Very interesting. "Apart from the symbolism and supposedly spiritual and social benefits of fasting, it is also worth considering what other beneficial effects fasting might have. Many rules applied in religion actually have sound medical and social benefits. According to a paper by research student Will Carroll : “The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body’s progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body … and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. … The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies… “…Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. … This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy… These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated … “A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process… During a fast, energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body’s search for energy sources… “…Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. … A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-ageing hormone is also produced more efficiently. …"
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 01:53:03 +0000