Syed Batool Andrabi
Srinagar: Fasting has been linked to various mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. Several studies suggest that fasting influences brain chemistry, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Experts explain how fasting affects the brain and its potential role in managing mental health conditions.
Psychological Effects of Fasting
Dr. Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, GMC Srinagar, said that research has found fasting during Ramadan has psychological benefits. He said fasting creates a sense of connection with the community and enhances spiritual well-being. He said studies show that fasting improves self-discipline, self-control, empathy, and compassion.
Dr. Neelofer Jan, senior researcher at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir, said fasting can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. She said it may also slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Impact on Brain Function
Dr. Neelofer said fasting depletes glucose stores, forcing the body to use stored fats as an alternative energy source. She said this process produces ketones, which the brain uses for energy. She said after an initial adjustment period, cognitive function improves, and learning and memory processes become more efficient.
She said a study published in Current Neuropharmacology found that short-term calorie restriction increases anti-depressant chemicals in the brain. She said fasting triggers the release of endorphins, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which play a role in regulating mood.
Effect on Sleep and Inflammation
She said some studies suggest fasting improves sleep patterns in individuals with insomnia and reduces migraines due to increased serotonin levels. She said fasting may also reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Autophagy and Brain Health
Dr. Neelofer said fasting activates autophagy, a process where the brain removes damaged cells and recycles them. She said this mechanism helps clear toxins and may slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. She said most studies on this process have been conducted on lab animals due to difficulties in controlled human studies.
She said studies have shown that children with epilepsy had fewer seizures when placed on a calorie-restricted diet or fasting, as it reduces overactive brain signals.
Research on Anxiety and Depression
Dr. Nisa, a psychologist at JLNM Hospital Rainawari Srinagar, said a 2021 study found that individuals who fasted had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not fast.
Srinagar: Fasting has been linked to various mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. Several studies suggest that fasting influences brain chemistry, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Experts explain how fasting affects the brain and its potential role in managing mental health conditions.
Psychological Effects of Fasting
Dr. Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, GMC Srinagar, said that research has found fasting during Ramadan has psychological benefits. He said fasting creates a sense of connection with the community and enhances spiritual well-being. He said studies show that fasting improves self-discipline, self-control, empathy, and compassion.
Dr. Neelofer Jan, senior researcher at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir, said fasting can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. She said it may also slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Impact on Brain Function
Dr. Neelofer said fasting depletes glucose stores, forcing the body to use stored fats as an alternative energy source. She said this process produces ketones, which the brain uses for energy. She said after an initial adjustment period, cognitive function improves, and learning and memory processes become more efficient.
She said a study published in Current Neuropharmacology found that short-term calorie restriction increases anti-depressant chemicals in the brain. She said fasting triggers the release of endorphins, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which play a role in regulating mood.
Effect on Sleep and Inflammation
She said some studies suggest fasting improves sleep patterns in individuals with insomnia and reduces migraines due to increased serotonin levels. She said fasting may also reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Autophagy and Brain Health
Dr. Neelofer said fasting activates autophagy, a process where the brain removes damaged cells and recycles them. She said this mechanism helps clear toxins and may slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. She said most studies on this process have been conducted on lab animals due to difficulties in controlled human studies.
She said studies have shown that children with epilepsy had fewer seizures when placed on a calorie-restricted diet or fasting, as it reduces overactive brain signals.
Research on Anxiety and Depression
Dr. Nisa, a psychologist at JLNM Hospital Rainawari Srinagar, said a 2021 study found that individuals who fasted had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not fast.
