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Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. Food is any substance usually composed primarily of Carbohydrates Fats water and/or Proteins that can be eaten or drunk by an A drink, or beverage, is a Liquid specifically prepared for Human consumption A fast may be total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to the period of fasting. Fasting practices may preclude sexual activity as well as food, in addition to refraining from eating certain types or groups of foods; for example, one might refrain from eating meat. In modern English usage meat most often refers to Animal tissue used as food mostly Skeletal muscle and associated Fat, but it may also refer

Fasting for religious and spiritual reasons has been a part of human custom since pre-history. It is mentioned in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testament, the Qur'an, the Mahabharata, and the Upanishads. Etymology According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word bible is from Latin biblia, traced from the same word through Medieval Latin and Late Latin In Western Christianity, the Old Testament refers to the books that form the first of the two-part Christian Biblical canon. The Qur’an ( القرآن, literally "the recitation" also sometimes transliterated as Qur’ān, Koran, Alcoran The Upanishads ( Devanagari: उपनिषद् IAST: upaniṣad also spelled "Upanisad" are Hindu scriptures that constitute the core teachings Fasting is also practiced in many other religious traditions and spiritual practices.

Fasting is also used in a medical context to refer to the state achieved after digestion of a meal. Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the Digestion is the breaking down of chemicals in the body into a form that can be absorbed A number of metabolic adjustments occur during fasting and many medical diagnostic tests are standardized for fasting conditions. Metabolism is the set of Chemical reactions that occur in living Organisms in order to maintain Life. A diagnostic test is any kind of Medical test performed to aid in the Diagnosis or detection of disease For most medical purposes a person is assumed to be fasting after 8-12 hours. A diagnostic fast refers to prolonged fasting (from 8-72 hours depending on age) conducted under medical observation for investigation of a problem, usually hypoglycemia. Diagnostic fasting encompasses a procedure to rule out causes of ketotic hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia or hypoglycaemia is the medical term for a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of Glucose ( sugar) in the blood Fasting has occasionally been recommended as a therapeutic intervention by physicians of many cultures, though it is uncommonly resorted to for this purpose by modern doctors. A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health

Contents

Religious fasting

Bahá'í Faith

Main article: Nineteen Day Fast

In the Bahá'í Faith, fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset during the Bahá'í month of `Ala' (between March 2 through March 20). The Nineteen-Day Fast ( March 2 - March 20) is a nineteen-day period of the year during which members of the Bahá'í Faith adhere to a sunrise-to-sunset The Bahá'í Faith is a Religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in nineteenth-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind Events 986 - Louis V becomes King of the Franks. 1127 - Assassination of Charles the Good Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. [1] Bahá'u'lláh established the guidelines in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá'u'lláh ( ba-haa-ol-laa "Glory of God" ( November 12, 1817 – May 29, 1892) born Mírzá Ḥusayn-`Alí Nuri The Kitáb-i-Aqdas is a central book of the Bahá'í Faith written by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the religion It is the complete abstaining from both food and drink (including abstaining from smoking). Observing the fast is an individual obligation, and is binding on all Bahá'ís who have reached the age of maturity, which is 15 years of age. [1]

Along with obligatory prayer, it is one of the greatest obligations of a Bahá'í. [1] The Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith, Shoghi Effendi, explains: "It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Shoghí Effendí Rabbání ( March 1, 1897 - November 4, 1957) better known as Shoghi Effendi, was the appointed head of the Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires. "[2]

Buddhism

Buddhist monks and nuns following the Vinaya rules commonly do not eat each day after the noon meal, though many orders today do not enforce this. The Vinaya (a word in Pāli as well as in Sanskrit, with literal meaning 'leading out' 'education' 'discipline' is the regulatory framework for the Buddhist This is not considered a fast, but rather a disciplined regimen aiding in meditation. Fasting is generally considered by Buddhists as a form of asceticism and as such is rejected as a deviation from the Middle way. Ascetic redirects here You might also be looking for Acetic acid. In general the Middle Way or Middle Path ( madhyamā-pratipad; ṭṭipadā) is the Buddhist practice of non-extremism However, the Vajrayana practice of Nyung Ne is based on the tantric practice of Chenrezig. Vajrayana Buddhism is also known as Tantric Buddhism, Tantrayāna, Mantrayana, Mantranaya, Secret Mantra, Esoteric Buddhism and Avalokiteśvara ( Nepali: अवलोकितेश्वर, lit It is said that Chenrezig appeared to Gelongma Palmo, an Indian nun who had contracted leprosy and was on the verge of death. Chenrezig taught her the method of Nyung Ne in which one keeps the eight precepts on the first day, then refrains from both food and water on the second. Although seemingly against the Middle Way, this practice is to experience the negative karma of both oneself and all other sentient beings and, as such is seen to be of benefit. Other self-inflicted harm is discouraged.

Perhaps due to sectarian differences, some lineages of Buddhism consider taking the eight precepts, even for a limited period of time, to be a fast. In fact, they are occasionally referred to as "fasting precepts. " The eight precepts closely resemble the ten vinaya precepts for novice monks and nuns. The novice precepts are the same with the prohibition against handling money. (For further information, see The Way to Buddhahood: Instructions from a Modern Chinese Master by Venerable Yin-shun. )

Christianity

The "acceptable fast" is discussed in the biblical Book of Isaiah, chapter 58:3-7, and is discussed metaphorically. Isaiah (; Greek:, Ēsaiās; Arabic: اشعیاء, Ash-ee-yaa; "Salvation of/is YHWH " is In essence, it means afflict the soul through abstaining from fulfilling the needs or wants of the flesh. The blessings gained from this are claimed to be substantial. Christian denominations that practice this acceptable fast often attest to the spiritual principles surrounding fasting and seek to become a testament to those principles. The opening chapter of the Book of Daniel, vv. 8-16, describes a partial fast and its effects on the health of its observers. Fasting is a practice in several Christian denominations or other churches. Denominationalism|List of Christian denominations|Church (disambiguation A Christian denomination is an identifiable religious body under a common name structure and doctrine within Other Christian denominations do not practice it, seeing it as a merely external observance, but many individual believers choose to observe fasts at various times at their own behest, and the Lenten fast observed in the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church is a forty day partial fast to commemorate the fast observed by Christ during his temptation in the desert. The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world

Biblical accounts of fasting

Roman Catholicism

Main article: Fasting and abstinence in the Roman Catholic Church

For Roman Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food to one full meal (which may not contain meat during Fridays in Lent) and two small meals (known liturgically as collations, taken in the morning and the evening). For Roman Catholics, Fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food to one full meal a day In British English a collation is a light meal often offered to guests when there is insufficient time for fuller entertainment Eating solid food between meals is not permitted. Fasting is required of the faithful on specified days. Complete abstinence is the avoidance of meat for the entire day. Abstinence is a voluntary restraint from indulging a desire or appetite for certain bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure In modern English usage meat most often refers to Animal tissue used as food mostly Skeletal muscle and associated Fat, but it may also refer Partial abstinence prescribes that meat be taken only once during the course of the day. Abstinence is a voluntary restraint from indulging a desire or appetite for certain bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure In modern English usage meat most often refers to Animal tissue used as food mostly Skeletal muscle and associated Fat, but it may also refer To some Roman Catholics, fasting still means consuming nothing but water.

