Efectos sobre la Salud de la Vestimenta Islámica: Difference between revisions

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{{incompletetranslations|Health Effects of Islamic Dress|Español}}
<metadesc>Efectos nocivos de la vestimenta islámica sobre la salud en relación a los niveles de Vitamina D.</metadesc>
<metadesc>Efectos nocivos de la vestimenta islámica sobre la salud en relación a los niveles de Vitamina D.</metadesc>
[[File:Burqa9.jpg|thumb|right|200px|El Burka, un ejemplo de "hijab completo", puede contribuir significativamente a ciertos problemas de salud(''[[Images:Hijab|more images]]'').]]
[[File:Burqa9.jpg|thumb|right|200px|El Burka, un ejemplo de "hijab completo", puede contribuir significativamente a ciertos problemas de salud (''[[Images:Hijab|más imágenes]]'').]]
Este artículo discute los efectos potenciales sobre la salud [[health]] effects for [[Islam and Women|women]] who observe [[Hijab]].
Este artículo discute los efectos potenciales sobre la [[health|salud]] para las [[Islam and Women|mujeres]] que siguen el [[Hijab|Hijab]].
==Hijab==
==Hijab==


The majority of female Muslims worldwide, following the [[Islam|Islamic]] requirement of observing Hijab, wear some form of Islamic dress. This ranges anywhere from wearing a simple head covering, to the burqa (a form of "full hijab"), which covers almost all exposed skin.
La mayoría de mujeres musulmanas de todo el mundo, siguiendo el el requerimiento [[Islam|islámico]] de acatar el Hojab, llevan algún tipo de vestimenta islámica. Esto comprende desde llevar un simple paño cubriendo la cabeza, hasta el burka (una forma de "hijab completo"), el cual cubre casi toda la piel expuesta.


Full hijab can consist of the following elements:
El hijab completo consta de los siguiente elementos:


*Jilbāb; this refers to any long and loose-fitting coat or garment worn by women.  
*Jilbab; se refiere a cualquier prenda o capa larga y ancha llevada por las mujeres.
*Khimar; a scarf or wrap, often referred to simply as 'hijab', used to cover the head and neck.  
*Khimar; bufanda o pañuelo, a menudo referido simplemente como 'hijab', usado para cubrir la cabeza y el cuello.
*Niqāb; a piece of cloth which veils the face.
*Niqab; una pieza de tela que oculta la cara.


Some Muslim jurists regard the wearing of a niqab as [[fard|wajib]] (mandatory), while others believe it is mustahab (favored by [[Allah]]).<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://islamic-world.net/sister/hijab_in_quran.htm|2=2011-07-03}} Hijab In The Al-Quran And Sunnah] - Khalifah Institute, accessed July 3, 2011</ref>
Algunis juristas musulmanes consideran el llevar niqab como [[fard|wajib]] (obligatorio), mientras que otros creen que es mustahab (con el favor de [[Allah]]).<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://islamic-world.net/sister/hijab_in_quran.htm|2=2011-07-03}} Hijab In The Al-Quran And Sunnah] - Khalifah Institute, accessed July 3, 2011</ref>


==Health Effects==


There is concern among the medical community about some of the health effects of the extreme styles of Islamic dress, with the main issues arising from Vitamin D deficiency due to lack skin exposed to UV light. It has been established by credible scientific evidence that almost all women who observe the full hijab are chronically deficient in Vitamin D.<ref>Mishal, A.A., Effects of Different Dress Styles on Vitamin D Levels in Healthy Young Jordanian Women. Osteoporosis International, 2001. 12(11): p. 931-935.</ref> Vitamin D is a vital nutrient and deficiency of this kind can lead to various diseases.
==Efectos sobre la Salud==


===Vitamin D Deficiency===
Existe la preocupación entre la comunidad médica acerca de algunos efectos sobre la salud de los estilos extremos de la vestimenta islámica, siendo el principal asunto el déficit de Vitamina D debido a la falta de exposición de la piel a la luz ultravioleta (UVA). Se ha establecido mediante pruebas científicas fiables que casi todas las mujeres que siguen este código de vestimenta presentan déficit de Vitamina D crónico.<ref>Mishal, A.A., Effects of Different Dress Styles on Vitamin D Levels in Healthy Young Jordanian Women. Osteoporosis International, 2001. 12(11): p. 931-935.</ref> La Vitamina D es un nutriente vital y su deficiencia puede acarrear diversas enferemedades.


Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin which is an essential nutrient for human health.<ref>Moan, J. and A. Juzeniene, Solar radiation and human health. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B:Biology, 2010: p. 109-110.</ref><ref>Bandgar, T.R., Vitamin d and hip fractures: Indian scenario. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2010. 58(9): p. 535-537.</ref> Vitamin D is synthesised when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the human skin triggering a series of reactions, it is by this method that a vast majority of a persons daily intake of Vitamin D is produced. It is naturally absent in significant quantities in almost all food items commonly consumed, with a very few select foods containing appreciable amounts and very few consumer products being fortified with it.<ref>Office of Dietary Supplements - National Institutes of Health. [http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind/ Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D.] 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.</ref>


The main role of Vitamin D in the body is to regulate the correct amounts of calcium present in the blood. This vitamin aids in the absorption of calcium to create healthy, strong bones. Insufficient amounts of Vitamin D leads to weak, brittle and misshapen bones; a condition known as osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Sufficient amounts of Vitamin D are also crucial in preventing fractures and osteoporosis in older adults.<ref>[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind Vitamin D] - Mayo Clinic. 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.</ref>
===Déficit de Vitamina D===


Low levels of Vitamin D have also been linked to a whole host of devastating disorders including cardiovascular diseases, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. There is also a strong association between deficiency in Vitamin D and an increased risk of developing several deadly cancers, including breast cancer.<ref>Holick, M.F., Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2004. 80(6 Suppl).</ref>
La Vitamina D es una vitamina liposoluble, esencial para la salud humana.<ref>Moan, J. and A. Juzeniene, Solar radiation and human health. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B:Biology, 2010: p. 109-110.</ref><ref>Bandgar, T.R., Vitamin d and hip fractures: Indian scenario. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2010. 58(9): p. 535-537.</ref>  La Vitamina D se sintetiza cuando los rayos UVA de la luz del Sol impactan en la piel humana desencadenando una serie de reacciones. Es por este método como la inmensa mayoría de las personas reciben la dosis diaria de Vitamina D. De manera natural está ausente en cantidades significativas en casi todos los elementos usados comúnmente, con tan solo unos pocos conteniendo una cantidad apreciable o enriquecidos.<ref>Office of Dietary Supplements - National Institutes of Health. [http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind/ Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D.] 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.</ref>
 
El papel principal de la Vitamina D en el cuerpo es regular la cantidad correcta de calcio presente en la sangre. Esta vitamina ayuda a la absorción del calcio para crear unos huesos fuertes y sanos. Por el contrario, una cantidad insuficiente conlleva a huesos débiles, quebradizos y deformes; una condición conocida como osteomalacia en adultos y raquitismo en niños. Cantidades suficiente son además cruciales para la prevención de fracturas y osteoporosis en adultos mayores.<ref>[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind Vitamin D] - Mayo Clinic. 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.</ref>
 
Niveles bajos de Vitamina D también han sido ligados a un compendio de desórdenes devastadores incluyendo enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes tipo 1, esclerosis múltiple y artritis reumatoide. También existe una fuerte asociación entre deficiencia en Vitamina D y aumento del riesgo en desarrollar varios cánceres mortales, incluyendo el de pecho.<ref>Holick, M.F., Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2004. 80(6 Suppl).</ref>
 
La preocupación no es sólo hacia las mujeres que eligen seguir las pautas que mñas cubren, si no hacia cualquier hijo potencial que pudiera llevar. Los niños nacidos de madres con déficit de Vitamina D son propensos a epilepsia.<ref>Bandgar, T.R., Vitamin d and hip fractures: Indian scenario. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2010. 58(9): p. 535-537.</ref> Si estos niños siguen con el hijab completo en la niñez, correrán el riesgo de no alcanzar la estatura que de otro modo sí conseguirían.<ref>Holick, M.F., Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2004. 80(6 Suppl)</ref>


The concern is not only towards the woman who chooses to observe the more covering forms of Islamic dress but also towards any potential children she may carry. Infants born to vitamin D deficient mothers have been found to suffer from an increased prevalence of seizures.<ref>Bandgar, T.R., Vitamin d and hip fractures: Indian scenario. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2010. 58(9): p. 535-537.</ref> If these children observe the full hijab in childhood, they run the risk of not reaching the height they would of otherwise reached if they were not vitamin D deficient.<ref>Holick, M.F., Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2004. 80(6 Suppl)</ref>


