Fasting and its Benefits

Long forgotten tradition which is scientifically significant

Fasting has been an integral part of many religions. It is now Long forgotten tradition which is scientifically significant. Fasting is Known as different names under different religions to name a few Hinduism it is known as Vrat, Jainism practices Parushan month, the Jewish and Muslim observances of Yom Kippur and Ramadan includes practicing of fasting as a ritual. Buddhism also promotes fasting for meditation purpose. Lets discuss FASTING AND ITS BENEFITS.

There are different types of fasting 12 hr fast, 16 hr fasting once a day, intermittent fasting water fasting. even people fast for 7 days, 10 or 15 days. It depends on your body, what your goal is, and most important what suits you. My personal experience and science also back with evidence that 24-hour water fasting with zero-calorie intake is beneficial for the mind and body when done on a consistent basis. Why consistency is important? Because initially it will hard for you mentally and physically to do but once you gain consistency the body adjusts and you no longer feel hunger pangs. The brain won’t get any kind of anxiety. I do it weekly

Let me start with a Disclaimer it is Not recommended for pregnant and malnourished and for children as they need more nutrition on daily basis than normal people. It is also recommended to take medical advice before adapting to any such habit. If you are interested in trying fasting, please consult your doctor.

Let’s move on to fasting benefits can be categorized as

• MENTAL

• PHYSICAL

• SPIRITUAL

while most important for me being a working woman is that there is 

• LESS WORK & CLARITY

Sometimes it is hard to find healthy food. And sometimes it is hard to cook. 

Weekly fasting Reduced my planning activities for a day

Reduced cooking work hence free time

Better practice than diet

People also say Fasting is easier than following strict diet plans because of less choice or in this case no choice leads less decision fatigue which is a prevalent problem in the current advanced time where we are loaded with choices.. It is not simply a choice between healthy and unhealthy rather in healthy now we have low fat, low carb, keto diet, vegan, gluten-free. I simply get overwhelmed with choices at times.  I guess same is with you.

So this benefits everyone, no food decisions to be taken for a day, and no cooking to do 

Let us move on to some other aspects

PHYSICAL benefits of fasting

Research has shown fasting is BETTER THAN LOW-FAT DIET AND KETO DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS purposes.

Fasting allows the body to use fat as its primary source of energy instead of sugar like in case of rigorous physical activities

Fasting gives your digestive system a rest, and this can energize your metabolism to burn through calories more efficiently. If your digestion is poor, this can affect your ability to metabolize food positively and burn fat

Studies have shown how the lifespan of people in certain cultures increased due to their diets. Study of blue zone areas where people live more than 100 years fasting is a common practice

You feel LIGHT

Fasting has shown to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity, allowing you to tolerate carbohydrates (sugar) better than if you didn’t fast.

Even it is found helpful in cancer and heart problems

In nature, when animals get sick they stop eating and instead focus on resting. This is a primal instinct to reduce stress on their internal system so their body can fight off infection. We, humans, are the only species who look for food when we are ill, even when we do not need it.

Not eating anything for just one day has been shown to help the body clean up the toxins and regulate the functioning of other organs of the body like the liver, kidneys, and other parts.

MENTAL benefits of fasting

Fasting has been shown to improve brain function because it boosts the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

BDNF activates brain stem cells to convert into new neurons and triggers numerous other chemicals that promote neural health.

Fasting for self-enlightenment allows us to feel better both consciously and physically. With a lighter body and a clearer mind, we become more aware and grateful for the things around us.

When you eat every three to four hours with snacks in-between, you don’t feel real hunger; you only eat when it’s time for the next meal. Fasting for 24 hours enables your body to experience what it’s like to go hungry.

When you fast, your body’s balance of satiety and appetite hormones improve, increasing your ability to determine when you have had enough.In short, fasting enables your body to signal hunger correctly and enhances the function of hormones for better eating habits.

Chronic stress contributes to health problems such as premature aging, heart disease, accumulation of abdominal fat, poor skin health, and more.Luckily, research shows fasting can help ease stress and as a result, lower the risk of these conditions.

Fasting promotes immune function, reduces oxidative stress, and boosts brain function, all of which can help you cope better with stress.

Bonus: Clears Skin and Removes Acne

Fasting renews damaged and dysfunctional cells in your body. This helps enhance skin health and eliminate acne, leaving you with healthier and youthful skin.

It is recommended you do your 24-hour fasts on weekends since weekend overeating is one of the reasons most people don’t lose weight. Although I do it on Monday after 24 hr water fasting I practice eating non-cooked items, like fruits, yogurt, raw salad on Tuesday. This saves a lot of my mental and physical effort and makes me feel light for the rest of the week. And there is something more exciting to look for in mid-week.

SPIRITUAL benefits of fasting

If you’re struggling with a decision or trying to discern the ever-present question, “What am I doing with my life?” integrating fasting with prayer will give you that boost in dissolving distractions. By denying the body — just a little bit — we’re far more clear-headed and able to be mindful. This puts us in a better mental space to be in touch with our spiritual needs, and, as a result, it makes us more confident in our decisions.

 this stillness where we can find the clarity we so desperately crave.

Fasting instills discipline AND MAKES US MORE HUMBLE.

If you find yourself ever boasting about your fasting, you’re definitely doing it wrong. It’s not a competition.

Fasting can bring actual changes to your body, removing both physical and spiritual toxins and impurities. Purifies and strengthens your soul.

GIVEN all the benefits of fasting it is even more important to practice good eating habits regularly. And do exercise. 

Health is the most important asset and is free to maintain. With this practice it is important to incorporate daily early rising ritual.

Let’s take care of ourselves and make this world better.