Islamic Fasting and Health

Abstract

Background: Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan, the 9th lunar month. The duration of fasting varies from 13 to 18 h/day. Fasting includes avoidance of drinking liquids and eating foods. The aim of this article is to review health-related aspects of Ramadan fasting. Methods: Related abstracts from 1960 to 2009 were obtained from Medline and local journals in Islamic countries. One hundred and thirteen articles meeting the criteria for paper selection were reviewed in depth to identify details of related materials. Results: During the fasting days of Ramadan glucose homeostasis is maintained by meals taken before dawn and by liver glycogen stores. Changes in serum lipids are variable and depend on the quality and quantity of food consumption and changes in weight. Compliant, well-controlled type 2 diabetics may observe Ramadan fasting, but fasting is not recommended for type 1, noncompliant, poorly controlled and pregnant diabetics. There are no adverse effects of Ramadan fasting on the heart, lung, liver, kidney, eyes, hematologic profile, endocrine and neuropsychiatric functions. Conclusions: Although Ramadan fasting is safe for all healthy individuals, those with various diseases should consult their physicians and follow scientific recommendations.

Intermittent fasting and laboratory findings in patients with prosthetic valves

“…During the lunar month of Ramadan, the majority of adult practicing Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse during the daylight hours (from dawn to sunset) throughout the lunar month. In summer time, this period of abstinence may extend for as long as 14 hours; and in quite hot weather (1). The inevitable ensuing dehydration may portend a particular risk of PVT in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves.…”

Does Ramadan Fasting Affect Hydration Status and Kidney Function in CKD Patients?

“…The Muslim year depends on the moon and is therefore composed of 354 days (instead of 365 days in a solar year); thus the Islamic lunar calendar begins 11 days earlier each year; consequently, the Ramadan month can be in any of the 4 seasons throughout the year. During the Ramadan month, from sunrise to sunset, religious Muslims must abstain from consuming food and beverages; this time interval varies between 12 and 18 h, according to the season in which Ramadan falls and the time regime (standard or daylight) in that season, which often varies from one country to another [2, 3]. The majority of healthy adult Muslims are required to adhere rigorously to the commandment of fasting [2, 3].…”

“…During the Ramadan month, from sunrise to sunset, religious Muslims must abstain from consuming food and beverages; this time interval varies between 12 and 18 h, according to the season in which Ramadan falls and the time regime (standard or daylight) in that season, which often varies from one country to another [2, 3]. The majority of healthy adult Muslims are required to adhere rigorously to the commandment of fasting [2, 3]. Patients affected by diseases that may worsen as a result of fasting are usually exempt from this religious responsibility.…”

Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis in the third trimester of pregnancy

“…There are conflicting reports with regard to the lipid profile during Ramadan, which depends upon total caloric intake and any consequent weight changes. 5 A rise in triglycerides has been reported at the end of fasting in pregnant women.…”