Fasting best way to quit smoking: Pakistani expert

Islamabad: Along with a bundle of blessings, fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan also helps people quit the bad habit of smoking, a Pakistani doctor has said.

Fasting is considered a strong tool to maintain good health and an effective cure for various psychological and medical disorders, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

"The holy month of Ramadan serves as a best exercise for smokers to maintain good health and avoid bad habits of nicotine dependency to stay normal," said Haseeb Sitaar, a doctor at the Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi.

Fasting keeps a person healthy and clean both physically and spiritually, the Pakistani expert said.

Fasting keeps a person healthy and clean both physically and spiritually, and when it comes to quitting smoking, it can be the best way for those having serious infections, he said.

In normal days, it is difficult for smokers to quit smoking completely due to social pressures and hectic routine, but the period of fasting keeps them away from smoking, he said.

Taking a month-long break from smoking sometimes get converted to a permanent avoidance of the health hazardous activity.

Though smokers experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, restlessness, impatience, insomnia and difficulty in concentrating, fasting helps them maintain patience, he said.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)