Fasting releases body from toxins: Ministry

Manama : Fasting in Ramadan is an opportunity to release the body from toxins and overcome some unhealthy habits such as smoking.

“Fasting in Ramadan is an opportunity to achieve health in its comprehensive concept including physical, psychological and social sides,” Health Promotion Director at Health Ministry Dr. Abeer Al Ghawi said in a statement on the occasion of the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Family Medicine Consultant stressed in her statement on the need to change the dietary habits during the Holy Month to the better, explaining that it’s easier for the fasting person to get rid of unhealthy habits such as smoking.

“Fasting increases patience and endurance abilities, reduces psychological pressure and has a positive impact on the body,” Dr. Al Ghawi said.

She also said it is a common mistake to eat and drink excessively and avoid exertion and movement in order to prepare for the next fasting day, “This way they miss the opportunity to burn fat and detoxify their bodies. Even though the expected fasting period is long, it’s not a health burden.”

The body relies in the early hours of fasting on the energy obtained from the digestion of the Suhoor meal and then begins using of energy stocked in the liver, known by the name of glycogen, for the next couple of hours. When this process is complete, the body tends to burn fats and this is the main health benefit of fasting, to get rid of stored fat and toxins, and to gradually lose weight and improve blood sugar and cholesterol.

However, Dr. Al Ghawi advised patients with chronic diseases to consult their doctors before deciding to fast the holy month.