Muslims who are physically or mentally unwell may be excused some of these, as may those who are under twelve years old, the very old, those who are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating, or travelling. Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.ĭuring the 29/30 days of Ramadan all adult Muslims must give up the following things during the hours of daylight: It's the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam. Modern research shows that it has benefits for weight loss, metabolic health, disease prevention and may even help you live longer.Sawm is fasting. Humans are well adapted to fasting from time to time. Not having to eat 3-4+ times per day (with the preparation and cleaning involved) also saves time. The fewer meals you need to plan for, the simpler your life will be. It is an effective “life hack” that makes your life simpler, while improving your health at the same time. Other people simply like the convenience of intermittent fasting. ![]() Some research also suggests that it can help protect against diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and others ( 11, 12). Studies in rodents show that it can extend lifespan as effectively as calorie restriction ( 9, 10). There is also some evidence that intermittent fasting can help you live longer. Others do it for the metabolic health benefits, as it can improve various different risk factors and health markers ( 1). Many people do intermittent fasting in order to lose weight, as it is a very simple and effective way to restrict calories and burn fat ( 6, 7, 8). ![]() When fasted, we get significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as a drastic increase in human growth hormone ( 4, 5). It has to do with hormones, genes and important cellular repair processes ( 3). Humans and other animals also often instinctively fast when sick.Ĭlearly, there is nothing “unnatural” about fasting, and our bodies are very well equipped to handle extended periods of not eating.Īll sorts of processes in the body change when we don’t eat for a while, in order to allow our bodies to thrive during a period of famine. Various religions, including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism, mandate some form of fasting. In other instances, it was done for religious reasons. Sometimes it was done out of necessity, when there simply wasn’t any food available. Humans have actually been fasting for thousands of years. It is a very popular health and fitness trend, with research to back it up. Intermittent fasting (or “IF”) is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Taking supplements is generally allowed while fasting, as long as there are no calories in them. Some forms of intermittent fasting allow small amounts of low-calorie foods during the fasting period. No food is allowed during the fasting period, but you can drink water, coffee, tea and other non-caloric beverages. ![]() Hunger is usually not that big of an issue, although it can be a problem in the beginning, while your body is getting used to not eating for extended periods of time. Many people report feeling better and having more energy during a fast. This is the most popular form of intermittent fasting, known as the 16/8 method.ĭespite what you may think, intermittent fasting is actually fairly easy to do. ![]() Then you’re technically fasting for 16 hours every day, and restricting your eating to an 8-hour eating window. You can do this by skipping breakfast, eating your first meal at noon and your last meal at 8 pm. Intermittent fasting can be as simple as extending that fast a little longer. Most people already “fast” every day, while they sleep. There are several different intermittent fasting methods, all of which split the day or week into eating periods and fasting periods. It does not say anything about which foods to eat, but rather when you should eat them. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |