Poh Siok Khoon, former Director General of Our Place International

Poh Siok Khoon, 48, used to suffer from severe eczema that caused pain in her hands and feet. Things like wearing her slippers and playing the piano were unbearably painful for her.

The former CEO of a health and lifestyle organization was desperately looking for a cure for the disease and turned to a dermatologist.

When her condition did not improve, she decided to fly to Hong Kong and see a famous Sinseh, a traditional Chinese doctor. Applying traditional Chinese medicine relieved her pain somewhat, but Poh was determined to find a cure for her eczema.

In 2000, Poh began a practice commonly associated with believers in Islam and other religions: fasting. It changed her life – within two weeks of fasting, her eczema improved significantly.

“Fasting saved my life and I apply the principles of fasting in my daily life. I have overcome eczema, stomach flu and other health problems and am grateful for the overall good health over the past 16 years,” said Poh. She is one of a group of Singaporeans interviewed by Yahoo Singapore who fast primarily for health reasons.

PV Anthony, 49, started fasting three years ago to control his weight and after a short time he began to see results.

Within the first two weeks of fasting, Anthony lost two kilograms and by the third month he had noticed a significant reduction in his cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Thanks to his improved physical health, the IT system administrator has become a more confident person.

“Fasting has made it easier for me to see clearly what I really want to do in my life. It has helped me to approach life more positively and enthusiastically,” Anthony said.

PV Anthony, an IT systems administrator

While Poh and Anthony still fast today to improve their health, Muslims in Singapore have been fasting since the start of Ramadan on June 6 to observe one of the five pillars of Islam. They join other Muslims around the world in abstaining from food and drink, smoking and sexual activity from sunrise to sunset during the holy month.

In certain Christian denominations, fasting also occurs around holidays such as Easter Sunday and the Christmas season.

Studies on the benefits of fasting

Recent studies from the University of Southern California and other universities have shown that fasting has numerous positive health effects, including improved immune system, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and better cognitive function.

Mark Mattson, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University, has conducted studies that showed that fasting twice a week can significantly reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

People who fast for health reasons typically abstain from food and drink only water or juices. Once they become accustomed to the practice, they increase the frequency and duration of their fasts.

Christina Hardie, a holistic chef, said she practices intermittent fasting at least two to three days a week, between 12 and 20 hours at a time. Anthony said when he first started fasting, he did it two days a week, later increasing it to three days a week.

Christina Hardie, holistic cook

Poh, who is currently taking a break from work, said she once fasted for 21 days straight, drinking only water during that time. Each week she fasts for one day, three days or five days.

Not only health benefits

For people who have never gone without food for a long period of time before starting fasting, the adjustment in the initial phase can be challenging.

When 49-year-old Karen Jhala began fasting two years ago, she says she suffered from headaches in the first few days.

But by the second month, the administrative manager had already gotten used to fasting and noticed improvements in her blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Singaporeans surveyed said that better health had also improved other aspects of their lives, such as work.

Anthony said, “Because I work in IT, people always come to me to explain their problems. I’ve noticed that when I fast, I get answers faster. I’m more attentive.”

After four years of fasting, 48-year-old Hardie said that not only has her health improved significantly, but she also regularly receives compliments on her appearance.

“I think fasting has helped slow down aging in many ways. No one thinks I look as old as I am,” she said.