver cells.

kidneys

Reducing the concentration of fluid in the body during fasting has a positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys, and in particular, leads to a decrease in blood pressure, which is useful for people with high blood pressure. Also, during fasting, the concentration of salts such as sodium, oxalates and phosphates decreases, which prevents precipitation that forms stones and tumors.

Cells

The human body is designed in such a way that more than 2.5 million cells die and are born in it every second, the body is constantly busy updating cells. During fasting, the body begins to work more actively and activates the process of cell regeneration.

Eyes

During fasting, the amount of excretions from the body is normalized, for example, the release of tears from the eyes, which is responsible for its physiological preservation. It also reduces the internal pressure of the eyeball, which has a positive effect on the patient's condition in such dangerous diseases as glaucoma and reduces the occurrence of additional diseases in the retina.

joints

During fasting, the human body is cleansed of toxic substances that are the causes of joint pain. In medicine, no other treatment for such purification has yet been found other than fasting. It also reduces the likelihood of gout, which is caused by a large amount of uric acid deposits in the joints and from the consumption of low-quality meat and milk.

Some Helpful Tips for Ramadan

Dr. Farooq Khafiji, member of the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, provides helpful tips to help avoid some of the health problems fasting people may experience during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to Dr. Khafiji, by following these tips, you can reduce the feeling of physical discomfort and fully focus on the spiritual essence of Ramadan.

During the holy month of Ramadan, your meals should be as simple as possible and as simple as possible, well balanced, and include foods from every group, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, fish, bread, grains, and dairy products.

Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. Such food causes indigestion, heartburn.

Do not use: fatty and fried foods; foods high in sugar.

Avoid: overeating during suhoor; drink too much during suhoor (because of this, mineral salts are removed from the body, which are necessary to maintain tone during the day).

Do not smoke! If you feel like you can't break the habit, then start cutting back on the number of cigarettes you smoke a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is dangerous to your health and you should quit smoking altogether, and the month of Ramadan is the best time to do so.

Eat during Suhoor:

• complex carbohydrates so that food is digested longer and you do not feel hungry during the day, and plant foods (cereals, cereals, vegetables, fruits, greens) can be sources of complex carbohydrates;
• dates are a great source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium;
• almonds - a source of proteins and fibrous matter with a low fat content;
• bananas are a source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

During the holy month of the Muslim calendar, which is called Ramadan in Arabic, or Ramadan in Turkish, Muslims are required to observe a strict fast - limit yourself to drinking, eating and intimacy.

Following the rules of Ramadan, mature people give up their passions. This is how they get rid of negativity.

The post ends with the great holiday of Uraza-Bayram.

Features and Traditions of Ramadan Fasting - What Are Iftar and Suhoor?

fasting believers test the strength of the human spirit. Compliance with the rules of Ramadan makes a person comprehend his way of life, helps to determine the main values ​​in life.

During Ramadan, a Muslim must restrict yourself not only in food, but also carnal satisfaction of their needs, as well as other addictions - for example, smoking. He must learn control yourself, your emotions.

Observing simple fasting rules, every believing Muslim should feel poor and starving, since the available benefits are often perceived as ordinary.

It is forbidden to swear in Ramadan. There is an opportunity to help the needy, the sick and the poor. Muslims believe that prayers and monthly abstinence will enrich everyone who follows the tenets of Islam.

There are two main prescriptions for fasting:

1. Follow the rules of fasting sincerely from dawn to dusk
2. Completely refrain from your passions and needs

And here are a few conditions for what a fasting person should be:

• Over 18 years old
• Muslim
• not insane
• Healthy physically

There are those for whom fasting is contraindicated, and they have the right not to observe it. These are minor children, the elderly and pregnant women, as well as those women who are menstruating or going through the time of postpartum cleansing.

Fasting Ramadan has several traditions

We list the most important:

Suhoor

Throughout Ramadan Muslims eat early in the morning, even before dawn. They believe that Allah will greatly reward such an action.

During the traditional suhoor don't overeat but you should eat enough food. Suhoor gives strength for the whole day. It helps Muslims to stay sane and not be angry, as hunger often causes anger.

