3 Important Health and Behavioral Takeaways from Ramadan for Non-Muslims Living in Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to not have your mid-morning coffee

Or to bite into some snacks whenever you felt slight hunger? Fasting forces us to appreciate the little joys in our lives which might be taken for granted on a daily basis. While fasting is a sacred Islamic requirement for Muslims, as a non-Muslim you might want to consider fasting as a means to healing your mind and body.

#1. Fasting enables fat-burning

Once you start your first day of fasting day, your body naturally starts to conserve as much energy as possible while burning through your stored glucose. Once depleted, your body starts a process called gluconeogenesis where the livers starts to convert non-carbohydrates and fats in your body into glucose for energy. Additionally, after a few days, ketosis kicks in as standard bodily metabolism wherein your body is continuously burning fat to produce energy.

#2. Fasting stabilizes your insulin sensitivity

Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas responsible for converting carbs and sugar into glucose for energy, storing glucose for energy conversion later and regulating blood sugar levels in your body. Whenever you consume too many carbs and sugar, your body may become resistant to insulin thus paving a way for serious diseases such as diabetes. Fasting can be an effective tool to normalize blood sugar levels and restore the natural cycle of insulin creation that your body needs.

#3. Fasting improves your mental strength

The closer the day gets to the hour of breaking your fast (iftar), is when your body is nearing it’s lowest point of energy. This in effect will have an immediate impact on your focus, patience and overall mental stability. It is quite normal for many fasters to feel sluggish and irritable during the late stages of their fast, however after a few days your body acclimates to the effects of fasting and your mood and energy stabilizes.

So, the next time Ramdan comes around, consider the health and psychological advantages as well as the long-term health benefits of fasting. If not for religious or spiritual needs, at least your health will reward you for fasting.