Fasting has been part of traditions for various communities since early days of human civilization. However, medical science indicates there are more reasons to opt for fasting than adhering to religious beliefs. When you fast occasionally while adhering to overall health needs, it can actually be beneficial. However, there are various types of fasting and you need to learn the major fasting health benefits before opting for one.
Intermittent fasting, also known as short term fasting is when you fast between short phases of regular eating and consume only water or light beverages between the duration. This can be for duration of a day or 3 days at max. It can be done by any healthy individual.
Water fasting is quite popular owing to its numerous benefits. When you resort to this type of fasting you survive only on water. This can be done for 2 to 3 days. However, you need to acquire proper knowledge on resorting to this fasting returning to regular diet after its completion to be on safe side.
The Advantages are:
Studies have shown that patients of epilepsy can gain from water fasting.
The major benefit of water fasting is definitely cleansing of toxins in the body. The fasting helps cleanse toxins accumulated in major organs of the body.
If you are keen on losing excess body fat, resorting to water fasting can be of use. During the fast, the fats stored in the body are burned for energy and that helps you get rid of excess layers of fat.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one condition that affects thousands of women and men worldwide. Studies have indicated that water fasting can help control this inflammation affecting flexible joints in human body.
When you resort to this type of fasting generation of growth hormones gets a boost.
If you have not tried fasting before, it is better and advisable that you try it out for a short duration. So, opting for three days fasting would be logical- whether it is regular or water fasting. You may take cooled or warm water for this duration or drinking mineral water is also fine.
The major benefits of the 3 day fast are listed below:
Most of the times, the digestive system in body is busy processing the food you are eating. When you are on fat or water based fast, it gets some relief and self healing takes place. The digestive tract gets cleansed when you take water or soft beverages during fasting.
when you adhere to a fast regime- you can have better control over hunger pangs and sudden craving for foods eventually. You can get into a controlled eating schedule easily and avoid binge eating effectively.
when you resort to fasting for a few days, it results in better insulin sensitivity. It can help those coping with insulin resistance.
Studies have shown that resorting to such short term fasting can help bring down blood pressure levels. It is not fasting itself that helps lower blood levels but it is triggered by lower salt intake. If you have high blood pressure, you can think of it.
While short term fasting can bring some benefits to the body, you should proceed with care. Those who have conceived or are taking specific medications, should fast after consulting with the doctor. The same can be said about the children and elderly people. The fasting health benefits can be better obtained when your body is in right condition for it and you are aware of the proper fasting procedures.
Medically Reviewed By
Maanasi specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition. A mother of an untiring seven year old, she enjoys nurturing her love affair with English. She is often found nestled with a book, plopped against a dozen pillows, smiling away at the brink of finishing yet another book of the many dozens, that adorn the shelves of her Mini Library!
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