Fasting for Health:

the wisdom of the ages

By: Dr John Glynn and Prof. Rashid Bhikha
May 2015

Background

For thousands of years the human race has lived precariously between times of plenty of food, and times of
famine. Fasting therefore closely resembles the way humans have eaten for eons, with periods of abundant
food punctuated by failed harvests from pest, war, weather and vermin. Food scarcity and even starvation was
a constant fact of life in the not too distant
Fasting  is  an  important  practice  in  most  mono-­theistic  
past. As a result, we have adapted very well
religions.  The  Muslims  have  Ramadan,  the  Christians  Lent,  and  
the  Jews  Yom  Kippur.  They  have  similar  aims  –  penitence,  
to going

spiritual  purification,  to  cleanse  the  person,  and  to  clear  the   without food intermittently for short periods
mind  temporarily  of  earthly  matters.    
of time.
Most religions consider the act of fasting to
 
be good for spiritual health, and encourage it as part of their doctrine. Even so, the health benefits of fasting
were not widely recognized until the early 1900s, when food supplies became more efficient and secure, and
the prospect of starvation gradually faded away. It was initially recommended for treating various disorders—
such as diabetes, obesity and epilepsy. Today, fasting is coming to the fore, as the dangers to the community
lurking in fast, energy-dense foods eaten on a frequent and regular basis are now recognised.

Some questions on therapeutic fasting:

• Is regular fasting good for us?
• What effect does fasting have upon Physis, our power for natural healing?
• Is fasting effective for those with chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and
asthma?
• Can fasting be a ʻshort cutʼ to losing excess body weight?
• Will regular fasting lead to a longer, healthier life?
What is Fasting?

Fasting means different things to different people. Therapeutic fasting is fasting carried out to prevent ill health, or to
treat a specific ailment. It is the willing, conscious
Fasting  these  days  is  seen  as  a  natural  route  to  better  health  or  
and deliberate abstaining – partially or totally –
protection  from  disease,  especially  if  supported  by  a  prudent  
diet,  physical  exercise,  fresh  air,  spiritual  pursuits,  and   from consuming food and/or drink for a pre-
rejecting  bad  habits  such  as  alcohol  and  drug  use.   determined length of time. Sometimes it refers to
alcoholic drink, sexual activity, even drinking tea,
coffee or soft drinks. The time for therapeutic fasting is at least 12 hours to a few days. Longer times can defeat the
objective, as negative effects will manifest. Fasting for spiritual reasons can extend for longer; Ramadan, for example,
can last for a full lunar month. Other forms of fasting are done to lose weight quickly, either for cosmetic reasons, or
part of athletic, endurance or sporting preparations.

There are all sorts of fast:

• An absolute fast includes all food and water, as during Ramadan.
• A partial fast may be restricted to certain foods or drink.
• An intermittent fast (aka a 5:2 diet) will be a two-day fast per week, with the days separated.
• An alternate fast is limiting food, drink or other activities on alternative days for an extended period.
• A modified fast entails severely restricting food intake to a small fraction of the usual diet – typically 20% to
25%. This may take the form of one meal, usually breakfast, a day.

Some people fast one day a week; others fast one weekend a month. There is no hard and fast scheme, but from vast
experience over the centuries, the Tibb formats have proven very effective in achieving benefits.

What happens during Fasting?

From the Tibb perspective, fasting gives the body some ʻbreathing spaceʼ which allows Physis to carry out important
activities towards restoring internal harmony. Even so, a number of metabolic changes occur in fasting, slowly at first,
but increasing as the fasting continues.
• Energy supply. Glucose, our normal source of energy comes from the digestion of carbohydrates such as starch,
or from sucrose present in sweetened foods. Missing a meal or two does not have any real effect, and our
metabolism does not slow down much. In fact, our Physis makes rapid changes to maintain internal harmony.
Going without food for days at a time will, however, bring in a number of changes. As the supply of glucose from
food dries up, so the body turns to stored carbohydrates, such as glycogen in the liver and muscle to make up the
shortfall. When this source is exhausted, the body turns to its fatty deposits, and later on to muscle protein, to
provide energy. This running down of fatty deposits and muscle leads to a fall in body weight. These changes may
be beneficial in the short term, but will be harmful over a longer period, leading to fatigue and bad breath.
• Hormones. Fasting definitely benefits the hormone (endocrine) system. Insulin sensitivity is improved by a short
fast, so the absorption of glucose from the blood goes more efficiently. Insulin is a prime risk factor for both heart
disease and diabetes, and a contributing factor to many chronic diseases. When normal eating is resumed, the
normal swing in blood glucose levels through the day is dampened down. Also, levels of the hormone ghrelin, (aka
the ʻhunger hormoneʼ), are restored towards the normal zone. Finally, growth hormone (HGH) secretion from the
pituitary gland is boosted. This plays a pivotal role in our health, physical fitness and ageing processes.
• The immune system. During an extended fast of three days or more, much of the immune system is rejuvenated,
and old, damaged or poorly performing cells are removed and discarded. The bodyʼs stem cells increase the
 production of white blood cells. These important agents are essential for warding off infections. This applies
particularly to elderly people, who are at increased risk of infection, cancer or other disorders.
• Metabolism. A number of beneficial metabolic changes have been noted in those who fast. For example, levels of
the fatty substance triglyceride, a contributor to some heart disease, fall away once the fast is well underway. The
reason is that no recently consumed meal provides the metabolic energy needed, so fat stores are used instead.
• Free radicals. The extent and intensity of free radical damage is reduced while fasting. This leads to less
inflammation and oxidative stress. This helps to prevent damage to the personʼs genetic mechanisms. This may
explain why fasting seems to ward off cancer and degenerative diseases, leading to a longer life.

