Fasting: Facts and Benefits

The term fasting is defined as self-denial of all intakes except water in an atmosphere of repose. It is also treated as a way of pleasing God in some religions. A person can practice fasting by making unusual intervals between routine food timings or can stay a longer period by intentionally opts not to eat/drink. We all have the ability of surviving without food for longer period than we realize.

Fasting is a widely accepted natural way to normalize the body weight. It disbands the unnecessary fats deposited in our body.

Those who fast look younger than those who don’t fast. Fasting helps to maintain youthfulness and long life.

Spiritual experts say, when God has not answered to your prayers, try prayer with fasting.


20 benefits of fasting:

Fasting can be for a full day or part of a day, preferably once in a week, the duration of fast depends on personal health and the purpose.

1. Fasting is constructive for both overweight and underweight persons. Weak persons also can practice fasting for improvement of their health; it is observed that, their weight will increase rather than decrease. Fasting also normalizes the digestive system of underweight persons and helps to cure existing disorders.

2. Fasting is helpful for character building, developing self-discipline, temperance and to maintain better eating habits.

3. Fasting clears the skin and whitens the eyes. The disposal of toxic materials from the body and cleansing of blood during fast helps to clear certain skin problems, and it bring backs the original whites of the eyes.

4. Fasting once in a week and controlled eating habits helps to reduce the weight. Fasting for weight loss is popular among women especially in young generation.

5. Scientific experiments shows that the immune system is considerably enhanced as a result of fasting

6. Fasting helps in controlling a vast range of allergic reactions and Asthma.

7. Fasting supports to drying of anomalous fluid accumulations in the body, such as ankles, legs and joints.

8. Fasting helps to corrects high blood pressure. It will reduce the blood pressure level to a safe range gradually and much useful for those who suffers hypertension.

9. Fasting is one of the proved methods to overcome addictions to a variety of drugs like nicotine, alcohol, marijuana etc.

10. Fasting rejuvenate the taste buds on our tongue.

11. Fasting shrinks our stomach in a way to restoring its normal size. People generally opts lesser food after fasting, which may beneficial in long run.

12. Fasting gives complete rest to stomach and intestines to enables them to repair damaged cells.

13. Fasting results in purging of excess cholesterol, uric acid and other toxins.

14. Fasting causes decrease in individual resentments and it is visible in the crime rate statistics in Muslim countries during the month of Ramzan.

15. Some disorders are common in the early days of fasting such as heaviness in tongue, bad breathing, symptoms of fever, drowsiness etc. The colour of urine may changes from a few hours from fasting; all these are common factors and no need to worry. Weakness is experienced during the fasts, because the routine processes of the body are slightly hindered.

16. A person who addicted to alcohol/smoking/tea/coffee, who regularly consumes spicy foods, feels certain difficulties in the early days of fasting.

17. Some bubbles or pimples can see on the skin in certain people during fasting, feeling of uneasiness and vomiting also there. All of these are beneficial to the body and a result of purification process and no need to worry.

18. Generally fasting below 12 years of age is not recommended as children have smaller reserves in their body and it might cause growth related issues. If you are suffering any kind of sickness, please consult a Doctor before fasting.

19. The best way to break a fast is to take easily digested foods such as fruits or vegetables.

20. Fasting is really a sacred experience. Absolute rest and a supportive environment is required for an effective fasting. Fasting gives our digestive system, an unusual practical relaxation. Fasting is an influential natural way to helps sick people to get well and healthy people to stay healthier. The most important aspect on fasting is `Do it right if you wish, else Don’t’


Author: Shabu Thachat, Kozhikode, Kerala


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