Exploring the Potential Health Benefits and Risks of Fasting

 

What is fasting?

Fasting means a restriction on the intake of food. Based on traditional, cultural, or religious backgrounds, there are types of periodic fasting applied all over the world. 

 

How long has it been practiced?

Religious fasting has been followed for several hundred years throughout a variety of faiths and cultures. The religions of Buddhism, Christianity, Jainism, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, and Islam are all followers of these religious traditions. Hippocrates thought that fasting helped the body heal itself in ancient Greece. Even to this day, fasting is considered an effective healthcare approach around the globe.

What does the evidence say about its potential health benefits and risks?

While the main purpose of fasting in a religious setting frequently remains to be spiritual or symbolic. Individual, clinical, public, and global health have traditionally been studied independently and it is to be believed that fasting has some potential medical significance. Over the last two decades, the substantial rise in the number of studies investigating the association of health effects of religiously prompted fasts has increased. Fasts are performed either for 24-42 hours or in the form of intermittent fasting which fluctuates between periods of fasting and eating/drinking.

Health Benefits of Fasting:

Here are some prospective effects of religious fasting that could impact human health:

1.      Improved insulin sensitivity: It has been shown that fasting improves insulin sensitivity, which can help reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

2.      Weight loss: Religious fasting may result in weight loss depending on the length and severity of the fast. This can help individuals who are overweight or obese reduce their risk of developing a variety of health problems.

3.      Lower blood pressure: Fasting has been linked to lower blood pressure, which may help reduce the chance of heart disease and stroke.

4.      Improved brain function: Some research suggests that fasting could enhance cognitive function and lower the chance of neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

5.      Reduced inflammation: Fasting has been linked to decreased inflammation, which can help lower the chance of chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

Potential Risks of Fasting:

1.      Dehydration: Fasting may result in dehydration, particularly in hot or dry regions, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and lethargy.

2.     Low blood sugar: Fasting may result in a drop in blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics, resulting in weakness, confusion, and fainting.

3.   Nutritional deficiencies: Prolonged fasting can cause deficiencies in important nutrients, resulting in weakness, exhaustion, and impaired cognitive function. This is especially dangerous for people who have pre-existing medical problems.

4. Eating disorders: Fasting can exacerbate disorders of eating in vulnerable people by reinforcing a restrictive and obsessive connection with food like overeating, following a fast, some individuals may be tempted to overeat, which can lead to digestive problems, nausea, and discomfort.

5.  Impaired cognitive function: Fasting can impair cognitive performance, especially memory, attention span, and decision-making. This can be difficult for people who are unable to focus on making critical decisions while fasting.

     It's worth noting, however, that the health risk and benefits of fasting are not universally agreed upon, and the effects may vary depending on the individual health status and the specific type of fasting. Additionally, fasting can be challenging for some people if proper precautions are not taken. As with any dietary or lifestyle change, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially ones with medial comorbidities.