====Islamic Dress and Health====
====Islamic Dress and Health====
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There is also concern for the health of immigrants from Islamic majority countries, most of which are around the equator and receive the highest amount of sunlight of any place on earth. There concern arises when these women migrate to countries with lower amounts of sunlight throughout the year compared to their previous home country. Skin tone is darkest at the equator in response to the sunlight.<ref>Barsh, G.S., What Controls Variation in Human Skin Color? PLoS Biol, 2003. 1(1): p. e27.</ref><ref>Relethford, J.H., Hemispheric difference in human skin color. American journal of physical anthropology, 1997. 104(4): p. 449-457.</ref> Darker skin blocks out significantly more UV radiation and hence decreases Vitamin D production by an enormous amount (people with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 - 30 times as much exposure to sunlight).<ref>Mike Adams - [http://www.naturalnews.com/003069.html Vitamin D myths, facts and statistics] - NaturalNews, January 1, 2005</ref> All these factors combined with the heavily covering Islamic dress create serious potential health concerns for Islamic migrants in countries away from the equator such as [[Canada]], the [[United States]], [[Europe]] and [[Australia]].<ref>Hagenau, T., et al., Global vitamin D levels in relation to age, gender, skin pigmentation and latitude: an ecologic meta-regression analysis. Osteoporosis International, 2009. 20(1): p. 133-140.</ref><ref>Hanley, D.A. and K.S. Davison, Vitamin D Insufficiency in North America. The Journal of Nutrition, 2005. 135(2): p. 332-337</ref>
There is also concern for the health of immigrants from Islamic majority countries, most of which are around the equator and receive the highest amount of sunlight of any place on earth. There concern arises when these women migrate to countries with lower amounts of sunlight throughout the year compared to their previous home country. Skin tone is darkest at the equator in response to the sunlight.<ref>Barsh, G.S., What Controls Variation in Human Skin Color? PLoS Biol, 2003. 1(1): p. e27.</ref><ref>Relethford, J.H., Hemispheric difference in human skin color. American journal of physical anthropology, 1997. 104(4): p. 449-457.</ref> Darker skin blocks out significantly more UV radiation and hence decreases Vitamin D production by an enormous amount (people with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 - 30 times as much exposure to sunlight).<ref>Mike Adams - [http://www.naturalnews.com/003069.html Vitamin D myths, facts and statistics] - NaturalNews, January 1, 2005</ref> All these factors combined with the heavily covering Islamic dress create serious potential health concerns for Islamic migrants in countries away from the equator such as [[Canada]], the [[United States]], [[Europe]] and [[Australia]].<ref>Hagenau, T., et al., Global vitamin D levels in relation to age, gender, skin pigmentation and latitude: an ecologic meta-regression analysis. Osteoporosis International, 2009. 20(1): p. 133-140.</ref><ref>Hanley, D.A. and K.S. Davison, Vitamin D Insufficiency in North America. The Journal of Nutrition, 2005. 135(2): p. 332-337</ref>


This is further evidenced by numerous scientific studies. A study was undertaken in ''Dearborn, Michigan'', the most-concentrated Arab-American settlement in the United States to assess the relationship between Vitamin D levels and Islamic dress choice in migrant Arab-American Muslim women. The average vitamin D level was found to be 4 ng/ml in  veiled women who undertook ''no'' vitamin D supplementation and 7 ng/ml in women who wore the same style veil but chose to take supplements.<ref>Hobbs, R., et al., Severe Vitamin D Deficiency in Arab-American Women Living in Dearborn, Michigan. Endocrine Practice, 2009. 15(1): p. 35-40.</ref> The threshold for rickets and osteomalacia risk is 8 ng/ml and below; clinical deficiency is considered as anything below 16 ng/ml.<ref>Heaney, PR. Functional indices of vitamin D status and ramifications of vitamin D deficiency. American  Journal of  Clinical  Nutrition 2004;  80 : S1706  –  S1709</ref> This illustrates a very serious health risk for migrant Muslim women who immigrate to such countries and wear the burqa.
This is further evidenced by numerous scientific studies. A study was undertaken in ''Dearborn, Michigan'', the most-concentrated Arab-American settlement in the United States to assess the relationship between Vitamin D levels and Islamic dress choice in migrant Arab-American Muslim women. The average vitamin D level was found to be 4 ng/ml in  veiled women who undertook ''no'' vitamin D supplementation and 7 ng/ml in women who wore the same style veil but chose to take supplements.<ref>Hobbs, R., et al., Severe Vitamin D Deficiency in Arab-American Women Living in Dearborn, Michigan. Endocrine Practice, 2009. 15(1): p. 35-40.</ref> The threshold for rickets and osteomalacia risk is 8 ng/ml and below; clinical deficiency is considered as anything below 16 ng/ml.<ref>Heaney, PR. Functional indices of vitamin D status and rami?cations of vitamin D deficiency. American  Journal of  Clinical  Nutrition 2004;  80 : S1706  –  S1709</ref> This illustrates a very serious health risk for migrant Muslim women who immigrate to such countries and wear the burqa.


