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| Studies On Islamic Fasting
Dr. Soliman, from the University Hospital, Amman, Jordan (ref. 8) has reported that during the month of Ramadan 1404 AH (June-July, 1984 AD) healthy Muslim volunteers; 42 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 15-64 and 16-28 years respectively were studied. They were weighed and their blood levels of cortisol, testosterone, Na, K, urea, glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and serum osmolality were measured at the beginning and at the end of Ramadan. There was significant loss of weight in males form a mean of 73.8 +- 6.2 kg 72.0+- 7.1 kg (P less than 0.01) and in females from 55.2 +- 4.8 to 54.6 +- 4.2 kg (P less than 0.05). Blood glucose levels rose in males from 77.7 +- 23.6 mg/dl to 90.2 mg/dl (P less than 0.05) and in females from 76.0 +- 7 mg/dl to 84.5 +- I 1.1 mg/dl (P less than 0.002). All other parameters did not show significant changes. Dr. F. Azizi and his associates (ref.9) from the University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran has reported the following. Serum levels of glucose, bilirubin, calcium, phosphorous, protein, albumin, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, TSH, TI, TI, and T uptake, as well as prolactin and TSH responses to TRH were evaluated in group of nine healthy men before and on the 1Oth, 20th and 29th days of Ramadan. Mean body weight decreased from 65.4 +- 9.1 to 61.6 +- 9.0 kg at 29th day. Serum glucose decreased from 82 +- 4 mg/dl on the 10th day, and increased thereafter (76 +- 3 and 84 +- 5 on the 20th and 29th days of fasting respectively). Serum bilirubin increased from 0.56 +- 0.17 to 1.43 +- 52 mg/dl on the 10th day, and decreased thereafter (I. I.+- 0.4 on the 20th and 29th days.) All Changes returned to basal values four weeks after fasting. There were no significant changes in serum levels of Ca, P, protein, albumin, and any of measured hormones. Prolactin and TSH responses to TRH were also unaltered. He concluded that:
Why Islamic Fasting Is Different Than Other Types of Fasting (ref. 7) The Islamic fast, is different from the
above "Diet Plans". It has beneficial features of both
plans. Its unique medical benefits are due to the following factors
: I . As compared to other diet plans, in fasting during Ramadan, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake since there is no restriction on the type or amount of food intake during Iftaar or Sahar. This was confirmed by M.M.Hussaini (ref. 6) during Ramadan 1974 when he conducted dietary analysis of Muslim students at the University of North Dakota State University at Fargo. He concluded that calorie intake of Muslim students during fasting was at two thirds of NCR- RDA. 2. Fasting, in Ramadan is voluntarily
undertaken. It is not a prescribed imposition from a physician. In the
hypothalamus part of the brain there is a center called "lipostat"
which controls the body mass. When severe and rapid weight loss is
achieved by starvation diet, the center does not recognize this as normal
and, therefore re-programs itself to cause weight gain rapidly once the
person goes off the starvation diet. So the only effective way of losing
weight is slow, self-controlled, and gradual weight loss by modifying our
behavior, and the attitude about eating while eliminating excess food.
Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training if terms of food
intake thereby causing hopefully, a permanent change in lipostat reading. 3. In Islamic fasting, we are not subjected
to a diet of selective food only (i.e. protein only, fruits only etc). An
carry breakfast, before dawn is taken and then at sunset fast is broken
with something sweet i.e. dates, fruits, juices to warrant any
hypoglycemia followed by a regular dinner later on. 4. Additional prayers are prescribed after
the dinner, which helps metabolize the food. Using a calorie counter, I
counted the amount of calories burnt during extra prayer called Traveeh.
It amounted to 200 calories. Islamic prayer called Salat uses all the
muscles and joints and can be placed in the category of a mild exercise in
terms of caloric out put. 5. Ramadan fasting is actually an exercise
in self discipline. For those who are a chain smoker, or nibble food
constantly, or drink coffee every hour, it is a good way to break the
habit, hoping that the effect will continue after the month is over. 6. Psychological effect of Ramadan fasting
are also well observed by the description of people who fast. They
describe a feeling of inner peace and tranquility. The prophet has advised
them "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, tell them I am
fasting". Thus personal hostility during the month is minimal. Crime
rate in muslim countries fall during this month. It is my experience that within the first
few days of Ramadan, I begin to feel better even before losing, a singIe
pound. I work more and pray more; physical stamina and mental alertness
improve. As I have my own lab in the office, I usually check my chemistry,
that is, blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride before the commencement
of Ramadan and at its end. I note marked improvement at the end. As I am
not overweight, thank God, weight loss is minimal. The few pounds I lose,
I regain soon after. Fasting in Raniadan will be a great blessing for the
overweight whether with or without mild diabetes (type II). It benefits
those also who are given to smoking or nibbling. They can rid themselves
of these addictions in this month. Fasting For Medical Patients: Suggested Guideline (ref. 10) As mentioned earlier, patients are exempt
from fasting. But some, for whatever reasons, do decide to observe
fasting. For physicians treating Muslim patients, the following guidelines
are suggested. a. Diabetic Patients: b. Hypertensive or Cardiac Patients: c. Those with Migraine Headache: d. Pregnant Women (Normal Pregnancy): Therefore it is recommended that Muslim
patients if they do fast. do so under medical supervision. References: 1. Bistrian,B.R.,"Semi-starvation Diet
Recent Development", Diabetic Care,
November 1978.
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