Fasting is an integral part of the rituals performed by followers of Sanathana Dharma (Hinduism) and is observed widely all over India. The method of fasting varies in different parts of the country, based on the beliefs of the people. It is usually observed on religious occasions and special days of the month such as Ekadashi and Janmashtami. Some people fast on different days of the week, such as on Mondays by the devotees of Lord Shiva. People observe different levels of fasting. Some people observe complete fast where they do not eat or drink anything except water for 24 hours. Some consume only liquids and abstain from solid food. Some eat only one meal a day. And so on and so forth.
Traditionally, in India, fasting almost always has a religious or spiritual connection. It may be done as vrata (or vratam) where the person fasting hopes to receive divine blessings to fulfill a desire. Apart from any spiritual benefits that fasting may provide, it provides many physiological benefits.
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Fasting usually performed by the Indian population can be called intermittent fasting (as against dieting). Intermittent fasting is where a person eats regular food for some days and fast on other days.
Evidence suggests that human genes are capable of coping very well when we are deprived of food. Some people even believe that human beings are evolutionarily adapted to intermittent deprivation of food and fasting is actually necessary for good health.
Magic of Autophagy
An important benefit of fasting is derived from autophagy. Autophagy (or autophagocytosis) is the catabolic process, initiated by metabolic stress, which causes degradation of unnecessary or dysfunctional cells of the body and are recycled through lysosomes. The cells survive by self-digesting the non-essential components making the overall system healthier. According to Eyleen O’Rourke, PhD, of MGH Molecular Biology, “enhanced autophagy implies improved clearance of old or damaged cellular components and a more efficient immune response”. Intermittent fasting creates the metabolically stressful condition necessary to initiate autophagy of cells.
Studies have found that, when autophagy is disrupted, it causes neurodegeneration in tissue culture and in vivo. It could lead to myofiber degeneration leading to accumulation of abnormal organelles. A breakdown of the autophagy process could lead to diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, Parkinson’s disease and even cancer and metabolic syndrome. Many of the physiological benefits of fasting are a direct result of autophagy.
Delay Common Neurodegenerative Disorders
Studies conducted on intermittent fasting have shown that it could delay the onset of serious neurodegenerative disorders. According to Mark Mattson at the US National Institute of Ageing, intermittent fasting can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, followed by Parkinson’s disease.
Fasting Might be Better than Dieting
Some studies suggest that fasting might be actually better than continuous dieting. In a continuous-diet regimen, the person would avoid certain types of food which may result in depletion of vital nutrients needed for the body. Calorie restriction may leave our body vulnerable to infections and biological stress. Intermittent fasting, if done correctly, does not. Intermittent fasting, unlike continuous dieting, brings about biochemical and physiological changes in the human body that result in potentially therapeutic neuronal response, as calorie reduction happens only on the fasting days.
Increased Lifespan
Studies conducted on the effects of fasting on animals have indicated that it increases their lifespan significantly. But studies on human beings were mostly inconclusive. But fasting is could reduce the risk of developing serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases and asthma. There are also studies exploring if fasting could actually help cure cancer.
Warnings
There are a few things that one must keep in mind while fasting:
- People with conditions such as cancer and liver disease (or any disease for that matter) should get expert opinion before deciding to fast
- People younger than 18 should never fast as they need to be nourished for proper growth
- Staying hydrated is very important for the functioning of our body. Drink enough water through fasting
- It is recommended that fasting is done in moderation. Excessive fasting could lead to death (obviously!)
Fasting, if done using the traditional methods followed in India, seem take care of these warnings and give all the benefits.
References include:
Robert L. Nussbaum, M.D., and Christopher E. Ellis, Ph.D. (April 3, 2003). Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. The New England Journal of Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM2003ra020003
Emma Young. (January 16, 2013) Depriving yourself: The real benefits of fasting. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-01-16/lifestyle/sns-201301151500–tms–premhnstr–k-i20130116-20130116_1_mark-mattson-calorie-restriction-calorie-intake
Alirezaei M, Kemball CC, Flynn CT, Wood MR, Whitton JL, Kiosses WB. (2010 Aug 14). Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy. US National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20534972
Cellular Renewal Process May Underlie Benefits of Omega Fatty Acids. Science Daily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130213152523.htm
C De Palma, F Morisi, S Cheli1, S Pambianco, V Cappello, M Vezzoli, P Rovere-Querini, M Moggio, M Ripolone, M Francolini, M Sandri and E Clementi. (Nov 15, 2012). Autophagy as a new therapeutic target in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nature. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/cddis/journal/v3/n11/full/cddis2012159a.html
Caleb Hellerman (Jan 23, 2013). 5 ways to stay healthy when fasting. CNN. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/23/health/anthony-fasting
http://www.turmeriq.com/2013/03/01/physiological-benefits-of-fasting/
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