Health Benefits Of Fasting
We as Christians fast often either to get closer to God or to get answers to our problems. Fasting is voluntarily going without food — or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God — for the sake of some spiritual purpose.
As we are starting our three days fasting prayer tomorrow, I would like to encourage each one of you to actively participate in this fasting with our church.
The mind war
Half way through fasting, when your empty stomach starts to growl and begins sending your brain every “feed me” signal it can, don’t let your mind dwell on the fact that you haven’t eaten.
If you make it through with an iron will that says no to your stomach, but doesn’t turn your mind elsewhere, because it shows your love for food more than your love for God.
I know its hard, especially for beginners. So let me help you a little bit to stop thinking about food while you fast.
Now, did you know that unlike how our parents proclaim that its unhealthy to skip a meal or two, studies have actually shown that it rather improves our health over all.
So let me jot down a few health benefits of fasting.
Health Benefits of fasting
A.Anti-Aging
Who doesn’t want to look and stay young! Fasting has the ability to reduce ageing not only in appearances but also in terms of your body functionality.
According to latest research fasting triggers a molecule in our arteries that delays our aging process.
So, if you want to look younger without putting too much efforts and products then fasting is the best solution ever.
b.Boosts Immunity system
In this era of Covid-19, we all have the need to boost our immunity. During fast, our immune system becomes more efficient and work more rapidly against diseases.
c.Prevents Diabetes
Diabetes is one such disease which will definitely come to you if your parents have it. Fasting is extremely beneficial in keeping diabetes at bay before it ruins your life.
d.Boosts metabolism & promotes weight loss
These days as many of us are working from home, I guess we all might have put on a little weight. When you fast, you force your body to turn to its fat stores for energy and thus the fat loss. So let this fasting contribute a little to your weight loss journey.
E.Improves heart function
Our heart is something we take for granted usually. If you would like to care for your heart, fasting is the perfect thing you can do to keep it healthy. Studies have shown fasting to:
Reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) levels
Improve ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) levels
Reduce systolic blood pressure
Reduce triglyceride levels
F.Helps prevent cancer
Numerous studies have proved fasting to promote anti-cancer, anti-tumorous properties in our body cells.
G.Reduces Stress & anxiety
Researches reveal that fasting person body naturally releases some specific type of hormone named “endorphins” that creates happiness and lower down the level of stress, depression and anxiety.
How to be ready for a fast PHYSICALLY?
Before fasting, try to eat very little for the previous day so that your body adjusts to not eating a lot.
You don’t want to eat nonstop and then one day randomly stop eating or drinking anything for your fasts.
Here are just a few of the many symptoms that could happen if you do not properly prepare your body before fasting:
Low energy levels
Headaches
Sleep Issues
Constipation
Constant Hunger
What to take care during fasting:
Make sure to drink at least 12 glasses of water in a day.
Get enough sunlight for Vitamin D.
Take rest. Don’t engage yourself in heavy activities.
Keep your mind calm through prayer & listening to the word of God.
HOW TO END YOUR FAST?
Always start with small portions of foods that are more easily digested, so that you don’t overwhelm your digestive system. Avoid fast foods, cakes, soda drinks and hotel foods. Instead here are some healthy alternatives:
Fruits
Dried fruits
Juices
Soups
Healthy fats like eggs and avocados
Breaking your fast with healthy foods can help replenish important nutrients and electrolytes while easing food back into your diet.
Warning
All these health benefits are explained in detail only to help you focus on your fasting and prayer. Please do not take this as the reason to fast!
As Christians, our intentions matter.
Christian fasting is not mainly for health benefits but for spirituals gains. This is only a pinch of motivation to help you fast so that you don’t fast under the wrong impression that you are starving, rather you are doing yourself some good both physically and spiritually.
Your actual reason to fast should be to grow spiritually and draw yourself more closer to God.
Read in detail about The Christian Fasting here
YOU ARE READY
Now that you feel all pumped up to fast, and moreover, now that you are willingly putting your mind off of food for some good time with God, you can now focus all your energy towards His word at Elohim Church.
So let me invite you to physically come to church and enjoy being in the presence of God as we are hosting this 3 days of fasting prayer.
Location: Elohim Global Worship Centre, Pathanamthitta
Youtube: Elohim Global Worship Centre
Days: Friday to Sunday.
Timings : Morning 10:30 – 1pm and Evening 7pm – 9pm
Now you can read more about fasting and its amazing spiritual benefits here.
God Bless