Several types of fasts exist and are commonly done for losing weight, detoxifying or cleansing the body and as a spiritual practice in many religions. Dr. Robert Sniadach, a chiropractor from the Vida Clara School of Natural Hygiene, notes that at a cellular level in the body, fasting begins after 10 to 24 hours when stored fat and glucose is used for energy if no food is ingested. Although some health effects of fasting are not medically proven, this practice does have many therapeutic benefits for the body for most individuals when done in a safe manner, MayoClinic.com advises. Consult a doctor before beginning a fast for any reason.
Artery Health
Laboratory MedNews notes that stored lipids or fats can form plaques or clumps that stick to the lining of the inner walls of the arteries. This can lead to atherosclerosis or hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels, hypertension or high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Ordinarily, stored fats aren't burned until the body uses its supply of ingested carbohydrates from food. For this reason, stored fats throughout the body, including in the arteries are burned for energy during fasting, helping to clear away and prevent plaques and excess fat.
Reduce Cholesterol
Hyperlipidemia or excess levels of cholesterol and triglyceride fats in the body can result due to diet and lifestyle choices as well as genetic factors. Cholesterol includes lipoproteins called VLDL which is an unhealthy type of stored fat that can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease and liver disorders. During fasting, this type of cholesterol is a primary source of energy and is burned through the natural metabolism, helping to reduce excess cholesterol levels.
Improve Healing and Repair
Dr. Sniadach advises that other benefits of fasting include improved healing and purification of the body, noting that an injured or ill animal will naturally reduce food intake to speed up its recovery. Fasting allows the body to improve healing and renewal of cells as well as removing toxins from the digestive tract, liver, kidneys and skin.
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