Fasting: Why people do it

CEBU, Philippines — For the longest time, the term “fasting” had a purely religious connotation. The pious did it in connection with their relationship with God. The practice came to take hold because as they did it they also noticed certain physical benefits that resulted.

The subject of fasting is found over and over again throughout the Bible. For example, Matthew 9:15 states: “Jesus said to them, ‘The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’” In Biblical times, fasting was done when there was a need for a spiritual breakthrough due to the burdens of life.

Fasting is a deliberate abstinence from physical gratification – usually going without food for a period of time – to achieve a greater spiritual goal. Fasting is intentionally denying the flesh in order to gain a response from the spirit. It means renouncing the natural in order to invoke the supernatural.

As author and broadcaster Dr. Tony Evans puts it: “If you fast and deny your physical cravings, your mind and heart will be open so that God can do a great work in your spirit, equipping you to deal with any crisis by the power of His grace.” Among many other Biblical references, he cites 2 Corinthians 12:9 as the bottom line of fasting: “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”

In these modern times, many people attest that fasting works when dealing with personal problems, financial turmoil, health issues, or any other obstacle. And some of these people are not even religious.  Fasting has since become a secular practice as well.

Rachael Link, MS, RD, in an article at www.healthline.com, defines fasting as the abstinence from all or some foods or drinks for a set period of time. She acknowledges that, despite its recent surge in popularity, the practice dates back centuries and plays a central role in many cultures and religions. Link also cites scientifically-proven and potential health benefits of fasting:

Promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance. Several studies have found that fasting may improve blood sugar control, which could be especially useful for those at risk of diabetes. A study of 10 people with type 2 diabetes has shown that short-term intermittent fasting significantly decreased blood sugar levels. Another review found that both intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting were as effective as limiting calorie intake at reducing insulin resistance, although the effect is different between men and women. Decreasing insulin resistance can increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to transport glucose from your bloodstream to your cells more efficiently.

Promotes better health by fighting inflammation. While acute inflammation is a normal immune process used to help fight off infections, chronic inflammation can have serious consequences for your health. Research shows that inflammation may be involved in the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain studies have found that fasting can help decrease levels of inflammation and help promote better health. One particular study has discovered the same effect when people fasted for just 12 hours a day for one month, and hints that fasting may be useful in treating inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.

May enhance heart health by improving blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Heart disease is considered the leading cause of death around the world. Research has found that incorporating fasting into a person’s routine may be especially beneficial when it comes to heart health. The result of one study reveals that eight weeks of alternate-day fasting reduced levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides by 25 and 32 percent, respectively. Overall, fasting has since been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease

May boost brain function and prevent neurodegenerative disorders. Fasting could have a powerful effect on brain health, although research has so far been mostly limited to animals. One study in mice has shown that practicing intermittent fasting for 11 months improved both brain function and brain structure. In particular, studies in animals suggest that fasting may protect against and improve outcomes for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Aids in weight loss by limiting calorie intake and boosting metabolism. Many dieters pick up fasting for a quick and easy way to drop a few pounds. Theoretically, abstaining from all or certain foods and beverages should decrease one’s overall calorie intake, which could lead to weight loss over time. Research has also found that short-term fasting may boost metabolism by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which could promote weight loss.

Increases growth hormone secretion, which is vital for growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength. Human growth hormone (HGH) is a type of protein hormone that is central to many aspects of one’s health. It is involved in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength. Several studies have found that fasting could naturally increase HGH levels. Plus, fasting may help maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day, which may further optimize levels of HGH, as some research has found that sustaining increased levels of insulin may reduce HGH levels.

Could delay aging and extend longevity. Several animal studies have found promising results on the potential lifespan-extending effects of fasting. In one study, rats that fasted every other day experienced a delayed rate of aging and lived 83 percent longer than rats that didn’t fast. Other animal studies have had similar findings, reporting that fasting could be effective in increasing longevity and survival rates.  Further studies, though, are needed to understand how fasting may impact longevity and aging in humans.

May aid in cancer prevention and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Animal and test-tube studies indicate that fasting may benefit the treatment and prevention of cancer. One rat study has found that alternate-day fasting helped block tumor formation. Similarly, a test-tube study showed that exposing cancer cells to several cycles of fasting was as effective as chemotherapy in delaying tumor growth and increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs on cancer formation.

While research on the health benefits of fasting has yet been largely on laboratory animals, health experts believe that the positive findings can work in humans as well – although they caution that fasting may not be right for everyone. It is important to seek the opinion of a health professional before going on a fasting routine.

Study results on fasting have so far been very promising. Now, it is becoming confirmed that fasting is not only good for the soul, but for the body as well.