Ramadan: Mind, Body & Spirit
As a non-Muslim I’ve personally practiced Ramadan on two occasions. I did it for health reasons and to support some clients who were interested in making the most of their experience. One of the big surprises for me was that after a short while, I became noticeably more reflective and, perhaps, thoughtful. As the days went on, I found myself taking longer walks. Sometimes I was problem solving and sometimes I couldn’t explain a single thought I’d had in the past hour. The expression ‘meditation’ springs to mind. I’ve always found unintentional meditation a more fulfilling experience. It’s those times when you simply lose track of time. This is probably best accomplished when you aren’t driving!
So, I had my food and hydration sorted, my exercise/movement nailed, and I tried to plan my days as best I could. But the collective experience was way more than I had imagined. My point is, Ramadan, for me, was previously a single word with a somewhat single meaning. What I got back from it was way more than that. I’ve since discussed this with many friends and clients to expand my understanding. Along the way I’ve encountered individuals who embrace Ramadan, often volunteering during Hajj, on a yearly basis, which I found to be such a humbling tale.
Where did I fit into helping my clients, I hear you ask. It’s a valid question. They didn’t come to me for support during Ramadan. They were already clients of mine. Many had to explain things to me like the expectations of the month and I had to go off and do my own research. I concluded that if I could help a client experience Ramadan, in a more positive way, then I would do all I can.
That said, if you are breaking your fast with 3 cigarettes, 5 cups of coffee and a bucket of crispy fried chicken with extra fries at the drive through then that likely won’t be the case. However, done well, extended fasting can have a whole host of positive impacts on your health and longevity.
Here’s a list of multiple health benefits that I personally experienced throughout the month, backed by the science behind them:
Improves Digestion
The human digestive system was never designed to be bombarded with food and energy dense drinks multiple times a day. Most of us eat on a far too frequent basis. Extended fasting, as practiced during Ramadan can have multiple positive benefits on your digestive system. Fasting triggers positive changes in your gut microbiome. It becomes richer in positive bacteria and even develops anti-inflammatory properties. On a basic level, you are giving it a break each day and it’s likely to be most grateful.
Improves Body Composition
This is a great time to focus on protein consumption alongside fibrous vegetables and healthy fats. Try 5 to 10 minutes of light exercise before you break your fast. This stimulates AMPK pathways that are known to reduce belly fat. Fasting along allows you to produce ketones that your body can use as fuel, as opposed to glucose. One of the major benefits of this is weight loss. Ketones also appear to leave you feeling less hungry.
Improves Brain Function
Yes, that’s right. I don’t want to go all science on you here but here’s just one example. Fasting increases the efficiency of something called BNDF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This is known to improve the survival of brain cells and encourage the growth of new ones. Low levels of BNDF are associated with an increased risk in age related cognitive decline. There are more recognised benefits here, it’s a no brainer!
Improves Sleep Patterns
Fasting has long been shown to promote healthier sleep patterns and the recovery of your natural circadian rhythm (sleep wake cycle). Go the whole way on this. Make sure you turn off screens at least an hour before bed. No phones in the dark for example. Turn your bedroom into a haven for sleep and recovery.
Reduces Hypertension
This has been shown time and again. Perhaps this is a culmination of everything that is best about Ramadan. Your lifestyle, your spiritual awareness, your sense of togetherness and common goals. It leads to a happy heart. It reduces hypertension (high blood pressure) providing relief for our often-overworked cardiovascular systems.
Ramadan was such a remarkable experience for me! I remember telling myself I’d do it again so here I am this year joining you all throughout this special month.
