Every year, many Muslims fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Meaning they don’t eat or drink anything from roughly before sunrise until after sunset. Ramadan of 2020 falls during the coronavirus outbreak and people are curious about the health implications. Research has shown that Ramadan fasting lowers levels of cholesterol and chemicals causing inflammation. Inflammation is normally a good thing, it’s part of our body’s natural immune response to an infection. However, too much inflammation is dangerous, so fasting may lower the potential for excessive inflammation. Another study suggests that Ramadan fasting reduces the risk of tuberculosis infection. There’s no guarantee that fasting will make you COVID free, but it’s good to know the potential impact it has on our immune system. Facts behind fasting are fascinating, try saying that five times FAST! Pun fully intended.

Written and reported by Bahareh Sorouri. Production consultant, Anny Celsi.

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