Pope Pius XII had initially relaxed some of the regulations concerning fasting in 1956. Pope In 1966, Pope Paul VI in his apostolic constitution Paenitemini, changed the strictly regulated Roman Catholic fasting requirements. Pope Paenitemini is a 1966 Apostolic constitution by Pope Paul VI. He recommended that fasting be appropriate to the local economic situation, and that all Catholics voluntarily fast and abstain. In the United States, there are only two obligatory days of fast - Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In the Western Christian Calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday ("Pascha" The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence: those observing the practice may not eat meat. Pastoral teachings since 1966 have urged voluntary fasting during Lent and voluntary abstinence on the other Fridays of the year. The regulations concerning such activities do not apply when the ability to work or the health of a person would be negatively affected. Health is a state of complete physical mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

Prior to the changes made by Pius XII and Paul VI, fasting and abstinence were more strictly regulated. The church had prescribed that Roman Catholics observed fasting and/or abstinence on a number of days throughout the year.

In addition to the fasts mentioned above, Roman Catholics must also observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water and medicines into the body for one hour before receiving the Eucharist during the Mass. The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or Lord's Supper and other names is a Christian Sacrament by which in a common interpretation those The Mass is the Eucharistic celebration in the Latin liturgical rites of the Roman Catholic Church. The ancient practice was to fast from midnight until Mass that day, but as Masses after noon and in the evening became common, this was soon modified to fasting for three hours. Current law requires merely one hour of eucharistic fast, although some Roman Catholics still abide by the older rules.

Anglicanism

The Book of Common Prayer prescribes certain days as days for fasting, but since the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church, there have not been regulations prescribing the mode of observance of these days. The Book of Common Prayer is the common title of a number of prayer books of the Church of England and used throughout the Anglican Communion. The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England, the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Observance of fast days declined until the 19th century, when under the influence of the Oxford Movement many Anglicans began once again taking the prescribed fast days more seriously. The Oxford Movement or Tractarianism was an affiliation of High Church Anglicans, most of whom were members of the University of Oxford, who sought

In the process of revising the Book of Common Prayer in various parts of the Anglican Communion the specification of abstinence or fast for certain days has been retained, though because each province is free to set its own calendar, there is no universal Anglican rule for which days are fast days. The Book of Common Prayer is the common title of a number of prayer books of the Church of England and used throughout the Anglican Communion. See also Anglicanism The Anglican Communion is an international association of national Anglican churches Generally Lent and Fridays are set aside. Often the Ember Days or Rogation Days are also specified, and the eves of certain feasts. In the Liturgical calendar of the Western Christian churches, Ember days are four separate sets of three days within the same week&mdashspecifically the Rogation days are in the calendar of the Western Church four days traditionally set apart for solemn processions to invoke God's mercy

Individual Anglicans are free to determine for themselves what particular measures of abstinence they will follow in the observance of these days.

Eastern Orthodoxy & Greek-Catholicism

Main article: Eastern Orthodoxy: Fasting

For Eastern Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Christians, fasting is an important spritual discipline, found in both the Old Testament and the New, and is tied to the principle in Orthodox theology of the synergy between the body (Greek: soma) and the soul (pnevma). The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world Greek Catholic Church is a term which refers to the Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine ( Constantinopolitan) liturgical tradition Eastern Orthodox Christian theology is the Theology particular to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Synergy (from the Greek el-Latn syn-ergo, el συνεργός meaning working together is the term used to describe a situation where the final outcome With regard to living things, a body is the integral physical material of an individual The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living That is to say, Orthodox Christians do not see a dichotomy between the body and the soul, but rather consider them as a united whole, and believe that what happens to one affects the other (this is known as the psychosomatic union between the body and the soul). [3][4] Saint Gregory Palamas argued that man's body is not an enemy, but a partner and collaborator with the soul. Saint Gregory Palamas (Γρηγόριος Παλαμάς (1296 - 1359 was a monk of Mount Athos in Greece and later the Archbishop of Chirst, by taking a human body at the Incarnation, has made the flesh an inexhaustible source of sanctification. The Incarnation is the belief in Christianity that Jesus Christ is the God of Israel in the flesh [5] This same concept is also found in the much earlier homilies of Saint Macarius the Great. Macarius of Egypt (ca 300-391 was an Egyptian Christian monk and Hermit.

Fasting can take up a significant portion of the calendar year. The purpose of fasting is not to suffer, but according to Sacred Tradition to guard against gluttony and impure thoughts, deeds and words. Sacred Tradition or Holy Tradition is a technical theological term used in some Christian traditions primarily in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Derived from the Latin gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow gluttony is the over-indulgence and Over-consumption of food drink or intoxicants [6] Fasting must always be accompanied by increased prayer and almsgiving (donating to a local charity, or directly to the poor, depending on circumstances). Alms or almsgiving exists in a number of religions In general it involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue To engage in fasting without them is considered useless or even spiritually harmful. [3] To repent of one's sins and to reach out in love to others is part and parcel of true fasting.

Fast days

There are four fasting seasons, which include:

Wednesdays and Fridays are also fast days throughout the year (with the exception of fast-free periods—see below). Great Lent, or the Great Fast, is the most important Fasting season in the Church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians Holy Week ( Latin: Hebdomada Sancta or Maior Hebdomada, "Greater Week" in Christianity is the last week before Easter. The Nativity Fast, is a period abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches, in preparation The Dormition of the Theotokos ( Greek: Koimesis) is a Great Feast of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Wednesday is the fourth Day of the week in most western countries Friday (pronunciation ˈfraɪdeɪ ˈfraɪdi is the day of the Week falling between Thursday and Saturday. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all Food, Drink, or both for a period of time In some Orthodox monasteries, Mondays are also observed as fast days (Mondays are dedicated to the Angels, and monasticism is called the "angelic life"). This article concerns the buildings occupied by monastics. For the life inside monasteries and its historical roots see Monasticism. An angel is a Spiritual Supernatural being found in many Religions Although the nature of angels and the tasks given to them vary from tradition to tradition Monasticism (from Greek μοναχός, monachos, derived from Greek monos, alone is the religious practice in which one [4]

Other days occur which are always observed as fast days:

Fasting rules

Fasting during these times includes abstention from:

When a feast day occurs on a fast day, the fast is often mitigated (lessened) to some degree (though meat and dairy are never consumed on any fast day). Olive oil is a fruit oil obtained from the olive ( Olea europaea; family Oleaceae along with Lilacs Jasmine and ash trees The Calendar of saints is a traditional Christian method of organizing a Liturgical year on the level of days by associating each day with one or more Saints There are two degrees of mitigation: allowance of wine and oil; and allowance of fish, wine and oil. The very young and very old, nursing mothers, as well as those for whom fasting would endanger their health, are exempt from the strictest fasting rules. [3]

On weekdays of the first week of Great Lent, fasting is particularly severe, and many observe it by abstaining from all food for some period of time. According to strict observance, on the first five days (Monday through Friday) there are only two meals eaten, one on Wednesday and the other on Friday, both after the Presanctified Liturgy. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, informally Presanctified Liturgy, is an Eastern Christian liturgical service for the distribution of communion Those who are unable to follow the strict observance may eat on Tuesday and Thursday (but not, if possible, on Monday) in the evening after Vespers, when they may take bread and water, or perhaps tea or fruit juice, but not a cooked meal. Vespers is the evening Prayer service in the Roman Catholic, Eastern (Byzantine Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox, liturgies of the The same strict abstension is observed during Holy Week, except that a meal (with wine and oil) is allowed on Great Thursday. Holy Week ( Latin: Hebdomada Sancta or Maior Hebdomada, "Greater Week" in Christianity is the last week before Easter. In the Christian Liturgical calendar, Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday) is the feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter [3]

On Wednesday and Friday of the first week of Great Lent the meals which are taken consist of xerophagy (literally, "dry eating"). Xerophagy means 'dry eating' In some instances this means bread and water only - particularly if being used as a form of discipline That is to say, vegetables cooked with water and salt. [3] In a number of monasteries, and in the homes of more devout laypeople, xerophagy is observed on every weekday (Monday through Friday) of Great Lent, except when wine and oil are allowed. This article concerns the buildings occupied by monastics. For the life inside monasteries and its historical roots see Monasticism.

Those desiring to receive Holy Communion keep a total fast from all food and drink from midnight the night before (see Eucharistic discipline). The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or Lord's Supper and other names is a Christian Sacrament by which in a common interpretation those Eucharistic discipline is the term applied to the regulations and practices associated with an individual preparing for the reception of the Eucharist.

Fast-free periods

Certain festal periods are fast-free, meaning that fasting is forbidden, even on Wednesdays and Fridays (though fasting before Holy Communion is never relaxed, except for health reasons). These periods are:

Oriental Orthodox Churches

Main article: Coptic abstinence

With exception of the Fifty days following Easter in the Coptic Orthodox Church fish is not allowed during Lent, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Baramon days. Epiphany ( Greek for "to manifest" or "to show" is a Christian Feast day which celebrates the "shining forth" or revelation of Easter ( Greek: Πάσχα Pascha or Pasxa) is the most important religious feast in the Christian Liturgical year. Bright Week Lambri --> or Renewal Week is the name used by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine Pentecost (πεντηκοστή, pentekostē, "the fiftieth day" is one of the prominent feasts in the Christian Liturgical year, celebrated the The Copts the Christians of Egypt, who belong mostly to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, observe Fasting Easter ( Greek: Πάσχα Pascha or Pasxa) is the most important religious feast in the Christian Liturgical year. History of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria Apostolic foundation Egypt is identified in the Bible as the place of refuge that the Lent, in some Christian denominations, is the forty-day-long liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. Other than that Fish and Shellfish are allowed during Fasting days.

The discipline of fasting entails that apart from Saturdays, Sundays, and Holy feasts should keep a total fast from all food and drink from midnight the night before to a certain time in the day usually three O'clock in the afternoon (the hour Jesus died on the Cross). Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) Also, it is preferred to practice the reduction of one's daily intake of food (typically, by eating only one full meal a day).

Protestant churches

In Protestantism, the continental Reformers criticized fasting as a purely external observance that can never gain a person salvation. Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation was a reform movement in Europe that began in 1517 though its roots lie further back in time In Theology, salvation can mean three related things being saved from or Liberation from something such as Suffering or the punishment of The Swiss Reformation of the "Third Reformer" Huldrych Zwingli began with an ostentatious public sausage-eating during Lent. The Protestant Reformation in Switzerland was promoted initially by Huldrych Zwingli, who gained the support of the magistrate (Mark Reust and population of Huldrych (or Ulrich) Zwingli (1 January 1484 &ndash 11 October 1531 was a leader of the Reformation in Switzerland. A sausage is a prepared Food, usually made from Ground meat, animal fat salt and Spices (sometimes with other ingredients such as herbs typically packed

In more recent years, many churches affected by liturgical renewal movements have begin to encourage fasting as part of Lent and sometimes Advent, two penitential seasons of the Liturgical Year. Lent, in some Christian denominations, is the forty-day-long liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. Advent (from the Latin word la ''adventus'' meaning "coming" is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the The liturgical year, also known as the Christian year, consists of the cycle of liturgical seasons in Christian churches which determines when

Likewise, Lutheran churches encourage fasting during lent. They also encourage it before partaking in the Eucharist, as Luther writes in his Small Catechism: Who, then, receives such Sacrament worthily? Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins.

Members of the Anabaptist movement (e. Anabaptists ( Greek ανα (again twice + βαπτιζω (baptize thus "re-baptizers" are Christians of the Radical Reformation g. Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite, et al. The Amish (ˈɑːmɪʃ are members of an Anabaptist Christian denomination best known for Simple living, Plain dress and resisting modern conveniences The Mennonites are a group of Christian Anabaptist denominations named after Menno Simons (1496&ndash1561 though his teachings were a relatively Hutterites are a communal branch of Anabaptists who like the Amish and Mennonites, trace their roots to the Radical Reformation of the 16th century ) generally fast, but in private. The practice is not regulated by ecclesiastic authority. [1]

Other Protestants consider fasting, usually accompanied by prayer, to be an important part of their personal spiritual experience, apart from any liturgical tradition. Prayer is the act of attempting to communicate with a Deity or spirit The United Methodist fast in the old Wesleyan way of sundown to sundown on Mondays to Tuesdays and Thursdays to Fridays to promote discipline among Christ's followers.

Pentecostal

Individuals in mainline Pentecostal denominations undertake both short and extended fasts as the Spirit leads them. In the Normal Fast pure water alone is consumed. During the "Black Fast" nothing, not even water is consumed. Dr. Curtis Ward writes that the Black Fast should never extend beyond three days because of ketosis, possible kidney damage, and dehydration. He further states that in no New Testament scriptures did they extend this type of fast beyond that limitation and that Christ's fast included water because "he was afterward an hungred" and was offered bread. If he had abstained from water he would have obviously craved water first and foremost. Dr. Ward states that the Black Fast, Hebrew Fast, and the Absolute Fast are synonymous terms. The former Arthur Wallis coined the term "Absolute Fast" in 1968 in his book "God's Chosen Fast. " In addition to the Normal Fast and the Black Fast Pentecostals sometimes undertake what they call the Daniel Fast (or Partial Fast) in which only one type of food (ie, fruit or fruit and non starchy vegetables) is consumed.

Charismatic

For Charismatic Christians fasting is undertaken at the leading of God. The term charismatic movement describes the adoption from the early twentieth century onwards of certain beliefs typical of those held by Pentecostal Christians — specifically Fasting is done in order to seek a closer intimacy with God, as well as an act of petition. Some take up a regular fast of one or two days a week as a spiritual observance. Holiness movements, such as those started by John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield in the early days of Methodism, often practice such regular fasts as part of their regimen. John Wesley (ˈwɛslɪ ( – March 2, 1791) was an Anglican cleric and Christian theologian who was the founder of the (Evangelical Biography Charles Wesley was the son of Susanna Wesley and Samuel Wesley. Early life He was born at the Bell Inn Southgate Street Gloucester, England. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Latter-day Saint fasting is total abstinence from food and drink. A Latter Adherents are encouraged to fast for two consecutive meal times once a month, and the first Sunday of the month is usually designated a Fast Sunday. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fast Sunday is a Sunday (usually the first Sunday of every month set aside for Fasting. The money saved by not having to purchase and prepare meals is to be donated to the church as a fast offering, which is to be used to help people in need. Fast offering is the term used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to denote money or usable commodities donated to the church in order to help the needy The late LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley asked: “What would happen if the principles of fast day and the fast offering were observed throughout the world[?] The hungry would be fed, the naked clothed, the homeless sheltered. Gordon Bitner Hinckley ( June 23 1910 – January 27 2008) was an American religious leader who served as the fifteenth president … A new measure of concern and unselfishness would grow in the hearts of people everywhere. ” (“The State of the Church,” Ensign, May 1991, 52–53. )

Sunday worship meetings on Fast Sunday include opportunities for church members to publicly express thanks and to bear their testimony of faith. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fast Sunday is a Sunday (usually the first Sunday of every month set aside for Fasting. "Testify" redirects here For other uses see Testify (disambiguation and Testimony (disambiguation.

Fasting is also a way for LDS to show God that their spirit comes before their body. They may also implement personal, family or group fasts anytime they desire to solicit special blessings from God, including health or comfort for themselves and/or others. Individuals can also use fasting as a part of their repentance process.

Hinduism

Fasting is a very integral part of the Hindu religion. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical Individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on personal beliefs and local customs. Some are listed below.

Methods of fasting also vary widely and cover a broad spectrum. If followed strictly, the person fasting does not partake any food or water from the previous day's sunset until 48 minutes after the following day's sunrise. Fasting can also mean limiting oneself to one meal during the day and/or abstaining from eating certain food types and/or eating only certain food types. In any case, even if the fasting Hindu is non-vegetarian, he/she is not supposed to eat or even touch any animal products (i. e. meat, eggs) on a day of fasting. (Milk is an exception for animal products).

Islam

Main article: Sawm

In Islam, fasting for a month is an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, from fajr (dawn), until maghrib (sunset). Sawm ( Arabic: صوم is an Arabic word for Fasting regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Ramadan or Ramazan ( Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic The Fajr (فجر prayer is the first of the five daily prayers ( Salat) recited by practising Muslims (Fajr means Dawn in the Maghrib (مَغْرِب is the fourth daily Salat in Islam, offered at sunset Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual intercourse while fasting. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship. The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic أركان الإسلام is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. By fasting, whether during Ramadan or other times, a Muslim draws closer to their Lord by abandoning the things they enjoy, such as food and drink. This makes the sincerity of their faith and their devotion to God (Arabic:Allah) all the more evident. Allah ( Arabic: الله, ʔalˤːɑːh) is the standard Arabic word for '

The Qur'an states that fasting was prescribed for those before them (i. The Qur’an ( القرآن, literally "the recitation" also sometimes transliterated as Qur’ān, Koran, Alcoran e. , the Jews and Christians) and that by fasting a Muslim gains taqwa, which can be described as the care taken by a person to do everything God has commanded and to keep away from everything that He has forbidden. PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth Taqwá (التقوى) is the Islamic concept of " God -consciousness" or Higher consciousness. Fasting helps prevent many sins and is a shield with which the Muslim protects him/herself from jahannam (hell). Jahannam (جهنم(in Turkish: cehennem in Bosnian: džehennem is the Islamic equivalent to Gei Hinnom, or Hell. Hell, according to many Religious beliefs, is a location in the Afterlife, which may be described as a place of suffering

Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also includes abstaining from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and fighting, and lustful thoughts. Therefore, fasting helps develop good behavior. Behavior or behaviour (see spelling differences) refers to the actions or Reactions of an object or Organism, usually

Fasting also inculcates a sense of fraternity and solidarity, as Muslims feel and experience what their needy and hungry brothers and sisters feel. However, even the poor, needy, and hungry participate in the fast. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together. Etymology The word "charity" entered the English language through the Old French word " charité " which was derived from the

While fasting in the month of Ramadan is considered Fard (obligatory), Islam also prescribed certain days for non-obligatory, voluntary fasting, such as:

Fasting is forbidden on these days: [7]

Although fasting is fard, exceptions are made for persons in particular circumstances:

Penalty of in purpose fast breaking at Ramadan:

Jainism

There are many types of fasting in Jainism. Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. One is called Chauvihar Upwas, in which no food or water may be consumed until sunrise the next day. Another is called Tivihar Upwas, in which no food may be consumed, but boiled water is allowed. The main goal of any type of Fasting in Jainism is to achieve complete Non-Violence (दया, ahimsa) during that period. Fasting is usually done during Paryushana but can be done during other times. Two of the most important festivals for the Jains are Paryushana and Diwali. If one fasts for the eight days of Paryushana, it is called Atthai, and when it is for One Month, it is known as Maskhamana. Also, it is common for Jains not to fast but only to limit their intake of food. When a person only eats lentils and tasteless food with salt and pepper as the only spices, the person is said to do Ayambil. This is supposed to decrease desire and passion.

