Peace be upon all readers ^_^
As usual, I bumped into an article that is interesting for me to write about. Fasting.
Some love it. Some don't.
Well, the article that I found out is in BBC News . And surprisingly, they state that "fasting for one day each week may make us healthier, happier and longer lived." Wow! This is amazing. Why? Because many people that I met says that fasting harms life; 'No consumption of anything for long hours thus it disturbs your digestion and all', or 'I have to drink a lot of water, I need fluid more than anyone else'. Well, logically, who have the time to exercise when you have to work from 0800 to 1700 everyday and once you're home, your chores are waiting and your day ends once your daily routine ends, and tomorrow will be the same again.
Let's discuss it in two ways; Scientifically [Yay & Nay] and Spiritually (Religion concern).
Scientifically; [Yay]
1) As what I stated above, that would be one of the point.
2) Chef Paul Wenner (creator of the Gardenburger and founder of Wholesome & Hearty Foods, Inc.) states that
"Fasting allows the digestive system to rest and heal itself"
"Many people report striking clarifications, new and clearer ways of seeing things: breakthroughs in resolving difficulties and coming to resolutions in their lives"
The body eliminates toxins
It gives the body a rest: it "does not have to process the food it would otherwise be exposed to. There is a lot of scientific data showing that the most likely way to extend life is to restrict calories."
3) To support the highlighted statement;
Will Carol stated that;
- A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting.
- In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently.
- The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition.
* A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy.
- The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years.
4) Research cardiologists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute are reporting that fasting not only lowers one's risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes, but also causes significant changes in a person's blood cholesterol levels. Both diabetes and elevated cholesterol are known risk factors for coronary heart disease. Fasting causes hunger or stress. In response, the body releases more cholesterol, allowing it to utilize fat as a source of fuel, instead of glucose. This decreases the number of fat cells in the body," says Dr. Horne. "This is important because the fewer fat cells a body has, the less likely it will experience insulin resistance, or diabetes."
[Nay]
1) A lot of people regard fasting as good for the soul, noted Dr. Vash, "but it certainly isn't good for the body. Going from food to fast shocks the system." Fasting lowers glucose "by 50 percent after 24 hours, and that's a lot of stress on the system," adds Robert Rakowski, clinic director of Natural Medical Center, Clear Lake, Texas.
2) On the other hand, "I'm not totally opposed to fasting," said diet counselor Gail Sommerfeld, RD, who happens to be Dr. DeMeao's colleague at Loyola's nutrition clinic. "Twenty-four hours without solids is okay now and then -- provided that one takes in adequate water and eats a well-balanced, nutritious variety of foods throughout the week."
3) Dr. Rakowski, despite his misgivings about stressing the body, is not totally opposed, either. Fasting "one day a week, and/or a weekend a month clears the digestive system." But a better choice, he said, is to "cut calories by 50 percent by eating nutrient dense, plant-source foods" regularly, as an ongoing lifestyle.
4) After fasting only ten to 12 hours, the body starts using stored glucose, then begins to break down protein, said Dr. Mark DeMeao, assistant professor of medicine and associate director of nutrition at Loyola University Medical Center. "I don't know of any positive effects of fasting. I don't recommend it."
Spiritually;
Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism.
1) Hinduism: Fasting in Hinduism indicates the denial of the physical needs of the body for the sake of spiritual gains. According to the scriptures, fasting helps create an attunement with the Absolute by establishing a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul. This is thought to be imperative for the well being of a human being as it nourishes both his/her physical and spiritual demands. Hindus believe it is not easy to unceasingly pursue the path of spirituality in one's daily life. We are harangued by a lot of considerations, and worldly indulgences do not allow us to concentrate on spiritual attainment. Therefore a worshipper must strive to impose restrains on himself/herself to get his mind focused. And one form of restraint is fasting.
2) Christianity: Fasting, broadly speaking, is the voluntary avoidance of something that is good. When Catholics talk about fasting, we normally mean restricting the food that we eat. We can fast between meals, by not eating snacks, or we can engage in a complete fast by abstaining from all food. The English word breakfast, in fact, means the meal that breaks the fast. While fasting takes the form of refraining from eating, it is primarily a spiritual discipline designed to tame the body so that we can concentrate on higher things.
3) Judaism: In Judaism, the purpose of a fast is to lower the volume on our physical pursuits in order to focus more acutely on our spiritual selves. This facilitates the process of "teshuva" - literally "return." We return to G-d, and to our essential state of purity. In the Book of Esther (4:16), Esther agreed to see the King uninvited, and asked the Jewish people to fast for three days beforehand. Esther called for a fast, knowing that through soul- searching the Jews would forge a spiritual connection necessary to make her mission successful. And it paid off, for indeed the Almighty sees and hears everyone at their time of need.
4) Islam: Islam is known for its 'one-month fasting period' which is Ramadhan. And along with that, the Muslims are encouraged to fast either every middle of the month, or every Monday and Thursday, or once every two days, or with some other reasons and purposes. Muslims are only expected to fast if they are healthy adults. Sick people, whether suffering from temporary or chronic disease, are exempt. Many scholars of Islamic sharia law say fasting is prohibited if it is harmful. The Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying: "Fast so as to be healthy". All adult Muslims must give up the following things during the hours of daylight: Food or drink of any sort, Smoking, including passive smoking, Sexual activity. If an adult does not fast for the reasons above they should try to make up the fast at a later date, or make a donation to the poor instead. Muslims do not only abstain from physical things during Ramadan. They are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds as well. There are many good reasons for this fast, including:
- Obeying God
- Learning self-discipline
- Becoming spiritually stronger
- Appreciating God's gifts to us
- Sharing the sufferings of the poor and developing sympathy for them
- Realising the value of charity and generosity
- Giving thanks for the Holy Qur'an, which was first revealed in the month of Ramadan
- Sharing fellowship with other Muslims
# So, I've laid down 4 Yays & 4 Nays as well as 4 Religions which encourage fasting for its followers. You decide what's good.
For me, it's a yay. why? Besides it is spiritually a must in Islam, I feel enlightened everytime I fast. After all, everything we do depends on our sole intention. Is it for God or is it for slimming down. =)
For more information;
Fitwise
Serendip Studio
Science Daily
BBC
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