Ramadan (Islamic Fasting) put me in Remission for Ulcerative Colitis

hello folks,

I have refrained for the passed year from making this post about the effects of fasting during Ramadan on Ulcerative Colitis because I really wanted to be sure if it was the main reason why I went into remission.

Basically I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 11 years now. In the last few years my condition has gotten progressively worse where my periods of remission have been very short and mostly non-existent and my symptoms (bleeding, cramps, times I have to go to the bathroom) have gotten worse.

I have basically tried everything and I have spent tons of money in trying to put myself into remission but nothing has worked. The stuff I have tried include, among many things, kefir, turmeric, aloe vera extract (the expensive bottled kind, like aloeelite and A.M.P floracel - which only worked in sucking my bank account dry), green tea, VSL#3 pro-biotics, SCD diet, homeopathy (scam) etc. etc.

So last August was the month of Ramadan where Muslims fast for 30 days from dawn to dusk. It basically involves refraining from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, sex, gossiping, lying etc (all of this is part of the fast). Recommended actions during this time is to read the Qur'an and go into meditative prayer (in addition, of course, to the 5 obligatory daily prayers).

Anyways, I gave it a shot this Ramadan after a nasty (and i mean NASTY) flare up that had lasted for months with no remission in sight. Within two days I saw my symptoms reduce and within a week or two, I was in remission where my symptoms vanished. At this point I really wanted to make a post here on healingwell but I thought maybe my remission during Ramadan was a coincidence so I didn't want to post up something that I wasn't sure was the reason for my remission.

After that Ramadan, I did not have a single flareup for 6 months (this is the longest I have ever been in remission for the passed few years). However, after those 6 months, I had a really bad eating day (drinking tons of coca cola zero, junk food, extra sweet pastries, milk - all of the red zone foods for people who have UC + a very stressful event concerning my family) and I got a nasty flare up with all the pain and bleeding late at night and the following day. Usually when my flareups start, it can take up to a year to go into some temporary remission, however, I decided to fast again and within 48 hours, my symptoms subsided again and went into remission!

This is the second time that it has worked so I am convinced. As such, I thought it would be nice to post my story here.

Here are the reasons why I think the fasting worked:

1) the no eating, no drinking fast for so long basically gives your colon a good rest from its 24/7 crisis mode which then encourages the inflammation to go down.

2) the fact that your colon remains relatively empty makes the usage of rectal enemas (mesalamine) much more effective and it stays much longer in your colon.

3) the fasting and its religious aspect gives a certain peace of mind and reduces stress, which helps with reducing inflammation.

4) fasting in general has an overall beneficial effect on the body for reasons that we do not totally understand. But we know that it has an effect on things like Alzheimer's etc.

5) I use Metamucil daily (which by far, is the only thing that has worked for me aside my medication). It seems that when I break my fast and use Metamucil three times (including a nice big dose I take before sleep) it works more efficiently in eliminating toxins and soothing my inflammation.

When Muslims break their fast, they usually break it with milk and dates. Given that with UC my body can't tolerate lactose, I break it with a yogurt drink and dates (I'm not sure about the efficacy of this, so I won't number it).

Remember that this is not a magical silver bullet that will work for everyone. What works for some might not work for others, this is the fact about UC (everyone has their own personal thing that works for them). Additionally, remember that fasting will be useless if you pig out at nights on bad foods and drinks like sodas (esp those with sucralose), sweets, junk food, etc.

If some of you have ever tried this and it has worked, please share your story.

Yes that's why I said it's not a silver bullet. But remember that my positive experience was due to more than just not eating (also remember in Ramadan you are not supposed to drink either) but also included taking big doses of Metamucil, strict abstinence from red zone foods in addition to the spiritual and meditative side of Islamic fasting which does have a physiological effect (mental calmness? reduction of stress?).

You've got a point, but only in that the less you take in, the less you put out. I know for me, when I've been seriously flaring, I don't eat a thing- even drinking water will send me running to the bathroom with bloody loose stools. The religious aspect is also true, in that any type of mindfulness can only contribute positively to one's health- I meditate & do yoga, & since I started this practice, my UC has definitely quieted down, as has my mind. Are they related? I believe so. But fasting is not always possible for so many- some ppl. can't tolerate it, the spacy/lightheaded feeling you get. And if you work, it's pretty tough to be productive with no food! But if you feel it's helping, by all means- have at it! I mean, it generally doesn't hurt.

