General Health and the Religious Fast

A summary of scientific research

As I pointed out in the previous post, I'm basing these recommendations and summaries on a body of research that has been done on fasting Muslims during Ramadan, since I believe this is physiologically comparable to the Baha'i Fast. Here I'll summarize some health benefits as well as some recommendations made by the scientific community regarding Ramadan-style fasting.

1) Ramadan-style Fasting May be good for your Immune System

One study done by Unalacak et al. at the University of Turkey showed that this style of fasting was beneficial for the participants' inflammatory state as well as their metabolism [1]. Another study conducted by Latifynia et al. in the University of Tehran showed that in the last week of Ramadan there was an improvement in the innate immune system's biomarkers compared to blood taken during the first week of Ramadan [2]. More studies have to be done, however, to confirm these findings. 

2) Health Benefits of Fasting Mostly Dependent on Total Caloric Intake and Type of Food
A study done on the Greek Orthodox fast in Crete in 2004 found that their health improved significantly after their periods of fasting but that these results are possibly due to the change in diet from a meat and dairy-based diet to only grains, fruits and vegetables during their fast [3]. Caloric restriction diets in general have been known to increase longevity and contribute significantly to overall health [4] even possibly helping to stave off brain diseases like Alzheimers [5] but this is characteristic of long term reduced calorie diets and not short term fasts like Ramadan [6]. If we wish to utilize these benefits during the Fast, then it could be seen as a good time to improve our diets and reduce overall caloric intake in the long run.



2) Observe the Exemptions for the Sake of Your Health
 Most of us know that religious fasts like Ramadan and the Baha'i Fast have exemptions; both state clearly that those who are ill, traveling, too young or too old, or women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are exempt from fasting. Although it has been shown in many studies that Ramadan is safe for those who are healthy [7][8], many studies have shown that fasting when ill, pregnant or nursing can be dangerous to your health [8][9]. If you are unsure as to whether your chronic or acute illnesses will be negatively affected by fasting, check with your doctor.


[1] Unalacak M et al., 2011 "Effects of Ramadan fasting on biochemical and hematological parameters and cytokines in healthy and obese individuals" Metab Syndr Relat Disord 9(2):157-61
[2]  Latifynia A et al., 2009 "Neutrophil function (innate immunity) during Ramadan". J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 21(4):111-5
[3] Sarri K. O. et al., 2004. "Greek Orthodox fasting rituals: a hidden characteristic of the Mediterranean diet of Crete". British Journal of Nutrition. 92: 277-284
[4]  Imai S: SIRT1 and caloric restriction: an insight into possible trade-offs between robustness and frailty. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2009, 12:350-356
[5] http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/18/fasting-protect-brain-diseases-scientists?cat=society&type=article
[6] Trepanowski J. F. et al., 2011. "Impact of caloric and dietary restriction regimens on markers of health and longevity in humans and animals: a summary of available findings". Nutrition Journal 10:107
[7] Trepanowski and Bloomer. 2010 "The impact of religious fasting on human health" Nutrition Journal, 9:57
[8]Azizi. 2010 "Islamic Fasting and Health". Ann Nutr Metab 56:273–282
[9] Hui E. et al., 2011 "Diabetes and fasting during Ramadan". Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 26(8):606-10.