Self-starvation by fasting is known as Sallekhana and is supposed to help shed karma according to Jain philosophy. Santhara (also Sallekhana, Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Samnyasa-marana) is the Jain religious ritual of voluntary death by Fasting Karma ( Sanskrit: कर्म, kárman - "act action performance" Pali: kamma) is the concept of "action" Another form of fasting is Santhara, the Jain religious ritual of voluntary death by fasting. Santhara (also Sallekhana, Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Samnyasa-marana) is the Jain religious ritual of voluntary death by Fasting Supporters of the practice believe that Santhara cannot be considered suicide, but rather something one does with full knowledge and intent, while suicide is viewed as emotional and hasty. Santhara (also Sallekhana, Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Samnyasa-marana) is the Jain religious ritual of voluntary death by Fasting Due to the prolonged nature of Santhara, the individual is given ample time to reflect on his or her life. The vow of Santhara is taken when one feels that one's life has served its purpose. The goal of Santhara is to purify the body and, with this, the individual strives to abandon desire.

Judaism

Main article: Ta'anit

Fasting for Jews means completely abstaining from food and drink, including water. A ta'anit or taanis is a fast in Judaism. A Jewish fast may have one or more purposes including A tool for repentance Brushing teeth is forbidden on the major fast days of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av (See below), but permitted on minor fast days. Taking medications is generally not permitted, except where a doctor's orders would forbid abstaining. Observant Jews fast on up to six days of the year. With the exception of Yom Kippur, fasting is never permitted on Shabbat, for the commandment of keeping Shabbat is biblically ordained and overrides the later rabbinically-instituted fast days. Yom Kippur (יוֹם כִּפּוּר ˈjɔm kiˈpur also known in English as the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn and important of the Jewish holidays Its Shabbat or Shabbos ( Hebrew: שַׁבָּת, shabbāt, shabbes, "rest/inactivity" is the Weekly Sabbath Yom Kippur is the only fast day which is explicitly stated in the Torah.

Yom Kippur is considered to be the most important day of the Jewish year and fasting as a means of repentance is expected of every Jewish man and boy above the age of bar mitzvah and every Jewish woman and girl above the age of bat mitzvah. In Judaism, Bar Mitzvah ( Hebrew: בר מצוה "one (m to whom the commandments apply" Bat Mitzvah (בת מצוה "one (f In Judaism, Bar Mitzvah ( Hebrew: בר מצוה "one (m to whom the commandments apply" Bat Mitzvah (בת מצוה "one (f It is so important to fast on this day, that only those who would be put in danger by fasting are exempt, such as the ill, elderly, or pregnant or nursing women, as endangering one's life is against a core principle of Judaism. Those that do eat on this day are encouraged to eat as little as possible at a time and to avoid a full meal. For some, fasting on Yom Kippur is considered more important than the prayers of this holy day. If one fasts, even if one is at home in bed, one is considered as having participated in the full religious service. In addition to fasting and prayer, Yom Kippur -- as the "Sabbath of Sabbaths" -- has the same restrictions regarding work as the Sabbath, such as striking a fire, carrying objects outside the home, using tools, and so on. Traditionally, leather shoes are not worn on this day. Men may wear a white gown (kittel) over their clothes, symbolic of a burial shroud on this Day of Judgement. A kittel, also spelled kitl, (קיטל robe coat cf German Kittel ‘(house/work coat’ is a white robe which served as a burial Women may either wear all white, or they may simply wear a large white scarf over their heads, and many do not put on make-up or jewelry. The aura of the day is serious, humble, sacred and repentant, yet happy in the knowledge that sincere repentance brings redemption.

The second major day of fasting is Tisha B'Av, the day nearly 2000 years ago on which the Romans destroyed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the Jews were banished from their homeland. Tisha B'Av (תשעה באב or he ט׳ באב "the Ninth of Av," is an annual fast day in Judaism, named for the ninth day ( Tisha Tisha B'Av ends a three-week mourning period beginning with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz. Unlike the fast of Yom Kippur, there are no restrictions on activities, although one should try to avoid doing regular work the first part of the day, sit in a low chair or on the floor, and wear no leather shoes. This is also the day when observant Jews remember the many tragedies which have befallen the Jewish people, including the Holocaust. The atmosphere of this holiday is serious and deeply sad.

Both of these holy days are considered major fasts and are observed from sunset to sunset the following day by both men and women. The remaining four fasts are considered minor and fasting is only observed from sunrise to sunset. Men are expected to observe them, and women should observe them, but a rabbi may often give dispensions if the fast represents too much of a hardship to a sick or weak person.

On the two major fast days sexual relations are also forbidden.

Other fast days are:

Minor fast days, not universally observed, include:

It is traditional for a bride and groom to fast on their wedding day before the ceremony as the day represents a personal Yom Kippur. Cheshvan ( Hebrew: חֶשְׁוָן, Standard Ḥešvan Tiberian Ḥešwān) short for Iyar ( Hebrew: אִייָר or אִיָּר, Standard Iyyar Tiberian ʾIyyār; Rosh Chodesh, (ראש חודש trans. Beginning of the Month; lit. In some congregations, repentance prayers that from the Yom Kippur service are included by the bride and groom in the service before the ceremony.

Aside from these official days of fasting, Jews may take upon themselves personal or communal fasts, often to seek repentance in the face of tragedy or some impending calamity. For example, a fast is sometimes observed if the scrolls of the Torah are dropped. The length of the fast varies, and some Jews will reduce the length of the fast through tzedakah, or charitable acts. Tzedakah ( צדקה) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as charity, though it is based on a root meaning Justice Mondays and Thursdays are considered especially auspicious days for fasting.

