In today’s modern society Karva Chauth fasting done for the longevity of your partner’s life may seem regressive, however couples can undertake this tradition together for health benefits that are both physical and mental.
Different types of fasting are recommended for different people. People with weak bones and muscles should avoid fasting, while older persons should undertake fasting with fruits, coconut water, or even khichdi made from rice without any spices. The most common type of fast is nirjala (without water), but in this day and age due to warm climates and tropical weathers juices should be consumed while fasting. Moreover, one should take advice from their doctors or medical specialists before fasting.
Here are the physical and mental benefits of (Karva Chauth) fasting:
According to a study by USC Davis School of Gerontology and USC Longevity Institute, for healthier ageing the immune system is vital as it contributes to the susceptibility to disease as people get older.
Fasting cycles help in killing older and damaged immune cells and regenerates new ones. A wide range of autoimmune diseases can be avoided if there are periods of fasting in one’s life.
Valter Longo, the co-author of the study, said that prolonged fasting can promote stem cell-based regeneration of the hematopoietic system responsible for blood cell production. “When you starve, the system tries to save energy and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged,” he said.
Don't miss:How To Do Saturday Vrat: Benefits, Rules, Puja, All You Need To Know
Fasting may improve blood sugar control, which can be valuable for those at risk of diabetes.
The body’s sensitivity to insulin can be increased by promoting insulin resistance, allowing the transportation of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells more efficiently. Additionally, there are potential blood-sugar lowering effects of fasting, which can keep your blood sugar steady, preventing spikes and crashes. However, fasting impacts blood sugar levels differently for the genders.
If you’re suffering from bloating and acidity, to the extent that you have irritable gut syndrome, fasting can help with your digestive system and poor eating hygiene.
Fasting gives the digestive system a break and has positive effects on gut health such as improving the balance of bacteria in the gut, promoting probiotic bacteria, and increasing diversity of bacteria in the gut. Science shows that even short-term fasts can have positive effects on gut health.
From an evolutionary perspective, when we don’t consume food for a period of time, our brain’s survival mechanisms come into play and make us alert. This was pertinent thousands of years ago when food was scarce, and cognitive function was elevated which made it possible to hunt for food.
Moreover, fasting causes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors and adrenaline–both make us more focused and alert of our surroundings.
A study done by UGM Mental Medicine Specialist Education Program revealed that fasting had an effect on relieving stress. When people are fasting, they tend to make their eating schedule better, and the consumption of regulated food influences the way of thinking, which becomes more organised. Following fasting can especially help emotional eaters.
Organising the eating schedule through fasting also maintains the cortisol hormone which is associated with the body’s response to stress, thus fasting can stabilise cortisol produced by adrenal glands.
A report published in the National Library of Medicine talks about how dietary interventions such as fasting help in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
It was found that fasting groups had lower levels of anxiety, depression levels and body mass index (BMI) was linked with controls on increased fatigue.
Our aim is to provide accurate, safe and expert verified information through our articles and social media handles. The remedies, advice and tips mentioned here are for general information only. Please consult your expert before trying any kind of health, beauty, life hacks or astrology related tips. For any feedback or complaint, contact us at compliant_gro@jagrannewmedia.com.