There are so many misconceptions about fasting.Some people see fasting only in a religious way.Though all the religions have different kind of ways to fast,the meaning of fasting is not bound by any religions.It has many advantages.
Technically the process of fasting is said to be started within the first 12 to 24 hours of the fast.What this means is that, the carbohydrates stored in the body has to be used as an energy source when you are in fasting. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be converted into energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving.
So let us see the advantages of fasting:
1)During a fast, energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the immune system. Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production.This increases the life expectancy of the individual.
2)When a cell is damaged, the body tries to repair it.But when the damage is high and energy supplied is less(i.e when you are in fasting) then the body disintegrates the cell and autolysis happens.Autolysis is the destruction of a cell through the action of its own enzymes.The body will first decompose and burn those cells and tissues which are diseased, damaged, aged or dead.The important thing to note here is that the essential tissues and vital organs, the glands, the nervous system and the brain are not digested in fasting.Thus the body undergoes a self repair when you fast,as the damaged cells will be replaced by new cells.
Though fasting has it’s own advantages,if it is not taken with care then the body may get weak.You can fast in two ways:
1)Water fasting – Drink water and avoid all other types of food.This is a good method against obesity.You should remember that you should take rest when fasting.water fasting shouldn’t last more than one week,and beginners should consult a doctor before starting.
2)Another method is to take fruit juices instead of water.This will help in maintaining the mineral level of body from going down.
So now you know that fasting will only help, don’t hesitate to fast.Remember that all this years we are troubling our body with junk food.So give it some time to manage itself.
