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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fasting during the holy Ramadan month appears to not only have spiritual value, but also provide positive impacts for the health if done correctly. Various studies show that regular fasting can significantly improve the quality of health.
In addition to helping to balance the body's metabolism, fasting can also reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Regular eating patterns during fasting, coupled with balanced nutrition intake, can support the body's organs to function more optimally.
Summarized from the website of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), fasting provides various benefits for the body's health. When enduring hunger, the body that does not receive food and drink intake for a certain period of time will adapt.
The body can convert energy from other sources. Energy is obtained from ketones stored in body fat. This process is known as ketogenesis, where fat will be converted into energy. As a result, the fat content in the body decreases and the body's metabolism improves.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association also states that fasting during Ramadan is beneficial for lowering blood pressure, body weight, and body fat levels. The ketogenesis process not only helps in weight loss, but can also suppress inflammation, improve the body's response to stress, and improve the function of body organs such as the liver and kidneys. When elaborated, the following are the main benefits of fasting for health.
1. Body Detoxification Process
Fasting helps in detoxification, or the body's natural mechanism to eliminate toxins and obtain the necessary nutrients. During fasting, the digestive system such as the liver, pancreas, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine will rest for approximately 12 hours. After breaking the fast, the digestive organs can work more optimally in absorbing nutrients and eliminating remaining toxins in the body.
2. Reducing Body Fat Levels
Fasting plays an important role in reducing excess body fat levels. Excessive fat can disrupt the balance of the immune system and trigger the production of cells that cause inflammation in the organs. This condition can increase the risk of blood vessel diseases and various other health problems.
During fasting, the body will burn more calories and fat, potentially leading to weight loss and prevention of obesity. This process is supported by increased human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a role in building muscle mass, burning fat, and improving metabolism function.
3. Regeneration of the Body's Immune System
Feeling hungry during fasting can stimulate stem cells in the body to produce new white blood cells that function in fighting infections. Studies show that fasting acts as a trigger for regeneration, encouraging stem cells to create new white blood cells.
Fasting for three days or more can trigger total regeneration of the body's immune system in all age groups. Active stem cells during fasting produce new white blood cells, thereby increasing the body's resilience and ability to effectively fight infections.
4. Resetting the Body's Functioning System
Fasting helps in naturally resetting the body's functioning system. When the body does not receive food intake for 12 hours, the cell regeneration mechanism becomes more optimal. This process helps the body regulate hormones, improve metabolic balance, and enhance the body's response to hunger signals. This condition is important to support overall health and prevent metabolic disorders.
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