Food Food Everywhere.
Globalization has opened the doors to multicultural food and cuisines across the world. With countless options to choose from, we are eating more and more. Why shouldn't we, when there are such delicacies to relish around us?
With such extensive food varieties, it’s very hard to resist our desires to eat more. Sometimes, even with a full stomach, we try to make more room for more food because we haven’t tasted it all!
Consequences.
Eventually, this results in overeating, which is obviously not good for us. Overeating can cause a range of health problems involving multiple systems and organs in our body.
Excessive calorie intake contributes to cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and stroke.
Metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are closely tied to overeating and unhealthy eating patterns.
Respiratory issues like sleep apnea and asthma can worsen due to the excess weight gained through overeating.
Musculoskeletal problems, including osteoarthritis and joint pain, are common complications associated with excess body weight.
Overeating also contributes to gastrointestinal issues such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gallbladder disease.
Endocrine disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer, are linked to overeating.
Psychological and mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, often accompany the complex relationship between emotional well-being and overeating.
Reproductive health problems, skin issues, gynecological complications, increased surgical risks, and a reduced life expectancy are all interconnected outcomes of the adverse effects of overeating on overall health.
According to the WHO, global obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were found to be overweight, with over 650 million being obese.
Eating in Islam.
Islam preaches about eating less and not filling the stomach to the fullest.
Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'The worst vessel the son of Adam ever fills is his stomach. A few mouthfuls are sufficient for him to preserve his strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for his breath.'" (Jami`at-Tirmidhi 2381)
In the following hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) differentiated a believer from a
non-believer based on his eating habits.
”Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) or a hypocrite eats in seven intestines (eats too much). (Sahih al-Bukhari 5394)
Overeating and growing a big belly are also not appreciated in Islam.
Once Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, saw a man with a large belly and he said, “What is this?” The man said, “It is a blessing from Allah.” Umar said, “No, rather it is a punishment.”
It is a punishment as it leads to various ailments one suffers from due to it.
Not eating/fasting in Islam.
Fasting is observed by Muslims worldwide during the month of Ramadan. It’s also a foundational pillar of faith in Islam. Fasting in Ramadan involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. While individual experiences may vary, research suggests several potential health benefits associated with Ramadan fasting. Here's a list of some of these benefits:
Weight Management: Ramadan fasting may help in weight management by promoting calorie reduction and improved eating habits during the limited eating window.
Improved Lipid Profile: Studies have shown that Ramadan fasting can lead to improvements in lipid profile, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Fasting during Ramadan may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can benefit individuals with diabetes.
Enhanced Brain Function: Some research suggests that intermittent fasting, such as Ramadan fasting, may support brain health by promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing cognitive function.
Detoxification and Cellular Repair: Fasting periods, such as those observed during Ramadan, allow the body to engage in autophagy, a process where damaged cells are broken down and recycled, potentially promoting detoxification and cellular repair, which also helps in fighting cancer cells.
Other forms of not eating/ less eating and their benefits.
Caloric Restriction and Longevity: Numerous studies have explored the relationship between caloric restriction and increased lifespan. Some research suggests that reducing calorie intake without malnutrition may lead to increased longevity.
Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Health: Studies have indicated that intermittent fasting, which involves cycles of eating and fasting improve insulin sensitivity, blood lipid profiles, and other metabolic markers.
Reduced Caloric Intake and Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that reduced caloric intake or intermittent fasting might have positive effects on cognitive function and brain health.
Weight Management and Caloric Intake: Studies consistently show that reducing caloric intake is a key factor in weight management and preventing obesity-related diseases.
Fasting and Cellular Repair: Research also suggests that fasting triggers cellular repair processes, including autophagy, where cells remove damaged components.
Conclusion:
”Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, ”Your body has a right over you," (Sahih al-Bukhari 5199 )
Our body is a sacred gift from God, and we are responsible and accountable for it. To take good care of our bodies, we need to attend to its various needs like sleeping, eating, and cleanliness in the best possible way. Neglecting any of our body's needs or abusing it in a manner that harms it in the short or long term is wrong and also against Islamic teachings.
Overeating is one of the ways in which people abuse and harm their bodies. We should not eat without thinking by unconsciously following the brainwashing advertising campaigns of big profit-making food companies, but we should practice mindful eating, i.e., eating the right quantities of the right food, which benefits our bodies in both the short and long term.
This body of ours is a masterpiece; let’s value it and look after it in the best possible way.
"Allah says,"We created humanity in the best of molds" (Quran 95:4).
Note: Always consider the context, individual health conditions, and consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to dietary habits.
Sources:
1 "Effects of intermittent fasting on health markers in those with type 2 diabetes.”
2 "Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans" (Witte et al., 2009).
3 "Long-term effects of 4 popular diets on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors" (Shai et al., 2008).
4 "Autophagy in human health and disease" (Levine and Klionsky, 2004).
5 Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on body composition in adolescents - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533633/
6 Effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989827/
7The effects of fasting during Ramadan on glycemic excursions detected by continuous glucose monitoring system - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27782734/
8 Source: Intermittent fasting interventions for treatment of overweight and obesity in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31069575/
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