The health benefits and risks of fasting

Fasting has been around since time immemorial and continues to be a regular practice in society.

Major religions Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Jainism, and Hinduism all practice fasting.

Though the duration, practice, and specific reasons vary, all fasts have the similar goals of showing sacrifice and cleansing oneself. They can last for just a few hours or even a few weeks.

Christians just concluded that period of the year that they observe lent.

Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. The period is characterised by penance and repentance among Christians and culminates in Easter celebrations, which mark the end of fasting.

During the period normally referred to as Lenten season, Catholics are expected to commit themselves to prayer, assist the needy and also desist from excesses until Easter Sunday.

Muslims on the other hand are observing the month of Ramadan which is expected to continue through April 21, ending in the celebratory Eid al-Fitr.

Healthy adult Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger.

Although religious fasting is often a time of great spiritual growth, it can also be a time of great improvement to one's physical health.

Fasting may benefit heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve cell repair processes. It may also help burn fat.

However, there are numerous health risks associated with intermittent fasting.

Michael Mosley, the author of The Fast Diet books, says the are numerous health benefits associated with fasting.

“Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity,” he adds.

Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting periodic fasting may reduce the risk of diabetes among people at high risk for the condition.

A study by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles said fasting helps in clearing out old immune cells and regenerating new ones, a process that protects against cell damage caused by factors such as ageing and chemotherapy.

Razeen Mahroof from the University of Oxford in the UK, explains that the body’s use of fat for energy during fasting can help preserve muscle and reduce cholesterol levels.

“A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body,” he says.

Another study showed that cancer patients who fasted for some days prior to chemotherapy were protected against immune system damage that can be caused by the treatment.

There is nonetheless the other side of fasting.

People fasting experience dehydration, largely because their body is not getting any fluid from food.

Experts note that fasting can increase stress levels and disrupt sleep.

They further note that dehydration, hunger or lack of sleep during a fasting period can also lead to headaches.

Fasting has also been blamed for heartburn; lack of food leads to a reduction in stomach acid, which digests food and destroys bacteria.

Studies have found that people who regularly fast more than 16 or 18 hours a day have a higher risk of gallstones. They’re also more likely to need surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder.

To keep yourself safe, especially if you are new to fasting, one is advised to consider limiting the fast periods to 24 hours or fewer and keeping a snack on hand in case you start to feel faint or ill.

If one becomes ill or is concerned about their health, they are advised to stop fasting straight immediately.

Some health professionals believe intermittent fasting may steer people away from healthy eating recommendations, such as eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

Many fear fasting may also trigger eating disorders or binge eating.