In the [[United Kingdom]], cases of rickets have been rare until recently. Cases of the disease have increased dramatically due to the growing Muslim population.<ref>
In the [[United Kingdom]], cases of rickets have been rare until recently. Cases of the disease have increased dramatically due to the growing Muslim population.<ref>
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===Obesity===
===Obesity===


It has been noted that the observance of hijab, the garments and the traditions surrounding them, can discourage exercise both psychologically and practically.<ref name="TDCJul12010">Caroline May - [{{Reference archive|1=http://dailycaller.com/2010/07/01/the-burka-may-be-making-muslim-women-fatter-by-discouraging-exercise/|2=2012-03-05}} The burka may be making Muslim women fatter by discouraging exercise] - The Daily Caller, July 1, 2010</ref><ref name="ANSMar132012">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html|2=2012-03-15}} Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits] - ANSAmed, March 13, 2012</ref> The style of dress can make it easy to hide the bloat of a large meal, and it can be physically restrictive for those who wish to exercise, especially outdoors where one has to be aware of the weather (if it is too hot or humid). In the West, where most indoor gyms are mixed-sex, exercise without Islamic dress can be very difficult for observant Muslim women, and some forms of Islamic dress can make playing almost any sport nearly impossible.<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref><ref name="ANSMar132012"></ref>  
It has been noted that the observance of hijab, the garments and the traditions surrounding them, can discourage exercise both psychologically and practically.<ref name="TDCJul12010">Caroline May - [{{Reference archive|1=http://dailycaller.com/2010/07/01/the-burka-may-be-making-muslim-women-fatter-by-discouraging-exercise/|2=2012-03-05}} The burka may be making Muslim women fatter by discouraging exercise] - The Daily Caller, July 1, 2010</ref><ref name="ANSMar132012">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html|2=2012-03-15}} Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits] - ANSAmed, March 13, 2012</ref> The style of dress can make it easy to hide the bloat of a large meal, and it can be physically restrictive for those who wish to exercise, especially outdoors where one has to be aware of the weather (if it is too hot or humid). In the West, where most indoor gyms are mixed-sex, exercise without Islamic dress can be very difficult for observant Muslim women, and some forms of Islamic dress can make playing almost any sport nearly impossible.<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref><ref name="ANSMar132012"></ref>


According to The Economist magazine’s world rankings, the countries with the highest obesity rates among women are Muslim countries<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref> (data from 1999-2003 show 8 of the top 10 to be Muslim majorities; [[Qatar]], Saudi Arabia, [[Palestinian Authority area|Palestinian territories]], [[Lebanon]], Albania, [[Bahrain]], [[Egypt]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]),<ref>[[:File:Economist rankings obesity women.JPG|Economist.com rankings for obesity among women]]</ref> and a 2006 study presented by Qatari expert Issam Abd Rabbu at the "Facts About Obesity" seminar, found that up to 70 percent of women living in the Gulf Arab states (Bahrain, [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) were overweight or obese.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=14663|2=2012-03-05}} Up to 70% of Gulf women are obese] - Middle East Online, September 29, 2005</ref> Dr. Abdul Rahman Musaiqir, head of the Arab Center for Nutrition at Bahrain University, has said the problem of obesity among women in the Gulf states is being disguised by their Islamic dress, and that obesity rates are much higher than in developed countries.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/gulf-women-hide-weight-under-gowns-2011-01-12-1.341366|2=2012-03-05}} Gulf women hide weight under gowns] - Emirates 24/7, January 12, 2011</ref>
According to The Economist magazine’s world rankings, the countries with the highest obesity rates among women are Muslim countries<ref name="TDCJul12010"></ref> (data from 1999-2003 show 8 of the top 10 to be Muslim majorities; [[Qatar]], Saudi Arabia, [[Palestinian Authority area|Palestinian territories]], [[Lebanon]], Albania, [[Bahrain]], [[Egypt]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]),<ref>[[:File:Economist rankings obesity women.JPG|Economist.com rankings for obesity among women]]</ref> and a 2006 study presented by Qatari expert Issam Abd Rabbu at the "Facts About Obesity" seminar, found that up to 70 percent of women living in the Gulf Arab states (Bahrain, [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) were overweight or obese.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=14663|2=2012-03-05}} Up to 70% of Gulf women are obese] - Middle East Online, September 29, 2005</ref> Dr. Abdul Rahman Musaiqir, head of the Arab Center for Nutrition at Bahrain University, has said the problem of obesity among women in the Gulf states is being disguised by their Islamic dress, and that obesity rates are much higher than in developed countries.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/gulf-women-hide-weight-under-gowns-2011-01-12-1.341366|2=2012-03-05}} Gulf women hide weight under gowns] - Emirates 24/7, January 12, 2011</ref>
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==Implications for the Islamic Faith==
==Implications for the Islamic Faith==


The observance of hijab prevents women from getting enough vitamin D. This can lead to a whole host of disorders. For Islam as a religion, the implications are troublesome.  
The observance of hijab prevents women from getting enough vitamin D. This can lead to a whole host of disorders. For Islam as a religion, the implications are troublesome.


