Epigraph:
The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty is an expiation — the feeding of a poor man. And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. (Al Quran 2:185)
Courtesy: Karim Sharif, USA, @kasharif
Source: The Telegraph
Although fasting diets have been criticised by nutritionists for being unhealthy, new research suggests starving the body kick-starts stem cells into producing new white blood cells, which fight off infection.
Scientists at the University of Southern California say the discovery could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from damaged immune systems, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy.
It could also help the elderly whose immune system becomes less effective as they age, making it harder for them to fight off even common diseases.
The researchers say fasting “flips a regenerative switch” which prompts stem cells to create brand new white blood cells, essentially regenerating the entire immune system.
“It gives the ‘OK’ for stem cells to go ahead and begin proliferating and rebuild the entire system,” said Prof Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and the Biological Sciences at the University of California.
“And the good news is that the body got rid of the parts of the system that might be damaged or old, the inefficient parts, during the fasting.
“Now, if you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or ageing, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system.”
Additional Reading
Islam versus Christianity: Utilitarian purpose of the Islamic teachings
Pythagoras recommended fasting to his followers as a means of getting better Mathematical ideas. Some modern naysayers thought fasting produces a certain substance that has hallucinogenic effects. This current article doesn’t say much about positive effects of fasting on the brain. However, I found this: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fasting-brain-function/#axzz36mhNNjH2
Can I just ask you if this fasting research is meant without any drink as well? Also I do not fast because I have got Crohn’s disease and I am taking Humira. Could I try to fast anyway? Your research really surprise me as I though I will not be able to fast at all.
Muslim Times folks:
Salaams.
Since you quoted The Telegraph as source of the article, and Sarah Knapton as the author, I tried to look up the original, but in vain.
However, a Google search on “Prof Valter Longo” did bring up an interview in the journal Natural Medicine Journal (NMJ), containing what looks like the same facts but couched in more scientific jargon — and written by NMJ’s Medical Editor, Tina Kaczor.
Thanks anyway.
Hamid
So if it is no practicing Muslim should get sick after 1 month of fasting, on the contrary there is more sickness in Muslim countries than non Muslim countries who do not fast. Health is related to healthy life style and economics and not faith.
When we try to find physical benefits in spiritual exercises, controversy takes root. It brings down the sanctity of religion.
If someone claims that running for 5 miles develops connection with God: May be so. But running is for physical benefit. Any spiritual benefit is incidental and cannot be considered the basis for running. Similarly fasting is a spiritual exercise and expecting physical benefits from it may put the whole worship in question.
The fasting of Ramadan is not just starvation. It has to be combined with increased worship and prayers or it is of no spiritual benefit either.
God says, those who are sick or travelling should not fast. People with hypertension or diabetes should not fast. God also says that those who find it hard to fast because of physical weakness should also not fast. They should pay the fidya.
So if you are looking for physical health, exercise!! Go to the doctor!! But if you are looking for spiritual health, then fast and pray.
A scientist cropped the wings of a flying bird to see if wings have anything to do with hearing; he shooed it with a loud voice but bird could not fly away.
The scientist inferred from this experiment that birds listen with their wings.
The same as to infer that there is more sickness in Muslim countries than non Muslim countries who do not fast.
As a doctor I advice sufficient intake of water for all who are on a religious fasting. Water is essential to purify our blood.