Fasting: Origin, Religion, and Health

 An Ancestral Ritual Present Across Cultures

Fasting in some of the oldest spiritual practices in human history. It is found in numerous cultures and religions worldwide, with variations in form, duration, and purpose. Throughout history, fasting has symbolized purification, discipline, repentance, and the pursuit of transcendence. In contemporary times, beyond its spiritual dimensions, fasting has also become a subject of medical research due to its physiological effects.

Origins and Meaning of Fasting

Historically, fasting has served as a tool for introspection, sacrifice, and connection with the divine. From the ancient peoples of the Near East to Asian civilizations, it was regarded as a means to discipline the body, strengthen the will, and attain spiritual clarity.

In the biblical tradition, for example, fasting is mentioned as an act of humility, repentance, and spiritual preparation. Moses fasted for forty days when receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28), and the Day of Atonement was instituted as a time of fasting and affliction of the soul (Leviticus 16:29-31). In the New Testament, Jesus fasted before beginning his ministry (Matthew 4:1-4) and taught that fasting should be practiced with humility and discretion (Matthew 6:616-18).

Fasting in Different Religions

Fasting is a practice shared by many religious traditions, united by a common purpose: to approach the spiritual realm, purify body and mind, and strengthen inner discipline. However, each religion has developed its own rules, schedules, and forms of fasting, shaped by its worldwide view and teachings.

Christianity

In Christianity, fasting is intended to draw believers closer to God through prayers, repentance, and spiritual preparation. One of the most significant examples is Lent, a forty-day preceding Holy Week dedicated to reflection and penitence. In addition, individuals may undertake personal fasts, following Jesus’s teaching on discretion of self-denial. The forms of fasting vary across Christian traditions: Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Protestant practice anything from abstention from meat to short periods of complete fasting.

Islam

Fasting holds a central place in Islam and is considered an act of spiritual discipline and purification that brings the believer closer to God. The most well-known example is Ramada, during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn till sunset, as well as from sexual relations and harmful behaviours. This month of fasting reinforce patience, empathy for those in need, and spiritual awareness.

Judaism

In Judaism, fasting is closely associated with repentance, mourning and historical remembrance. Major examples include Yom Kippur, a total 25-hour fast dedicated to atonement, and Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning commemorating the destruction of the Temple. During these periods, believers abstain from food, drink, and, in some cases, pleasurable activities, fostering introspection and a deeper connection with their history.

Hinduism

 

 

In Hindy tradition, fasting is understood as a means of purity both body and mind. It is practiced on specific dates, such as Ekadashi, which occurs twice monthly, or during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri. Forms of fasting vary widely: some individuals consume only fruits or dairy products, while others abstain entirely from food for certain hours or days.

Buddhism

Buddhism emphasizes as a practice of self-control, detachment, and mental discipline. Monks typically refrain from eating after midday until the following dawn, and some retreats or religious observances include fasting to deepen meditation and spiritual development. In this context, fasting is viewed primary as a means of strengthening the mind and spirit rather than merely a physical restriction.

Medical Perspective on Fasting

In addition to its spiritual dimension, modern science has examined the physiological effects of fasting on the human body. During the initial hours, the body utilizes glucose from the most recent meal; between six and twenty-four hours, the liver releases stored glycogen. After approximately twenty-four hours, the body enters a state of partial ketosis, using fat as its primary energy source. During prolonged fasting, the body may rely increasingly on fat stores and, in extreme cases, muscle protein, while reducing metabolic rate to conserve energy.

Potential benefits include improved insulin sensitivity, which may help prevent type 2 diabetes; weight loss and reduction of body fat; cardiovascular benefits through decreased blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides; and activation of autophagy, a cellular process of cleaning and repair associated with longevity. Research also suggest that fasting may reduce systemic inflammation.

The most common forms of fasting in medical contexts include intermittent fasting, which alternates eating windows; alternate day fasting, combining normal eating days with caloric restriction; and medically supervised prolonged fasts lasting 48 to 72 hours.

Risks and Contraindications

Despite its potential benefits, fasting is not without risks. It may cause hypoglycaemia in individuals with diabetes, dehydration, blood pressure fluctuations, or malnutrition if practiced without proper supervision. Furthermore, fasting is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical guidance, nor for individuals with eating disorders. Therefore, fasting should always be undertaken with knowledge, caution, and, in the case of prolonged fasting, professional supervision.

Conclusion

Fasting is a universal practice that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Its spiritual, historical, and medical significance makes it a bridge between faith, discipline, and well-being. Whether practiced as an act of devotion, purification, or health optimization, its value ultimately depends on purpose, moderation, and appropriate guidance.

Referencies:

• Islamic Relief Worldwide, 2024. Fasting (Sawm) in Ramadan. Availble at: https://www.islamic-relief.org
•  The Jewish Virtual Library, 2024. Fasting in Judaism. Available at: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 2024. Fasting Guidelines. Available at: https://www.goarch.org
• Buddhist Society, 2024. Buddhist Monastic Discipline: Fasting and Eating Rules. Available at: https://www.thebuddhistsociety.org
• Hindu American Foundation, 2024. Fasting in Hindu Traditions. Available at: https://www.hinduamerican.org
• Bible Gateway, 2024. Biblia en línea (varias traducciones). Available at: https://www.biblegateway.com
• Blue Letter Bible, 2024. Biblical References on Fasting. Available at: https://www.blueletterbible.org
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2024. Intermittent Fasting: What is it and How Does it Work?. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
• Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024. Intermittent Fasting: Benefits and Risks. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
• Cleveland Clinic, 2024. Fasting: Health Effects and Safety. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org
• National Institute on Aging, 2022. Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Information. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov
• Muslim World League, 2024. Hijri Calendar and Ramadan Dates. Available at: https://www.muslimworldleague.org
• Human Rights First, 2024. Muslim Observances Calendar. Available at: https://www.humanrightsfirst.org