Islam is considered by its adherents to be the perfect way of life for mankind. If Islam was mandated by Allah, and if he wanted women to observe hijab, then logically he would not have created humans with the need to get Vitamin D from exposing their skin to the sun.  
Islam is considered by its adherents to be the perfect way of life for mankind. If Islam was mandated by Allah, and if he wanted women to observe hijab, then logically he would not have created humans with the need to get Vitamin D from exposing their skin to the sun.


It could be argued that today this can be combated with vitamin D supplementation combined with daily exposure to the sun in the privacy of ones backyard or some other location safe from the eyes of non-mahram men. However, this is not a satisfactory solution.
It could be argued that today this can be combated with vitamin D supplementation combined with daily exposure to the sun in the privacy of ones backyard or some other location safe from the eyes of non-mahram men. However, this is not a satisfactory solution.
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Many are not fortunate enough to have their own private gardens where they can sit, and sitting in front of a window inside their homes will not help because window glass only lets through UV-A rays, not UV-B and UV-C. You need UV-B rays for the production of vitamin D.<ref>Shereen Jegtvig - [{{Reference archive|1=http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/sunlight.htm|2=2011-11-01}} How Much Sun Exposure Do I Need for Vitamin D?] - About.com, October 06, 2011</ref>
Many are not fortunate enough to have their own private gardens where they can sit, and sitting in front of a window inside their homes will not help because window glass only lets through UV-A rays, not UV-B and UV-C. You need UV-B rays for the production of vitamin D.<ref>Shereen Jegtvig - [{{Reference archive|1=http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/sunlight.htm|2=2011-11-01}} How Much Sun Exposure Do I Need for Vitamin D?] - About.com, October 06, 2011</ref>


Furthermore, it was only in 1923 that it was established when 7-dehydrocholesterol is irradiated with light, a form of a fat-soluble vitamin is produced,<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.beyonddiscovery.org/content/view.txt.asp?a=414|2=2011-08-06}} Unraveling The Enigma Of Vitamin D] - United States National Academy of Sciences, accessed August 6, 2011</ref> and until the mid-1930s, when the first commercial yeast-extract and semi-synthetic vitamin C supplement tablets were sold, vitamins were obtained solely through food intake and (in the case of vitamin D) through exposure to the sun.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vitamin&oldid=442774268 Vitamin] - Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2011</ref>  
Furthermore, it was only in 1923 that it was established when 7-dehydrocholesterol is irradiated with light, a form of a fat-soluble vitamin is produced,<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.beyonddiscovery.org/content/view.txt.asp?a=414|2=2011-08-06}} Unraveling The Enigma Of Vitamin D] - United States National Academy of Sciences, accessed August 6, 2011</ref> and until the mid-1930s, when the first commercial yeast-extract and semi-synthetic vitamin C supplement tablets were sold, vitamins were obtained solely through food intake and (in the case of vitamin D) through exposure to the sun.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vitamin&oldid=442774268 Vitamin] - Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2011</ref>


So what of the Muslim women prior to the 1930s and their vitamin intake? If this were a satisfactory explanation to avoid Islam contradicting modern scientific knowledge, then it would have been mentioned in the [[Qur'an]] or [[hadith]] [[literature]], but it is not.  
So what of the Muslim women prior to the 1930s and their vitamin intake? If this were a satisfactory explanation to avoid Islam contradicting modern scientific knowledge, then it would have been mentioned in the [[Qur'an]] or [[hadith]] [[literature]], but it is not.


It could also be argued that long-term excessive exposure to UV radiation from sunlight can cause skin cancer and other ailments. However, according to epidemiologist Robyn Lucas at Australian National University,<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://web.archive.org/web/20090410154214/http://nceph.anu.edu.au/Staff_Students/staff_pages/lucas.php|2=2011-08-20}} National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health] - Australian National University, October 17, 2008</ref> analysis of lifespan versus disease shows that far more lives are lost to diseases caused by lack of sunlight than by those caused by too much,<ref>Deborah Kotz - [{{Reference archive|1=http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d|2=2011-08-20}} Time in the Sun: How Much Is Needed for Vitamin D?] - U.S.News, June 23, 2008</ref> and of course, a women is always capable of avoiding what she feels to be too much or too little sunlight, but with the restrictive Islamic dress laws in force, this ability is taken away from her.
It could also be argued that long-term excessive exposure to UV radiation from sunlight can cause skin cancer and other ailments. However, according to epidemiologist Robyn Lucas at Australian National University,<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://web.archive.org/web/20090410154214/http://nceph.anu.edu.au/Staff_Students/staff_pages/lucas.php|2=2011-08-20}} National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health] - Australian National University, October 17, 2008</ref> analysis of lifespan versus disease shows that far more lives are lost to diseases caused by lack of sunlight than by those caused by too much,<ref>Deborah Kotz - [{{Reference archive|1=http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d|2=2011-08-20}} Time in the Sun: How Much Is Needed for Vitamin D?] - U.S.News, June 23, 2008</ref> and of course, a women is always capable of avoiding what she feels to be too much or too little sunlight, but with the restrictive Islamic dress laws in force, this ability is taken away from her.
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{{Hub4|Health|Health}}
{{Hub4|Health|Health}}