That is wonderful that you found a regimen that works for your UC. I've tried intermittent fasting that someone posted about here and also got some relief from symptoms, not enough to put me in remission at that time but it was interesting and no negative effects. For me the important thing was to drink enough liquids including chicken broth.

Many religions of the world have a fasting/praying period such as Ramadan or Lent. It's a good thing to stop and consider things not just everyday trivialities and perhaps re-set your body and mind.

Fasting was an interesting experiment that taught me more about my body's digestive system than I knew, mainly that I didn't need food as often as I thought I did. Ultimately it took more time on diet modification for me to achieve remission.

Your message is sincere and perhaps someone reading it will get improvement following your path. I also hope underweight people will be careful and not go off the deep end, they need calories and nourishment. Be sensible, listen to your body and what it is telling you.

Judy2 said...
To clarify, did you break the fast each night with a meal, as is traditional? I believe Ramadan doesn't involve a 24-hour fast, am I incorrect in that?

Yes with a yogurt drink and dates. Then I eat cheese, bread, honey, walnuts + tea. I wait an hour then have my full meal.

bananagirl said...
i did a juice fast last year to try to get into remission and that didn't help me. i did it for 6 weeks and just couldn't go any longer! i have never just straight up fasted and not drank though. i think i'd get really dizzy

Yeah Ramadan requires you to do that for 30 days. Nothing except for air can enter your mouth.

Hi all I'm new to this forum and this would be my first post... Had read all your posts below and just thought I would share my experience. I am Muslim and one who would fast each year during the holy month of Ramadaan, however I no longer do due to my UC. 3 years ago I had fasted almost the complete 30 days but toward the end my immune had dropped so low (UC patients usually have nutritional problems even when eating regularly). My body was simply not strong enough to cope without the little sustenance I got daily. Anyway, I contracted TB (T uberculosis ) as well as Pneumonia (at the same time!). This was the least pleasant time of my life.   So...please consider this... fasting may help for some but it certainly did not for me. I struggle to get all the nutrients I need and take vitamins etc. to help my body stay strong and simply cannot afford doing without the little bit I get through food daily. But like I said, it depends on your body and your experience... we may all be UC patients but we are all different. I am now too scared to fast again as the experience was very   traumatic . Interesting fact that your UC symptoms completely disappear when on the TB medication/treatment! However rather the devil you know...  

"Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstention from all food, drink, or both, for a period of time"

2 hours or 2 days, it's a fast - no rules -

and yes, one would assume that if you ate less, you'd crap less -

 

That's awesome! Congrats.

Sounds good. Bowel rest is a well known treatment for IBD that is used by doctors too. I'm sure many of us here have been on it in the hospital -- it isn't recommended at home because you can't keep yourself hydrated if you aren't taking in anything by mouth. Since the Ramadan fast is only for 12-16 hours (depending on your location I guess) per day it's safe to do at home.

Like many others who posted, I've been on bowel rest for much longer and it didn't do a whit of good. My understanding is that the research shows that bowel rest can be as effective as steroids in children.

Water fasts were what helped me the most coming out of the last flare. I definitely believe in intermitten fasting. We have the ability to go without food for so much longer then the typical person acts like. I always am amazed when people complain about super short fasting for colonoscopies or blood tests.

Juice fasts are horrible for ibders if you use any fruits as you are basically mainlining sugar. You should always make sure to take in water and electrolytes (not Gatorade- electrolyte tabs or a dash of Himalayan sea salt). Never depriving yourself of water!

Post Edited (PathogenKiller) : 7/12/2013 10:38:42 AM (GMT-6)

I am muslim also, my brother and dad are fasting aswell..
I think i might give it a go... One question tho...

With taking my medication, is it okay to change the time? I usually take it at about 11-12 in the afternoon, then my night meds at 7:30-8..

I don't think it should matter too much. I usually take my 5ASAs in the morning and my 6mp at night. I would think I would be find if I took everything in the evening.