Fasting increases brain activity, says Dr Wasim

KARACHI: A growing body of evidence indicates that fasting impacts the lipid profile, which results in reduced blood cholesterol that can keep heart problems, strokes and other ailments at bay.

People plagued with diabetes, cancer, and renal and liver problems must speak with their physicians before observing the fast in Ramadan.

Fasting can be a means of ''supercharging'' the brain. Fasting not only consumes Ramadan observers' fat reserves but also cleanses their bodies of dangerous poisons that could be contained in fat deposits. 

Those who are willing to adhere to the fast are highly advised to limit their intake of rich, creamy, fried, salted and sugared items.

Dr Wasim Jafri, Professor of Medicine, Aga Khan University, made these remarks at a lecture on "Ramadan and Health," presented by the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

Speaking at a public awareness event, Dr Panjwani Center lecturer SIREN held a lecture on "Innovation in Education and Research in Sindh" (SIREN).

When it comes to someone's lifestyle and digestive system, "observing Ramadan and fasting is a positive U-turn."

According to him, as people get acclimated to eating less during Ramadan, their digestive systems get a chance to rest, and their stomachs shrink, which in turn lessens their hunger. He noted that the effects of this can last longer than many diet trends.

According to him, Ramadan devotees' bodies naturally detoxify throughout the month of fasting, allowing them the opportunity for a healthy lifestyle beyond Ramadan.

When people eat less, they produce more new brain cells, which in turn improves our ability to respond to the environment around them, he said. 

He went on to say that studies have shown that fasting can help the brain become more resilient to stress and change, as well as increase mood, memory, and even learning ability.

When it comes to dehydration during Ramadan, it can cause mild headaches or a lack of focus. He encouraged Ramadan participants to drink plenty of water during the Iftar and Suhoor hours to help keep themselves hydrated.

Remaining active, he argues, aids in weight loss by decreasing exhaustion and providing the body with the energy it needs to continue.

He recommended doing workouts right before or right after Iftar or Suhoor, or at the very latest, a few hours later.

He noted that Ramadan is also an opportunity for Ramadan adherents to give up their vices, such as smoking or eating too much sugar. Even during the fasting hours, people may maintain their self-control and abstain from their addictions, according to him.

He also noted that Ramadan is an excellent time to develop and maintain healthy habits like eating more vegetables, drinking more water, and exercising regularly.