Does fasting strengthen immunity? And important tips to strengthen your immunity
Fasting is one of the basics of the holy month of Ramadan, but it may also be a behavior that is followed in other than the month of Ramadan for many people for various reasons, some of which are religious, and some of which is a desire to obtain its benefits for the body and immunity, so we will learn how to Fasting strengthens immunity According to scientific research, in the following lines.
The benefits of fasting for the body
Fasting has different types, including intermittent ones, and some that are for a longer period. There are several benefits of fasting for the body in general, especially when depriving the body for a period of time that it begins to burn fat so that it can produce energy, and among the most important benefits of fasting for the body:
- Reducing the body’s resistance to insulin and enhancing blood sugar control.
- Fighting and resisting infections.
- Promote heart health, by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Weight loss and fat burning.
- Increased growth hormone secretion.
- Delaying signs of aging.
Fasting strengthens immunity
Depriving your body of food for a period begins to stimulate it to use its available reserves of energy, which is glucose, which is found in the form of glycogen in both the liver and muscles, which begins to run out after about 24 to 72 hours, and from here the body uses both amino acids and fats for Get energy.
As a result of this process, what is known as ketones are produced, which are used as an energy source for both the brain and the body. One of these ketones is known as beta-hydroxybutyrate, which benefits the immune system.
Some researchers noticed that exposure of our immune cells in certain quantities after fasting two days led to a decrease in inflammatory responses. Some research conducted on humans and mice showed that fasting for 48 to 72 hours may promote the regeneration of healthy cells and the recycling of damaged ones.
In addition to the above, fasting can have these immunity-related benefits, including:
- Helps fight oxidative stress.
- Resisting infections that may be related to some diseases such as cancer, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Some small research suggests that fasting can be beneficial against bacterial infections, but more research is needed.
However, it is important to consult a doctor if you suffer from any chronic diseases or adhere to a prescribed treatment, so that he determines the most appropriate for your condition.
How to strengthen your immunity in Ramadan?
In Ramadan, it is allowed to eat food from sunset until dawn, and those who fast depend on two main meals, which are breakfast and suhoor, and to strengthen immunity, the two meals must include the basic elements and important nutrients that help provide the body with its needs during the day.
- vegetables and fruits.
- Bread, potatoes and cereals.
- Dairy products.
- Meat, fish and fats.
Make sure that your breakfast is rich in fluids and low-fat foods, with little natural sugars, and stay away from added sugars, because of their harm and the calories they add to the body.
Dates are useful for the body to break the fast on it, as they provide natural sugars for the body, and are rich in minerals and vitamins that strengthen immunity. You can learn in detail about the benefits of dates in strengthening immunity.
Eating soup (soup) is good for your body, as it provides you with fluids and helps provide nutrients to it, which gives you the necessary energy and nutrients as well.
at Suhoor
- Make sure to eat fiber and whole grains, as they fill you up.
- Choose foods rich in water, to help hydrate your body the next day during fasting.
- Yogurt is useful in suhoor because it is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins and can be combined with fruits.
In the end, we advise you to follow a proper diet, whether it is on regular days or during Ramadan, or whatever fasting system you follow, and in the event that you follow the intermittent fasting system, consult a doctor to follow up with you.