Fasting For Health

Dixya Poudel

Swasthani Brata Katha has commenced this year and in most Nepali households, families are reciting Swasthani Katha either in the mornings or evenings. Many are fasting during the entire duration of Swasthani Brata Katha. An epic religious saga, Swasthani Brata Katha in English translates as the Story of the Fast of the Goddess Swasthani. As a Hindu epic that is known to have originated in Nepal, it tells the story of the Gods and humans alike. 

Within this epic, there are instances of mortals and the Gods fasting to please Goddess Swasthani in hopes of achieving their dreams. Humans such as Goma and Goddesses such as Parvati strictly fast for a month while carrying out necessary religious rites and rituals. Through devoted fasting, their aspirations are granted. Such is the religious reach of fasting according to Hindu traditions and customs. However, fasting isn’t only a means to please the Gods for a prosperous life. While Hindus believe fasting to be a way to connect to the Gods, it isn’t only a path to the holy divine. 

Whether you are a true believer of religion or an atheist, fasting is considered a way to cleanse the body. Male or female, old or young, and Hindu or Muslim, it can be carried out for varied health benefits. Today, while holistic medicine is taking off as more and more people seek alternative treatment, fasting has become an important aspect of healthcare. As such, fasting is an abstention from eating and even drinking. It begins eight hours after one’s last meal and lasts for over 16 hours for an effective intermittent fasting.

After over eight hours without food, the blood glucose starts to dip and the individual begins to get hungry and fatigued with poor concentration. However, once the individual gets over this initial phase, these symptoms fade and by 12 hours, the human body begins to utilise its glycogen stores which are basically sugar stores. Thus the blood glucose levels get stabilised. The body also switches to the early stages of ketosis i.e. it stops depending upon carbohydrates for fuel and instead starts burning its own body fat stores. 

This is why fasting is recommended for weight loss. After 24 hours of fasting, the body goes in full ketosis mode as the liver starts to convert fat stores into ketone bodies. Nutritionists and dieticians constantly suggest people to fast in order to boost their metabolism and maintain optimum health. It is often recommended to lose weight and to further maintain a desired weight. Particularly intermittent fasting is known to be quite effective in boosting health and shedding weight. Due to its positive implications on the human health, it has become routine for many. 

However, people often tend to equate skipping meals as akin to fasting but there are major differences. Fasting is more rigorous and lasts longer and when done right it can lead to results far beyond weight loss. It promotes mood and mental clarity, boosts immunity and even increases muscle growth. There are known to be multiple stages of fasting and depending on the duration of your fast, you get varied benefits.  Hindu religious scholars have been emphasising the importance of fasting for religious benefits. And today health experts stress on its many health benefits as well.