Purpose of fasting in Judaism

Judaism views three essential potential purposes of fasting, and a combination of some or all of these could apply to any given fast. One purpose in fasting is the achievement of atonement for sins and omissions in Divine service. Fasting is not considered the primary means of acquiring atonement; rather, sincere regret for and rectification of wrongdoing is key (see Isaiah, 58:1-13, which appropriately is read as the haftorah on Yom Kippur). The Book of Isaiah ( Hebrew: Sefer Y'sha'yah ספר ישעיה is a book of the Bible traditionally attributed to the Prophet Isaiah, who lived The haftarah or haftorah (also haphtara) ( Hebrew: הפטרה ‎ plural haftarot or haftorahs; "parting"

Nevertheless, fasting is conducive to atonement, for it tends to precipitate contrition in the one who fasts (see Joel, 2:12-18). The Book of Joel is part of the Jewish Tanakh, and also the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This is why the Bible requires fasting (lit. self affliction) on Yom Kippur (see Leviticus, 23:27,29,32; Numbers, 29:7; Tractate Yoma, 8:1; ibid. Leviticus (from Greek Λευιτικός, "relating to the Levites " The Book of Numbers, ( Bamidbar, meaning in the wilderness) is the fourth book of the Torah, the Tanakh, and the Old Testament. (Babylonian Talmud), 81a). The Talmud ( Hebrew: he תַּלְמוּד is a record of Rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history Because, according to the Hebrew Bible, hardship and calamitous circumstances can occur as a result of wrongdoing (see, for example, Leviticus, 26:14-41), fasting is often undertaken by the community or by individuals to achieve atonement and avert catastrophe (see, for example, Esther, 4:3,16; Jonah, 3:7). The Book of Esther is a book of the Tanakh ( Hebrew Bible) and of the Old Testament. In the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Jonah is the fifth book in a series of books called the Minor Prophets Most of the Talmud's Tractate Ta'anit ("Fast[s]") is dedicated to the protocol involved in declaring and observing fast days.

The second purpose in fasting is commemorative mourning. Indeed, most communal fast days that are set permanently in the Jewish calendar fulfil this purpose. These fasts include: Tisha B'Av, Seventeenth of Tammuz, Tenth of Tevet (all of the three dedicated to mourning the loss of the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem), and Fast of Gedaliah. Etymology The Hebrew name given in Scripture for the building is Beit HaMikdash or "The Holy House" and only the Temple in Jerusalem is referred to by this name The purpose of a fast of mourning is the demonstration that those fasting are impacted by and distraught over earlier loss. This serves to heighten appreciation of that which was lost. This is in line with Isaiah (66:10), who indicates that mourning over a loss leads to increased happiness upon return of the loss:

Be glad with Jerusalem, and exult in her, all those who love her; rejoice with her in celebration, all those [who were] mourners over her. Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, he-Latn Yerushaláyim; Arabic: ar القُدس, ar-Latn al-Quds) is the

The third purpose in fasting is commemorative gratitude. Since food and drink are corporeal needs, abstinence from them serves to provide a unique opportunity for focus on the spiritual. Indeed, the Midrash explains that fasting can potentially elevate one to the exalted level of the Mal'achay HaSharait (ministering angels) (Pirkei d'Rabbi Eliezer, 46). Midrash ( Hebrew: מדרש plural midrashim, lit "to repeat" is a Hebrew term referring to the not exact but comparative ( homiletic Midrash ( Hebrew: מדרש plural midrashim, lit "to repeat" is a Hebrew term referring to the not exact but comparative ( homiletic This dedication is considered appropriate gratitude to God for providing salvation. Additionally, by refraining from such basic physical indulgence, one can more greatly appreciate the dependence of humanity on God, leading to appreciation of God's benificience in sustaining His creations. Indeed, Jewish philosophy considers this appreciation one of the fundamental reasons for which God endowed mankind with such basic physical needs as food and drink. This is seen from the text of the blessing customarily recited after consuming snacks or drinks:

You are the Source of all blessing, O' Eternal One, our God, King of the universe, Creator of many souls, who gave [those souls] needs for all that which You created, to give life through them to every living soul. See also Jewish services Listed below are some Hebrew prayers and blessings that are part of Judaism that are recited by many Jews Blessed is the Eternal Life-giver.

Sikhism

Sikhism does not promote fasting except for medical reasons. Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century The Sikh Gurus discourage the devotee from engaging in this ritual as it is considered to "brings no spiritual benefit to the person". Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak over the period of 1469 to 1708. A ritual is a set of actions often thought to have Symbolic value the performance of which is usually prescribed by a Religion or by the Traditions The Sikh holy Scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib tell us: "Fasting, daily rituals, and austere self-discipline - those who keep the practice of these, are rewarded with less than a shell. Sikh (English or; ਸਿੱਖ sikkh, IPA) is the title and name given to an adherent of Sikhism. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ gurū granth sāhib) or Guru Granth Sahib, is the eleventh and eternal Guru of the "(Guru Granth Sahib page 216). The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ gurū granth sāhib) or Guru Granth Sahib, is the eleventh and eternal Guru of the So most Sikhs have never undertaken a fast of any kind.

Other

Medical fasting

People can also fast for medical reasons, which has been an accepted practice for many years. One reason is to prepare for surgery or other procedures that require anesthetic. Anesthesia, or anaesthesia (see spelling differences; from Greek grc αν- an-, "without" and grc αἲσθησις Because the presence of food in a person's system can cause complications during anesthesia, medical personnel strongly suggest that their patients fast for several hours (or overnight) before the procedure.

Another reason for medical fasting is for certain medical tests, such as cholesterol testing (lipid panel). Cholesterol is a Lipid found in the Cell membranes and transported in the Blood plasma of all Animals It is an essential component of mammalian People are often asked to fast so that a baseline can be established. In the case of cholesterol, the failure to fast for a full 12 hours (including vitamins) will guarantee an elevated Triglyceride measurement. (more properly known as, TAG or triacylglyceride) is Glyceride in which the Glycerol is Esterified with three Fatty acids It is the

It has been shown in many empirical, scientific studies that fasting can improve health and help to eliminate a variety of diseases. Although some fasting methods use juice or various amounts of food, the health of such methods is questionable, according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman. A true fast, he contends, consists of an intake solely of water, and can last (healthily) for extended periods of time when undertaken with the correct knowledge. Any fasts of such nature should be preceded and followed by a healthy diet, and should also be supervised by a knowledgeable physician to make sure that deficiencies of any nutrients do not take place and retract from the healthful benefits of such a fast [8]

