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Fasting Is Not Just Worship! Here Are 11 Amazing Benefits For Your Health

March 10, 2025

The Night That Changed Everything February 22, 2024. Around 10 PM.

That night hit me hard. It was the moment I realized I had been way too careless about my own health. I had always thought I was fine—until I wasn’t.

When my blood test results came in, I was shocked. My cholesterol levels were sky-high, fasting glucose was off the charts, HDL was too low, LDL was way too high, and my triglycerides? Let’s just say they were beyond normal limits. But the worst part? My Troponin I (heart enzyme level) was at 98.7, when the normal limit is just 2. 😞

On top of that, my weight had hit 98.45 kg.

Boom. Everything stacked up, and the inevitable happened—I had a heart attack.

A Wake-Up Call I Couldn’t Ignore

I had to be hospitalized immediately. The doctor wasted no time in telling me: You need to change your lifestyle. You have to fix your diet and start exercising every single day.

At that moment, I realized this wasn’t about just “losing weight.” This was about saving my own life.

So when Ramadan arrived, I decided to push myself to fast, despite my condition. Why? Because I knew fasting has immense benefits, especially for heart health.

And guess what? By Day 11 of fasting, my weight dropped to 91.28 kg!

That’s when it truly hit me—fasting isn’t just about religious obligations. It’s a natural reset for the body, something everyone can benefit from, whether they’re Muslim or not.

Now, let me share with you why fasting is so powerful for health.

What Is Fasting? A Deeper Look Through Islamic Teachings

In simple terms, fasting means refraining from eating, drinking, and other actions that break the fast from dawn until sunset. But it’s more than just abstaining from food—it’s about self-discipline, patience, and self-control.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the balance in fasting, teaching that both suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking the fast) should be done mindfully, not in excess. The key is moderation, ensuring the body receives proper nourishment while also benefiting from the fasting process.

Fasting isn’t just a religious practice—it’s a pathway to a healthier, more disciplined life. And I can personally vouch for that.

Health Benefits of Fasting

Here are some of the incredible health benefits of fasting that I’ve experienced—and that science supports!

1. Boosts Your Immune System

Fasting gives your digestive system a break, allowing your immune system to regenerate. When you constantly eat (especially junk food), your gut is always working, leaving little time for healing.

During fasting, your body focuses on repairing itself, improving your immunity. That’s why many people feel stronger and healthier while fasting.

2. Controls Appetite & Cravings

Before my heart attack, I used to eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. If I craved fried rice at 10 PM, I’d eat it. After playing soccer from 6 PM–8 PM, I’d justify eating greasy food because I thought I had “burned enough calories.”

Fasting reset my eating patterns. It made me more mindful of what my body actually needed, rather than just eating out of habit.

3. Helps With Weight Loss

Want to lose weight fast? Try fasting!

I personally lost 7 kg in just 11 days. Why? Because when you fast, your body switches to burning stored fat as its primary energy source.

But here’s the catch—don’t binge during iftar! Stick to simple meals like three dates and water before having a proper, balanced meal.

4. Protects Heart Health

This is the biggest benefit for me. Fasting reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), lowers triglycerides, and improves blood pressure—all of which are crucial for a healthy heart.

Studies even show that fasting lowers the risk of heart disease by 30%! Since I started fasting, I can literally feel the difference—my heart feels lighter, and I don’t get palpitations as often. 🙏

5. Enhances Brain Function

Ever noticed how your focus improves when fasting?

That’s because fasting increases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein that boosts brain cell regeneration and enhances memory.

According to a 2023 study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, fasting improves: ✅ Mental endurance
✅ Thought processing
✅ Reaction time
✅ Cognitive accuracy

6. Detoxifies The Body

Fasting allows your liver, kidneys, and gut to cleanse themselves from accumulated toxins. That’s why many people feel fresher, have clearer skin, and feel more energetic after a few days of fasting.

7. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, from arthritis to diabetes to even cancer. Fasting has been proven to reduce inflammation, keeping your body healthier in the long run.

8. Slows Down Aging

Want to stay younger for longer? Fasting helps repair damaged cells and reduces oxidative stress, keeping your skin glowing and your body functioning optimally.

9. Lowers Stress & Anxiety

Fasting naturally boosts serotonin, the hormone that makes you feel happy and calm. That’s why many people feel more at peace and in control when fasting.

But here’s the thing—if someone gets easily irritated while fasting, it’s probably because they’re not eating the right foods for suhoor and iftar. Food affects mood more than we realize!

10. Improves Self-Discipline

Fasting is the ultimate test of self-control. It teaches you to regulate your desires—not just for food, but in all aspects of life. And trust me, that discipline extends beyond Ramadan.