Posted by: Luis Cruz - Posted on: 03-31-2009

Fasting is one of the oldest techniques and can be found in the Old and the New Testament, in the Mahabharata, The Quran and also the Upanishads. This time honored tradition began as a religious practice and has spiritual association along with it. These days the definition of fasting has been modified with time and it is often seen now as more of a medical procedure for treating health ailments than a spiritual practice.

There have been many contradictory notions about the health benefits of fasting in the scientific world, however over time people have swung towards recognizing the benefits of fasting and hence greater numbers now follow this practice.

Supporters of the practice of fasting allege that this practice can contribute to longevity of life. The philosophy is that everybody needs rest and likewise our digestive system, in order for it to keep working continuously through our lifetimes. Fasting gives just such a rest to our digestive system and periodic fasting actually contributes to our digestive health and the over all well being of our body and internal systems.

Fasting contributes to the detoxification of our system, which is probably the best health benefit one can attain through this practice. Experts are of the opinion that apart from detoxifying the system and fasting also releases harmful toxins as well as diseased and dead tissues. Fasting contributes to the rejuvenation of our internal system and allows the system to function efficiently. Doctors often claim that fasting can relieve several chronic health problems like cancer, asthma, arthritis, lupus, allergies and high blood pressure.

As well as these many health benefits, fasting also assists in reducing body weight fast. Though fasting might seem to be the quickest and the most potent way of losing weight, it should be practiced moderately, as it may affect your health if practiced for long periods. Fasting for extended time frames might cause weakness, so periodic fasting is more preferable.

Fasting is also connected to several spiritual benefits and it allows the mind to rest in peace and meditate for long hours. The spiritual side of traditional fasting believed that the practice assisted in maintaining a proper balance of the mind and a balance with the moon’s attraction towards body fluids. This is probably the reason why the traditional and spiritual fasting practices were timed according to the moon.

As per medical science, fasting is the state attained after digesting your meal. Fasting causes several metabolic adjustments and this is reflected in diagnostic tests conducted while fasting. For medial reasons, a person can fast up to 8 to 12 hours and for diagnostic reasons it could go up to 8 to 72 hours depending in the age of the person. Fasting is also a recommended therauptic aid and if practiced properly can have many general health benefits.

The timeless traditions of fasting indicate this is truly more than a fad. Fasting remains one of the best known processes for cleaning your system and maintaining it through out your life. Fasting also provides the body with more energy, better sleep and concentration, as well as digestive and detoxifying benefits.


Please Note:
All health articles are intended as entertainment articles and should not be interpreted as medical advice. As with anything regarding your health a visit to your local doctor is suggested.