Ramadan, the period of fasting observed by billions of people around the globe, is anticipated to begin the following week.

As Muslims prepare for one of the most important events on the Islamic calendar, we examine the effects of Ramadan on health.

What is Ramadan?

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan.

It is marked by a 29- to 30-day period of fasting, which commemorates the visit of the angel Jibreel/Gabriel to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the revelation of the Qur’an’s foundations.

With a few exceptions, mature Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, except for water.

Instead, they consume food and drink during the suhoor meal before dawn and the iftar meal after sunset.

During Ramadan, smoking is also prohibited during daylight hours.

The spiritual concept behind fasting is that it enables Muslims to empathize with the less fortunate, study the Qur’an, and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

In addition, spiritual rewards are multiplied during the month of Ramadan.

Consequently, activities such as swearing, lying, fighting and disputing, and having sexual relations are discouraged during Ramadan, while acts of charity are encouraged.

This year, Ramadan is anticipated to occur in the United Kingdom between 22 March and 21 April.

Some Muslims are exempt from fasting.

Yes, those susceptible to negative health effects from fasting are generally exempt.

These groups include the elderly, the frail, those who are ailing or receiving medical treatment, pregnant and menstruating women, and breastfeeding women.

Children who have not yet reached puberty and Muslims who are far from home are typically exempt from the fast.

People who neglect to fast for temporary reasons, such as menstruation or a brief illness, are encouraged to make it up at another time of the year.

Those who are unable to observe the fast are encouraged to make a charitable contribution to help feed the impoverished.

During the Covid pandemic, some Muslim NHS employees were permitted to drink during Ramadan due to the risk of dehydration to themselves and patients posed by donning extensive PPE.

What are the health advantages of fasting?

Fasting has the apparent advantage of reducing the number of calories consumed, which could aid in weight loss.

However, weight loss depends on what a person consumes during their pre-dawn and post-sunset meals.

If a person chooses to break their daily fast with calorie-dense feasts. They will not lose weight despite not eating or imbibing during the day.

For suhoor and iftar, Muslims are advised to consume a balanced meal consisting of a variety of main food groups.

Some obese or overweight individuals can lose weight during Ramadan by modifying their regular diet.

However, unless they alter their diet for the remainder of the year, the weight will return.

Some studies have linked intermittent fasting, which superficially resembles Ramadan fasting in that proponents forego meals for hours per day, to anti-aging benefits, although this is contested.

Some small studies found that Ramadan fasting reduces cholesterol levels and strengthens the immune system, while others found no effect.

Reducing the amount of smoking that occurs during Ramadan could be advantageous, as it could encourage people to cease completely.

And reducing smoking could encourage individuals to quit cigarettes permanently.

Reducing smoking could encourage individuals to quit cigarettes permanently.

Are there any health hazards associated with the Ramadan fast?

Injured and pregnant Muslims are free from fasting’s health risks.

Critically ill individuals are exempt from fasting, even though taking oral medication can be deemed as breaking the fast.

In addition, numerous medication schedules can be altered so that pills are consumed during suhoor and iftar.

However, anyone with concerns should consult their primary care physician or physician before deciding to stop taking their medication.

Some medical professionals advise their patients to postpone fasting until winter when daylight hours are fewer and the fasting period is consequently shorter, to reduce the negative health effects of fasting.

Diabetes and the impact fasting can have on blood sugar levels is undoubtedly one of the health conditions to be aware of.

Before Ramadan, diabetic Muslims should discuss fasting with their diabetes care team.

Oral medications may break the fast during Ramadan, requiring some people to change their treatment schedules.

Oral medications may break the fast during Ramadan, requiring some people to change their treatment schedules.

The majority of imams support exempting Muslims with health conditions from fasting, as the Qur’an states that people should not act in a manner that harms the body.

Generally speaking, fasting can cause a few minor health issues.

Insufficient fluid intake can result in mild dehydration, which can cause migraines, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

The same is true for those who ordinarily consume caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee during the day. Although their body adjusts to the withdrawal during Ramadan.

Some individuals may develop constipation as a result of dietary changes and a lack of fluids throughout the day.

During their pre-dawn and post-sunset meals, Muslims are advised to consume an abundance of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, high-fiber cereals, bran, fruits and vegetables, legumes, lentils, dried fruit, and nuts, as well as plenty of fluids.

In addition, moderate physical activity, such as a walk, is recommended after iftar to reduce the risk of constipation.