Fasting is used for many different things, and has many different benefits. It helps you lose weight, become more disciplined, and have a healthier life. It is also something that is seen in many different religious practices. This shows just how long this has been used, and how effective it is, it is still being used today. In this article, I will go over different types of this, the benefits of it, and how different religions integrate it into their practices. But first of all, what even is fasting?
Types of fasting
Fasting is when you avoid the consumption of food and/or water for a certain period of time. There are different types of fasts that can help you in different ways.
Intermittent fasting
Firstly, intermittent fasting is one of the most recognised methods of this. It is very effective if you want to lose weight quickly, as results are often seen within 3 weeks. The way it works is, you have 8 hours to eat throughout your day, before you start. For intermittent fasting, you are encouraged to drink plenty of water, during the 16 hours of fasting. This is something that fits around your routine, lifestyle, and makes your body become more disciplined. Also, since it is a very well known way of fasting, there are different types of support mechanisms that can help you. For example, apps, and websites that can inform you on how to optimise it as much as possible.
The 5:2 method is another way people fast. This consists of eating freely for 5 days, and then fasting for 2 full days. This has the same benefits as the 18 hour fast. However, it is a lot harder, as your body will not be able to adapt in time, after 5 days of normal eating, and just 2 days to start fasting. Therefore I would recommend the 18 hour fast.
Water fasting
Water fasting is when you only drink water, and it often lasts between 1 and 3 days. This promotes the idea of drinking more water, which is good, and helps lose weight extremely fast. However, upon breaking this routine, you often build that fat right back up, unless you exercise regularly, or follow a new diet. Water fasting helps with detoxing the body, making your immune system stronger. This will make your body stronger, when challenged with things like illnesses, and disease. Before beginning this, you should lower your food intake, and increase water intake one week prior. This will help ease you into this, as this is one of most difficult forms of fasting.
Partial fasting
Partial fasting is an easier form of fasting, as it helps you manage your own goals. For example, you will not eat until a certain time. This helps you improve your self discipline if it is done properly, as you are forcing yourself to live within a routine. Rather than following a universal type of fast, that is not suited directly to yourself. It is a very flexible form of fasting, but it will not work unless you are motivated and confident to push yourself. If not, you may set yourself low goals, or not commit to this, making it useless for you.
Fasting in different religions
Most religions have fasting integrated into their practices, in different ways.
In Islam, Muslims will fast prominently during the month of Ramadan. They begin their fast, just before sunrise, and end it at sunset. They fast for many reasons, the first being to ask for forgiveness for the sin they have committed in the past. Also, it is a pillar of Islam, meaning it is something mandatory, and therefore must be fulfilled. There are also different voluntary fasts that Muslims may keep throughout the year.
In Christianity, they fast during the time of Lent. Lent lasts 40 days (excluding Sundays), and is a time to fast, and avoid festivities. It reflects the 40 days Jesus fasted in the dessert, refusing the temptations luring him by the devil. During this period, Christians start praying daily, reflecting on their God, and find spiritual clarity within themselves. Lent begins on Ash wednesday, and ends upon the beginning of Easter. This could be seen as a reward for Christians, after 40 days of fasting.
In Hinduism, Karwa Chauth is when married women fast in order to bless their husbands with a good and long life. They start their fast at sunrise, and end it once the moon rises. On this day, women who are fasting should not do any household work, or chores. in stead, they are encouraged to dress up, and beautify themselves. They should also refrain from wearing something black or white, and should not eat things that have onions or garlic in them. This day represents the relationship between a husband and wife. Fasting on this day is believed to strengthen the bond between the husband and wife, and is a day of celebration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fasting is something that is widely recognised, and has been practised for a very long time. There are many different benefits of it, and it could help you in many different ways. Firstly, I went through different types of this, like intermittent, partial and water fasting. I went through how each of them work, and the benefits they bring.
I then went over how different religions use fasting. The purpose of using different religions would solidify just how long this concept has been around for, and how valid it is, as it is still being used today. I explained how different religions like Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism fast on certain days for different reasons.
Fasting helps in so many ways, apart from just losing weight, and it is something that everyone should try. It helps with things like;
- Detoxing the body
- Strengthening the immune system
- Helping control your sex drive
- Developing your self discipline
- Letting your body adapt to different circumstances
Therefore, you should at least try different types of fasting, as it brings home many different types of benefits with them. It helps you be in control of your body, and aids in resisting different temptations.