Fasting Boosts Immune System

Aqib Mushtaq
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting and as one of the five pillars of Islam, along with testimony of faith, charity, pilgrimage, and daily prayer. It is believed that the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) occurred during this month. During daylight hours, Muslims abstain from eating any food, drinking any liquid, and other physical needs such as smoking and sexual intercourse. Furthermore, Ramadan has a strong ethical and spiritual dimension, in that it is a time to purify the soul and to gain proximity to God (“Allah”) through reflection and supplication. While Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, food and drinks are allowed before dawn and after sunset. The month of Ramadan lasts 29–30 days based on the witnessing of the small sliver of the crescent moon. It is going to be a very different Ramadan this year due to the Covid-19 global pandemic and the social isolation laws.
As Ramadan fasting influences different body systems, of great interest is the influence of fasting on the immune system, which plays a critical role in regulating and maintaining body response to stressful and harmful events. Fasting is thought to put the body into an “energy conservation mode” due to the lack of nutrients coming in. In an effort to save energy, the body recycles many of its old or damaged immune cells, which later promotes the generation of new, healthier immune cells when the fasting period ends. These new cells are quicker and more efficient at fighting infections so overall immunity improves and body gets rid of the parts of the system that might be damaged or old, the inefficient parts, during the fasting. Studies show that cancer patients who fasted for 3 days prior to chemotherapy were protected against immune system damage that can be caused by the treatment, which they attribute to immune cell regeneration. Other benefits of intermittent fasting include less inflammation, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, reduced insulin resistance, lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, and higher “good” HDL cholesterol levels etc.
Ramadan during the global pandemic may seem disheartening at a superficial level; however I honestly feel that it arrives at an ideal time. We have the choice to embrace this Ramadan with a focus on deep connection and one-on-one intimacy with God through prayer and reflection.
Islamic scholars have issued a statement that Muslims are required to fast this year, and fasting has nothing to do with the possibility of an increased risk of catching coronavirus. Their Fatwa is based on the feedback they received from the World Health Organisation, which says although water is important for the moisture of human body, it does not protect against the virus and has not been proven that gargling with water can protect anyone from catching the virus. I believe the authentic spirit of Ramadan is one of self-discipline, introspection, self-discovery and self-development. Ramadan during the global pandemic may seem disheartening at a superficial level; however I honestly feel that it arrives at an ideal time. We have the choice to embrace this Ramadan with a focus on deep connection and one-on-one intimacy with God through prayer and reflection.
(The author is a student of B.Sc IIIrd year Nursing at IUST Awantipora. Views are his own, [email protected])