Dr. Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, the Regional Advisor for Nutrition at the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization highlighted the numerous benefits of fasting, particularly during the month of Ramadan, as an opportunity for health renewal and body rejuvenation through the health benefits derived from abstaining from food and drink for extended periods from dawn to dusk prayers.
The WHO advisor emphasized that fasting has been scientifically proven to maintain body weight, especially for individuals struggling with obesity, offering them an opportunity to reduce weight. He added that fasting benefits in reducing the risks of diabetes and hypertension, aids in digestive system rest, and eliminates damaged cells, making it highly beneficial for the liver and cancer prevention.
Dr. Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh explained that fasting scientifically increases the body's immunity and activates "autophagy," acting like a vacuum cleaner to cleanse the body of damaged or diseased cells. Thus, with a balanced diet, it is possible to renew liver, brain, and digestive system cells during Ramadan.
People with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are advised to prepare before Ramadan, ensuring they receive guidance from their physicians, especially if their condition is advanced.
Fasting is beneficial for individuals at risk of developing diabetes or hypertension in the pre-diabetic or pre-hypertensive stages.
However, pregnant women should consult their doctors, as there are cases where fasting is permissible and others where it is not. Liver disease patients are advised to consult their physician a week or 10 days before fasting to develop a plan with their doctor.
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