A Healthy Habit of Fasting

A few months ago, I was reading an article about fasting wherein  I got to know the benefits of fasting hence I started fasting once a week after learning about its benefits. I have truly experienced the benefits of fasting and have decided to share these insightful thoughts with you.

After fasting for the first time, I felt a remarkable change. Physically, I felt lighter and more energized. Mentally, I was clearer and more focused. Spiritually, I felt a deeper sense of connection within myself. Overall, it was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the benefits of fasting for my overall well-being.

So, let’s unfold another sutra for life that will help you become healthier. Its practical tips will make you physically, mentally, and spiritually better.

Before we delve into this article, let me share a fact or my own observation about life. Have you ever wondered why fasting is important in all religions? Hindus fast during Navratri, Sankashti, Mahashivaratri, Ekadashi, and many more occasions. In Christianity, there is Lent and Easter. In Islam, there is Ramadan. In Judaism, there is Paryushana, and in Buddhism, monks follow the Vinaya rule or fast on full moon days.

In Ayurveda, there is a shloka which says, “Langhanam Param Aushadham,” meaning fasting is the best medicine. Have you ever wondered why our ancestors gave so much importance to fasting? What exactly happens when we fast?

Benefits of Fasting:

Treating Diseases via Fasting:

Fasting is when we choose not to eat for a while. It’s a way to lose weight and can help control type 2 diabetes. By taking breaks from food, our body can manage blood sugar levels better. Fasting helps with weight loss by cutting down on calories and burning fat. It also makes our body more sensitive to insulin, which is good for diabetes. But fasting should be done carefully, especially with medical advice. It’s a thoughtful way to lose weight and handle health issues like type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss Made Easy

Long ago, fasting was used to treat sickness. When we fast, our body burns stored fat for energy, helping us lose weight. This means that when we don’t eat, our body uses the fat it has stored up. This fat turns into energy, which keeps us going even without food. That’s why fasting has been practiced for health reasons throughout history. It’s a natural way for the body to heal itself and shed extra pounds.

Improving Brain Function: 

When we fast, our body starts using a different kind of fuel called ketones instead of the usual glucose. This change helps our brain work better and become more resilient. Some researchers believe fasting triggers a process that helps create new brain cells and improves our mood and thinking abilities. While more research is needed, there is evidence that fasting could be good for our brain and might even slow down aging effects. So, fasting isn’t just about not eating—it could be a way to give our brain a boost and keep it healthy.

A Way to Improve Blood Sugar Control:

 Fasting can help manage blood sugar levels better. It makes the body more sensitive to insulin, which helps control sugar in the blood. This means our body can use glucose from food more efficiently, preventing big swings in sugar levels. Trying intermittent fasting or alternate-day fasting could be a natural way to keep blood sugar steady and lower the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Fasting Helps Your Gut Stay Healthy: 

Fasting can be a friend to your gut. It gives your digestive system a break and may help balance the good and bad bacteria living there. By taking a break from eating, harmful bacteria might decrease, and the good ones can flourish. This can lead to a happier tummy. Fasting could also calm down any inflammation in your gut, which can cause tummy troubles. While scientists are still learning more, fasting seems like a simple and good way to keep your gut happy and healthy.

Fasting Slows Down Cell Aging: 

Fasting might be like a fountain of youth for your cells. When you fast, your cells clean out the old and damaged parts, making way for newer, healthier ones. This process, called autophagy, helps your cells stay younger and fresher. Plus, fasting reduces inflammation and stress on your cells, which can make them age faster. While scientists are still figuring out all the details, fasting seems like a simple way to keep your cells feeling young and healthy for longer.

Power of Fasting: Exploring Types and Benefits

Intermittent Fasting:

Fasting comes in various forms, each with its unique approach and potential benefits. One popular method is intermittent fasting, where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. This can involve fasting for 16 hours a day, known as the 16/8 method

Long ago, fasting was used to treat sickness. When we fast, our body burns stored fat for energy, helping us lose weight. This means that when we don’t eat, our body uses the fat it has stored up. This fat turns into energy, which keeps us going even without food. That’s why fasting has been practiced for health reasons throughout history. It’s a natural way for the body to heal itself and shed extra pounds. Another approach is time-restricted eating, where you limit your eating window to a specific number of hours each day. This method aims to align your eating pattern with your body’s natural circadian rhythms, potentially improving metabolic health.

Alternate-day Fasting:

Another type is alternate-day fasting, where you eat normally on certain days and restrict calorie intake on others. This intermittent approach may promote weight loss and metabolic health while allowing for regular eating patterns on non-fasting days. Extended fasting involves fasting for longer periods, typically ranging from 24 hours to several days. This method may trigger deeper metabolic changes, including increased fat burning and cellular repair processes like autophagy.