{{Translation-links-english|[[Последици за здравето от ислямското облекло|Bulgarian]]}}
{{Translation-links-english|[[????????? ?? ???????? ?? ?????????? ???????|Bulgarian]]}}


==External Links==
==External Links==

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El Burka, un ejemplo de "hijab completo", puede contribuir significativamente a ciertos problemas de salud (más imágenes).

Este artículo discute los efectos potenciales sobre la salud para las mujeres que siguen el Hijab.

Hijab

La mayoría de mujeres musulmanas de todo el mundo, siguiendo el el requerimiento islámico de acatar el Hojab, llevan algún tipo de vestimenta islámica. Esto comprende desde llevar un simple paño cubriendo la cabeza, hasta el burka (una forma de "hijab completo"), el cual cubre casi toda la piel expuesta.

El hijab completo consta de los siguiente elementos:

  • Jilbab; se refiere a cualquier prenda o capa larga y ancha llevada por las mujeres.
  • Khimar; bufanda o pañuelo, a menudo referido simplemente como 'hijab', usado para cubrir la cabeza y el cuello.
  • Niqab; una pieza de tela que oculta la cara.

Algunis juristas musulmanes consideran el llevar niqab como wajib (obligatorio), mientras que otros creen que es mustahab (con el favor de Allah).[1]


Efectos sobre la Salud

Existe la preocupación entre la comunidad médica acerca de algunos efectos sobre la salud de los estilos extremos de la vestimenta islámica, siendo el principal asunto el déficit de Vitamina D debido a la falta de exposición de la piel a la luz ultravioleta (UVA). Se ha establecido mediante pruebas científicas fiables que casi todas las mujeres que siguen este código de vestimenta presentan déficit de Vitamina D crónico.[2] La Vitamina D es un nutriente vital y su deficiencia puede acarrear diversas enferemedades.


Déficit de Vitamina D

La Vitamina D es una vitamina liposoluble, esencial para la salud humana.[3][4] La Vitamina D se sintetiza cuando los rayos UVA de la luz del Sol impactan en la piel humana desencadenando una serie de reacciones. Es por este método como la inmensa mayoría de las personas reciben la dosis diaria de Vitamina D. De manera natural está ausente en cantidades significativas en casi todos los elementos usados comúnmente, con tan solo unos pocos conteniendo una cantidad apreciable o enriquecidos.[5]

El papel principal de la Vitamina D en el cuerpo es regular la cantidad correcta de calcio presente en la sangre. Esta vitamina ayuda a la absorción del calcio para crear unos huesos fuertes y sanos. Por el contrario, una cantidad insuficiente conlleva a huesos débiles, quebradizos y deformes; una condición conocida como osteomalacia en adultos y raquitismo en niños. Cantidades suficiente son además cruciales para la prevención de fracturas y osteoporosis en adultos mayores.[6]

Niveles bajos de Vitamina D también han sido ligados a un compendio de desórdenes devastadores incluyendo enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes tipo 1, esclerosis múltiple y artritis reumatoide. También existe una fuerte asociación entre deficiencia en Vitamina D y aumento del riesgo en desarrollar varios cánceres mortales, incluyendo el de pecho.[7]

La preocupación no es sólo hacia las mujeres que eligen seguir las pautas que mñas cubren, si no hacia cualquier hijo potencial que pudiera llevar. Los niños nacidos de madres con déficit de Vitamina D son propensos a epilepsia.[8] Si estos niños siguen con el hijab completo en la niñez, correrán el riesgo de no alcanzar la estatura que de otro modo sí conseguirían.[9]


Islamic Dress and Health

Since almost all the daily intake of Vitamin D is from sunlight, exposure there is significant concern for women who wear the burqa or "full hijab". This style of dress, leaving only a very small portion of skin around the eyes exposed, greatly reduces the surface area of the body which sunlight is exposed to and hence reduces the amount of Vitamin D synthesized. Such low rates of Vitamin D production will quickly exhaust the bodies excess emergency stores of Vitamin D contained in the fat and the person will likely go into a deficient state.

