Topic: Fasting - Try to get over your religious stigmas

[_anomaly]

The Health Benefits of Fasting

Will Carroll

There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting.

Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving.¹

The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis.² Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid"³, and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy."³ The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.⁴

Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin."⁵ This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally.² These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each.⁵

A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system.⁶ The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs.⁷ This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds.² Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.

In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided.² Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production.⁷

Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently.⁷ "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition."⁵ A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years."⁸

In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy.

References

• ^{"Dr. Sniadach – True Health Freedom 3}
• ^{"Fasting for Better Health"}
• ^{"Ketosis by Sue Reith"}
• ^{"Nutriquest, March 11th, 2000 – Ketosis and Low Carbohydrate Diets"}
• ^{"WebMD – Detox Diets: Cleansing the Body"}
• ^"Fasting"
• ^{"Fasting – Good Morning Doctor"}
• ^{"The Health Benefits of Fasting"}

[Neon Camouflage]

Was this in any way related to parkour? I suppose you could use it as part of your training, though I'm sure training in the day(s) you're fasting wouldn't be pleasant...

Did find it an interesting read though.

[jorgeDominik]

Was this in any way related to parkour?

American Parkour > Fitness and Training > General Fitness > Diet > Topic: Fasting - Try to get over your religious stigmas


   

[Neon Camouflage]

Was this in any way related to parkour?

American Parkour > Fitness and Training > General Fitness > Diet > Topic: Fasting - Try to get over your religious stigmas


   

Well, I guess so then. Thanks for pointing that out.

[Shawn Meilicke]

ive always wondered about fasting. i still have some questions though

what can you drink during fasting? (i know you cant cut that out)

how long can you go before its unhealthy?
(assuming this is different depending on the person, what are symptoms that tell you to stop?)

what about vitamins? (supplements)

[swap01]

When I fast (for religious reasons) I fast for 24 hours, and I don't put anything in my mouth, except the odd mint, and mouthwash of course. I know some Catholic churches fast for 32 hours (please correct me if I'm wrong) every year or something like that. I would go a max of two days without eating or drinking, but you should probably have a drink in between days so you don't die. anything longer then that, or a day and a half is ridiculous in my opinion.

[Chris Salvato]

what can you drink during fasting? (i know you cant cut that out)

Depends on your ideology.  Typically u want to keep calories at 0 so things like black coffee and tea are just fine.  Water with a squirt of lemon only has like 2 calories so that is OK, too.  I would avoid artifically sweetened things, though...just because those tend to make me more hungry.

how long can you go before its unhealthy?
(assuming this is different depending on the person, what are symptoms that tell you to stop?)

You can go a couple of weeks without food...but thats not really healthy.  Longer fasts are around 36-48 hours...72 is on the "uncommon" side of the spectrum but still common enough worth mentioning.  Most people who fast daily fast for 17-19 hours a day.  A long fast (24-36 hours) is good to do at least once a month, from what I have read.

what about vitamins? (supplements)

If they have 0 calories they are ok...but it doesn't really pay to take vitamins without food, specifically fats.  Best to just take your vitamin supplements with your fast breaking meal, imho.

[Chris Salvato]

When I fast (for religious reasons) I fast for 24 hours, and I don't put anything in my mouth, except the odd mint, and mouthwash of course. I know some Catholic churches fast for 32 hours (please correct me if I'm wrong) every year or something like that. I would go a max of two days without eating or drinking, but you should probably have a drink in between days so you don't die. anything longer then that, or a day and a half is ridiculous in my opinion.

Drink water throughout the day -- people can go weeks without food and only a few days without water...

[Shawn Meilicke]

what can you drink during fasting? (i know you cant cut that out)

Depends on your ideology.  Typically u want to keep calories at 0 so things like black coffee and tea are just fine.  Water with a squirt of lemon only has like 2 calories so that is OK, too.  I would avoid artifically sweetened things, though...just because those tend to make me more hungry.

how long can you go before its unhealthy?
(assuming this is different depending on the person, what are symptoms that tell you to stop?)

You can go a couple of weeks without food...but thats not really healthy.  Longer fasts are around 36-48 hours...72 is on the "uncommon" side of the spectrum but still common enough worth mentioning.  Most people who fast daily fast for 17-19 hours a day.  A long fast (24-36 hours) is good to do at least once a month, from what I have read.

what about vitamins? (supplements)

If they have 0 calories they are ok...but it doesn't really pay to take vitamins without food, specifically fats.  Best to just take your vitamin supplements with your fast breaking meal, imho.

that was really helpful, thank you


i think im going to try fasting monday, im sick, and like i said ive always been interested in it (i just got some Dr Pepper [the only pop i still drink] and im definitely gonna wanna drink that tomorrow, lol

im going to give you a +1 for being helpful and for a quick reply

thanks to the others too btw

[Steven Low]

Some IF articles at

http://lifespotlight.com/

[KC Parsons]

though I'm sure training in the day(s) you're fasting wouldn't be pleasant...

