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From Religion to Secularism: the Benefits of Fasting

Article · July 2018

DOI: 10.1007/s13668-018-0233-2

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Sonikpreet Aulakh
West Virginia University
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 From Religion to Secularism: the Benefits of Fasting

Carla Venegas-Borsellino, Sonikpreet, Robert G. Martindale

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Since the early development of human societies, religious beliefs, and practices has been
integral to their identity, culture, and social structure, traditions are influenced by the area, era,
and culture wherein they developed. Some religions offer advice on behavioral and diet
modifications as strategies to fortify the body, purify the spirit, and elevate consciousness. This
review is an attempt to compare different practices, describe the health benefits and risks of
fasting, and reconcile these age-old recommendations with practical modern life.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Research to clarify and quantify the impact of these dietary modifications is challenging due to
the variability in recommendations among various religions and in day-to-day practices. Most
religions share common goals of well-being, body-mind integration, and spiritual attainment.
Historically, the transformational power of fasting periods has been appreciated, but there is
still much to discover about the underlying beneficial physiologic mechanisms of fasting in
preventing and treating metabolic diseases.

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