Fasting can restore immune system

Some of the studies show that fasting can restore the immune system. According to Dr. Mariam al Waili, fasting for three days itself allows the body to start producing new white blood cells, which rejuvenate the immune system to fight infection.

“Although it has been shown in humans and animals that the number of white blood cells decreases with long-term fasting, the blood cells return when they are re-fed. Ramadhan fasting forces the body to consume glucose and stored fat, and significant white blood cells are broken down. As a result, the change in the body causes the cells to regenerate new cells in the immune system,” explained Dr. Mariam.

She pointed out that fasting in Ramadhan might reduce the C-Reactive Protein and oxidative stress as well as inflammatory interleukin-6, interleukin-b, and TNF alpha – Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha.

“My advice during this Ramadhan is to adhere to all the advice of WHO recommendations of maintaining distance, washing hands and wearing of the mask and during fasting avoid being in public places such as and sit together in large numbers to have Iftar. And pray at your place and take rest too,” she said.

Exercising is essential for health, but there are a few things to keep in mind while training during Ramadhan.

“Exercising in the duration of 45 to 60 minutes has many health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and oxidation as it improves immune function by enhancing the functional activity of the tissue. This leads to the strengthening of the immune defence. But we have to remember that while brief exercise can induce significant alteration in the pattern of circulatory cytokine, vigorous exercise training for a long period may cause immunosuppression and oxidative stress,” she said.

She advised to take equal consideration to nutrition as well – have a balanced meal between exercises, but this is difficult for individuals who are fasting as a fasting person cannot consume carbohydrate or water during day time and this is likely to result in altered immunological so it is better to exercise during night time.

“The physical training should only be done after one-hour form Iftar meal. Night training is the logical way to do it because it allows people to stay well hydrated and maintain blood glucose level. We also must remember that before exercise, we must consume only a light meal containing one gram of carbohydrate per kilogram of body mass to reduce the risk of insulin increase hypoglycemia after the onset of fitness training,” she noted.

According to Dr. Mariam, exercise is a form of medicine.

“Physical training has been known as a lifestyle factor that can maintain and even promote immune function and act like a vaccine against certain diseases and infections by producing physiological stress in the human body, which leads to a series of adaptations to overcome the stimuli. These positive adaptations may not be achieved without taking some functional food such as carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, and minerals and maintaining suitable timing to avoid any side effects,” she concluded.