The Health Benefits of Fasting Beyond Yom Kippur

Next week, we observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. This day involves five prohibitions, one of which is abstaining from food and drink. Recently, more people are using fasting to detoxify their bodies, a practice that is not new.

Maimonides used fasting to heal the sick. In his book "Pirkei Moshe," he wrote: "I know many patients who suffered from certain diseases, who had strength and a strong body, and I healed them by abstaining from food for a long time while administering treatments during that time. Others who suffered from well-known diseases but were weak, I healed by abstaining from food until strength returned to them. Their strength returned, and they were completely healed."

Dr. Herbert Shelton also believed in the healing power of fasting and even wrote a book titled "Fasting Can Save Your Life."

According to natural medicine, illness occurs when the body fails to eliminate waste and toxins as they are produced. During fasting, the body's organs get a "rest," allowing recovery and renewal. Without dedicating energy to digestion and waste elimination, the body redirects energy to detoxifying accumulated toxins.

Conventional medicine also recognizes the healing power of fasting. Recent medical studies have highlighted the health benefits of fasting. Here are the main findings:

Helps Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Naturopath Efrat Navon says, "Studies have shown that fasting increases insulin sensitivity. It becomes more effective at embedding glucose in body cells, improving the body's response to carbohydrates and sugar."

Aids in Weight Loss

"Fasting increases norepinephrine levels - a neurotransmitter that raises the rate of metabolism. When we don't consume carbohydrates, the body switches to using fat as an energy source, reducing body fat percentage. Additionally, growth hormone levels increase during fasting, further boosting metabolism."

Slows Aging Processes

"Many studies have examined fasting's impact on aging. There's a positive link between less eating and increased lifespan. Fasting accelerates cell renewal and repair processes, which slow with age."

Improves Cognitive Function

"Fasting boosts the production of a protein called BDNF, promoting essential brain activities for neural health, protecting brain cells from degenerative diseases, and encouraging the growth of new nerve cells."

Strengthens the Immune System

"When the digestive system is active, the immune system rests - and vice versa. During fasting, when the digestive system rests, the immune system, approximately 70% of which resides in the digestive system, operates intensively and produces new white blood cells, strengthening itself."

It is important to note that medical fasting is a water-only fast without any food. There are various types of fasts, including juice fasting, which involves consuming only vegetable juices and some fruit juices. Naturally, any type of medical fasting should be conducted under medical supervision.

* The content in this article is not professional medical advice, recommendation, or a substitute for consulting a specialist or receiving medical guidance.