Tibb and Fasting

Tibb views fasting from an holistic perspective, recognising the physical, mental and spiritual benefits it can offer the
person practising it.
“The  stomach  is  the  home  of  all  illnesses”  
Fasting has been one of Tibbʼs regimental therapies for
[Hippocrates,  460-­375  BCE]  
centuries. Its value in treating chronic, recurring disorders by a
“The  stomach  is  the  home  of  disease,  and   completely natural route has long been recognised. It also
abstinence  the  head  of  every  remedy,  so  make  this  
infuses a sense of personal well-being. Tibb provides several
your  custom”  [Prophet  Mohammed  (pbuh),  570-­
reasons for someone to undertake a fast:
632  CE]  
• Regular fasting gives the personʼs Physis more time to
]  
restore harmony to the bodyʼs myriad activities. Not having to deal with the complex activities involved in food
  consumption, digestion, assimilation and excretion, as well as alleviating stress, gives Physis a valuable
opportunity to resolve disharmonies which have appeared between the bodyʼs qualities. Fasting allows Physis to
direct more of its energy into rejuvenating important, but neglected, areas.
• Fasting is accepted as a natural way of eliminating toxins
Hippocrates  was  a  keen  supporter  of  fasting,  and   and residual waste products from the body. It is therefore
both  Galen  and  Ibn  Sina,  two  other  pioneers  of  
an integral part of one of the six major Tibb Lifestyle
Tibb,  recommended  it  for  maintaining  good  health  
Factors, namely ʻElimination and Retentionʼ.
and  warding  off  various  ailments.    
• Fasting is an excellent partner to meditation, whether
 
spiritual or not. This helps to restore inner harmony and balance to the personʼs lifestyle. Its benefits are also
 “  enhanced if combined with other lifestyle Factors such as increased physical activity, better sleep, exposure to
sunshine, and breathing good air.
 
• Imposing stress on the body is a good way to build up Physis. Going hungry regularly is an effective way of
strengthening the various organs and systems. It is similar in a way to physical exercise boosting our general
fitness.

Tibb advice on Fasting

Fasting does not suit everyone. People with different temperaments respond differently. Some people find it makes
them euphoric, others re-energised, and yet others irritable and bad-
Tibb  believes  that  everyone  has  an  internal  
tempered. People with a predominantly phlegmatic or sanguineous
‘doctor’,  an  innate  ability  to  deal  with  
temperament should respond best, but with bilious or melancholic
illness  and  restore  good  health.  This  
inherent  wisdom  is  called  ‘Physis’.   temperaments, fasting may not be successful.

 
For a successful fast, Tibb suggests persons considering it should be clear about:

• Why is the fast being done? To lose weight? To detoxify the body? To deal with a specific ailment such as
diabetes? To get the digestive system in order? For spiritual health reasons?
• What form will the fast take? All food? Skipping a meal each day, and which one? Which fluids will be
consumed? Water alone, or low-cal beverages? Will other activities be involved, such as sex or smoking?
• How long will the fast last? For how many days, or on alternate days, or for 12, 24 or 36 hours?
• When will the fast take place? Between sunrise and sunset, or at weekends?
• How will the fast be broken? Tibb suggests slowly eating a small meal to start with, then another small,
nutritious one before retiring for the night. (Eating a large meal, although attractive, is not recommended, as it
can cause digestive problems).

A ʻtime protectedʼ period for the fast should be selected: a few days which does not include holidays, examinations,
family celebrations such as weddings, or visiting friends or family.

Fasting is an integral part of dietotherapy, which is one of the principal regimental therapies in Tibb.

The Benefits of Fasting

Fasting is a valuable, non-intrusive and time-proven personal therapy. There are many benefits of even a short fast,
and their number grows constantly. For instance, fasting lessens many symptoms in patients enduring various
chronic diseases of lifestyle. Many of these benefits may be credited to Physis. During a fast it does not have to deal
with problems caused by regular intake of different foods and drink at varying times. It can therefore carry out, without
interruption, its basic role on a whole host of bodily processes which need its attention. Once the fasting ceases,
following up with a healthy diet and sensible habits magnifies the
In  one  study,  those  who  fasted  monthly  
benefits achieved.
were  58  percent  less  likely  to  have  heart  
disease  than  those  who  did  not.  

  following are known to respond positively to fasting:

The

 “  • Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and other digestive ailments.

