Health benefits of fasting

Anyone fasting as a new year detox?

By Mr Bee

There will certainly be a few people fasting or detoxing off the indulgence of the new year and Christmas.  Our society today craves abundance.  You should feel more, have more, eat more, do more. Our world says, if you have not got this gadget that monitors your toe movements, then your life is over!

I am not saying technology is bad, but we must be mindful that more is not always a good thing.  Why are you not eating more fruit and vegetables? Why are you not exercising at least 3 times a weeks?  Constant messages from the media and social platforms make us think we are always lacking.  Could having less actually be the answer? As part of a mini series of blogs we will look at what fasting and detoxing can mean for your health.

What is fasting?

Fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast (dry fasting) is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days.

Definition by Wikipedia

“The best artists know what to leave out ” Charles de lint

What is the deal with fasting? Not in the context of a religious experience, but a tool to be used all-year-round to promote your health.  Many cultures both ancient and recent extoll the benefits of fasting.

Intermittent fasting is something that has caught fire over recent years.  Many health hackers and fitness boffs live by it.  Some of the benefits of intermittent fasting include:

  • helps to heal your stomach
  • can help you to burn fat
  • reduces inflammation

Read part two and find out what it means to be an intermittent faster.

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