Fasting during Navratri is a widespread practice that has both spiritual and physical meaning. Fasting is thought to purify both the mind and the body, allowing devotees to connect with the divine. It also represents self-discipline and commitment. During this sacred period, many individuals refrain from specific meals and adhere to a sattvic diet (pure and readily digestible foods), which is supposed to purify the body and replenish energy. Some people only drink water over these nine days, while others consume fruits and eat one meal per day.
What is Water Fasting?
Water fasting is something that limits everything except water. It has gained popularity in recent years as a rapid weight loss method. According to studies, water fasting may have health benefits. For example, it may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and activate autophagy, a process in which your body breaks down and recycles old cell pieces.
It is not safe for everyone to fast on water. There are many people for whom water fasting may not be suitable or safe:
- underweight people
- those with cardiac conditions or problems
- individuals with type 1 diabetes
- people who suffer from uncontrollable migraine
- those receiving blood transfusions
- people who take prescription drugs
How Does Water Fasting Work?
According to science, your body goes through the following phases while you fast on water:
- Insulin levels fall precipitously when you cut out on sugar and carbohydrates. This instructs fat cells to release the energy they have stored.
- When you do not eat, your body converts from burning carbohydrates to burning fat. It converts stored fat into ketone bodies for energy.
- The state of ketosis is brought on by the creation of ketones. It is believed that this metabolic shift will increase mental clarity, energy levels, and metabolism over time.
- A prolonged fast may also trigger autophagy, a process in which the body recycles damaged cells.
Water Fasting: Possible Benefits
The body recycles any old or damaged pieces that the cells break down through the process of autophagy. Longer water fasts under medical supervision have been found to potentially reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
Two crucial hormones that impact the body’s metabolism are insulin and leptin. While leptin promotes feelings of fullness, insulin aids in the body’s ability to store nutrients from the bloodstream. According to research, fasting on water may increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin and leptin. These hormones work better when they are more sensitive.
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