It was Chennai's fifth win from nine matches as they moved to third place in the points table with 10 points
cricket9 hours ago
Fasting boosts one’s immunity and protects the body to fight off infection, medical experts said ahead of Arafat Day — the holiest day for Muslims. Known as the day of repentance, Muslims who couldn’t go for Haj pilgrimage, spend their day fasting to repent their sins.
Doctors of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) noted that apart from the blessings of fasting on the day, there are many health benefits, too.
Dr Salama Mohamed Al Hosani, physician and health operations management, headquarter division, Ambulatory Healthcare Services, explained: “When we begin to fast, the body initially breaks down several immune fighting white blood cells. It instinctively knows to start saving energy and one way it does this is by killing off old or damaged immune cells. Nevertheless, it quickly adjusts and triggers the regeneration of new cells, therefore increasing the number of immune-boosting cells that we have.”
Asked what happens to the body during fasting, Dr Al Hosani said: “When a fast lasts for 12 hours a day or more, the cells in the body that support the immune response and attack invading pathogens leave the bloodstream when we stop eating as the nutrient content becomes low. They migrate to bone marrow, which is nutrient-dense, where they begin to regenerate and become supercharged, and as a result, better protect the body from infection.”
However, fasting is not for everyone, medics said. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, for example, are advised not to fast.
“This is especially important for women with pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or concerns with baby’s growth, women in their first trimester, especially for those experiencing nausea and vomiting, as it can increase the chance of dehydration, and mothers who are breastfeeding babies less than six months of age, as the baby is completely dependent on the mother’s milk,” said Dr Fatma Al Sayegh, Emirati specialist for obstetrics and gynaecology at Corniche Hospital.
Dr Al Sayegh added that diabetic patients must consult their doctor prior to fasting.
“Fasting can cause blood sugar levels to become too low, leading to a hypoglycemic episode, or too high, both of which can be extremely dangerous,” she said, adding that people must not overeat after ending their fast.
Immune boosters to include in diet after ending fast
>Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, kale, and broccoli
>Vitamin B6 – Found in bananas, green vegetables, and hummus
>Vitamin E – Found in nuts and seeds
>Food groups to avoid: Fatty and sugary foods, and processed foods and meat.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
It was Chennai's fifth win from nine matches as they moved to third place in the points table with 10 points
cricket9 hours ago
Earlier, Arsenal held on for a pulsating 3-2 win over arch rivals Tottenham
football10 hours ago
Samsung cuts through the flaff with its Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, providing all the essential features you need at an affordable price
tech reviews10 hours ago
The country has several beaches and with that comes countless options to indulge in a hearty breakfast
food10 hours ago
In a touching Instagram post, Bipasha shared adorable pictures of themselves
entertainment10 hours ago
In this opulent saga, Bhansali delves into the world of Basra pearls
entertainment10 hours ago
The news comes just two days after his rape conviction was overturned by the New York Court of Appeals
entertainment10 hours ago
The AFI Life Achievement Award is the highest accolade granted by the American Film Institute
entertainment10 hours ago