Detoxifying the body through fasting
Ramadan is here again. As we welcome the blessed month into our lives again so are we given the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to Our Creator. Ramadan is a period for us to gain the pleasures of Allah and improve on our past conducts so as to make us better people. For Dr Maryam B. […]
Ramadan is here again. As we welcome the blessed month into our lives again so are we given the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to Our Creator. Ramadan is a period for us to gain the pleasures of Allah and improve on our past conducts so as to make us better people.
For Dr Maryam B. Alhassan says Ramadan fast goes beyond abstinence as it is also a time to give our body the deserved treat it needs. “Fasting is not something most people indulge in every day. The month of Ramadan is the only opportunity they have to observe fasting. Fasting on its own has very great benefits. The month of Ramadan is a great way to detoxify oneself as it goes beyond a three to four day fast most people do observe.
“Fasting is one of the natural healthy healing detoxification processes our body needs. Although the body naturally detoxifies itself through the kidney and liver, taking a break off food over a period of time could also boost the effect,” she said.
She went on to say that fasting promotes cleansing and healing. This helps to normalize blood pressure, cholesterol levels, sugar level, hormonal imbalance and helps rebuilds the immune system. “If we are to get rid of toxins in our system then we must fast and by fasting we are basically detoxifying our bodies of these dangerous toxins in our system.”
Another benefit of fasting is the healing process it triggers. During a fast, energy is diverted away from the digestive system, since there is no food to mobilize it, towards the metabolism and immune system.
So how do we maximize the fasting period in detoxifying ourselves, Dr. Maryam says we should constantly make sure fresh fruits are part of our iftar delicacies. “Fresh Fruit is an essential food to help detoxify three portions of fruit during breaking of fast. Apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, dates and grapes are just a few to mention. Consume the fruit raw for best results. Grapefruit, lemons and limes are appropriate for morning, while strawberries, tangerines or watermelon make late evening detoxification choices. Eat at least three portions of fresh or lightly cooked vegetables each day. We should also look at news ways to combine spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, carrots, broccoli and peas. In our diets during fasting because they are good body detoxifiers,” Dr. Maryam says
She explains that watermelon is also a natural diuretic that has high water content helpful in flushing out water based toxins from the body and helps in eliminating fluid retention from a high-sodium diet.
Watermelon is also an excellent source of C, which is a powerful antioxidant that safeguards the body against free radical damage. She recommends a watermelon sahur for two days in which accumulated toxins in the body are flushed out.
She also explains that there are natural solvents that help cleanse the liver and gallbladder. Pineapple, lime and lemons she says are natural solvents. Lemon naturally helps cleanse the kidneys but should be diluted and not taken in its raw state so that an ulcer does not occur. “Lime and lemon should be taken during iftar and should be diluted with warm water as it is more effective when the intestines are empty and helps to facilitate the digestion of food in the intestine. They are also very powerful detoxifiers and helps flush out toxins from the body after the break of fast.”
The first days of fasting will not be easy if one is not use to it but Dr. Maryam explains that after the first three days of fasting, appetite diminishes and a visible result should be observed “the skin is clearer and we look younger. Energy levels return or are normalized. We feel good despite the fact that we are fasting.” She also advises that we be careful not to exercise strenuously or work hard physically while fasting as it could be stressful and make sure water is always part of our meal at all times as it helps to flush the waste in our system.
Restraint is needed when breaking fast, Dr. Maryam says. “Do not indulge in a huge plate of food after fast. Break the fast gently by slowly introducing dates, water and then fruits. Fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean proteins are healthful and nutritious foods to replenish nutrients lost while fasting and can be eaten along little carbohydrate after asham prayers.”