Psychiatrist Reveals Fasting is also Beneficial for Brain Health

Dream - Hunger and thirst during fasting are actually not in vain. Fasting can bring many benefits to the body, including vital organs such as the brain.

During fasting, the body receives extraordinary benefits, one of which is due to limited food and drink intake. This condition apparently provides benefits to the body's organs in general, because the body's metabolism decreases or the body can rest.

“The body will use glucose as the main energy for metabolism in the body, including metabolism in the brain,” writes Dr. Ida Rochmawati, M.Sc., Sp.KJ (K), a psychiatrist on her personal Instagram account @newidapsikiater.

The body has stored reserve energy in the liver in the form of glycogen and fatty acids. This is considered good because the glycogen and fatty acids stored in the liver are used up, stimulating the formation of new energy reserves.

What is the Connection with the Brain?

Dr. Ida explains that during fasting, the brain also uses glycogen and fatty acids as a source of energy. The fatty acids will be broken down through a process called ketosis.

The new energy intake from this ketosis process will stimulate a process of renewal in brain cells, scientifically known as autophagy. Because of this series of processes, brain cells will be renewed, so that brain performance will be better than before.

“So, fasting not only renews piety but also renews the cells in our brain,” she said.

 Report: Devi Tri Aprilianza / Source: Instagram @newidapsikiater 

5 Ways to Avoid Sleepiness During Fasting

Dream - Hunger and thirst are not the only difficult challenges during fasting. Sleepiness is also very hard to resist, especially in the afternoon. 

Decreased blood sugar levels during fasting make the body weak and the brain difficult to concentrate, resulting in drowsiness. Sleepiness tends to occur between 2 and 5 pm, which can affect a person's work productivity.

You may be able to drink coffee or eat snacks to overcome sleepiness on regular days, but during fasting, you need to find alternatives to stay fresh while doing activities. According to Hrinasia.com, here are some things that can be applied during Ramadan to stay fresh and avoid sleepiness.

1. Get Enough Sleep at Night

Photo: Shutterstock

Sleep patterns change during fasting because you have to wake up before dawn for suhoor. This change causes people to often feel sleepy during the day.

Make sure you get enough and quality sleep at night to prevent drowsiness in the morning and afternoon. Sleep earlier than usual to maintain your sleep schedule.

2. Take a Nap

Photo: Shutterstock

You can take advantage of lunchtime to take a nap for about 5-20 minutes. After a nap, your mind will be fresher to complete office tasks.

3. Rest Your Eyes

Rest your eyes if you often use gadgets. Shift your gaze to wider and farther objects.

If necessary, look at fresh and green areas to make your eyes and mind fresher. Do it periodically so that your eyes do not get tired easily and cause drowsiness.

4. Wash Your Face

When you feel sleepy, go to the toilet and wash your face with cold water. This method has been proven to reduce drowsiness while working. Cold water also helps you relax and feel refreshed, so you can concentrate again.

5. Stretch Your Body

Photo: Shutterstock

Do simple stretches to relax your muscles. You can also take a walk around the area for a few minutes to improve blood circulation, increase oxygen supply to the brain, and ward off drowsiness.

Report: Devi Tri Aprilianza