History of Fasting
What is fasting?
Fasting is the removal or reduction of food (and sometimes drinks) for a period of time, usually for religious or health purposes.
Where did fasting begin?
Ancient Greece is often crowned as the birthplace of fasting, although it was practiced religiously by different religions and people worldwide during this time.
When did fasting originate?
Fasting can be traced back to the 5th century by the “father of medicine” himself, Hippocrates. At the time, Hippocrates was making recommendations for food abstinence to people displaying certain health conditions.
Fasting in the 1800s
In the mid-1800s E.H. Dewey, MD, began making claims that stated most of the illnesses that afflict mankind are dietary. Such claims were found in his book, The True Science of Living. This helped spark a respectable following in prolonged fasting. Early recorded cases of prolonged fasting that were recorded in the early medical literature include.
Tanner fasted for 40 days in 1880
Alexander Jacques fasted for 30 days in 1887
Signor Succi fasted for 40 days in 1890
Of course, the above-mentioned cases are prolonged fasting sessions and are not your modern-day standard.
Fasting in the 1900s
By the 1900s, researchers began to take a huge interest in the effects fasting had on obesity. In 1915, Folin and Denis began to recommend multiple short starvation sessions and claimed it was a safe and effective form of weight reduction. They only recommended prolonged sessions for extreme cases of obesity.
Circa 1945, Intermittent Fasting (IF) enters the picture. It was observed that IF was extending the life of mice.
What is Intermittent Fasting (IF)?
In a nutshell, Intermittent Fasting is a period in which you cycle between fasting and eating. This form of fasting began to take popularity in the early 2000s and was seen as a much better option than the full starvation fasting methods of the early 1800s. A popular “cycle” would be the 16/8 method in which you fast every day for 16 hours and limit your eating cycle to the other 8 hours. This can be done for the desired number of days safely.
What is fasting today?
Intermittent Fasting has come a long way and is primarily used to achieve health goals. The many benefits that can come from IF include:
“The best of all medicines is resting and fasting.”
Can help you burn fat and lose weight
Can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Can reduce stress and inflammation in the body
Heart and brain health
Is believed to help prevent cancer
Can increase longevity
Conclusion
Whether you choose to fast for religious purposes, health benefits, or both; fasting sessions are a great way to stimulate your mind, body, and soul.
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