Tag: fasting

Fasting may reduce anxiety, depression, say Experts

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Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Apr 08: Most of the studies conducted across the world suggested that individuals who fast experience improvements in their symptoms of depression, anxiety and even stress, said mental health experts.
Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor in Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, GMC Srinagar told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that research has found that fasting during Ramadan can have a positive psychological effect on individuals due to the feeling of connection with the community and spiritual wellbeing.
“Studies have also shown that fasting can increase feelings of self discipline, self-control, empathy and compassion,” he said.
Additionally, fasting has been linked with improved mental health due to increased gratitude, mindfulness, and improved concentration, Dr Yasir said.
Dr Neelofer Jan Senior Resident at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir told KNO that several studies have shown that fasting can have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and also can help improve and decrease progression of various neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
“Fasting causes the human body to deplete its glucose stores. With no available glucose, the body converts stored fats into ketones. These ketones work as a fresh fuel to power-up the brain’s processes. Therefore, after the initial “brain fog” experienced during initial days of fasting, mind becomes much clearer and ability to focus is sharper. The neurons in the brain use this new fuel to enter a growth phase and create new synapses, which result in improved learning and memory,” she said.
A study published in Current Neuropharmacology in 2015 found that the short-term calorie restriction from fasting can boost anti-depressant chemicals in the brain. Dr Nelofar said that after a few days of fasting, the body adapts to starvation and starts to release high amounts of happy hormones including endorphins, norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain.

“Some studies have also demonstrated improved sleep patterns in patients with insomnia compared to pre-fasting levels and a possible decrease in migraine due to serotonin levels going up. Depending on the length of the fast, there is also an improvement in chronic inflammation,” she said.
“Chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing illnesses, like cardiovasculardiseases, rheumatoid arthritis,lupus, certain cancers, and also major mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.”
An extremely interesting phenomena discovered during fasting is known as autophagy as the brain breaks down old and damaged cells and recycles them into new ones, Dr Neelofar said.
“Through this self-eating process, the toxins are removed from the brain delaying the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Most of these findings have been confirmed on lab animals because controlled studies on human brain is difficult,” she said.
Studies have shown that children suffering from epileptic seizures had fewer incidences of seizures when placed on calorie restriction diet or fasting as it counteracts the over-excited signals exhibited in epileptic brain, she added—(KNO)
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#Fasting #reduce #anxiety #depression #Experts
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 9, 2023
Fasting Can Help Reduce Anxiety, Fight Depression: Experts

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SRINAGAR: Studies conducted across the world suggest that individuals who fast experience improvements in their symptoms of depression, anxiety and even stress levels.
Mental health experts note that fasting for a certain number of hours each day have a wide range of mental health benefits.
Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor in Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, GMC Srinagar said that research has found that fasting during Ramadan can have a positive psychological effect on individuals due to the feeling of connection with the community and spiritual well being.
“Studies have also shown that fasting can increase feelings of self discipline, self-control, empathy and compassion,” he said.
Additionally, fasting has been linked with improved mental health due to increased gratitude, mindfulness, and improved concentration, Dr Yasir said.
Dr Neelofer Jan Senior Resident at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir said that several studies have shown that fasting can have positive effects on mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and also can help improve and decrease progression of various neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.
“Fasting causes the human body to deplete its glucose stores. With no available glucose, body converts stored fats into ketones. Ketones further work as a fresh fuel to power-up the brain’s processes. Therefore, after the initial “brain fog” experienced during initial days of fasting, mind becomes much clearer and ability to focus is sharper. The neurons in the brain use this new fuel to enter a growth phase and create new synapses, which result in improved learning and memory,” she said.
A study published in Current Neuropharmacology in 2015 found that the short-term calorie restriction from fasting can boost anti-depressant chemicals in the brain.

