Muslims fast during the month of Ramadhan as an act of obedience to Allah and as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the core of Muslim faith and practice.
The fast, from dawn to sunset, is intended to cultivate self-discipline, humility and mindfulness of Allah, while reminding believers of their dependence on Him.
By abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs, Muslims are encouraged to develop empathy for the poor and hungry, strengthen moral character and focus on prayer, reflection and acts of charity.
Alongside the spiritual benefits, research on fasting suggests several potential health benefits. These findings are consistent with what is already known about daily fasting.
Dr Alan Goldhamer is the founder and long‑time director of the TrueNorth Health Centre in Santa Rosa, California, and president of the nonprofit TrueNorth Health Foundation.
His work centres on medically supervised water‑only fasting and the training of clinicians in fasting supervision. While his approach attracts scepticism from some, there is sound evidence that fasting can deliver measurable health benefits. The strongest evidence concerns blood pressure.
Studies linked to Goldhamer’s clinic show that prolonged fasting can produce large reductions in blood pressure, in some cases allowing people to reduce or stop medication whilst fasting, although stopping any medication should always be discussed first with your doctor. This outcome is consistent with known physiological effects.
Fasting leads to reduced salt intake and changes in blood vessel function, both of which influence blood pressure. Fasting also causes metabolic changes. When food intake stops or is sharply reduced, insulin levels fall and the body shifts towards burning fat for energy. This results in weight loss and reductions in abdominal fat.
Some studies also report improvements in cholesterol levels. Safety is often raised as a concern, however data published from Goldhamer’s clinic suggests that prolonged fasting is generally safe.
Most reported side effects are mild to moderate, such as fatigue and headaches. This does not mean prolonged fasting carries no risks for those with certain health concerns, but it indicates that fasting itself for healthy people is not inherently dangerous when properly managed.
Research on calorie restriction and intermittent fasting shows improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Fasting also activates autophagy, a cellular repair process that removes damaged components from cells.
Although much of the strongest evidence for this comes from animal studies, it provides a plausible biological explanation for the benefits seen in humans.
Claims that fasting can cure serious diseases such as cancer are far less robust. These are usually based on case reports or clinical observations rather than controlled trials. While such observations may justify further research, they do not amount to strong evidence.
As with most health interventions, long‑term benefit depends largely on what follows the fast, particularly your diet and lifestyle. Ramadhan fasting does not involve prolonged water‑only fasting but abstention from food and drink from dawn to sunset, typically for 12 to 16 hours, with normal eating outside fasting hours.
Ramadhan fasting may also encourage positive behavioural changes. Snacking is reduced, meals are more structured and there is greater emphasis on moderation and self‑control. Although sleep and activity patterns can be mildly disrupted, many people benefit from a temporary break from habitual overconsumption. Overall, the evidence supports the view that fasting can produce metabolic benefits.
Ramadhan fasting fits well with current scientific understanding and can offer genuine health benefits when practised sensibly.
Karim Easterbrook
The writer is a Former Cambridge School Principal and Author
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