Benefits of Fasting

Fasting can be defined as total abstinence from food or certain food items for a particular period of time. During the period of fasting, a person can increase his intake of fluids and water, so that his thirst is satisfied, and also so that his physiological requirements are fulfilled. One of the most important fasting benefits is that it helps in detoxification, i.e. cleansing the body of the waste matter and unhealthy toxins that might have got accumulated in the body. Besides this, there are several other benefits of fasting for the body. Here is a list of a few of them, followed by the different methods of fasting.

Health Benefits of Fasting

Aids in Overcoming Addictions
One of the most beneficial of fasting benefits is that it helps in overcoming addictions such as alcohol, drugs, caffeine and smoking. What happens is that when a person is trying to quit any of these addictive substances, he or she may face certain withdrawal symptoms which may deter him from continuing with his goal of de-addiction. When, along with quitting these substances, a person engages in fasting, it minimizes the withdrawal symptoms to a great extent. Thus, a person is able to overcome addiction to a great extent after that.

Helps in Better Digestion
One of the greatest benefits of fasting is perhaps the way it helps in treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, stomach bloating, irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis.

Mental Alertness
Due to fasting, the toxins are removed from the blood and the lymphatic system. Also, lesser intake of food, helps in conservation of energy. Because of these two reasons, the mind and the brain are able to think more and hence, remain alert.

Helps in Weight Loss
Fasting aids in weight loss as well. When solids and fats are eliminated from the diet for a while, the body responds by using the deposits of fats that are already present in the body, thus resulting in rapid loss of fat deposits and weight.

Prevents Health Disorders
Another health benefit of fasting is that it helps in preventing and treating many health disorders. Fasting regularly results in lower cholesterol levels, thus preventing heart problems and diseases in the process. Fasting makes a person's breathing much more fuller and deeper, thus preventing respiratory problems. Fasting gives a person full control over one's appetite and lifestyle, such a person is able to lead a more balanced life, and thus, is much more likely to remain disease free and healthy.

Methods of Fasting

Liquid Fast
For a person who has never been on a fast, it is best that he keeps a liquid fast, in which he consumes only fluids, such as fresh fruit juice, water, vegetable juice, and coconut water. A person should refrain from all kinds of cooked and raw vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, caffeine, meats and drugs.

Water Fast
Water fast, although is much more difficult to keep than the liquid fast, has unmatchable benefits. A water fast should ideally begin with two days of liquid fasting, followed by eight days of water fasting, and in the end, last two days of liquid fasting again. A person following this fast, should drink at least two liters of water everyday. A water fast should be kept for a minimum of ten days to be truly effective.

Lemon Cleanse Fast
A lemon cleanse fast, also known as master cleanse diet, requires both great discipline and a strong will. During this fast a person can consume water, juice of lemons, maple syrup and water. This fast is generally kept for a period ranging from eight to forty days. This fast helps in weight loss and also in colon cleansing.

As you can see from above, there are a number of benefits of fasting. It helps in preventing many health disorders, makes the body strong and also gives one a beautiful appearance by improving the skin texture significantly. One last advice before I sign off- when fasting for more than a day, consult a doctor to avoid any health complications.