ramadan landscape

Variations of fasting
Fasting is an old form of healing; it was practiced among different religions, cultures and doctors for
treating diseases. Some people fast for spiritual and religious reasons, some to clean up after a
holiday, to give their digestion a break or to loose weight, Regardless of the motive behind fasting
numerous health benefits of fasting have been documented in various studies.
In Judaism There are two major fast days and four minor fast days. Yom kippur and Tisha B’Av two of the
major fasts, last for 24 hours starting from sunset – when there is still some light outside- and ending at the
next one, when its dark and stars can be seen, no food, drink or baths are allowed during the fast.
In Christianity Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual
growth. All religions practice fasting in one form or anther.
In Islam, fasting is abstaining from all food, drink,
sins and sex, Muslims fast during the whole month
of Ramadan everyday from sunrise and breaking
their fast at sunset, Muslims are also encouraged
to fast 2 days a week and on few other occasions.
All animals fast occasionally, during stress or
illness to conserve energy needed for rest and
healing.
In the health field, we see other form of fasting like the juice fast, water fast and others. We can all fast with
different forms and variations but the health benefits can be increased or eliminated by the way we break our fast
and what we eat after the fast is over. Jumping suddenly to a full heavy loaded meal can hinder or even reverse all
the health benefits of fasting.
“Fasting is the process where you
abstain from food and/or water for a
set period of time. Modifications of
fasting allow people to consume only
water or fruit juices, some people fast
from eating animal foods only but
consume vegetable and fruits freely”
Healthy Fasting
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