Why we need to fast: Historical perspective

Intermittent Fasting

            What is intermittent fasting? How long has intermittent fasting been present for? What is the history behind intermittent fasting? Was it practiced with our ancestors? Why did they practice it, and when did they practice it? Are there any controversies behind intermittent fasting? On our first blog, we will unravel the history of intermittent fasting and shed more light on this topic to give our readers a clear understanding of this common practice in the modern world. Let us dive in.

Biblical quote on fasting illustrating that fasting was practiced when Jesus Christ was on earth.

            Looking through books and online materials and research papers, it is clear that intermittent fasting has been present and practiced for centuries. Many religions and cultures have practiced IF and continue to incorporate the practice in their lifestyles. You will come across IF on this article, and it is an abbreviation for intermittent fasting. Whether it is a standard abbreviation or not, is a topic for another time.

            IF cannot be discussed without mentioning fasting because the former is a type of the later. I hope that is correct, later, and former. Look it up if unsure about the same. Fasting has many definitions, but it can simply mean abstinence from food and or water for a certain period for a variety of reasons. Throughout histories, we have fasted for many reasons, religious reasons, medical reasons, out of necessity because of scarcity of food, among others.

Ancient Times

            Fasting has been present for as long as the universe has been in existence. From early times, it was practiced for spiritual development, before rituals, and for its health benefits. It was used as a means of getting into contact with the spiritual world, interpreting dreams and visions. Around the world, most cultures practiced fasting.

Many renowned ancient healers and philosophers recommended fasting in promoting health and preventing ill health. Hippocrates, ancient Greek physician, recommended abstaining from food and water for patients who presented with certain symptoms of diseases.  Hippocrates wrote, “To eat when you are sick, is to feed your illness.” Plato and Aristotle were supporters of fasting in improving mental aptitude, cognition and physical resilience. Most of us have been sick before, and a common symptom is loss of appetite, and ancient Greeks thought this was basically fasting, a natural instinct to stop us from eating to help the body in the recovery process.

            Paracelsus, (Swiss physician 1493-154 and one of the three fathers of Western Medicine), “Fasting is the greatest remedy-the physician within.”

            There is an extensive body of literature on fasting and its benefits. In the 1800s, E.H. Devey, MD in his book ‘The True Science of Living’ argued that diseases in mankind can be attributed to habitual eating in relation to excess of gastric juices. Upton Sinclair is also renowned for his literary books on the health benefits of fasting. There is documented evidence in early medical literature of people who engaged in prolonged fasting with resulting physical and metabolic benefits. In 1911, Guelpa and Marie, French physicians, used fasting in the treatment of convulsive disorders. Diabetes expert and endocrinologist Henry Geyelin of New York further explored fasting in management of epilepsy.

            Fasting is also documented in political and history books as a means to protesting. On many occasions, Mahatma Gandhi fasted for several days during India’s freedom movement to protets against the unjust government. In the 1920s, Terence MacSwiney, the mayor of Cork, Ireland fasted for a record 74 days until his death protesting for Ireland independence freedom. There are several records of hunger strikes or basically fasting as part of political protest.

Religion and Fasting

            Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism are some of the religions which have practiced fasting from their inception as a means to purify and cleanse one’s soul and develop closer relations with God. For instance, the month of Ramadan in Islam has been practiced by Muslims where they fast from dawn to dusk as a show of penitence. For Judaism, they have 6 six days of fasting, and the most important one is Yom Kippiur practiced transcendence and purification. Fasting is still practiced by many believers all over the world.

            There is extensive literature on the history of fasting. Fasting has been practiced from early times and continues to be practiced in different ways for many reasons. Such history offers a foundation and a basis on which we can build a case on the benefits of fasting.

            Information provided within the article above in not medical prescription. Consume the information with an open mind, and always seek medical opinion before implementing any lifestyle changes. My next blog expounds fasting within the animal kingdom. I will say goodbye with a simple question. Talking about fasting, which animals come into mind?