Fasting is defined as the practice of reducing one's food intake. Etymologically, the word "fast" comes from the Latin word "jejunum" (from the Latin adjective "jejune", meaning "fasting" or "starving") and refers to the central part of the small intestine , downstream of the duodenum and upstream of the ileum.
Why fast?
Fasting is often practised within the framework of a religious practice, notably by Christians, Muslims, Protestants, Jews. . . It consists of a renunciation of the body's comfort in order to strengthen it, for some, or to purify it and benefit from a spiritual retreat, for others.
In a medical setting, fasting is practised for experiments and medicinal procedures in a patient.
In addition to the societal practice, reducing food consumption means working to combat disease, by carrying out a deep cleansing of the body. According to beliefs but also to scientific research, this prevents illness in many cases and accompanies healing.
However, beyond all these contexts and ideologies, fasting should above all be adopted to improve one's lifestyle. Understanding its basic physiological mechanisms means breaking away from overeating and carrying out a deep cleansing of the body, but also of the mind.
One does not need to be part of a religious system, a societal system or follow a certain culture to fast. If one is aware of certain sensitivities to diseases or physical conditions, for example obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, various allergies, or even depression, fasting is a way of life that can be adopted to reduce the risk of affecting these conditions.
Obviously, it is not a question of fasting half the year, but of making it a periodic practice, because it can be a medicinal crutch.
In animals, for example, fasting is practised in a totally natural and instinctive way to protect their organism. Have you ever noticed that your pet refuses to eat for one or more days? This is because they are waiting for the normal functioning of their body to be restored.
Fasting in humans is more difficult. This is why it is advisable to proceed gradually, with measurable, achievable and attainable goals.
How to fast?
Depending on the individual and his or her physical condition, there are three main types of fasting:
- the occasional fast: this involves eating less at first. In order not to rush the body, you should start very slowly: for a few hours, then for a morning, for example. Then, if you feel the need and your body seems to demand it, you can skip one meal a day. However, it is important to hydrate regularly.
- Partial fasting: this involves eating small amounts of light food, especially vegetable food, combined with water. For example, vegetable broths and/or vegetable-fruit juices, fruit salad. This water diet can be practised one day a week without any problems. The result will be beneficial and quickly felt by the body, which will become more energetic.
- Total fasting: This practice consists of drinking only water. However, unless you are a regular follower of this practice and/or have good physical strength, it is not advisable to do a total fast. Moreover, in order to prevent fasting from becoming unhealthy and having negative effects (which is far from being one of the objectives), it is best to be monitored by a health professional or a doctor. Fasting can have undesirable effects such as nausea, dizziness, depression, when practised for more than 2 to 3 days.
To succeed in fasting, you must also listen to your body: if you feel the need to drink, you must drink. If you feel the need to eat, you should eat. Similarly, if the body asks you to avoid certain foods or even a meal, you should listen to it.
The benefits of fasting
Fasting has many benefits. Below are the most important benefits:
- weight loss and appetite control
- improvement of cognitive functions
- helps fight certain diseases (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, overweight. . . . )
- delays ageing
- cleansing of the body and mind
- in sportsmen and women, increase in energy, contrary to what one might think.
To conclude
As an alternative to fasting, a slight food restriction can also clean the body. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of fat, sugar and salt in the diet.
Responsible behaviour towards food strengthens the body and optimises health.
