Intermittent fasting in relation to the biblical fast for spiritual purposes

A popular tendency can have its origins in the Bible.

According to Mayo Clinic, intermittent fasting, a deadline based on deadlines, is intended to help weight loss and other health benefits.

There are several types of intermittent fasting, but they all follow the same concept of alternation between fasting and food – a practice which is often mentioned in biblical entries.

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What is intermittent fasting?

With a limited approach in the time of intermittent fasting, the diet only eats during a certain window. For example, with the 16/8 method, the person fasts for 16 hours and can then eat in a period of eight hours, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Intermittent fasting, a diet model based on deadlines, is intended to help weight loss and other health benefits. (istock)

Other versions involve fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week – or consume limited calories on fasting days.

“The idea is that the intermittent fasting leads the cells of the body to change their operation,” said the Mayo Clinic website. “The timed supply can push cells to focus on repair, energy consumption and the balance of functions on the body scale.”

What the Bible says about fasting

Religious fasting is practiced in many confessions, notably Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism, as well as Hinduism, Judaism and Taoism, according to research.

About 21% of Americans point out that they fast during certain periods for religious reasons, according to a 2024 investigation by the Pew Research Center.

Religious fasting is practiced in many confessions, notably Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism, as well as Hinduism, Judaism and Taoism. (istock)

Some consider intermittent fasting as a modern form of biblical fasting.

Fasting is mentioned in the Bible as a way to be closer to God.

In Matthieu 6:16-18, for example, Jesus educates his disciples on the way of fasting.

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“When you fast, do not seem dark like the hypocrites, because they disfigure their faces to show others that they fast. Really, I tell you, they have received their entire reward. More specifically, when you fast, you put oil on your head and you wash. So, it will not be easy for the others that you are, but only for your father do.

Although religious fasting is for spiritual purposes, intermittent fasting can also have physical and mental advantages, such as weight loss and concentration. (istock)

The fast is also mentioned in Joel 2:12, when the Lord declares: “However, even now, I come back to me with all your heart, with fasting, with crying and mourning.”

According to Pew, various religions teach that fasting improves self -control, increases spiritual consciousness and even promotes empathy for the less lucky, according to Pew.

Potential advantages and risks

Although religious fasting is for spiritual purposes, intermittent fasting can also have physical and mental advantages which exceed the main objective of weight loss.

Studies have shown that practice can have positive impacts on blood pressure, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and other health factors – but long -term effects are not as clear.

Fasting is mentioned in the Bible as a way to be closer to God.

“When changes occur with this metabolic switch, this affects the body and the brain”, the neuroscientific states of Johns Hopkins, which have studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, on the hospital website.

Mattson’s research has confirmed several health benefits associated with fasting, including greater longevity, leaner physique and a clearer mind.

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“Many things happen during intermittent fasting that can protect organs from chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, age-related neurodegenerative disorders, even inflammatory intestine diseases and many cancers,” he said.

However, Fox News Digital previously reported a study in 2024 which linked a restricted diet to a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death.

Studies have indicated several health benefits associated with fasting, including greater longevity, a leaner body and a clearer mind. (istock)

“Intermittent fasting is not appropriate for people with a history of diet or active diet, those who suffer from hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes on insulin, children under the age of 18, pregnant women or breastfeeding, and even more,” said the recorded dietitized, Lauren Harris, Fox News Digital.

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The Ohio -based cardiologist, Dr. Lou Vadlamani, was not involved in the study, but told Fox News Digital that he would be “stretched” to say conclusive that fasting has a direct impact on the risk of heart attack.

“It certainly raises a lot of questions and supports the need for a more complete study, because intermittent fasting has become so common,” he said.

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As with each major lifestyle change, it is important to check with a doctor before starting the intermittent fast, advise experts.