Some doctors believe that pure water fasting can not only detoxify cells and rejuvenate organs, but can actually cure [9] such diseases and conditions as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colitis, psoriasis, lupus and some other autoimmune disorders when combined with a healthy diet. Water fasting is a type of Fasting in which the practitioner consumes only water Cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular diseases refers to the class of diseases that involve the Heart or Blood vessels ( arteries and Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the Immune system to attack the Joints, where Asthma is a chronic Condition involving the Respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict become inflamed, and are Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the Blood pressure is chronically elevated Diabetes mellitus (ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/ /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/ often referred to simply as diabetes ( Ancient Greek: grc Colitis is a chronic digestive disease characterized by Inflammation of the colon. Psoriasis (səˈraɪəsɪs ( suh-RI-uh-sus) is a non-contagious disorder which affects the Skin and Joints It commonly causes red scaly Systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE or lupus,) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be fatal though with recent medical advances fatalities are becoming Autoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues They believe that "Fasting is Nature's Restorer. "[10] There is empirical evidence to corroborate the beliefs of these scientists. [11]

Recent studies on mice show that fasting every other day while eating double the normal amount of food on non-fasting days led to improved insulin and blood sugar control, neuronal resistance to injury, and health indicators superior to mice on 40% calorie restricted diets. Insulin is a Hormone with intensive effects on both metabolism and several other body systems (eg vascular compliance Blood sugar, used in a physiological context is a misnomer and misleading [12][13] Alternate day calorie restriction may prolong lifespan[14] and attenuate diseases associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and aging[15].

People near the end of their lives sometimes consciously refuse food and/or water. The term in the medical literature is patient refusal of nutrition and hydration. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all Food, Drink, or both for a period of time

In naturopathic medicine, fasting is seen as a way of cleansing the body of toxins and dead or diseased tissues, and giving the gastro-intestinal system a rest. Such fasts are either water-only, or consist of fruit and vegetable juices.

Common terms used in research are: reduced diet therapy (RDT), Fasting Therapy (FT) and caloric restriction (CR). Calorie restriction, or caloric restriction (CR aims to improve health and slow the aging process by limiting dietary energy intake Research tends to originate from Russia, Japan and Germany.

Political fasting

Fasting is often use as a tool to make a political statement, to protest or to bring awareness to a cause. Protest expresses relatively overt reaction to events or situations sometimes in favor though more often opposed

Notable annual events of such a nature are the famine events developed by World Vision to bring donation and awareness to end world poverty and hunger. The World Vision organization have developed several Famine events that spread throughout the globe notably the international 30 Hour Famine, also the regional World Vision, founded in the United States in 1951 is an international Christian relief and development organization whose stated goal

Activists have also used fasting to bring attention to a cause and to pressure authority or government to act. For example, Canadian medical doctor and politician David Swann has launched a seven-day fast in December 2007 to bring attention to the world's inaction on the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. A Member of the Legislative Assembly, or MLA, is a representative elected by the voters of an Electoral district to the Legislature or Legislative Dr David Swann is a medical doctor and Alberta Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary Mountain View. December 2007 is the twelfth month of that year It began on a Saturday and 31 days later ended on a Monday Darfur (دار فور daar foor, lit "realm of the Fur " is a region in Sudan.

In Northern Ireland in 1981 a prisoner, Bobby Sands, was part of the 1981 Irish hunger strike, protesting for better rights in prison. The 1981 Irish hunger strike was the culmination of a five-year protest during The Troubles by Irish republican prisoners in Northern Ireland. Sands had just been elected to the British Parliament and died after 66 days of not eating. His funeral was attended by 100,000 people and the strike ended soon afterwards.

A hunger strike is a method of non-violent resistance in which participants fast as an act of political protest, or to provoke feelings of guilt or to achieve a goal such as a policy change. A hunger strike is a method of Non-violent resistance or pressure in which participants fast as an act of political Protest, or to provoke feelings of Nonviolent resistance (or nonviolent action) is the practice of achieving socio-political goals through Symbolic Protests Civil disobedience,

Health Effects

See Famine response for the body's energy requirements and the changes in energy metabolism induced by fasting. The famine response is how the body of a human or animal responds to Malnutrition.

Glucose is the body's primary fuel source, and is essential for the brain's functioning. Glucose (Glc a Monosaccharide (or simple Sugar) also known as grape sugar, is an important Carbohydrate in Biology. When denied glucose for more than 4-8 hours, the body will turn to the liver for glycogen, a storage form of glucose, to be used for fuel. Glycogen is a Polysaccharide of Glucose (Glc which functions as the secondary short term energy storage in Animal cells A process called glycogenolysis converts glycogen into a usable form of fuel. Glycogenolysis (also known as "Glycogenlysis" is the Catabolism of Glycogen by removal of a Glucose monomer through cleavage with inorganic At this point, the body will also use small amounts of protein to supplement this fuel. This fuel will last for up to 12 hours before the body needs to turn to muscle stores of glycogen, lasting for a few more days. If glucose is still denied at this point, muscle wasting is prevented by temporarily switching to fat as the fuel source meaning fat is converted into ketone through catabolism. A ketone (pronounced as key tone) is either the Functional group characterized by a Carbonyl group (O=C linked to two other Carbon atoms or For the related metabolic process see Anabolism. Catabolism is the set of Metabolic pathways which break down molecules into Ketones, while not sugars, are able to be used by the brain as a fuel source as long as glucose is denied.

As a protective biomechanism, many toxins are stored within fat. During catabolism, these toxins are liberated and then released into the blood stream. Increases the likelihood of acetaminophen poisoning, possibly because of depletion of hepatic glutathione reserves. Paracetamol ( INN) (ˌpærəˈsiːtəmɒl -ˈsɛtə- or acetaminophen ( USAN) is a widely-used Analgesic and Antipyretic Medication [16]. The body will continue to use fat for as long as there is fat to consume. The body will generally indicate to the faster when fat levels are running extremely low (less than 2%) with an increased urge for food. Fasts are usually broken long before this point. If the fast is not broken, starvation will begin to occur, as the body begins to use protein for fuel. It will begin with the least important proteins, then muscles, and eventually organs. Death may occur before the body turns to organs as a fuel source however.