Religious Fasting:

Additionally, there’s religious fasting, practiced by various cultures and religions worldwide for spiritual or cultural reasons. Examples include Ramadan in Islam, where fasting occurs from dawn to sunset during the holy month, and Lent in Christianity, which involves fasting or abstaining from certain foods for 40 days before Easter. Regardless of the type, fasting has gained attention for its potential health benefits, from weight loss and improved metabolic health to enhanced longevity and cellular rejuvenation.

Fasting is not just a trend—it’s a lifestyle upgrade waiting to happen. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, seeking mental clarity, or simply aiming for a healthier you, fasting holds the key. And where better to kickstart your fasting journey than Lifesutrasket.com? Dive into a world of fasting expertise, top-notch products, and unbeatable support. It’s time to seize control of your health and rewrite your story with Lifesutrasket.com. Join the movement today and let’s fast-track to a better, brighter tomorrow—together!

Living with Purpose: A Deeper Reflection

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if you’re truly living or just going through the motions? Beyond the idea of living a longer life, it’s important to think about what makes our lives meaningful. In the midst of our busy routines, it’s easy to forget the importance of living with purpose.

Recently, I visited a relative in the hospital and saw the struggle for life. The family, desperate for a miracle, prayed relentlessly, trying every possible solution to bring their loved one back. Sadly, that family member ultimately lost their precious life, leaving a void of unfulfilled hopes for a continued existence. This experience shocked me and made me think deeply about how fragile life is and our quest for a meaningful existence. 

I want you to pause for a moment and think about the lifestyle we are leading. Is our body healthy and fit? Do we consciously make efforts to make our lives better? If yes, then what do we exactly do?

Food is crucial for the human body as it serves as the primary source of nutrients essential for overall health and well-being. Nutrients obtained from food, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, play vital roles in supporting various bodily functions. Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities; proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth; and fats contribute to cell structure and hormone production.

Additionally, vitamins and minerals facilitate crucial processes such as immune function, bone health, and metabolism. A well-balanced diet ensures that the body receives the necessary nutrients for optimal functioning, promoting physical and mental health. Understanding the importance of a nutritious diet is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing various health issues.

Let’s touch on the most important part of our lives, which is food. Think about the quality of the food we eat. Almost every single food is made up of all purpose flour or refined flour (maida), like bread, naans, samosas, biscuits, pooris and so much more! Have we ever asked them to serve food without a refined floor?

Maida, or refined flour, is not ideal for health due to its low nutritional value and high glycemic index. The refining process strips away essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making maida less nutritious compared to whole grains.

Consuming maida can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, potentially contributing to insulin resistance and weight gain. Additionally, its low fiber content may cause digestive issues like constipation. Studies also suggest a link between a diet high in refined carbohydrates, like maida, and inflammation in the body, which can be associated with various health problems. Choosing whole grains over maida-based products is recommended for better overall health and nutrition. It’s better not to think about the quality of meat, oil and water because this topic will never end.

Apart from that, we spend 8–10 hours sitting in the same place in front of electrical devices.  Before modern lifestyles, people used to make a lot of physical effort since there were fewer machines in place.

Most of the things were done by people with extra physical and cautiousness. In the previous era, people used to walk a lot as they did not have vehicle facilities in place. We stay awake till midnight with our mobile phones and rush to the office every morning by waking up just to get ready and leave home. Is this lifestyle going to give us the truest wealth, i.e., our health?

Our ancestors used to do a lot of things to make their lives healthy and fit. They used to live a calm and peaceful life due to fewer materialistic requirements. They used to spend more time with Mother Nature. Also, they used to add a spiritual routine to their day-to-day lifestyle. Now, let’s talk about our current lifestyle and what changes we can make to live longer and stay healthy.

We can start by replacing old habits like unhealthy food with conscious food selection or house made food and applying chemicals to the skin that directly penetrate into the blood through transparent skin with natural or Ayurvedic skin products. Prefer walking instead of vehicles or stairs instead of elevators. Fasting social media, electronic devices, outside food, etc. 

Apart from that, we should follow a healthy routine, like adding exercise, yoga or anything else like dance or Zumba, on a regular basis or any sports activities, etc. Spend conscious time with nature, or go out regularly somewhere you feel comfortable. 

So these are some basic things we need to think about. 

Let’s think about our daily choices for a healthier and more meaningful life. Seeing a loved one’s struggle in the hospital made me reflect on how delicate life is. One crucial aspect is our diet; choosing whole grains over refined flour (maida) is a simple step for better health.

Our sedentary lifestyle also needs attention; opting for walks and exercise can make a big difference. Connecting with nature, adding a bit of spirituality, and choosing natural skincare products contribute to our well-being. Small changes, like preferring homemade food and reducing screen time, can collectively lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Let’s focus on these basics for a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle, embracing the true wealth of well-being.

Unlock a healthier and more purposeful life at lifesutrasket.com. Dive into mindful living, covering nutrition, fitness, and balanced lifestyles. Subscribe for more at lifesutrasket.com today and embark on a journey towards holistic well-being – because life is about thriving, not just surviving.