How is Intermittent Fasting Different from Fasting during Ramadan?
Intermittent fasting has become the buzzword in the world of nutrition and weight loss, with its popularity on the rise due to its potential health benefits. This dietary pattern involves alternating periods of fasting and eating, which can take several different forms. The most common method is the 16/8 approach, where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window each day. Others may choose to restrict calorie intake on certain days of the week. During the fasting periods, you can have small amounts of low-calorie fluids like water, tea, or coffee but no solid foods.
On the other hand, fasting during Ramadan is a religious practice observed by Muslims worldwide. This month-long fast involves avoiding eating from dusk to dawn, with the daily fast breaking at sunset with a meal called Iftar. There are several differences between intermittent fasting and Ramadan fasting, and we'll explore them all in this article. So, keep reading to learn more!
Difference Between Fasting in Ramadan & Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting and fasting during Ramadan are two practices that involve abstaining from food and drink for a period of time. However, there are some key differences between these two types of fasting that are important to understand.
1. Fasting Time duration
Firstly, intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves limiting the amount of time during which you eat. This means that individuals following an intermittent fasting routine will restrict their eating to a specific window of time each day, typically between 8-10 hours, and fast for the remaining 14-16 hours. On the other hand, fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset each day, for a period of one month.
2. Fasting Days
Another significant difference between intermittent fasting and fasting during Ramadan is the frequency of fasting days. While intermittent fasting allows for flexibility in terms of the number of fasting days per week, fasting during Ramadan involves a strict daily fast for an entire month.
3. Cultural & Religious
Additionally, the cultural and religious significance of fasting during Ramadan is different from that of intermittent fasting. Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, and fasting during this time is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of Muslim life. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, is a personal choice that is not necessarily linked to any particular faith or cultural tradition.
What’s Common Between These Two Types of Fasting?
Despite the differences you have read above, both intermittent fasting and fasting during Ramadan have potential health benefits. Intermittent fasting has been associated with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation, while fasting during Ramadan is also linked with improvements in healthy cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and weight reduction.
Except for these physical benefits, Ramadan fasting provides you with spiritual and psychological benefits as well. Fasting during Ramadan increases your mindfulness, gratitude, and empathy and makes you a compassionate human being.
How Does Fasting Help You Lose Weight?
Because the link between weight loss and fasting, whether it’s Ramadan fasting or intermittent fasting, is rounding on the internet, learn how fasting can help you trim your body.
1. To begin with, intermittent fasting works by reducing your calorie intake and increasing your metabolism. When you fast, your body enters a state of ketosis, in which it begins to break down stored fat for energy, because you are not constantly taking food for energy purposes. This can lead to weight loss over time.
2. Additionally, studies have shown intermittent fasting increases levels of human growth hormone (HGH), which can help preserve muscle mass and promote fat loss.
3. It also helps regulate insulin levels, which can reduce the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
4. Fasting during Ramadan works similarly; by boosting your caloric burn & metabolism. During the fasting period, your body will get energy from the already stored glycogen molecules. Moreover, your body will be in a state of ketosis and burning stored fat for energy. This will help you shed your extra pounds during Ramadan.
5. However, it's important to note that fasting during Ramadan can also lead to weight gain if you consume excessive amounts of food during the non-fasting period. Therefore, it's important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during the non-fasting period to avoid overeating and potential weight gain.
Role of Food Supplements in Weight Management
Nutrifactor’s Leanax and Green Tea Complex are two of the best supplements that can help you manage your weight by boosting your metabolism and detoxifying your body. Moreover, you can also take a good quality multivitamin such as Multifactor during non-fasting hours to keep your energy levels maintained.
Conclusion:
In summary, both intermittent fasting and fasting during Ramadan can help you reduce weight through the mechanisms of reducing caloric intake, increasing metabolism, and promoting fat loss. However, it's important to maintain a balanced diet during non-fasting periods to avoid overeating and potential weight gain.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-guide
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26135345/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22742901/
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/intermittent-fasting-fad-or-solution