11 Impressive Benefits of Fasting

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of fasting include detoxification, faster healing, radiant skin, and secretion of growth and anti-aging hormones. It is also good for the digestive system as it boosts metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, and reduces appetite, thereby managing weight and obesity. It provides relief from epilepsy, arthritis, and other diseases.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting refers to refraining from either food, drink, or both at your own will for a definite time. It could be done partially for some particular food or as total abstention, in which no food or liquid is consumed for one or more days. Along with religious significance for some people, fasting is good for you because it offers a lot of health benefits if undertaken correctly and healthily.

Health Benefits of Fasting

If conducted in a guided manner, fasting has the following benefits:

Detoxification

When no food is consumed by the body, the body turns to the fat deposits for energy, which releases chemicals from the fatty reserves and results in the eradication of these chemicals through the organs. It has been well-favored by Ayurvedic therapy for cleansing and correcting the imbalances in the body. [1]

Mental Health

After fasting, the blood is filled with better levels of endorphins, which makes you more alert and provides you with a feeling of good mental health. Studies have also provided evidence of healthy aging of the brain, which is attributed to calorie restriction and intermittent fasting. The effects of fasting are considered similar to that of exercise. [2]

Effective Chemotherapy

Studies have demonstrated that a change in the levels of glucose due to fasting proves beneficial for the effectiveness of chemotherapy performed against tumors. Fasting for a defined period may stimulate changes related to the protection of body cells and may be favorable for the patients suffering or undergoing tumor therapy. [3] [4] [5]

A man is offering a delicious burger to another man said no during the fast in the coffee shop

A form of fasting known as intermittent fasting has also gained popularity as a weight-loss tool. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Weight Loss

Fasting has been in use to combat obesity for a long time. A study has demonstrated positive results with respect to average weekly weight loss that occurred in the patients after fasting. It triggers the liver enzymes and breaks fat and cholesterol into essential bile acids, which stimulate the metabolism and convert the surplus fat into heat. It also helps you avoid overeating as it regulates the hunger hormone levels – ghrelin. Regular fasting has also shown to improve eating patterns over time. [6]

Healthy Intestines

Fasting helps reverse the age-related decline in intestinal stem cell functioning. Studies say that during fasting, the cells break down fatty acids instead of glucose and this helps the cells become more regenerative. [7]

Helps to Treat Epilepsy

Epilepsy refers to a brain disorder in which a person suffers from recurrent convulsions that can lead to a transformation in behavior. Fasting has been proven beneficial for patients suffering from epilepsy. Studies on this topic have shown positive results in terms of the frequency of seizures in such patients. [8] [9] [10]

Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic medical condition that causes inflammation of flexible joints, surrounding tissues, and organs. Under medical supervision, controlled fasting has shown significant results in the studies conducted. However, it has been recommended by medical professionals to proceed with a vegetarian diet thereafter. [11] [12]

Treats Pancreatitis

The pancreas plays an important role in producing digestive juices and releasing the hormones in the body, including insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period, it is known as pancreatitis. Along with intravenous feeding and fluid therapy, fasting has also been accepted as a treatment strategy for acute pancreatitis. Insulin regulation also prevents type-2 diabetes as the glucose levels are normalized. [13] [14]

Speeds Up Healing

Fasting also promotes the healing process in the body. When food is no longer present in the stomach, the body focuses on other vital functions like metabolic activity and the immune system, rather than digestion which is not necessary until the next meal. Research has shown significant development in the immune system of the intestines and overall health of the subject patients under medical supervision. Athletes are also encouraged to fast during training days, to shed excess fat and optimize muscle growth. [15]

Skin Care

The mechanism of autophagy involves the synthesis and recycling of cellular components by the degradation of unnecessary cells. It gets promoted during fasting. This leads to the production of healthier cells and tissues throughout the body, leading to healthier skin. It also aids in collagen production and acne treatment. [16] [17]

An infographic on health benefits of fasting

Intermittent fasting is not a form of starvation but a way for you to time your meals to maximize your body’s ability to burn fat. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Releases Growth Hormones

