Doctors have developed “medical fasting therapy,” a modern alternative medicine approach that is based on water, honey, vitamins, and mineral ions, in recognition of the numerous advantages that fasting offers.
Ancient times recognized the benefits of fasting with water. A complete chapter in the renowned Tibetan medical reference “Chgodshi” from the sixth century BC was titled “Treatment with food and treatment .”
A historical overview of benefits fasting
Herodotus, a Greek historian (450 BC), testified that the ancient Egyptians observed three days of fasting each month and were able to treat syphilis through extended fasts. Herodotus noted that they were one of the healthiest people during that period, possibly due to the fasting.
Epicurus, a philosopher from ancient Greece (sixth century BC), fasted for forty days prior to a significant examination at the University of Alexandria in order to enhance his mental abilities and creative energy.
In the case of Socrates (470–399 BC), he would prescribe fasting for patients in the most critical stages. He once stated, “Every human being among us has a doctor inside him, and all we have to do is help him until he does his job.”
In the second century AD, the Roman Galen arrived and advocated for fasting as a treatment for all symptoms of the “negative spirit,” which encompassed cases of sorrow, loss of love, and excessive tension.
Abu Ali Ibn Sina (780–1037 AD), the primary Sheikh, took over the matter and did not abandon fasting as a medicinal practice. Rather, it was his preferred method of treatment, and he prescribed it to both the wealthy and the impoverished. He also employed it to treat skin maladies, smallpox, and syphilis.
The sequence continues until it comes to our current era.
Henrik Tanner and his book, “Fasting, the Elixir of Life,” were the first to advocate for fasting therapy in the United States. Upton Sinclair, who was also ninety years old, was a fervent supporter of the practice.
Numerous notable figures, including the German Buchinger, the American Alan Cote, the English Shelton, and the world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali Clay, continue to populate the field of treatment.
Parkinson’s disease and weight gain plagued Clay, but his condition improved by over 60% during his three-week fast. If his circumstances had allowed him to continue fasting for forty days, the improvement would have been greater.
The scientist Seneca frequently commended the ancient physicians who advised their patients to fast.
Copenlus, the Greek physician, wrote in the tenth year AD, elucidating the observation that slave patients recovered more rapidly than their free counterparts. He stated, “This is because slaves are more meticulous in adhering to the therapeutic regimen.”
Medical fasting conditions
Medical fasting is effective in treating numerous conditions and preventing numerous others.We administer fermentation in conjunction with the treatment of chronic intestinal disorders.
We are addressing weight gain, a result of overeating.
A curative treatment is used for acute, chronic, and inflammatory renal diseases.
It prevents diabetes and treats heart disease.
We treat hypersensitivity diseases and oily skin diseases.
Numerous sanatoriums offer treatment through fasting, which is designed to eliminate the body of food waste, fat, and superfluous food, as well as toxins that result from food fermentation and their residual waste.
Different types of medical fasting
Therapeutic fasting is distinct from religious fasting, as we have observed. It allows the body to regain its breath, so to speak, as the digestion process utilizes 30% of the body’s energy. The body directs this energy towards other aspects, with treatment being the most critical. This is achieved through fasting.
There are numerous varieties of medical fasting, with the following being the most prevalent:
- The regimen restricts itself to water during the fasting period.
- The regimen limits itself to water and citrus juice.
- The system allows for the consumption of broth.
- There are also numerous therapeutic diets that commence with a brief period of fasting, which may not exceed one day.
- During this time, the individual fasts and restricts himself to water in order to cleanse the body of toxins.
- This is because the body allocates the energy it typically expends on digestion to the healing process.
Several factors determine the intensity and duration of fasting, with the most significant being:
- The disease itself.
- The patient’s capacity to endure .
- The therapeutic regimen’s constitution.
There are numerous advantages to fasting. It helps him regulate himself, reduce negative behaviors, and develop a stronger relationship with God. However, the benefits extend beyond spiritual and psychological aspects to include health benefits.
You should be aware of the following eight health benefits of fasting:
- Aids in the removal of toxins from the body: Toxins can be found everywhere, such as in the air, food, and through chemical processes and reactions within the body. Body fat stores many of these toxins.
- It enhances the digestive system: Fasting promotes fluid homeostasis and induces digestion relaxation. During the month of Ramadan, some individuals must alter their unhealthy habits, such as quitting smoking and consuming coffee, which significantly affect their digestive system and stomach. Fasting is a treatment for certain digestive system diseases, including reflux esophagitis and irritable bowel syndrome, which alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
- It aids in the treatment of infections and allergic diseases: Several studies have demonstrated that fasting is beneficial in the treatment of certain allergic diseases, infections, arthritis, and skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
- Decreases blood sugar levels: aids in glucose breakdown, which in turn decreases insulin secretion. As a result, the pancreas relaxes, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels.
- Facilitates fat burning: As previously mentioned, fasting facilitates the breakdown of glucose, which facilitates the burning of fat to generate the body’s energy requirements, particularly the fat deposited in the kidneys and muscles.
- Treats high blood pressure: is the most effective natural method for lowering blood pressure levels, as it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and decreases metabolic rates and hormone levels, including adrenaline, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
- Encourages healthy eating habits: According to medical research, fasting reduces the desire to consume processed foods and fast food while simultaneously increasing the desire to consume healthy foods.
- Enhances immunity: As previously mentioned, is effective in the elimination of body toxins and fats and the promotion of healthy dietary habits, thereby significantly fortifying the immune system.