As Ramadan approaches, UAE doctors are highlighting the psychological benefits of fasting, emphasizing its positive impact on mental health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Beyond its religious significance, fasting has gained scientific recognition for its ability to regulate stress hormones, improve focus, and promote emotional stability. Experts note that fasting can enhance cognitive function by promoting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, with reduced glucose levels and increased ketones serving as alternative energy sources for the brain. This process may improve focus, alertness, and mental clarity while triggering the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports learning, memory, and cognitive resilience.
Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can improve memory and brain function, with healthcare professionals explaining its effects on neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. The practice may also enhance emotional regulation by reducing inflammation associated with depression and mood disorders. Regular intermittent fasting has been linked to improved mood and emotional stability by balancing blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and mood swings.
Research suggests that fasting can activate adaptive stress responses, strengthening the brain’s resilience to stress. The autophagic process activated during fasting aids in cellular repair and brain function, contributing to a more stable mood. While some studies have noted short-term increases in depression, anxiety, and irritability during fasting, the majority of research indicates that participants experience increased feelings of calmness, euphoria, and emotional balance.
Fasting also plays a crucial role in developing self-control from both psychological and neurological perspectives. Abstaining from food and other pleasures for a set period demands discipline, delayed gratification, and mental resilience, reinforcing the self-control mechanism. This voluntary restriction of an essential need trains the brain to resist impulsive behavior, enhancing willpower and overall self-regulation in various areas of life, including emotional control and decision-making.
