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Journalism of Courage
Fasting has been an integral part of the cultures of many Indian communities. While there are several reasons for fasting,most communities tend to observe the practice of fasting as a means of thanksgiving or seeking something from a deity,a prayer,a celebration,as a remembrance or even for a cause. Spiritually,fasting is a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires. Fasting patterns vary vastly with traditions,religions,and cultural practices. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period,usually a day,or several days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive,limiting particular foods or substances,and may also be intermittent.
According to the US National Academy of Sciences,health benefits of fasting include stress resistance,increased insulin sensitivity,reduced morbidity,and increased life span. A study published in 2005 in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says,Alternate-day fasting may be an alternative to prolonged diet restriction for increasing the life span.
However,traditional fasts are usually followed by feasts. Many seem to be feasting even while fasting. This results in weight gain. In a recent study published in 2011 in the Nutrition Journal,around 65 per cent of the respondents reported weight gain among some or all of the family members after Ramzan and 40 per cent attributed their weight gain to the calorie dense high fat food and sweets consumed during fasts and about 30 per cent reported lack of physical exercise.
While the outcomes of fasting should be positive and promote weight loss,the contrary has been found to be true. No large scale studies have been done in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries,including Saudi Arabia. These countries are witnessing an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes,which is strongly linked to obesity. Ramzan fasting,a religious obligation,can theoretically be a golden opportunity to adopt a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits which could lead to weight reduction,better control of diabetes,improved insulin sensitivity and biochemical changes associated with metabolic syndrome.
Several people report weight gain while fasting during Navratras. The famous Navratra thalis with fried pooris and pakoras topped with desserts are symbolic of these fasts. Thus,the weight gain is not surprising.
While religious fasts are done for mainly spiritual reasons and are believed to inculcate discipline at a physical and mental level,they also seem to have a potential to affect ones health. The relevance of correctly observed fasts,perhaps,is more than ever before. When lifestyles are imbalanced,fasting the right way can help balance our excesses.
Dos and Donts
While fasting,
* eat less but don’t starve
* include plenty of fluids,water,fresh fruits and vegetables
* increase disease-fighting nutrients like anti-oxidants and phyto-chemicals
* include variety through alternative foods and ensure better nutrition
While breaking a fast,
* have fluids such as lassi,buttermilk,vegetable or fruit juice,iced tea,cold coffee,coconut water,soup,etc
* dont eat too much immediately
Ishi Khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being,one should integrate physical,mental and spiritual health. According to her: To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.
