After observing the fast throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr by refraining from fasting on the 1st day of Shawwal. However, it's important to remember that during this festive period, we are often tempted by a variety of delicious foods that can pose risks to our health.

The drastic change in eating habits after Ramadan can have negative effects on the body. To minimize these impacts, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive food consumption.

Observing the sunnah fast for 6 days in the month of Shawwal not only helps the body readjust to normal eating patterns but also offers remarkable health benefits. Research indicates that fasting can strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell count, which plays a crucial role in fighting infections.

Furthermore, fasting can trigger autophagy processes where body cells cleanse themselves of damaged components and replace them with new ones. This contributes to preventing various age-related diseases and aging processes.

For those looking to lose weight, fasting in Shawwal can be highly beneficial. Essentially, fasting naturally reduces food intake. During fasting periods, insulin levels decrease while growth hormone and norepinephrine levels rise. This triggers the body to break down fats and utilize them as an energy source.

So you can steer clear from post-Eid plumpness then? But remember not to "take revenge" during iftar?

Fasting for 6 days during Shawwal – even if done non-consecutively – still provides significant health benefits. By practicing this voluntary fast regularly, we can extend our life expectancy and enhance overall health quality.