Due to this reason, serious vitamin D deficiency is wide-spread in many Muslim majority countries. A study performed by doctors at King Fahd University Hospital in Saudi Arabia, showed that out of all 52 women tested, all had seriously deficient levels of Vitamin D and were at risk of many serious health problems, despite living in one of the sunniest places on the planet.[10] Furthermore, in a study undertaken in Jordan, 83.3% of women wearing the most covering style of Islamic dresses were found to be deficient in summer time. This is rather striking when compared to the fact only 18.2% of Jordanian men studied were found to be deficient.[11] Jordan, like Saudi Arabia, holds the distinction of being one of the sunniest places on the planet, so the effect of wearing the burqa on Vitamin D levels and health is profound.

Effect of Ethnicity and Migration

There is also concern for the health of immigrants from Islamic majority countries, most of which are around the equator and receive the highest amount of sunlight of any place on earth. There concern arises when these women migrate to countries with lower amounts of sunlight throughout the year compared to their previous home country. Skin tone is darkest at the equator in response to the sunlight.[12][13] Darker skin blocks out significantly more UV radiation and hence decreases Vitamin D production by an enormous amount (people with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 - 30 times as much exposure to sunlight).[14] All these factors combined with the heavily covering Islamic dress create serious potential health concerns for Islamic migrants in countries away from the equator such as Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.[15][16]

This is further evidenced by numerous scientific studies. A study was undertaken in Dearborn, Michigan, the most-concentrated Arab-American settlement in the United States to assess the relationship between Vitamin D levels and Islamic dress choice in migrant Arab-American Muslim women. The average vitamin D level was found to be 4 ng/ml in veiled women who undertook no vitamin D supplementation and 7 ng/ml in women who wore the same style veil but chose to take supplements.[17] The threshold for rickets and osteomalacia risk is 8 ng/ml and below; clinical deficiency is considered as anything below 16 ng/ml.[18] This illustrates a very serious health risk for migrant Muslim women who immigrate to such countries and wear the burqa.

In the United Kingdom, cases of rickets have been rare until recently. Cases of the disease have increased dramatically due to the growing Muslim population.[19][20][21]

Obesity

It has been noted that the observance of hijab, the garments and the traditions surrounding them, can discourage exercise both psychologically and practically.[22][23] The style of dress can make it easy to hide the bloat of a large meal, and it can be physically restrictive for those who wish to exercise, especially outdoors where one has to be aware of the weather (if it is too hot or humid). In the West, where most indoor gyms are mixed-sex, exercise without Islamic dress can be very difficult for observant Muslim women, and some forms of Islamic dress can make playing almost any sport nearly impossible.[22][23]

According to The Economist magazine’s world rankings, the countries with the highest obesity rates among women are Muslim countries[22] (data from 1999-2003 show 8 of the top 10 to be Muslim majorities; Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Albania, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates),[24] and a 2006 study presented by Qatari expert Issam Abd Rabbu at the "Facts About Obesity" seminar, found that up to 70 percent of women living in the Gulf Arab states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) were overweight or obese.[25] Dr. Abdul Rahman Musaiqir, head of the Arab Center for Nutrition at Bahrain University, has said the problem of obesity among women in the Gulf states is being disguised by their Islamic dress, and that obesity rates are much higher than in developed countries.[26]

A 2011 study issued by the National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi Arabia’s largest bank, found that the number of Saudis suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and a survey released by the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA) in 2010 showed that over 70 percent of the Saudi population are "alarmingly obese".[27] Figures released by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) state that 20% of the population has been diagnosed as diabetic in Qatar, and the disorder is affecting more and more children.[23] Some of the health problems associated with obesity include; heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, painful wear and inflammation on weight-bearing joints, breathing problems and sleep apnea.[28]

Implications for the Islamic Faith

The observance of hijab prevents women from getting enough vitamin D. This can lead to a whole host of disorders. For Islam as a religion, the implications are troublesome.

Islam is considered by its adherents to be the perfect way of life for mankind. If Islam was mandated by Allah, and if he wanted women to observe hijab, then logically he would not have created humans with the need to get Vitamin D from exposing their skin to the sun.

It could be argued that today this can be combated with vitamin D supplementation combined with daily exposure to the sun in the privacy of ones backyard or some other location safe from the eyes of non-mahram men. However, this is not a satisfactory solution.

Many are not fortunate enough to have their own private gardens where they can sit, and sitting in front of a window inside their homes will not help because window glass only lets through UV-A rays, not UV-B and UV-C. You need UV-B rays for the production of vitamin D.[29]

Furthermore, it was only in 1923 that it was established when 7-dehydrocholesterol is irradiated with light, a form of a fat-soluble vitamin is produced,[30] and until the mid-1930s, when the first commercial yeast-extract and semi-synthetic vitamin C supplement tablets were sold, vitamins were obtained solely through food intake and (in the case of vitamin D) through exposure to the sun.[31]

So what of the Muslim women prior to the 1930s and their vitamin intake? If this were a satisfactory explanation to avoid Islam contradicting modern scientific knowledge, then it would have been mentioned in the Qur'an or hadith literature, but it is not.

