SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Fasting during Ramadan is more than a religious tradition—it’s a biological process with profound health benefits. 

Recent studies in Nanoimunobiotechnomedicine (NiBTM), an interdisciplinary field combining nanotechnology, immunology, bioinformatics, and medicine, highlight how fasting triggers metabolic and immune system changes that enhance overall well-being.

When fasting begins at dawn, the body depletes glycogen stores and shifts to burning fat through ketosis. This metabolic transition activates genes linked to fat metabolism and cellular repair while reducing inflammation, optimizing energy use, and promoting balance within the body. 

Essentially, fasting serves as a natural "nano-factory," where immune cells adapt, antioxidants increase, and damaged components are recycled, creating a protective shield against aging and disease.

Beyond its physical benefits, fasting also promotes emotional resilience and mental clarity. At a biological level, it reduces systemic inflammation, a key factor in chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. 

It also acts as a “reboot” for the immune system, ensuring that immune cells function more efficiently—similar to how nanomedicine delivers targeted treatments while preserving healthy cells. Additionally, fasting supports gut health by enhancing microbiome diversity, improving digestion, and boosting immunity. 

Emerging research also suggests that fasting can even enhance therapeutic treatments. By optimizing cellular metabolism and autophagy, it may help regulate overactive immune responses in metabolic and autoimmune disorders. 

Scientists are exploring how fasting, when combined with nanoparticle-based drug delivery, could improve treatment precision. Advances in genomics further suggest that fasting supports DNA repair, potentially aiding in future cancer therapies when integrated with technologies like CRISPR.

Deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, Ramadan fasting is now recognized as both a spiritual and scientific practice. Through the NiBTM paradigm, fasting serves as a "master switch" that resets the body and reduces disease risks. 

In the future, innovations like "precision fasting," integrating wearable technology and nanomedicine, may refine this centuries-old practice, proving that faith and science can work hand in hand to improve health and longevity.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas