Benefits of Fasting: Cultural Connotation and Health Perspective

How often have you said this to yourself? “ I badly need a break!” Your body is just like you, and once in a while it needs to rest too. Observe your pets, when they fall sick they just lie down and consume no food until they recover. Consuming no food helps our body get rid of unwanted toxins paving the path for better health.

How often have you said this to yourself, “I badly need a break!” Your body is just like you and once in a while it needs to rest too. Observe your pets, when they fall sick they just lie down and consume no food until they recover. Consuming no food helps our body get rid of unwanted toxins paving the path for better health. We recently celebrated Navrathri, a festival during which we observe a nine-day fast. This is mainly practiced as a way to detoxify both mind and body, while experiencing the spiritual divinity within. This practice of fasting is called upavas, which means “residing close to oneself.”

Indians fast on several occasions including karva chaut, “karva” is another word for pot and “chaut” refers to the occurrence of the festival on the fourth day of the dark-fortnight, teej which falls on the third day after the amavasya (new moon) of the shravana month, nagarachauthi (one day prior to nagapanchami) and ekadashi– occurs on the eleventh day of every lunar month of the Hindu calendar. It is believed that all beans and grains must be avoided on this day, because they are contaminated by sin, so most people eat fruits, vegetables and drink milk on this day.

Teej is popular festival which starts off the season of basant (monsoon). In some parts of India it is observed to celebrate womanhood because it is the day of the reunion of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva. While in other states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, it is celebrated because of the arrival of the monsoon.  To someone who is alien to Hindu practices, it may seem like we feast and fast for any reason, but this is not true. Ayurveda, a popular ancient science, began in India and also considers fasting as an effective way to burn away the accumulated toxins from the body and mind. It also helps in improving mental clarity and preserves overall health.

We are aware of the fact that the body’s fuel source is glucose-blood sugar. A lot of glucose is obtained by the body through the consumption of sugar and carbohydrates like bread, parathas, theplas and paneer containing dishes. It is also very important to know that our body can burn another type of fuel known as ketones. When our body runs out of glucose and starts burning fat, ketone molecules are created. Our body is capable of switching fuel sources without breaking down muscle. When you work-out during the fasting period, you can strengthen your body’s fat-burning capacity.

Even Western researchers have started digging deep into the benefits of fasting. In an article published on Deseretnews.com, “Utah researchers have discovered additional health benefits of periodic fasting.” Additionally, extensive research conducted by University of California at Berkeley, University of Southern California and Chicago’s Mount Sinai, shows that intermittent fasting may help prevent and treat cancer. They explain how this happens, during a fast the cells in our bodies go into a protective mode, while cancerous cells continue their robotic growth. The state of fasting is hostile to cancer cells in part because their fuel, which is glucose, disappears from the bloodstream.

Most of us also indulge in taking in carbs in other forms on days of fasting. Like sabudana khichdi, poha or upma, it is best to consume fresh fruits, vegetables and milk on days of fasting. This will help you burn calories and detoxify your body. For first timers it is best to try out one day fasts. Hindu tradition mainly follows yogic way of eating and similarly there is also a yogic method of fasting.

Here are some tips for first time fasting:

1. Your diet should consist of mostly raw foods, such as fruits, vegetables seeds and nuts.

2.  Avoid dehydration by consuming at least 7-8 glasses of water daily.

3.  A fundamental rule is to absorb all the “prana” (life-force energy) from the foods and to drink fluids slowly.

4.  Foods must be light and easily digestible.

5. To benefit from fasting consume food in small quantities. Eat how much you need and not a grain more.

6. Drink fresh sugar-free juices and lots of water to prevent constipation.

Fasting helps us attain a clearer mind and a lighter body. This helps us focus better and accomplish self-enlightenment.