Growth hormones stimulate the growth and production of cells in the body. The production of such hormones also increases during fasting, resulting in the release of better growth and anti-aging hormones. [18] [19]

Protects Heart Health

Fasting influences the regulation of glucose and cardiovascular health. This has been demonstrated by various studies conducted in this regard, along with other health benefits including lowering blood pressure, body mass, triglycerides, and increasing insulin sensitivity and levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. [20] [21] [22]

Pre or Post-operative Fasting

Doctors recommend short fasting, which is normally 2-8 hours, as groundwork for certain diagnostic investigations to obtain more accurate results. In case, the surgery involves the organs of the digestive system, fasting may be recommended before and after the surgery to ensure empty bowels. This helps to protect the lungs from getting any content from the stomach during anesthesia. Based on the studies that have been conducted in this regard, medical professionals recommend that consumption is limited to fluids such as water, clear fluids, and fruit juices before surgery. [23] [24]

Repair and Rejuvenation

The body gets an opportunity to repair itself as a result of a slower metabolic rate, better defense mechanisms, and protein production during fasting. This leads to improved mental well-being, clarity, improved blood circulation, and a feeling of rejuvenation. Scientists believe that all of these effects contribute to a slowdown in aging and an extended life expectancy. Fasting also boosts stem cell’s regenerative capacity. [25]

Side Effects of Fasting

Although fasting has been believed to be a natural and effective method of helping the body get rid of harmful toxins, it is also vital to be well aware of its possible side effects and hitches. [26]

Dehydration

During fasting, the body continues losing salt and water through sweat, urine, and breathing. If the body isn’t hydrated before the fast, it may become dehydrated easily. If such symptoms occur, it is vital to drink water mixed with salt and sugar to compensate for the loss.

Headaches

Headaches while fasting could be caused due to hunger, restlessness, or the sudden absence of caffeine or nicotine in the body. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating in moderation, and avoiding direct sunlight may help prevent headaches.

Hypoglycemia

Diabetics should be very cautious and should always discuss fasting with a medical professional before starting. They are strongly recommended to monitor their blood glucose since a drop in blood sugar can prove to be fatal and may lead to fainting. In the case of dizziness or sweating, it is advisable to consume fluids containing sugar as soon as possible.

Heartburn

Heartburn can be caused as a result of the production of stomach acids, which otherwise aid digestion. Avoiding greasy, spicy foods and eating in moderation can help control belching, vomiting, and heartburn. Reduction in caffeine consumption and smoking, as well as sleeping with your head raised can also prove beneficial.

Staying active, being hydrated and eating healthy foods (depending on the type of fast) rich in fiber helps keep constipation at bay during fasting. Other common side effects include fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, lightheadedness, chills, or cold due to the change in metabolism, along with an unpleasant odor as the body gets rid of harmful toxins through the skin and sweat. However, this is the body’s natural mechanism to cleanse and repair itself, while expelling any unhealthy cells. It is always advisable to discuss with a medical professional before considering fasting as a therapeutic option for any reason.

Common FAQs

Who Should Not Fast?

In spite of the multidimensional benefits and acceptable side effects, fasting can prove dangerous in certain medical conditions. It is not recommended for people already suffering from malnutrition, diabetes, and chronic ailments like gout, advanced stages of cancer, and cardiac arrhythmia, in which the heart beats irregularly. It is also not advised for pregnant or nursing women. [27]

Where Do You Get Energy From During Fasting?

The body enters into the fasting mode only after 7-8 hours of having the last meal, since that is when the body typically finishes utilizing the nutrients from the food. Usually, the body draws its energy from the glucose that is present in the liver and muscles. When the body undergoes a fast, this stored glucose is the first thing to be utilized. If the fast continues long enough and the glucose runs out, the body depends on the accumulated fat for further energy requirements. However, this type of energy release is only available to an extent, after which the body starts to attack the stored proteins. This is also known as starvation, which is not a healthy method of fasting. This can happen if the fasting continues for several days. [28]

DMCA.com Protection Status
References
About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

Rate this article
Average rating 3.9 out of 5.0 based on 464 user(s).