Lifestyle diseases are on the verge of increase since a decade. In the recent past Covid 19 pandemic hit the world very badly. Hence there is a need for preventive approaches. Fasting is one such preventive & health promoting regimen. Since time immemorial fasting was a part of religious and spiritual beliefs. System of Nature Cure strongly advocates Fasting therapy. Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhiji also followed and recommended fasting. Flipside of the coin there is growing research evidence for the health benefits of fasting. Fasting also has become a fitness trend worldwide.
Fasting literally means voluntary abstinence from any kind of food for a definite period of time. Intermittent fasting is the most widely researched fasting method. This method involves switching between fasting and eating periods at regular intervals.
Over the time our eating habits have changed. We rely more on processed and calorie dense food. Sedentary life style along with modern food habits have ended up in lifestyle diseases. Added up to this is eating full meals at the end of the day after we return from work. Which makes the situation still worse.
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Regular fasting schedules have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, suppress inflammation, improve glucose regulation, enhance stress resistance and aid in tissue repair. Studies reveal that calorie restriction has remarkable effects on delaying ageing and increasing life span. With such varied and wonderful health benefits calorie restriction through fasting is increasing the efficiency of human system.
We have number of occasions to enjoy food with friends and family members. At all these gatherings we eat until we are breathless. Our digestive system has to overwork to digest this stuff. At the same time heavy meal makes one drowsy and lazy. Lack of physical
activity adds up to this and our tummies overgrow by accumulating fat around them.
As we are engaged in busy schedules we tend to pamper our stomach with the tasty and delicious food in between. So it is also busy just as we are. Human system needs rest and relaxation in order to work efficiently. In the same way our digestive tract also needs relaxation to maximize its efficiency. Religious belief of carrying out fasting by our ancestors on particular days or for certain period of time served this purpose of resting the digestive system. Nature cure believes that at the time of fasting the energy utilized for digestion will be redirected to cleanse the body. Metabolic and digestive waste will be eliminated out from the system through the urine, sweat and feacal matter.
Intake of nourishing food and excretion of the waste are the two basic requirements for health maintenance. Gut is called as our second brain. Gut and brain has a bidirectional talk. i.e changes in the gut health can affect our mood, likewise anxiety and stress do alter
the environment of the gut producing excess acid, gas formation etc. Hatha Yoga recommends moderation in diet or ‘Mitahara’ for physical and mental balance. It says that one fourth of the stomach should be kept empty. It means not to over eat or not to eat until you are breathless.
So fasting on regular intervals can do lot good to the system and one learns patience. Initially you can plan for diet moderation by consulting a Naturopathy doctor or your diet adviser. Once you are accustomed to these moderations later on you can start with fasting schedules. But remember fasting is not a punishment. It needs mental preparation. When done with the preparedness it is energizing and refreshing.
System of Naturopathy recommends different type of fasting. Juice fasting, water fasting and dry fasting. According to the duration fasting can be short, long and intermittent. Juice fasting is the most commonly recommended therapeutic fasting in Naturopathy. This
is a type of calorie restriction. Juices of alkaline nature made out of fresh fruits and vegetables will be recommended for fasting in Naturopathy. Having a juice 4 to 6 times a day is beneficial. This restricts total calorie intake compared to the non fasting state and
provides micronutrients like vitamins and minerals to the body. These juices have a soothaning effect over the stomach and balance the secretions. Liberal intake of water is recommended during fasting period. This alters metabolism and enhances excretion of
waste from the system.
When we fast body relies on fat stores for the energy needs as the supply of carbohydrate is
severely restricted. This alters the source and process of energy production. Now the body derives energy from the fat storage. On breaking the fat for energy needs ketone bodies are formed. They provide the energy for cells especially to the brain. As an evidence there is rise in ketone bodies in the blood during fasting states. This switch over from glucose to ketone body for fuel has significant health benefits. They influence cellular and organ function. By regulating the activity of many proteins and molecules they affect health and ageing.
Benefits of fasting:
No doubt fasting can reduce our weight and we look slimmer. It can also reduce the fat around the waist. But the effects of fasting are not limited to this. They are many more and health promoting.
Regular fasting schedules have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, suppress inflammation, improve glucose regulation, enhance stress resistance and aid in tissue repair. Studies reveal that calorie restriction has remarkable effects on delaying ageing and increasing life span. With such varied and wonderful health benefits calorie restriction through fasting is increasing the efficiency of human system.
According to your food habits, activity level and health conditions fasting has to be tailored. Always seek an expert advice if you are facing some problems in planning fasting schedules. Fasting is not a suffering it should be energizing and refreshing when done in a right way.