As the crescent moon ushers in Ramadan 2026, millions across the globe embark on a journey that transcends mere physical abstinence.
Beyond the early morning suhoor and the sunset iftar, the month serves as a profound period of neurological and psychological recalibration. While the world often focuses on the physical challenge of going without water and food, the true miracle of the fast lies within the mind. Ramadan acts as a spiritual and mental furnace, refining our focus and strengthening the invisible architecture of our resilience. This ancient practice, now being validated by modern neuroscience, demonstrates how a disciplined departure from our daily desires can lead to a heightened state of cognitive function and emotional stability. Speaking with Asian Voice, Dr Tahseen Khan and Dr. Rahhiel Riasat share expert views on the mental benefits of Ramadan fasting.
Neurological adaptation and persistence with Dr Tehseen Khan
The initial phase of Ramadan is often defined by a period of physiological adjustment. During the first few days, the brain remains accustomed to regular glucose intake; consequently, low blood sugar and disrupted sleep patterns frequently result in pervasive tiredness and brain fog. However, Dr. Tehseen Khan explains that a fascinating medical shift occurs after approximately one week. As the body exhausts its primary glucose stores, it begins to burn fat and produce ketones. These ketones serve as a steadier, cleaner fuel source for the brain. This metabolic switch, combined with increased levels of brain-supporting proteins, accounts for the mental clarity and sharpened focus that many observers report as the month progresses. The rhythmic structure of early rising and communal prayer further calms the nervous system, allowing for a unique state of mindful alertness.
Beyond biology, Dr. Khan views Ramadan as a thirty-day boot camp for the human psyche. The consistent practice of delayed gratification strengthens the neural circuits responsible for patience, planning, and emotional regulation. By repeatedly opting for long-term spiritual goals over short-term physical urges, individuals build significant mental resilience. This psychological carry-over extends far beyond the month, training the nervous system to manage frustration and stick to complex life goals with greater ease. Following the fast, many feel less reactive and more self-disciplined, suggesting that the structure of the month creates a stable emotional baseline that persists long after the final iftar.
Emotional regulation and nutritional balance with Dr Rahhiel Riasat
Distinguishing between the physical effects of fasting and clinical mental health is a vital part of the Ramadan experience. Dr Rahhiel Riasat notes that fasting-related irritability follows a predictable pattern, typically peaking in the late afternoon and resolving immediately after iftar. Unlike clinical anxiety or depression, which remain constant regardless of the fasting schedule, hunger-related mood shifts are tied to blood sugar and dehydration. For those managing chronic conditions, the spiritual rhythm of the month, including prayer and reflection, can actually serve as a therapeutic tool. The predictable daily routine and sense of communal connection overlap with modern mindfulness-based therapies, offering a supportive structure that complements existing mental health coping strategies.
However, the mental benefits of the month can be undermined by traditional dietary habits. In many South Asian communities, the celebration often features heavy, fried foods like pakoras and sugary drinks. Dr. Riasat warns that while these are culturally significant, they trigger a rapid sugar spike followed by a sharp crash. This cycle causes profound mental lethargy, mood swings, and the familiar “post-iftar coma” as the body diverts all its energy to heavy digestion. By contrast, a balanced approach involving protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates stabilises blood sugar. This supports the gut-brain axis, ensuring that the mental experience of Ramadan remains smooth, stable, and truly transformative for the soul.
