What Are The Health Benefits Of Fasting ?
Hey
I found an interesting report which about fasting and what the benefits
we get from it , there are some strange information that I haven’t heard about
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.
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.
Written by : Will Carroll
:25ar:
Amazing
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