Though fasting is largely considered a spiritual practice, it offers several health benefits as well. It is similar to a diet meant for the purpose of cleansing, detoxifying and weight loss. The various health benefits of fasting are as follows.

1. Promotes Detoxification:

Fasting detoxifies your body. Processed foods contain a lot of additives which become toxins in the body. Some of them cause the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Most of the toxins are stored in fats which are burnt during prolonged fasting. This results in the release of toxins. When you do not eat or drink during the day, your body starts eating into fat reserves to create energy. This helps in burning away harmful toxins present in fat deposits. The liver, kidneys and other organs of the body get involved in this detoxification.

2. Facilitates Weight Loss:

Weight loss is one of the greatest benefits of fasting. This is because when you fast, your body is forced to use the stored fats for getting energy. Eating less food slows down your metabolism to conserve energy. Professionally supervised fasts are best for controlling serious obesity as they offer both medical and psychological support during the process of fasting, ultimately leading you towards healthy eating habits.

3. Decreases Appetite:

Fasting is a better option than certain fad diets where you end up gaining back all the weight you lost. This is because the reduction in the food consumed throughout fasting causes your stomach to shrink gradually. This requires you to eat lesser food to feel full. Fasting is, hence, a great option to get into the habit of healthy eating. When your fast is over, your appetite is less than before and you are less likely to indulge in overeating.

4. Rests your Digestive System: 

Fasting gives rest to your digestive organs though the normal functions such as production of digestive secretions continue at reduced rates. This helps in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body. Breakdown of food takes place at a steady rate. Energy is also released in a gradual pattern. The production of acids in the stomach, however, continues uninterrupted during fasting. However, patients with peptic ulcer should take medical advice before resorting to fasting.

5. Normalizes Blood Pressure:

Fasting is an effective non drug method of reducing blood pressure. Hence, it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, clogging of arteries by fat particles. Fasting causes the body to use up the glucose and later fat stores for producing energy. During fasting, metabolic rate as well as fear hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline are reduced. This keeps your metabolism steady and within limits, resulting in the reduction of blood pressure.

6. Lowers Cholesterol:

One of the positive effects of fasting is the reduction of cholesterol in the blood. This results in improvement of cardiovascular health and lower risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. This lower cholesterol level can be maintained by following a healthy diet after the fast is over.

7. Reduction in Blood Sugar:

As stated earlier, fasting causes the breakdown of glucose to provide energy to the body. This reduces the production of insulin and rests the pancreas. Glucagon is produced to cause the breakdown of glucose, thus resulting in the reduction of blood sugar.

8. Resolves Inflammatory Response:

Research has shown that fasting can resolve inflammatory diseases and allergies. Inflammatory diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis and skin diseases like psoriasis. Fasting is believed to promote healing of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

9. Improves Immunity:

Following a balanced diet in between fasts can boost immunity, eliminate of toxins and reduce fat storage. Breaking your fast with fruits causes an increase in the body’s store of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are good antioxidants which help to boost immunity.

10. Helps to Overcome Addictions:

Fasting is of great help in reducing the cravings for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods. Fasting can help the addicts to overcome their addictions. It promotes a desire for natural foods such as fruits and water. In this way, it promotes healthy lifestyle.

11. Mental and Emotional Benefits:

Fasting improves mental clarity and focus, thus providing you with greater freedom, flexibility and energy for the day to day activities of life.