Health specialists highlight benefits of fasting

Proteins are actually the most recommended types of food after fasting. This is according to nutritionist Fatma Mohammed who was speaking on Citizen TV.

Carbohydrates like fries, mahamri, chapati have loads of gluten. Our bodies break down and digest different foods at various rates. 

Foods that take longer to break down and digest are what keep us fullest for longer periods of time. So, if you eat foods that get digested quickly, you may feel hungry again in an hour.

Dr Victor Achoka  - a medical worker from Nakuru, explains the psychological benefits of fasting.  

“Fasting assists in developing mental strength temperaments. One is able to put mind over body, despite the body asking for food through hunger, your mind is able to overcome body yearnings. Because of being able to fortify your mental aptitude, you are able to grow stronger,” he adds that fasting greatly contributes to clarity of thought. 

The doctor continues to mention plenty of health benefits. He highlights that fasting assists the body to have improved metabolic processes. It assists in preventing obesity since the number of calories being taken is reduced. 

This happens, he explains, as long as you don’t overeat after fasting. According to the doctor, some digestive health benefits include relieving heartburn and reducing bloating since the stomach gets to rest. He also mentions fasting being great for heart health. 

Dr Achoka gives precautions to people considering fasting while having a chronic disease. He urges them to speak to their GP doctor, to know whether they can fast; depending on the severity of the disease. He advises patients suffering from diabetes to get blood sugar monitors in order to keep track of their sugar levels. 

Young children, pregnant and lactating women and those taking medications, especially antibiotics are advised not to take part in fasting. 

Dr Achoka mentions some signs you should stop fasting: In case you notice you are experiencing extreme exhaustion to the point that you are losing consciousness, sunken eyes, which is a sign of dehydration, or passing little amount of urine. This may show that one’s kidneys are not functioning properly. 

Nutritionist Fatma Muhammed mentions science proving dry fast is better than intermittent fasting. She highlights dry fast having more benefits since your body cleanses itself. 

The reason people can fast for a whole day without passing out due to dehydration is the presence of metabolic water. Metabolic water is water that your body makes in your cells. This is what makes people who do dry fasts able to stay a full day without taking water.  

After fasting, one still needs to take 2.5 litres of water. Water can also be gotten from high water content fruits like watermelon, pineapple and vegetables like cucumber, cabbages and broccoli. You can also have soup to add water content.

“During Ramadhan, most Muslims use dates to break their fast. It is important because it restores blood sugar after fasting. Dates also help in restoring iron in case your blood content is low. Dates are also high in fibre. 

“They assist in cleansing the gut and reduce constipation. 2 or 3 dates are ideal; in order to prevent excess sugar in the blood. You could also put 2 or 3 dates in water for a while; then take the water,” Fatma highlights.