Is There a Healthy Way of Fasting?
Does fasting go hand-in-hand with cleansing? Is it okay to starve for the duration of the fast?Cleansing and fasting do not go hand-in-hand and this is a complete myth. It is very wrong to remain hungry for long periods of time.
What are the negatives and benefits of fasting?Remaining hungry for too long can lower blood glucose levels and reduce the body's supply of nutrients to vital organs and areas in the body. People generally fast thinking that they will reduce weight by doing so, but they normally end up gaining weight as the body’s response to fasting is accumulation of all the calories that are made available. Too much fasting can lead to the depletion of important nutrients in the body thereby causing many deficiency diseases and also affecting the immune system that is the body’s capacity to fight against diseases. Fasting by people already suffering from chronic diseases may lead to worsening of the disease and have further ill effects on one's health.
However, if you eat plenty of fresh fruits, juices, nuts, fresh lime juice and coconut water while fasting, then that helps rid the body of unnecessary elements often accumulated through junk food consumption.
Is it true that people who are fresh out of surgery and under recovery should not fast?If somebody has under gone a surgery, they should not fast as the body is already depleted of essential nutrients and there is an increased requirement for the same. Fasting would further pressurise the body and delay healing.
Should people who are extremely under-weight avoid fasting or at least seek medical advice before starting any fast?Underweight or malnourished people should fast only after seeking medical advice, as they may have some deficiencies which may be aggravated due to fasting.
People who are prone to bulimia or anorexia should not fast. Is it true?Bulimia and Anorexia are both eating disorders. Bulimia is a psychological disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating and constant efforts to reduce weight. Anyone diagnosed with either disorder is already suffering from several deficiencies, which may be aggravates through fasting.
Similarly, Anorexia Nervosa is also a psychological eating disorder in which the patient does not eat due to want of losing weight or due to any underlying psychological problems such as loss/anxiety/depression. There are definite deficiencies and these may increase due to fasting.
Can people with severe weakness or anemia fast?Weakness and Anemia both signify nutrient deficiencies which may be intensified due to too much fasting.
Should people who have bleeding ulcers, blood diseases, tumors, cancer and heart diseases stay away from fasting?People with bleeding ulcer/s should NEVER fast; Rather they should eat small and frequent meals. This condition is caused by increased acid secretion in the stomach and an empty stomach will only worsen the situation.
All the conditions mentioned here add extra demands for nutrients on the body, which cannot be met if a person is fasting. Also, these people will mostly be on medication, which should not be taken on an empty stomach. So, people suffering from any disease should avoid fasting.
Should people with chronic heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other vital organ problems skip fasting?All these conditions call for regular medication and consumption of a particular type of diet at specified intervals. When one fasts, the absence of a proper diet will affect the functioning of these organs further. Especially patients with liver disease need to eat healthy meals at regular intervals to avoid worsening their condition.
Should people with blood sugar problems such as hyperglycemia stay away from fasting?Muscle breakdown takes place in people with impaired blood sugar utilization problems or hyperglycemic people, if they are fasting and not consuming the required amount and type of calories needed for the proper functioning of the various organs in the body. These breakdowns give the required energy for the various needs of the body. But in turn there is accumulation of toxic wastes which are harmful. Once the patient breaks the fast, the calories consumed are converted into fat thus worsening the condition further.
How about pregnant and nursing women?Pregnant and nursing women need more calories and proteins and more of all of the nutrients for the proper growth and development of the child. If they fast or do not eat properly, there will be a deficiency of nutrients and for the child each meal counts.
What pointers can we keep in mind when fasting?People can fast, but should not remain hungry for a very long period. Therefore eating at short intervals is important. While observing a fast, one can usually eat fruits and dry fruits, one can drink milk, coconut water, juices and milk products like lassi, chaach, milk shakes, and can enjoy curds or fruit yoghurts. Some fasts also allow vegetables and potatoes. You can sometimes also include the alternative cereals/grains allowed during the fasts such as the ‘Kuttu ka atta’, ‘samai ke chawal’, etc.
What is the right way to break a fast?The right way to break or end a fast, is to drink fluids first, preferably coconut water and then eat a light meal. One should not drink tea or any acid producing foods. One should also not eat a heavy meal immediately upon breaking a fast.
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