Actually, exercise while fasted is usually great, at least for me. Remember that, as Chris Said, those who IF (intermittent fasting) tend to have 18ish hour fasts, so you aren't going an entire day without food. Instead, you space out your eating times and just eat more within those times. You stack your eating into a meal and space it out between the next big meal.

Although, I have to mention (before I forget to type it) that parkour training can sometimes last for hours. You may take a break, walk to a new spot, then train again....and so on. While training most parkour movements, you're probably doing mainly power and plyometric work. If you're fasted and you train like this, put some food in there no later than an hour or so after training.
If you don't want to eat a whole meal before continuing to train (resonably ), then I'd suggest easily portable fatty foods (basically nuts and seeds).

My reasoning is, if you're already in a fasted state, exercise will likely feel great (relative, though). But, parkour training varies from traditional exercise. If you have no responsibilities for the day, then it's common to train for most of the day, with of course the aforementioned break in between.
However, this means if you hold your fast for the entire time you parkour train, you can likely start pushing the fast into a detrimental zone; with the power work mixed with general endurance (walking from spot to spot and the like).

To my knowledge (and please, Chris/Steve/Charlie correct me if I'm wrong...I don't want to be wrong and continue to misinform other people This may be pushing your reserves (especially! if you're a skinny person to begin with (like myself)) and become a problem.


But other than that, typical exercise and in general, fasting (I have definitely found) is a great dietary tool.

[Chris Salvato]

Actually, Sat, most people who fast report that they feel much better working out while fasted (self included).

The Wall is a little different -- the Wall is when you have totally depleted available energy and rely solely on oxidative pathways...usually results in a collapse

[Charles Moreland]

I fast relatively often and when I hit the weights, gym, gymnastics, whatever while fasted, I feel like a freakin movie star. I've also experienced "hitting the wall" (back in my ROTC days) and trust me it is a whole nother experience.

[Sat Santokh]

damn well i'm wrong then.  The only time i've tried fasting really and working out it seemed way more difficult

[Chris Salvato]

Fasting takes a bit to get used to -- and your food quality generally needs to be pretty good or you get big sluggish/irritable feelings (in my experience and experiences of those I know..)

btw, don't delete your posts, that's weak sauce...!!

[Shawn Meilicke]

lmao
weak sauce...

yeah, i was gonna try fasting yesterday

nachos got the best of me

i made it until five, and seeing as i hadnt eaten since 7 the night before i got twenty two hours, so i guess its not too bad :/

[Chris Salvato]

Fasting shouldn't be done if you haven't fixed your diet, imho...

If nachos got the best of you i am willing to bet you have some dietary issues you need to address before you consider fasting -- but thats just me jumping to a conclusion.

[tombb]

Yes, generally while fasting (especially while still drinking and keeping hydrated) you feel (and have) a lot more energy than normal.

It's just a natural response not just in people but even in any mammal. If you have a well-fed gerbil or whatever those mouse-looking pets are, and they are very well fed or even overfed, they won't feel like running on that wheel as much and mostly feel like sleeping comfortably. If they are occasionally underfed (but still in shape), they will feel like running on the wheel a lot more and be a lot more fidgety in general.

Aside from making sense in terms of survival, it's also helped by the fact that you are getting some extra energy and resources that would normally be used up by digesting, preparing to digest, etc.

[Shawn Meilicke]

Fasting shouldn't be done if you haven't fixed your diet, imho...

If nachos got the best of you i am willing to bet you have some dietary issues you need to address before you consider fasting -- but thats just me jumping to a conclusion.

well, it was a jump that was very well landed, lol

i do have some pretty bad eating habbits, this mostly because my parents by crappy snack food all the time, and i have nothing else to eat :/
my schools lunch menu doesnt help that either....im guessing (sadly) the healthiest thing is the pizza since the make the dough fresh....

the fruit stays good for about 10 days after you buy it, which i dont see as a good thing only because i KNOW they wouldnt spend their money to get stuff taht fresh, and the other stuff will never grow mold because of all the preservatives...but kinda going off topic....soooo

yeah, ill try to fix that up a little bit before fasting again

[KC Parsons]

Fasting shouldn't be done if you haven't fixed your diet, imho...

If nachos got the best of you i am willing to bet you have some dietary issues you need to address before you consider fasting -- but thats just me jumping to a conclusion.

well, it was a jump that was very well landed, lol

i do have some pretty bad eating habbits, this mostly because my parents by crappy snack food all the time, and i have nothing else to eat :/
my schools lunch menu doesnt help that either....im guessing (sadly) the healthiest thing is the pizza since the make the dough fresh....

the fruit stays good for about 10 days after you buy it, which i dont see as a good thing only because i KNOW they wouldnt spend their money to get stuff taht fresh, and the other stuff will never grow mold because of all the preservatives...but kinda going off topic....soooo

yeah, ill try to fix that up a little bit before fasting again

Check the stickied topic that Chris made "Eating Right: How to Get Started".
It's basically the gist of what you need to know.