Fasting is to abstain from all kinds of free food, time or any other sacrifice that is done for religious reasons most of the time. The practice of fasting has being a tradition since prehistoric times. Fasting is mentioned in the Bible, Old and New Testaments, the Koran ... Catholics and some Christians practice it during Lent; Jews do it on the Day of Forgiveness and the Hindu on Ekadashi (11 days after each full moon). (Three types of fasting are the following: the radical, the partial, and the complete.
Radical Fasting means that a person should fast three meals that are made during the day. You can only drink water, natural fruit juices (no sugar), you can have a cup of chamomile tea with honey or boiled vegetable juice or smoothie. Some of the most common symptoms are dizziness in the absence of sugar and headache. There can be a feeling of cold since the thermoregulation of the body does not function properly. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is the best way to avoid dehydration for those who practice a radical fast. .
The partial fast is to fast one or two meals per two weeks. This type of fasting helps cleanse the body, eliminating toxins that can cause different diseases. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and vegetables provides a wealth of minerals and vitamins to the body. This also benefits the individual and vitalizes your health while improving the body and soul. According to the Catholic Church, Christ fasted 40 days, which is an example of this type of abstinence. This marks the fast by Christ before the start of his ministry.
Complete fasting is to refrain from all three meals. Only two glasses of water are allowed per day. It is important to do these fast no more than two consecutive days within a fortnight. Do not perform any activity because the body will be very weak; it just needs rest. This is not recommended for first-timers; it is just for experienced people capable of supporting abstinence. Some consequences are loss of muscle mass and fat, muscle cramps, insomnia, and depression.
Abstinence to drink or eat foods is expected to be part of the Christian life, but it is only done for the right reasons as part of each individual congregation. The first few days it is difficult to accustom the body and mind to fasting, but it depends on the willpower of each person. In other words, a "diet" is a way to remember the moments spent by Christ and his Apostles in those days of pain. He fasts for discipline, repentance, deliverance, protection, or by choice. Of each person depends on fast with discipline and carry out its purpose.
"Fasting is a therapy to heal all that prevents us conforms to the Will of God" (Benedict XVI)