SBS Arabic24 speaks to a health expert about fasting during Ramadan and whether it affects your immune system.
Ramadan is the month in which Muslim people gather together more than any other month of the year, in various social events and religious activities.
Social distancing restrictions imposed by the federal government to fight the spread of coronavirus have significantly changed the way Muslims will observe the holy month, its traditions, and spirituality.
However, the major element of the month is not affected, as most healthy Muslims will be able to fast and worship despite these social boundaries.
In Australia, Muslims will fast for around 12 hours while the sun is up. The fast is broken during Iftar, which is the first meal consumed when the sun has set.
Fasting requires abstinence from food and drink.
But, does fasting increase the chance of getting coronavirus?
General practitioner Dr Sanaa Kanan tells SBS Arabic24 that there is no scientific evidence to prove that fasting suppresses the immune system.
However, this advice relates to healthy people who do not suffer from chronic diseases.
“People who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, respiratory system, immunodeficiency diseases, etc, are the people who are most at risk of contracting infectious diseases such as the coronavirus,” she says.
Dr Kanan advises people suffering from chronic diseases and pregnant women to be careful and consult their GP or their specialist to see if they should fast or not.
“These people can be affected if they fast during the month of Ramadan.
“But healthy people who do not suffer from any diseases related to lungs or immune system, there is no scientific study that proves that their fasting will reduce their immunity system efficiency to fight diseases. This advice includes people who follow the intermittent fasting diet.