Research conducted by University of California, Berkeley suggests there are major health benefits to fasting. Benefits include a reduced risk of cancer, the slowing of the aging process and the potential to increase maximum life span[17]. Currently, the reduction of caloric intake is the only proven method of increasing the lifespan of an organism[2]. According to Dr. Mark P. Mattson, chief of the laboratory of neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging, fasting every other day (intermittent fasting) shows as strong if not stronger beneficial effects as caloric-restriction diets[3]. According to The National Academy of Sciences other health benefits include stress resistance, increased insulin sensitivity, reduced morbidity, and again increased life span [4][5]. Long term studies in humans have not been conducted. However, short term human trials showed benefits in weight loss. The side effect was the participants felt cranky during the three week trial. According to the study conducted by Dr. Dr. Eric Ravussin "Alternate-day fasting may be an alternative to prolonged diet restriction for increasing the life span[18]. "

Adherence to Greek Orthodox fasting periods contributes to a reduction in the blood lipid profile including a non-significant reduction in HDL cholesterol and possible impact on obesity [19]. Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected

Fasting in literature

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Smith, Peter (2000). Anorexia mirabilis literally means "miraculous lack of appetite" Anorexia Nervosa is a psychiatric Diagnosis that describes an Eating disorder characterized by low Body weight and Body image distortion Ascetic redirects here You might also be looking for Acetic acid. The Black Fast is a severe form of Catholic fasting. It is the most rigorous in the history of church legislation and is marked by austerity regarding the quantity and quality Calorie restriction, or caloric restriction (CR aims to improve health and slow the aging process by limiting dietary energy intake The Daniel Fast is a Fasting practice of some modern Christians modeled on The Book of Daniel in the late sixth century B Fruitarianism is a form of Veganism that is limited to eating the ripe fruits of plants and trees Gastroenteritis (also known as gastro, gastric flu, and stomach flu, although unrelated to Influenza) is Inflammation of the A hunger strike is a method of Non-violent resistance or pressure in which participants fast as an act of political Protest, or to provoke feelings of Juice fasting is a type of Fasting and Detox diet in which the practitioner consumes only fruit and Vegetable juices Being available only in A poustinia (Russian пустынь is a small sparsely furnished cabin or room where one goes to pray and fast alone in the presence Santhara (also Sallekhana, Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Samnyasa-marana) is the Jain religious ritual of voluntary death by Fasting Simple living (or voluntary simplicity) is a lifestyle individuals choose to minimize the 'more-is-better' pursuit of Wealth and consumption. Taboo food and drinks are food and drink which people abstain from consuming for religious or cultural reasons Vegetarianism and religion are strongly linked in a number of religions that originated in ancient India ( Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism) Water fasting is a type of Fasting in which the practitioner consumes only water "fasting". A concise encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith. Oxford: Oneworld Publications. p. 157. ISBN 1-85168-184-1.  
  2. ^ Effendi, Shoghi (1973). Shoghí Effendí Rabbání ( March 1, 1897 - November 4, 1957) better known as Shoghi Effendi, was the appointed head of the Directives from the Guardian. Hawaii Bahá'í Publishing Trust, p. 28.  
  3. ^ a b c d e Kallistos (Ware), Bishop & Mary, Mother (1978), The Lenten Triodion, South Canaan PA: St. Timothy Ware (born 1934) also known as His Excellency the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, is a titular Metropolitan of the Eastern Tikhon's Seminary Press (published 2002), pp. 35ff, ISBN 1-878997-51-3 
  4. ^ a b Kallistos (Ware), Bishop (1964), The Orthodox Church, London: Penguin Books, pp. Timothy Ware (born 1934) also known as His Excellency the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, is a titular Metropolitan of the Eastern 75-77, 306ff, ISBN 0-14-020592-6 
  5. ^ Gregory Palamas, Letter 234, I (Migne, Patrologia Graecae, 1361C)
  6. ^ Old Orthodox Prayer Book (2nd ed. Jacques Paul Migne (25 October 1800 - 24 October 1875 was a French Priest who published inexpensive and widely-distributed editions of theological works encyclopedias The Patrologia Graeca (or Patrologiae Cursus Completus Series Graeca is an edited collection of writings by the Christian Church Fathers and various secular ), Erie PA: Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ (Old Rite), 2001, pp. 349ff 
  7. ^ Ismail Kamus (1993). Hidup Bertaqwa (2nd ed. ). Kuala Lumpur: At Tafkir Enterprise. ISBN 9-839990-20-9.
  8. ^ Fuhrman, Joel, MD, Fasting and Eating for Health : A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease 1998, p. 1-21 ISBN 0-312-18719-X
  9. ^ Fuhrman, Joel, MD, Fasting and Eating for Health : A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease 1998, pp. 1, 3, 21-23, 56-59, 70-72, 79-81 ISBN 0-312-18719-X
  10. ^ Fuhrman, Joel, MD, Fasting and Eating for Health : A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease 1998, p. 13 ISBN 0-312-18719-X
  11. ^ Fuhrman, Joel, MD, Fasting and Eating for Health : A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease 1998, p. 13 ISBN 0-312-18719-X
  12. ^ Anson, R. Michael; Rafael de Cabo, Titilola Iyun, Michelle Rios, Adrienne Hagepanos, Donald K. Ingram, Mark A. LaneDagger, Mark P. Mattson (May 13, 2003). Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. "Intermittent fasting dissociates beneficial effects of dietary restriction on glucose metabolism and neuronal resistance to injury from calorie intake". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 100 (10): 6216-6220. The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. doi:10.1073. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. pnas. 1035720100.  
  13. ^ Wan, Ruiqian; Simonetta Camandola, Mark P. Mattson (June, 2003). "Intermittent Food Deprivation Improves Cardiovascular and Neuroendocrine Responses to Stress in Rats". The Journal of Nutrition (133): 1921-1929. The American Society for Nutritional Sciences.  
  14. ^ Johnson JB, Laub DR, John S. The effect on health of alternate day calorie restriction: eating less and more than needed on alternate days prolongs life. Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(2):209-11. Epub 2006 Mar 10. PMID 16529878.
  15. ^ Johnson JB, Summer W, Cutler RG, Martin B, Hyun DH, Dixit VD, Pearson M, Nassar M, Tellejohan R, Maudsley S, Carlson O, John S, Laub DR, Mattson MP. Alternate-day calorie restriction improves clinical findings and reduces markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight adults with moderate asthma. Free Radic Biol Med. 2007 Mar 1;42(5):665-74. Epub 2006 Dec 14. PMID 17291990.
  16. ^ Whitcomb DC, Block GD. Association of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity with fasting and ethanol use. JAMA 1994;272(23):1845-50
  17. ^ http://www.worldhealth.net/news/every_other_day_fasting_may_reduce_cance
  18. ^ http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/81/1/69?ck=nck
  19. ^ Sarri, Katerina O. et al. . Effects of Greek orthodox Christian church fasting on serum lipids and obesity <Internet>. Retrieved on 8 July 2007. Events 939 - The Major Occultation or Ghaybat el-Kubra of Muhammad al-Mahdi 1099 - First Crusade: 15000 Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

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Dictionary

fasting

-noun

  1. (archaic) Action of the verb to fast.

-verb

  1. Present participle of fast.
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