Dr Nelofar said that after a few days of fasting, the body adapts to starvation and starts to release high amounts of happy hormones including endorphins, norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain.
“Some studies have also demonstrated improved sleep patterns in patients with insomnia compared to pre-fasting levels and a possible decrease in migraine due to serotonin levels going up. Depending on the length of the fast, there is also an improvement in chronic inflammation,” she said.
“Chronic inflammation increases the risk of developing illnesses, like cardiovasculardiseases, rheumatoid arthritis,lupus, certain cancers, and also major mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.”
An extremely interesting phenomena discovered during fasting is known as autophagy as the brain breaks down old and damaged cells and recycles them into new ones, Dr Neelofar said.
“Through this self-eating process, the toxins are removed from the brain delaying the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Most of these findings have been confirmed on lab animals because controlled studies on human brain is difficult,” she said. (KNO)

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#Fasting #Reduce #Anxiety #Fight #Depression #Experts
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 9, 2023
Fasting During Ramadan Aids In Quitting Smoking, Say Doctors

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SRINAGAR: Smoking can have an adverse impact on health and smokers are at higher risk of developing lung cancer. But Ramadan is a hope for smokers to quit smoking as it can generate a will power among them, doctors said.
Dr Fayaz Ahmad Bhat Assistant Professor Department of General Medicine at SKIMS Soura said that besides having enormous health benefits, fasting is the best opportunity for smokers to quit cigarette smoking.
He said that diabetic patients, who wish to keep fast, must take special care as it is not advisable for them to take long food breaks and taking some frequent meals after certain durations helps in maintaining their blood glucose level smoothly.
“Diabetic patients must check blood sugar levels frequently during fasting. If someone feels symptoms of hypoglycaemia, an instant blood sugar test should be done to prevent any untoward complication, he added.
“Diabetic patients could have slow absorbing foods, which have low glycaemic index, before you begin the fast. These types of food keep your blood glucose level more stable and smooth during the course of the fast.” Dr Fayaz said.
He said that diabetic patients must avoid long brisk walks while they are fasting to avoid hypoglycemia and dehydration, however they can go for a walk once they break their fast in the evening.
He said that patients suffering from chronic diseases must consult their treating doctor before starting fasting as many decompensate heart liver and kidney disease patients have to take diuretic medicines leading to frequent urination which can lead to dehydration.
He said that the general population who are on fasting must stay hydrated, take enough proteins, eat fibre rich diet, and eat foods containing essential micronutrients like iron, calcium and vitamin B12.

Dr Irfan from GMC Srinagar said that Ramadan is the best opportunity for people to leave bad habits like smoking as fasting develops a sense of patience in the person.
Ramadan is an opportunity to make significant changes in one’s lifestyle and develop the resolve to make healthy living choices, he said.
“The diet should be simple and not differ too much from one’s normal everyday diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups – like fruits and vegetables; bread, other cereals and potatoes; milk and meat; fish and dairy food alternatives; foods containing fat and foods containing sugar,” he added.
Overeating can not only harm the body, but it also interferes with a person’s spiritual growth during the month, he said. (KNO)

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#Fasting #Ramadan #Aids #Quitting #Smoking #Doctors
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 6, 2023
Justin, Hailey Bieber’s remark on Ramzan fasting irks Gauahar Khan

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Mumbai: Actor Gauahar Khan called out celebrity couple Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber for their comments on fasting during the holy month of Ramzan after they laughed over the aspects of ‘Roza’. In an online interview, Justin and Hailey made fun of people who observe fast during Ramzan. Justin was saying that fasting “deprives your body of nutrition.”
After watching the interview of Justin and Hailey, Bigg Boss fame Gauahar Khan took to her Instagram stories to call out the celebrity couple for making such an insensitive remark.

Justin and Hailey are seen discussing the concept of fasting in an interview shared by a page named Hijab Modern on Instagram. “I gotta really think about that, I have never really done it…I think our bodies need nutrition to think properly.” starts Justin.
Hailey then said that without having food for the whole day does not “make sense to her,” and further said, if you want to fast off the TV, fast off your phone, I think I believe in that more, but fasting off food… it never really made sense to me… or if you are fasting sweets or fasting sugar.”
“We’re totally like yeah, that’s why you are stupid!” she concluded.
The comments made by Justin and Hailey did not go well with Gauahar Khan and she posted the video on her Instagram Stories and wrote in the caption, “Just proves how dumb they are. Only if they knew about the science behind it. And the health benefits from it! Get an education @Justinbieber and @haileybieber. Its okay to have an opinion btw! But be intelligent enough to put forth correctly.”
What do you think? Should celebrities make such statements which hurt sentiments of any particular community? Do mention your opinion in the comments section.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 1, 2023
Doctors list health benefits of fasting

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Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 31: The month of fast along with blessings bring health benefits for people, experts said.
Doctors said that fasting helps in weight loss, improves blood sugar control and decreases inflammation.
Dr Fayaz Ahmad Bhat Assistant Professor Department of General Medicine at SKIMS Soura told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that fasting gives discipline and patience besides decreasing chances of developing diabetes and other metabolic syndrome disorders.
He said there remains less chances of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver and other diseases in people who fast as compared to people who don’t.
Recent studies suggest that fasting lowers chances of neurological diseases and cancer, he said, adding that it has been also found that people who eat less have good memory besides good overall neurological status and their lifespan is more as compared to those who eat more.
“Fasting helps in regeneration of stem cells that helps in making of any tissue or organ in the body besides that mental stability and it can help you in getting rid of dementia,” he said.
“Stem cells play an important role in regeneration because they can develop into many different cell types in the body and renew themselves millions of times,” he said.

He said that fasting promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance, promotes better health by fighting inflammation, may enhance heart health by improving blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels, may boost brain function and prevent neurodegenerative disorders and aids weight loss by limiting calorie intake and boosting metabolism.
Dr Fayaz said that fasting helps in cancer prevention and increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy besides fasting helps in the detoxification process of body and reboots the immune system of individuals.
Noted doctor S M Qadri told KNO that studies suggest that fasting helps in reduction of weight mainly among men besides that it helps in reduction of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, sometimes called “bad” cholesterol that increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Dr Owais from GMC Anantnag said that fasting has several health benefits as it helps in decreasing chronic inflammations that may be involved in the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
It also helps in weight loss by limiting calorie intake and boosting metabolism and may also help in better brain functioning, he said.
He said that fasting increases growth hormone secretion, which is vital for growth, metabolism, weight loss, and muscle strength—(KNO)
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( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

March 31, 2023
If Moon Sighted On April 20, People To Go For Qaza Fasting After Eid: Grand Mufti

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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Tuesday said that Shab-e-Qadr will be observed on April 17 while as Eid moon will be sighted on April 20 and in case moon is sighted on April 20, people will have to offer Qaza fasting of a day.
In his statement to the press following a lengthy meeting of Ulema which included prominent figures such as Maulana Rahmatullah Qasmi, Ghulam Rasool Hami, and Prof Muhammad Tayib Kamili, as well as Moulana Aga Syed Al Hassan Mousavi, Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, Moulana Fayaz Ahmed Rizvi, Masroor Abbas Ansari, and others, the Grand Mufti declared: “April 17th will mark the observance of Shab-e-Qadr. On April 20th, the moon sighting will take place, and if the moon is sighted, individuals will be required to observe one day of Qaza fasting after Eid.”
He said any decision regarding Eid will be made public after thorough consultation with Ulema. “MeT department will also be consulted before any announcement,” he said.
It is worth noting that there was a dispute regarding the start of fasting in Kashmir. The Grand Mufti had recommended that people begin fasting from Friday, while the majority of individuals had already started fasting from Thursday.
The Grand Mufti had explained that he had not received any testimony about sighting the Ramadhan crescent on Wednesday evening. Additionally, he called for the release of Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq, Moulana Abdur Rashid Dawodi, and other Ulema who are currently detained in different prisons.(KNO)

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 28, 2023
As Ramzan begins, China’s Muslims face fasting ban, monitoring

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Washington: As Muslims around the world prepare to begin the holy month of Ramzan, Muslims in China are facing fasting ban while their cultural and religious traditions are increasingly coming under attack, according to a media report.
Uyghurs in the northwestern region of Xinjiang are being ordered not to allow their children to fast, with the latter being quizzed by the authorities as to whether their parents are fasting, local officials and rights groups said, RFA reported.
“During Ramzan, the authorities are requiring 1,811 villages [in Xinjiang] to implement a round-the-clock monitoring system, including spot home inspections of Uyghur families,” World Uyghur Congress spokesperson Dilshat Rishit said, RFA reported.
During Ramzan, Muslims are called to fast during daylight hours.
China’s 11.4 million Hui Muslims close-knit ethnic Chinese communities who have maintained their Muslim faith over centuries are in danger of being erased entirely under the Communist Party’s draconian religious rules, rights groups have warned in a new report.
They have been identified by Beijing as “a threat to be resolved through forcible assimilation”, said a report from a coalition of rights groups, including the Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), RFA reported.
This is in stark contrast to the relative freedom they enjoyed before President Xi Jinping launched a renewed attack on religious worship, forcing Christians, Muslims and Buddhists alike to submit to party control and censorship of their religious lives under his “sinicisation”, the report said.
“Hui community members were able to openly participate in mosque communities, Arabic schools, and for private worship, albeit under restrictions facilitated by party liaisons. Hui entrepreneurs were encouraged to develop business and tourism connections with the wider Muslim world as part of the Belt and Road Initiative,” it said, RFA reported.

