Every year during Ramadan, many individuals across the Middle East experience noticeable fatigue, decreased focus, and what is often called 'brain fog.' While diet is often blamed, recent insights suggest more complex biological factors may be at play.

The Biology of Fasting

Aly Rahimtoola, the founder of Bien-Etre, explains that the body's energy production processes are significantly impacted during the fasting month. Typically, the body initially relies on glucose from the liver, but as the fasting period extends, it begins using fat as a primary energy source. This transition, akin to a hybrid car switching energy modes, is challenging for both the brain and muscles, requiring days to stabilize.

Sleep and Metabolism

In addition to metabolism, the sleep cycle suffers due to late-night Iftar meals and early Suhoor preparations, leading to interrupted sleep patterns. Rahimtoola emphasizes that this disruption contributes heavily to the daytime fatigue experienced by many.

The Cellular Energy System

Fatigue during Ramadan is closely linked to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule vital for cellular energy production. Rahimtoola points out that during Ramadan, the pressure on this system increases as cells work harder to convert fat into energy, particularly in the absence of regular meals.

Dehydration and insufficient sleep further strain this energy system, causing many to feel drained and sluggish.

Who Is Most Affected

Certain demographics experience Ramadan-related fatigue more acutely. Middle-aged individuals, high-stress professionals, and frequent travelers are notably vulnerable due to factors like declining NAD+ levels and disrupted sleep.

This variability in fatigue symptoms across different groups can explain why some workplace teams show more productivity dips than others, highlighting the need for tailored wellness strategies.

Rethinking Calories

Rahimtoola criticizes the emphasis on calorie counting during Ramadan. He argues that understanding the body’s energy efficiency, rather than raw caloric intake, is crucial. Flexibility in energy source switching, maintaining efficient NAD+ operations, and ensuring adequate sleep are more vital to managing energy levels.

Solutions and Strategies

Beyond conventional advice, Rahimtoola suggests a data-driven approach. Bien-Etre offers at-home NAD+ tests that can help individuals identify if their fatigue stems from metabolic or lifestyle factors. These insights can guide adjustments in diet, sleep, and overall lifestyle.

For businesses, adopting personalized wellness strategies that utilize these insights can improve employee health and productivity, especially during Ramadan.

Rahimtoola also advises behavioral changes: maintaining consistent sleep schedules, choosing healthy Suhoor options, staying hydrated throughout the night, and engaging in light physical activity post-Iftar can all aid in managing Ramadan fatigue effectively.

Conclusion

The shift in health strategies toward personalized data and optimization is becoming more prominent in the Middle East. As Ramadan invites reflection and lifestyle adjustments, integrating scientific insights with traditional practices can enhance health and well-being, benefiting individuals and organizations alike.

Source:gulfbusiness