Volume 16, Issue 3 (May & June 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(3): 217-230 |
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Ethics code: IR.MAZUMS.RIB.REC.1403.072.
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Shirvani E, Asadi P, Vahdani M, Jahandideh H, Shahnazari M, Tavassolizadeh F, et al . Health Implications of Ramadan Fasting in Healthy and Eligible Individuals: A Narrative Review. J Research Health 2026; 16 (3) :217-230
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2759-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2759-en.html
Esmaeel Shirvani1 
, Pooran Asadi1 , Mahdi Vahdani1 , Hamidreza Jahandideh1 , Melika Shahnazari1 , Fatemeh Tavassolizadeh1 , Hoorasa Babapour Golafshani1 , Samaneh Farrokhfar2
, Pooran Asadi1 , Mahdi Vahdani1 , Hamidreza Jahandideh1 , Melika Shahnazari1 , Fatemeh Tavassolizadeh1 , Hoorasa Babapour Golafshani1 , Samaneh Farrokhfar2
1- Student Research Committee, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran.
2- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran. ,samanefarrokhfar@gmail.com
2- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran. ,
Abstract: (53 Views)
Background: Ramadan fasting is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims. During this period, eating and drinking are restricted from Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset). Given the large Muslim population and the growing integration of spirituality and religion into medical settings, robust scientific studies on the medical implications of religious practices are necessary. Considering the Islamic prohibition of fasting for the sick, this review aimed to examine the physiological effects and potential challenges of Ramadan fasting in healthy individuals, with a focus on various body systems.
Methods: This narrative review involved a qualitative analysis of studies retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The included studies examined the effects of Islamic fasting on various body systems and their cellular mechanisms. Articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included in the search. A total of 299 articles were included in the study, and after appropriate screening and selecting those that met the inclusion criteria, 81 articles were finally analyzed. To avoid redundancy, only novel findings were emphasized, and the benefits and potential harms of Ramadan fasting in healthy individuals were summarized.
Results: The results of various studies show that Islamic fasting, a form of intermittent fasting, has beneficial effects on various body systems, improving cellular and tissue function. Although Islamic fasting can sometimes cause some temporary disturbances even in healthy people. To mitigate these potential disturbances, suggested strategies include balanced meals, adequate hydration, regular sleep, and lifestyle adjustments.
Conclusion: By evaluating the results of various studies, it can be safely said that healthy Muslims can use fasting not only for spiritual benefits but also to improve their physical health.
Methods: This narrative review involved a qualitative analysis of studies retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The included studies examined the effects of Islamic fasting on various body systems and their cellular mechanisms. Articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included in the search. A total of 299 articles were included in the study, and after appropriate screening and selecting those that met the inclusion criteria, 81 articles were finally analyzed. To avoid redundancy, only novel findings were emphasized, and the benefits and potential harms of Ramadan fasting in healthy individuals were summarized.
Results: The results of various studies show that Islamic fasting, a form of intermittent fasting, has beneficial effects on various body systems, improving cellular and tissue function. Although Islamic fasting can sometimes cause some temporary disturbances even in healthy people. To mitigate these potential disturbances, suggested strategies include balanced meals, adequate hydration, regular sleep, and lifestyle adjustments.
Conclusion: By evaluating the results of various studies, it can be safely said that healthy Muslims can use fasting not only for spiritual benefits but also to improve their physical health.
Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
● Health Systems
Received: 2025/03/5 | Accepted: 2025/08/26 | Published: 2026/03/14
Received: 2025/03/5 | Accepted: 2025/08/26 | Published: 2026/03/14
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