If a believer does not perform suhoor, then his day of fasting remains in force, but he does not receive any reward.

Iftar

Iftar is evening meal, which is also performed during fasting. You need to start breaking the fast immediately after sunset, that is after the last day(or the fourth, penultimate prayer on that day). After Iftar follows Isha - night prayer of Muslims(the last of the five obligatory daily prayers).

What you can not eat in the post of Ramadan - all the rules and prohibitions

What to eat during Suhoor:

• Doctors recommend eating complex carbohydrates in the morning - cereal dishes, sprouted grain bread, vegetable salad. Complex carbohydrates will provide the body with energy, despite the fact that they are digested for a long time.
• Dried fruits - dates, nuts - almonds and fruits - are also suitable.

What not to eat during Suhoor

• Avoid protein foods. It takes a long time to digest, but loads the liver, which works without interruption during fasting.
• Should not be used
• You can not eat fried, smoked, fatty foods in the morning. They put extra stress on the liver and kidneys.
• Refrain from eating fish during Suhoor. After it you want to drink

What not to eat in the evening after adhan

• Fatty and fried foods. It will harm health - cause heartburn, deposit extra pounds.
• Eliminate from food fast food- various cereals in bags or noodles. You won’t get enough of them and literally in an hour or two you will want to have a meal again. In addition, such products will cause appetite even more, as they contain salt and other spices.
• You can't eat sausage and sausages. It is better to exclude them from your diet during the fast of Ramadan. Sausages affect the kidneys and liver, satisfy hunger for only a few hours, and are also able to develop thirst.

Despite prohibitions and strict rules, there are benefits from fasting.:

• Rejection of carnal passions
  A person must understand that he is not a slave of his body. Fasting is a serious reason to give up intimacy. Only by refraining from sinful things can a person preserve his purity of soul.
• Self improvement
  By observing fasting, the believer is more attentive to himself. He gives birth to new character traits, such as humility, tolerance, obedience. Feeling poverty and deprivation, he becomes more resilient, gets rid of fear, more and more begins to believe and learn what was previously hidden.
• Gratitude
  Having gone through the refusal of food, a Muslim becomes closer to his Creator. He realizes that the innumerable blessings that Allah sends are given to man for a reason. The believer gains a sense of gratitude for the gifts sent.
• An Opportunity to Experience Mercy
  Fasting reminds people of the poor, and also calls to be merciful and help those in need. Having gone through this test, the believer remembers kindness and humanity, as well as the fact that everyone is equal before God.
• frugality
  Fasting teaches people to be economical, limit themselves and curb their desires.
• Strengthens health
  The benefit to the physical state of human health is manifested in the fact that the digestive system is resting. In a month, the intestines are completely cleansed of toxins, toxins and harmful substances.

Holy Ramadan timetable until 2020 - when does Ramadan fast start and end?

IN 2015 Ramadan will begin on June 18 and end on July 17.

Here are the dates of Holy Ramadan:

2016– from June 6 to July 5.
2017– from May 26 to June 25.
2018- from May 17 to June 16.
2019- from May 6 to June 5.
2020 from April 23rd to May 22nd.

Breaking the Ramadan Fast - Actions Breaking the Muslim Ramadan Fast and Punishments

It is worth noting that the rules of fasting Ramadan are valid only during the daytime. Some acts committed during fasting are considered forbidden.

Actions that interrupt the Muslim Ramadan include:

• Special or intentional meal
• Unspoken intention to fast
• Masturbation or intercourse
• Smoking
• Spontaneous vomiting
• Administration of rectal or vaginal medications

However condescension towards similar actions. Despite their similarities, they do not break the fast.

They include:

• Unintentional meal
• Administration of drugs through injections
• kisses
• Petting, if they do not lead to ejaculation
• Teeth cleaning
• blood donation
• Period
• involuntary vomiting
• Failure to perform prayers

Punishments for breaking the Ramadan fast:

Those who unintentionally who broke the fast due to illness, must on any other day spend the missed day of fasting.

For sexual intercourse performed during daylight hours, the believer is obliged to defend another 60 days of fasting, or to feed 60 needy.

If skipping the fast is allowed by shariah need to do repentance.