• Diabetes type 2. High blood sugar levels are restored towards normal.
  • Elevated cholesterol levels.
• Cardiovascular health, especially high blood pressure.
• Skin disorders, such as psoriasis, allergies and eczema.

Regular fasting also helps in the following:

• Detoxing the body and cleansing the digestive and excretory systems.
• Losing excess body weight.
• Improving overall personal wellbeing and vitality.

There is also some evidence that regular fasting:

• Reduces mental stress and helps lift depression.
• Helps to increase a personʼs longevity.
• Reduces the overall risk of certain cancers.
• Repairs the personʼs damaged genetic make-up.
Fasting for Weight Loss

Many, maybe most, people opt for fasting as a rapid, painless and economic way of shedding excess kilos. This issue
is controversial, and not yet resolved.

Although a prolonged fast does lead to a fall in body mass, this loss, unfortunately, is due mainly to the loss of water
and carbohydrate stores. It is rapidly made up once a normal diet is resumed. Why? Because the personʼs metabolic
rate slows down, so the food consumed after the fast puts on more weight than it did before the fast. In fact, many
people eat more after going through a fast, especially if they fast for a full day or skip a meal. Fasting is therefore not
regarded as a healthy or feasible route to sustained weight loss. It may be an effective way for treating a number of
medical disorders, but its not a viable option for cosmetic weight loss.

There is also the risk that fasting for weight loss can lead to ʻcompensatory gorgingʼ after the fast is over.

Fasting for a Longer Life

Fasting may help us keep our tissues and organs youthful, so enabling us to live longer. Regular serious fasting will
provide more opportunity for Physis to repair itself, and keep it in harmony for
A  short  fast  is  needed  prior  to  
longer. Thus a longer life would be expected. Indeed, starvation of laboratory
surgery,  and  before  blood  tests  
animals does seem to extend their lifespan. This is most evident in the lower
for  e.g.  cholesterol  and  glucose.  
animals, such as mice. However, the same does not seem to apply to humans.
 “  
Even so, intermittent fasting is regarded by many proponents as a viable route to living longer. It appears that other
 
factors such as environmental factors, genetics or relieving stress are more likely to be the source of longer life.

Precautions when Fasting

Not surprisingly, there are several groups of people who should not fast, as the effect on the body may be intolerable.

Here are the main ones:

• Pregnant or nursing • Anyone with moderate or • Anyone severely underweight
women severe diabetes or suffering from malnutrition
• Anyone with a serious • Anyone with a late-stage • Anyone recuperating from
heart problem cancer surgery
• Anyone with a kidney • Children or the elderly, • Anyone operating machinery,
problem unless for medical reasons or driving some distance

Whatever fasting is undertaken, the person must avoid dehydration, as this leads to troubling symptoms and possible
organ damage. To avoid this, copious water should be drunk frequently. Anyone undertaking fasting during Ramadan
should drink at least two glasses of water daily beforehand. On completion of any fast, soups, soft fruits and non-
alcoholic beverages should be taken to restore normal body fluid levels. Cold, high-sugar drinks should be avoided.

If the fasting is undergone to lose weight, the weight loss should be checked regularly. A too-rapid loss of kilos
indicates dehydration and even breakdown of body tissues.

Anyone fasting should delay vigorous exercising until after the fast. Brisk walking and gentle exercises such as
swimming are fine.

Also, anyone taking conventional drugs should take advice from their healthcare provider. Taking common drugs such
as paracetamol can be harmful on an empty stomach.
Summary

Fasting is both an important spiritual aspect of most religious doctrines, and one of the oldest therapies for treating
chronic diseases of lifestyle and maintaining optimum health. The practice is now enjoying a revival of interest in
todayʼs society, due to its value in dealing with a wide range of health issues, especially those brought on by a
dysfunctional lifestyle and poor personal habits. It is now being used to deal with disorders ranging from heart
diseases to depression, from diabetes to digestive problems, and as a way of counteracting obesity and emotional
stress. There are several versions of fasting: each enjoys a sometimes-brief degree of popularity. They range from
absolute to partial in nature, from intermittent to alternate, from brief to prolonged in duration. Tibb has long been a
firm advocate of fasting; it allows Physis the ʻbreathing spaceʼ necessary to carry out internal healing and restoration
of harmony between the qualities. Fasting also supports the bodyʼs natural detoxification processes, an essential
Lifestyle Factor in this increasingly toxic environment. As with all therapies, there are certain guidelines to its
application, and a number of reasonable precautions.

Further Reading
Tibb: Fasting and Detox: <http://www.tibb.co.za/articles/fasting&detox.pdf>
Fasting Practice: <http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/11/08/beginners-guide-intermittent-
fasting.aspx>
Benefits of Fasting: <http://www.webmd.com/diet/is_fasting_healthy>

Fasting and Immunity: <http://dailyhealthpost.com/fasting-regenerate-immune-system/>