Khaberni - Energy levels during the month of Ramadan differ noticeably among people; while some feel mental clarity and calmness during fasting, others suffer from fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Doctors confirm that this disparity is often due to the body's metabolic ability to adjust to fasting.
According to doctors, fasting induces a regulated metabolic shift within the body. In the fed state, the body primarily relies on glucose for energy under the influence of insulin. With the onset of fasting, insulin levels drop, and glycogen stores are gradually depleted, leading the body to break down fats. The liver then produces ketone bodies, which are used as an alternative energy source for the brain.
Doctors point out that this transition is smooth for people with metabolic flexibility, where cells can efficiently burn fats, leading to stable energy and sometimes improvements in mental clarity.
However, for those suffering from insulin resistance, blood sugar fluctuations, sleep disorders, micronutrient deficiencies, or elevated stress hormones, the transition may be more difficult, leading to feelings of exhaustion, irritability, and unstable energy levels. Doctors describe fasting as a "metabolic stress test" that reveals underlying weaknesses, rather than causing them.
Experts explained that dehydration, reduced calorie intake, caffeine withdrawal symptoms, and sleep disruption all contribute to feelings of fatigue. Chronic diseases like diabetes, anemia, and thyroid dysfunction can also significantly affect energy levels.
Doctors stress the importance of carefully choosing foods; a pre-dawn meal rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps gradually release energy, while meals high in sugars can lead to rapid energy drops. It is advised to break the fast gradually and avoid overindulging in sugary or processed foods to maintain activity levels and sleep quality.
