Fasting: Why should We fast, Benefits, Side Effect, And More

Over View

There is one powerful and natural way to prevent illness and decrease diseases like high blood pressure, and sugar levels by fasting.

In India, Fast is not an obligation, but a moral and spiritual act that aims to purify the body, soul, and mind.

So here we will talk about fasting and it is required for all, do it may help in weight loss, and more like this question.

1. What is Fasting (व्रत)?

When you stop eating almost completely for a certain time, like 24 hours, or 18 hours, but some fast continues for a long time even a day.

But you may consume water, tea, at these times, and juices, and even eating fruits during fasting is allowed in some religions such as Hinduism.

2. Why Should We Fast?

It has 3 answers which are according to today’s science, religion and third is according to our Ayurveda, all these are correct on their way, here are they:

What Does Modern Science Say?

Today science achieves a lot, which confirmed after a many of research on fasting that fasting detoxifies the body at the cellular level.

A study by Mark Mattson an investigator at National Institute on Aging showed that fasting:

• Improves learning
• memory functioning
• reduces stress
• LDL cholesterol

NOTE: In 2016, Yoshinori Ohsumi say that the body gets rid of its sickest cells, and this happens during fasting when only the healthiest cells survive.

What About – Ayurveda?

It is not a new concept for Ayurveda, according to the “Rumi” (fasting is the first principle of medicine), and “Paracelsus” (it is the great remedy the physician within.)

It helps in the digestive system, cleanses the intestine, and reduces the chance of disease.

Religion

Religion does not accept too much science, but still fasting according to religion gives peace to the body, mind, and soul and makes god happy.

That is why I still take fast because my mother says.

But as we move towards science, we are considering them as a rumor, but today’s science has converted their rumor into true-based evidence.

3. Who Should Avoid Fast?

And if you fall into one of these categories then fasting is not advisable include:

• Pregnant women
• Children under 14 years
• Extremely low Blood pressure

4. Benefits of Fasting

It is a very effective and cheap way to keep you healthy, and it has been used for thousands of years.

Here are some benefits of fasting that you can experience by adapting it. which include:

The digestion system gets to rest

Our digestion system works all the time, it never stops, and when we fast, it gives some rest to our digestion system from work which keeps it healthy and unstoppable.

Maintain Blood pressure

Some examination has discovered that adding fasting to your lifestyle may help in heart-healthy by reducing high BP.

Research showed that fasting can assist with bringing down blood pressure, also reduce cholesterol, controlling diabetes, and decreasing overweight.

Help In Weight loss

One day fast or a certain time of fasting helps you to reduce fat. which is why most people fast.

A study shows that fasting every other day for 22 days resulted in no measurable decrease in BMR.

And fat burning increased by 58% from 64g/day to 101g/day.

Check Out – Unspecific 10 Reasons Why You Losing Weight

Improve Memory

Animal studies have detailed that fasting could secure mind well-being and increase the age of nerve cells to help with improving intellectual capacity.

Because fasting may likewise assist with relieving inflammation, and also support preventing neurodegenerative issues.

Another clinical research suggests that supported fasting regimens kept us over months or even years may also improve memory function.

Other Major Positive Side Effects

• Unblemished skin
• stronger hair
• Improved cognitive ability

Learn more about – Hair loss in men.

5. Side Effects

There are some risks, which are seen in some people, who do not take it seriously or fast without precaution.

• Hunger and craving: this is common, and it becomes more difficult for beginners, and who work hard even in fasting which may also lead to Dizziness.

• Dehydration: Lack of water is also seen in most people, who even do not consume a glass of water.

• Headache: It is also common, which is reduced by eating food, if you can’t control headaches, then you can consume fruits and milk.

• Mood change and Anger: During fasting, especially beginners may see anger, and mood change because our brain needs fuel to regulate emotion, which is not fulfilled during fasting, which leads to anger.

• Low energy: low energy while fasting is not an absence of food, but rather the absence of body movement, but it can be seen in those who work hard during व्रत.

Other Seen Effects

• Bad breath
• Disturbance in sleep

6. What is Intermittent Fasting?

If you search fasting on google, you will definitely see this intermittent fasting, but what is this?

It is an eating pattern where you can eat from this time to that time and another where you have to fast from this to that.

NOTE: And there are most common and practised method is the 16-8 method, and many people use it for weight loss and to improve their health.

16-8 method – In this, you have to keep fasting for 16 hours, without eating anything, except water, and then comes to 8 hours where you have to eat.

7. What Do We Eat During Fasting?

It is natural to feel hungry, and sleep because didn’t eat food. but the real question is what is a fasting diet?

• Religion – like Hindus, who keep many fasts, but still, they can eat certain fruits, water, milk, and tea during fast, if they want, which is not against fasting.

• But according to modern science fasting diets such as:
  • light food, like certain fruits, water, and milk, but does not eat as usual.
  • if you are a beginner light food helps you to maintain fasting.

There is no problem eating fruit during a fast, but if possible avoid them, if you can, and you can just go with liquid things.

8. How To Break Fasting In The Right Way?

Just, as fasting is the right way is important, breaking it is also important. which include:

NOTE: Break the fast with simple water, lemon water, juice, honey, and maybe a piece of fruit, then go ahead with your regular meal.

9. FAQ (Frequent Question Answer)

Is It Healthy?

Yes, it is healthy even fasting is good for overall health, but on the limit.

Make sure if you go out, drink enough water, especially in the summertime, because lack of water in the body leads to dizziness, weakness, etc

When Should I Fast?

You can fast whenever you wish to, however, if you looking for the easiest way to kick off your fasting journey.

Then you can start during – Ekadashi (considered to be an auspicious day in Hindu and Jain culture)

Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day and is the best day to start, according to Ayurveda (an ideal planetary formation that keeps hunger control and doesn’t let the body weaken.

NOTE: Additionally, more spiritual, mental, and physical benefits are also seen in Ekadashi.

You can look next Ekadashi date, with just a quick search.

Is It Safe For Pregnant Women?

No, the doctor does not recommend fasting during pregnancy, especially for 1, and 2 trimesters ladies, which enhances the risk of premature birth.

Learn more – Pregnancy Diet: 8 Super Ideal Foods That Are Eaten During Pregnancy

Is It Required For All To Have Fast?

No, it is not required to all have fast, but if you are a health-conscious person and want to stay fit, then you should fast which is even good for your overall health.

NOTE: Those who have never tried should do it, and children under the age of 14, and pregnant ladies should avoid it.

Can We Drink Coffee While Fasting?

No food is allowed to consume during fasting, but you can drink liquids like water, tea, and coffee, but without sugar.

Is It Safe To Fast On Keto?

If you are struggling to reach ketosis while on a keto diet, adding intermittent fasting may effectively kick off your cycle.

But for the long-term is not recommended.

Down Line

An intermittent fast is an eating pattern where you can eat from this time to that time, and another where you have to fast from this to that.

Some examination has discovered that adding fasting to your lifestyle may help in heart-healthy by reducing high blood pressure.

Ekadashi is the 11th lunar day and is the best day to start.

There is no problem with eating fruit during a fast, but if possible avoid them, if you can, and you can just go with liquid things.