Amal Al-Sibai Saudi Gazette Muslims all over the world fast in the month of Ramadan because it is part of their religious obligations, but they may be unaware that fasting is one of the greatest healing and rejuvenating therapies. Did you know that fasting has been used for centuries by traditional healers to treat all sorts of ailments? If we learn how to use this valuable tool properly in the coming 30 days, we can expect improved health and vitality, heightened mental clarity, and a spiritual transformation. Fasting can serve as a personal and spiritual tool but also as an important remedy for many medical problems as well. All the diseases of affluence that are so common in the Kingdom and that result from over nutrition can be prevented and treated by fasting wisely. For example, obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, allergies, skin diseases, and cancer. Overeating is the number one culprit behind the rising rates of diabetes and obesity in both children and adults, followed by multiple heart related diseases. One of the medical secrets behind the therapeutic and healing powers of fasting is the abstinence from food and drink that stimulates a detoxification process in the body, meaning eliminating toxins from the body and purging of harmful chemicals. Refraining from eating all day minimizes the work load on all the organs of digestion, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Since the liver is no longer occupied with breaking down metabolic products, it has more energy to clear and purify the blood and lymph fluid from circulating toxins and to create new substances for use in the body. Each cell of the body now has a new found opportunity to perform other vital functions: cell repair, elimination of wastes, and regeneration of new cells. Fasting improves the process of elimination and increases the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and respiratory tract, sinuses, and the skin. Holistic health practitioners prescribe fasting to patients to improve concentration, lift depression, alleviate insomnia and anxiety, treat digestive disorders, bronchitis, flu, asthma, headaches, and back pains, and promote weight loss. In order to experience the detox benefits of fasting during Ramadan, you must fast wisely. Fasting wisely means no food and drink from the call of dawn till dusk. When you break your fast give your body light, simple, and energizing foods, and strictly avoid feasting non-stop from sunset to dawn. Fasting is a catalyst for change and personal growth and a potent motivator to quit unhealthy habits. Fasting is an excellent method to overcome addictions to coffee, smoking, and even drugs. It will take five to seven days of fasting to significantly reduce the strong cravings for the poisonous substances – a reason why most smokers pick Ramadan to quit smoking for once and for all. Some cases of fatigue and feelings of general malaise, heaviness, or laziness will respond well to fasting. Ramadan can help you achieve all of these health benefits if you break your fast with foods that will quickly deliver glucose to your blood and brain and that are easily digested and free of chemical additives: dates, dried apricots, figs, melons, and fresh fruit juices. Drink plenty of water to facilitate the elimination of toxins and avoid dehydration and constipation. After which, have a bowl of low fat soup and toasted whole grain bread slices or baked (not fried) samosa. The soup and samosa are a filling meal on their own. The unhealthy habit of preparing large feasts in Ramadan should be abandoned. Overeating after a long fast is too stressful on the stomach and digestive system, and will end in indigestion and bloating.
