Yogic Fasting to Improve Health and Lose Weight – Benefits of Fasting
By Jola @YolaYoga | November 2, 2021
Humanity has known about the benefits of fasting for millennia! Not only for its health benefits and to lose weight. Fasting has been part of almost every spiritual tradition of the world – including yoga. And for a good reason! When we fast our minds remain alert, and awake which helps during meditation and prayer.
But fasting also has other incredible benefits! It is the way to assist the body in the maintenance and repair work. It cleanses and purifies the body from toxins because it is not busy digesting food. After we have a big meal a significant amount of blood and energy goes to digest that meal. At the same time, less blood goes to the brain. Ever felt sleepy after a big meal? Yes, that is the reason why!
On the physiological level, when the body is infected with a virus or bacteria it automatically goes to ‘fasting mode’. That is why when we are sick naturally we do not want to eat anything – the body shifts to purify and kill bad guys that infect our system. If the body doesn’t have to focus on digestion it can focus its resources to fight the infection, right?
I am a big proponent of fasting! I have learned fasting during my yoga teacher training some years ago and it has been part of my life ever since. Yoga is all about bringing our body to balance and fasting is a big part of that because together with yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation, it cleanses and purifies the body from toxins.
If you are thinking of trying out fasting, first consult with your doctor. If it is safe for you, then start with intermittent fasting or one day a week fast. You will feel energized, more connected, more clear and focused in your mind and you will experience pure wellness!
Health Benefits of Fasting Backed by Science
There have been numerous studies done over the years about the health benefits of fasting. Here are some of them listed below:
1. Fasting Promotes Blood Sugar Control
Several studies show that fasting may improve blood sugar control, which could be especially useful for those with diabetes.
2. Fasting Helps Reduce Inflammation
Study has shown that intermittent fasting for one month significantly decreased levels of inflammation.
3. Fasting Promotes Weight Loss and Boosts Metabolism
Research has found that short-term fasting may boost metabolism by increasing levels of neurotransmitters, which could promote weight loss.
In fact, the study showed that fasting could reduce body weight by up to 9% and significantly decrease body fat over 12–24 weeks.
4. Fasting Promotes Heart Health
Research has found that incorporating fasting into your routine may be especially beneficial when it comes to heart health.
Study shows that eight weeks of alternate-day fasting significantly reduced levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides.
Fasting may help to lower the risk of coronary heart disease and may help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.
5. Fasting May Help with Brain Function
When it comes to our brain studies show that fasting could improve brain function, increase nerve cell synthesis and protect against neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.
6. Fasting Increases Growth Hormone, Which Helps with Metabolism, Weight Loss, and Muscle Strength
Studies show that fasting can increase levels of human growth hormone (HGH). The hormone plays a role in growth, metabolism, weight loss, and muscle strength.
7. Fasting Could Delay Aging and Extend Longevity
Studies also have found that fasting could delay aging and increase longevity. Several animal studies have found promising results on the potential delay in aging.
8. Fasting May Help in Cancer Prevention
Some animal studies suggest that fasting could block tumor development and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Similarly, a study showed that exposing cancer cells to several cycles of fasting was as effective as chemotherapy in delaying tumor growth and increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs on cancer formation.
Yogic Fasting Guidelines
If you want to start fasting first check with your doctor and make sure it is safe for you. If you have the green light below are some guidelines:
- Do not fast for more than a few days. Do not fast for more than that because your body will start to break down your own muscles to get protein.It is safer to start with intermittent fasting or one day a week fast.
- Drink plenty of water. You can also drink hot water with lemon, cayenne, and ginger tea.
- Do not drink bottled fruit juices while fasting. Diluted fresh juices from lemon, orange, and grapefruit are best.
- Start with one day a week fast. Pick a day during the week that is slower with activity so you do not expend too much energy.
- If you fast for more than one day, take an enema or liquid fiber such as Benefiber.
- Stop fasting if you feel lightheaded, or experience excessive fatigue.
- Monitor your tongue, saliva, and appetite to determine how long to fast.
- Take as many days as you fast to return to normal eating, start with fresh fruits, then, vegetables, and finally grain and beans.
Fasting Recipes
Here are some ideas to help you support your system during fasting.
- Freshly squeezed juices diluted with water from lemons, oranges, grapefruits, grapes, berries, and apples. You can add ginger, wheatgrass, and spirulina. This is my personal favorite because it really supports purification during fasting.
- Freshly squeezed vegetable juices: beets, cucumbers, carrots. Add ginger, wheatgrass, or spirulina.
- Zucchini and green beans mixture. Chop zucchini and green beans, boil them in plenty of water for five minutes, blend them, and drink hot or cold all day.
- Drink dried greens
Dried greens are awesome to drink while you fast. Below are some of my favorites:
- You can also eat watermelon during the fast.
Conclusion
Fasting is an ancient method used in spiritual traditions for thousands of years. Fasting has also been also proven to have significant health benefits. This simple but powerful method can help with cancer prevention, heart health, and weight loss.