It could also be argued that long-term excessive exposure to UV radiation from sunlight can cause skin cancer and other ailments. However, according to epidemiologist Robyn Lucas at Australian National University,[32] analysis of lifespan versus disease shows that far more lives are lost to diseases caused by lack of sunlight than by those caused by too much,[33] and of course, a women is always capable of avoiding what she feels to be too much or too little sunlight, but with the restrictive Islamic dress laws in force, this ability is taken away from her.

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References

  1. ↑ Hijab In The Al-Quran And Sunnah - Khalifah Institute, accessed July 3, 2011
  2. ↑ Mishal, A.A., Effects of Different Dress Styles on Vitamin D Levels in Healthy Young Jordanian Women. Osteoporosis International, 2001. 12(11): p. 931-935.
  3. ↑ Moan, J. and A. Juzeniene, Solar radiation and human health. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B:Biology, 2010: p. 109-110.
  4. ↑ Bandgar, T.R., Vitamin d and hip fractures: Indian scenario. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2010. 58(9): p. 535-537.
  5. ↑ Office of Dietary Supplements - National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D. 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
  6. ↑ Vitamin D - Mayo Clinic. 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
  7. ↑ Holick, M.F., Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2004. 80(6 Suppl).
  8. ↑ Bandgar, T.R., Vitamin d and hip fractures: Indian scenario. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 2010. 58(9): p. 535-537.
  9. ↑ Holick, M.F., Sunlight and vitamin D for bone health and prevention of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2004. 80(6 Suppl)
  10. ↑ Elsammak, M.Y., et al., Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabs. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 2010. 42(5): p. 364-368.
  11. ↑ Mishal, A.A., Effects of Different Dress Styles on Vitamin D Levels in Healthy Young Jordanian Women. Osteoporosis International, 2001. 12(11): p. 931-935.
  12. ↑ Barsh, G.S., What Controls Variation in Human Skin Color? PLoS Biol, 2003. 1(1): p. e27.
  13. ↑ Relethford, J.H., Hemispheric difference in human skin color. American journal of physical anthropology, 1997. 104(4): p. 449-457.
  14. ↑ Mike Adams - Vitamin D myths, facts and statistics - NaturalNews, January 1, 2005
  15. ↑ Hagenau, T., et al., Global vitamin D levels in relation to age, gender, skin pigmentation and latitude: an ecologic meta-regression analysis. Osteoporosis International, 2009. 20(1): p. 133-140.
  16. ↑ Hanley, D.A. and K.S. Davison, Vitamin D Insufficiency in North America. The Journal of Nutrition, 2005. 135(2): p. 332-337
  17. ↑ Hobbs, R., et al., Severe Vitamin D Deficiency in Arab-American Women Living in Dearborn, Michigan. Endocrine Practice, 2009. 15(1): p. 35-40.
  18. ↑ Heaney, PR. Functional indices of vitamin D status and rami?cations of vitamin D deficiency. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2004; 80 : S1706 – S1709
  19. ↑ Jeremy Laurance, "Rise in rickets linked to ethnic groups that shun the sun", The Independent, July 25, 2011 (archived), http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rise-in-rickets-linked-to-ethnic-groups-that-shun-the-sun-2319920.html. 
  20. ↑ Katerina Nikolas, "Rickets on the increase amongst British children", DigitalJournal, December 16, 2011 (archived), http://digitaljournal.com/article/316191. 
  21. ↑ "Rickets upsurge among UK Asians", BBC News, February 5, 2001 (archived), http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1154211.stm. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Caroline May - The burka may be making Muslim women fatter by discouraging exercise - The Daily Caller, July 1, 2010
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits - ANSAmed, March 13, 2012
  24. ↑ Economist.com rankings for obesity among women
  25. ↑ Up to 70% of Gulf women are obese - Middle East Online, September 29, 2005
  26. ↑ Gulf women hide weight under gowns - Emirates 24/7, January 12, 2011
  27. ↑ Nadim Kawach - Blood pressure and obesity epidemic in Saudi - Emirates 24/7, May 2, 2011
  28. ↑ Health Problems Associated with Obesity - The Nation's Health, March 2011
  29. ↑ Shereen Jegtvig - How Much Sun Exposure Do I Need for Vitamin D? - About.com, October 06, 2011
  30. ↑ Unraveling The Enigma Of Vitamin D - United States National Academy of Sciences, accessed August 6, 2011
  31. ↑ Vitamin - Wikipedia, accessed August 6, 2011
  32. ↑ National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health - Australian National University, October 17, 2008
  33. ↑ Deborah Kotz - Time in the Sun: How Much Is Needed for Vitamin D? - U.S.News, June 23, 2008
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