Experience shows that a blind person has generally a stronger memory, and certain senses are more developed than those of an ordinary person who has sight. In other words, if certain faculties are not utilized, they may strengthen other faculties.
Similar is the relation between the body and the soul. As Muslims around the world begin a month long fast (between dawn and dusk), they weaken their bodies from the abstinence of food and water which in turn strengthens their spirit, just as the pruning of the branches of a tree procures more flowers and more fruit.
When an individual fast, they over time build resiliency to resist temptation and, in the process, build capacity for self-control and self-discipline. This has a profound effect on the purification of the self in removing harmful habits and replacing them with new habits such as the inclination for an increase in charity. However, if one is to truly benefit from the spiritual elements of fasting, they must ensure they manage their health appropriately. If one does not manage the health and wellness of their physical body, they will not be able to entertain the spiritual benefits.
The Science behind the Physical Benefits of Fasting:
Detoxification: time restricted eating will naturally facilitate the removal of toxins which are stored in our fat cells. Its important to understand that through periods where we are not eating, our body can burn these fat stores (loaded with toxins) so that they can be processed and thus eliminated from the body.
Stem Cell Activation: Stem cells are cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. This provides the opportunity to replace damaged or harmful cells in our bodies. The window in which we are fasting stimulates the production of these stem cells!
Autophagy: This is the body’s natural process of removing damaged proteins and eliminating various pathogens to ensure we can maximize our health and vitality.
Inflammation: 44% of Canadians and 50% of Americans currently suffer from at least one chronic condition.
This is important to note, as research shows that inflammation may be involved in the development of several of these choronic conditions including heart disease, cancer and arthritis. However, several studies also show that fasting can help lower levels of inflammatory markers and thus, lowering your risk of suffering from a chronic condition.
Brain Health: fasting has been linked to studies that show improved brain function by generation of nerve cells that aid in cognitive function. In addition, recent research indicates that fasting induces a cellular process resulting in the elimination of excess waste proteins. This is important to note due to the fact that Neurodegenerative diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease – all have been linked to the excess accumulation of misfolded (mutant, toxic, or unnecessary) proteins which interfere with cellular functions.
Weight Loss: Theoretically speaking, eating only during a certain window should lower your daily calories and thus, should aid in weight loss over time. However, this is going to be contigent on eating the right types of foods during the feeding window.
Studies on effects of fasting in Ramadhan:
Research indicates that although a statistical significant weight lost was observed during Ramadan, it is important to note that one study reported that the lost weight during Ramadan was regained and reduced BMI (Body Mass Index) was returned to pre-Ramadan values. A possible reason of this finding may be that individuals would return to their pre-Ramadan lifestyle in which dietary habits result in weight regain.
Remember, to truly benefit from what Ramadhan and intermittent fasting have to offer, we must develop a growth-mindset – to ensure these practices become a lifestyle and not just a ritual.
What is a growth-mindset? The belief that one’s skills and qualities could be cultivated through effort and perseverance. In studies conducted on students who had more of a fixed mindset—the idea that abilities are carved in stone, that you have a certain amount and that’s that—they saw challenges as risky. They could fail, and their basic abilities would be called into question. When they hit obstacles, setbacks, or criticism, this was just more proof that they didn’t have the abilities that they cherished.
In contrast, when students had more of a growth mindset, they held the view that talents and abilities could be developed and that challenges were the way to do it. Learning something new, something hard, sticking to things—that’s how you get smarter. Setbacks and feedback weren’t about your abilities, they were information you could use to help yourself learn. With a growth mindset, kids don’t necessarily think that there’s no such thing as talent or that everyone is the same, but they believe everyone can develop their abilities through hard work, strategies, and lots of help and mentoring from others.
Start Now: For Muslims, Ramadhan is now here. Reflect on the goals and objectives you want to achieve over the course of the next month. Ensure that these goals and objectives are aligned with your action plan and MUST be reviewed daily to ensure progress!
Think of Ramadhan as the start of the “new you.” You will be going through challenges, but with a growth mindset, you will overcome these obstacles. With this new frame of mind, take the time to articulate what your “new” resolutions are for the upcoming year. Remember, that research has found that people who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than those who do not.
Tip #1: Be sure to connect your resolutions to things that give you a deeper sense of purpose and that are aligned with your core values. This will help in movitivating you to stay true to yourself in the face of adversity.
Tip #2: Be Specific. Be sure to make your resolution “matter” by being specific and provide as much detail as possible. The more specific you are, the more you will succeed as you will be able to track your progress and measure your success. For example, if you want to lose weight this month, detail how many pounds you want to lose and how will you lose it. Will you exercise – if so, how often, what workouts etc. If you want to lose weight, are you going to change your diet. If so, what diet will you be following.
Tip#3 – Ink It! Be sure to write down your resolutions, goals and objectives along with your detailed action plan. A Stanford University study found that people who wrote down their goals, increased the probability of them achieving it by over 70%.
Let’s be honest, many people will enter Ramadhan with a goal to lose some weight and become more healthy. Yet, when they break their fast, they are endulging in greasy snacks and they lack the energy for any exercise. There is a science to this process as well, so please be sure to subscribe to our newsletter as I wouldn’t want you to miss out on our future articles on Nutrution in Ramadhan and Exercise in Ramadhan.
Until next time,
Be well,
Coach Mumdoo
604-861-4288
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