Many people observe fasting as a religious
obligation but only few know the health
benefits it has. Fasting is a good practice, if
properly implemented. It
elimination of toxins from the body,
reduces blood sugar ans fat stores. It
promote healthy eating habits and boost
immunity. Here are top 10 health benefits
you can derive from fasting.

1. Fasting Promotes detoxification
Processed foods contain lots of additives.
These additives may become toxins in the
body. Some of them promote production of
advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
Most of these toxins are stored in fats. Fat
is burnt during fasting, especially when it is
prolonged. And the toxins are released. The
liver, kidneys and other organs in the body
are involved in detoxification.

2. Fasting Rests Digestive System
During fasting, the digestive organs rest. The
normal physiologic functions continue
especially production of digestive secretions,
but at reduced rates. This exercise helps to
maintain balance of fluids in the body.
Breakdown of food takes place at steady
rates. Release of energy also follows a
gradual pattern. Fasting however does not
stop production of acids in the stomach.
This is reason patients with peptic ulcer are
advised to approach fasting with caution.
Some experts believe they should not fast.

3. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory
Response
Some studies show that fasting promotes
resolution of inflammatory diseases and
allergies. Examples of such inflammatory
diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis
and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some
experts assert that fasting may promote
healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such
as ulcerative colitis.

4. Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar
Fasting increases breakdown of glucose so
that the body can get energy. It reduces
production of insulin. This rests the
pancreas. Glucagon is produced to facilitate
the breakdown of glucose. The outcome of
fasting is a reduction in blood sugar.

5. Fasting Increases Fat breakdown
The first response of the body to fasting is
break down of glucose. When the store of
glucose is exhausted, ketosis begins. This is
break down of fats to release energy. The
fats stored in kidney and muscles are broken
down to release energy.

6. Fasting Corrects high blood Pressure
Fasting is one of the non-drug methods of
reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce
the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is
clogging of arteries by fat particles. During
fasting glucose and later, fat stores are used
to produce energy. Metabolic rate is
reduced during fasting. The fear-flight
hormones such as adrenaline and
noradrenaline are also reduced. This keeps
the metabolic steady and within limits. The
benefit is a reduction in blood pressure.

7. Fasting Promotes Weight loss
Fasting promotes rapid weight loss. It
reduces the store of fats in the body.
However fasting is not a good weight loss
strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and
increasing fruits and rest are better
measures to achieve weight reduction.

8. Fasting Promotes Healthy diet
It has been observed that fasting reduces
craving for processed foods. It promotes
desire for natural foods, especially water
and fruits. This is one way fasting promote
healthy lifestyle.

9. Fasting Boosts Immunity
When an individual is on balanced diet in
between fasts, this can boost immunity.
Elimination of toxins and reduction in fat
store also helps the body. When individuals
take fruits to break a fast, they increase the
body's store of essential vitamins and
minerals. Vitamins A and E are good
antioxidants readily available in fruits. They
help to boost immunity.

10. Fasting May Help to Overcome
Addictions
Some authors show that fasting can help
addicts reduce their cravings, for nicotine,
alcohol, caffeine and other substance abuse.
Although there are other regimens required
to resolve addictions, fasting can play a
role."
Despite these benefits, fasting has some
demerits. It may cause reduction in body
water called dehydration. This leads may
lead to headaches and even trigger
migraines in predisposed persons. It may
worsen heartburn and peptic ulcer. Pregnant
women, nursing mothers, malnourished
people, and individuals with cardiac
arrhythmias, renal or liver problems are
advised not to fast.
RAMADAN KAREEM & BARKA DE JUMU.

jazakum lah! but what is the maximum hours for fasting?