Ramadan Fasting During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Observance of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Criteria for Improving the Immune System

Abstract

Fasting is one of the religious rituals of Muslims worldwide who refrain from eating foods and liquids every year during Ramadan. This year (2020), Ramadan is very different from previous years due to the outbreak of a terrible microscopic giant called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic COVID-19 has made Ramadan very important this year because the virus has infected millions of people around the world and killed thousands, especially people with immunodeficiency. In dealing with COVID-19, maintaining good hygiene and supporting the immune system are effective, preventive approaches. Moderate exercise training and proper nutrition are the most important factors to support immune function. Lack of facilities, poor health and many traditions that lead to public community gatherings have made many Islamic countries susceptible to this dangerous virus. In such an unprecedented situation, there are many Muslims who doubt whether they can fast or not. Therefore, the proposal of usable exercise programs and effective nutritional strategies is imperative. In this study, we will look at the proposed health effects of fasting and its impact on the immune system, the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on resting values and responses of immunological/antioxidant biomarkers in elite and recreational athletes, together with the important health, nutrition, and exercise advice that fasting people need to follow in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Preventive behaviours and family inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in China

“…The present study found that the utilization of indoor protection (32.9%) was lower than that of outdoor protection (72.1%), results similar to those of a previous study [ 29 ]. Indoor preventive behaviours could easily be overlooked for various reasons.…”

“…Indoor preventive behaviours could easily be overlooked for various reasons. Exercise and nutritional supply were more focused on immunity improvement, but its effect was not as immediate [ 29 ]. Weak perception by the residents was manifested by a lack of identification with the information, leading to superficial and ineffective information processing [ 13 , 30 ].…”

Investigation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Protection Among Different Types of Workers Returning to Work Under COVID-19 Epidemic

“…In addition, special attention should be paid to the adjustment of negative emotions. Studies have shown that medical workers are more likely to have psychological problems (14,15). So far, the global epidemic prevention and control is still in a critical period, and some areas have been in a state of resumption of work.…”

Monitoring and Analysis of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Need for an Empirical Approach

“…With more than 150 million confirmed cases and more than 3 million reported deaths, the pandemic has been a worldwide tragedy, with consequences impacting far beyond these numbers. In addition to the health disaster in all the countries in the world, the control measures had important consequences, not only the expected socioeconomic derivatives but also emotional ( 1 , 2 ), educational ( 3 , 4 ), or cultural ( 5 , 6 ) consequences, to cite but a few. Therefore, this emergency situation has required constant monitoring at multiple levels—from the city neighborhood tracking of local outbreaks to a global continental perspective for socioeconomical decisions coordinated at the interstate level.…”