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The holy month of Ramadan is just around the corner. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to observe fasting for one month. In the time of fasting, your eating habits would change as you can only eat and drink before dawn, and after dusk. Yourbody will change its metabolism system quickly to adapt to the new eating habit. For that, you may need to help your body by doing some preparations.
Fasting can change your body's metabolism.
Unlike in normal days, at the time of fasting, you will only be able to have two meals. Youre not allowed to eat and also drink for approximately for 13 hours. Changes in eating habits can certainly change how the body utilizes nutrients to use.
During fasting, your bodys metabolism will slowdown due to the limited amount of energy source youre consuming. This could lead to the lack energy. To keep it from happening, your body will then slow down its functions, so the energy used is more efficient and energy reserves are available longer.
How to prepare your body for the fasting month?
Prepare your body before fasting by changing your eating habits to be healthier and more organized. So, your body will later be familiar with the lag time between meals during a longer fasting time. Some nutrients are essential to be consumed during suhoor (meal before fasting) so that your body will be in a healthy condition all day.
Some important nutrients you should get are carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins. Not to forget, important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and zinc.
Vitamin C and zinc are also important to boost the immune system. It will keep you from getting sick before and during fasting, despite the lesser food intake. Vitamin C serves to protect the cells in the body to keep you in a good condition. It also acts as an antioxidant that can protect cells from damages due to free radicals.
Meanwhile, zinc is involved in various aspects of metabolism in cells, such as to support the immune system to function properly. Zinc also plays an important role in breaking down carbohydrates. Thus, meeting the needs of zinc during fasting can also help prevent you from feeling weak due to the lack of energy.
You can get sources of vitamin C and zinc from a variety of foods, such as fruits, green vegetables, meat, chicken, beans, milk and other dairy products. If you cant get them from food, you can turn to supplements.
The article was previously published inHellosehat.comand all medical data have been reviewed by a licensed medical doctor.
(brl/red)