China has also targeted Muslim communities with its “ethnic unity” campaign under which officials impose Han Chinese “relatives” on ethnic minority Uyghur families, who then put pressure on them to observe non-Muslim traditions, including drinking alcohol and eating pork.
“Unity” policies haven taken place in Xinjiang against the backdrop of the mass incarceration of at least 1.8 million Uyghurs and other ethnic minority Muslims in “re-education” camps, and their involvement in forced labour, as well as amid reports of the systemic rape, sexual abuse, and forced sterilization of Uyghur women in the camps, RFA reported.
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#Ramzan #begins #Chinas #Muslims #face #fasting #ban #monitoring
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 24, 2023
Muslim players in English Premier League granted break for fasting during Ramzan

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The referees in the Premier League and English Football Association (EFL) have reportedly been asked to pause evening matches in the United Kingdom during the holy month of Ramzan to allow Muslim players to break their fast.
According to the British “Sky Sports” network, the Referees Committee of the English Football Association (EFL) instructed the referees to allow the players to break their fast during the matches that will be held in the evening in Ramzan.
It is worth noting that some of the most known footballers in the country, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, and Chelsea’s N’golo Kante, are expected to take part in the dawn-to-dusk fast that this month begins, in compliance with their faith.
As per media reports, the referees will give the players the opportunity to drink water or soft drinks when it is time to break the fast.
Before kick-off, officials will be encouraged to identify any players who may need to break their fast during the match.
It is noteworthy that the English Premier League competitions will witness three full rounds, in addition to six postponed matches throughout the month of Ramzan, with a total of 36 matches within three weeks.
The English Premier League previously witnessed a similar situation on April 26, 2021, when referee Graham Scott stopped the match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in order to allow space for the players— Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate o break the fast, but this was not on official instructions.
It was believed to be the first time that an English top-level fixture had been paused to allow Muslim players to eat and drink mid-game, with Fofana tweeting his thanks afterwards.

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#Muslim #players #English #Premier #League #granted #break #fasting #Ramzan
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 23, 2023
Muslim players in English Premier League granted break for fasting during Ramzan

[ad_1]
The referees in the Premier League and English Football Association (EFL) have reportedly been asked to pause evening matches in the United Kingdom during the holy month of Ramzan to allow Muslim players to break their fast.
According to the British “Sky Sports” network, the Referees Committee of the English Football Association (EFL) instructed the referees to allow the players to break their fast during the matches that will be held in the evening in Ramzan.
It is worth noting that some of the most known footballers in the country, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, and Chelsea’s N’golo Kante, are expected to take part in the dawn-to-dusk fast that this month begins, in compliance with their faith.
As per media reports, the referees will give the players the opportunity to drink water or soft drinks when it is time to break the fast.
Before kick-off, officials will be encouraged to identify any players who may need to break their fast during the match.
It is noteworthy that the English Premier League competitions will witness three full rounds, in addition to six postponed matches throughout the month of Ramzan, with a total of 36 matches within three weeks.
The English Premier League previously witnessed a similar situation on April 26, 2021, when referee Graham Scott stopped the match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace in order to allow space for the players— Wesley Fofana and Cheikhou Kouyate o break the fast, but this was not on official instructions.
It was believed to be the first time that an English top-level fixture had been paused to allow Muslim players to eat and drink mid-game, with Fofana tweeting his thanks afterwards.

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#Muslim #players #English #Premier #League #granted #break #fasting #Ramzan
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 23, 2023
No evidence of Ramadhan moon sighting received, first day of fasting on Friday: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam | KNO
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No evidence of Ramadhan moon sighting received, first day of fasting on Friday: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam | KNO – Kashmir Publication
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No evidence of Ramadhan moon sighting received, first day of fasting on Friday: Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam | KNO