Whether you are fasting for spiritual reasons or as a means to jump-start a diet, you may find there are other benefits. Even so, fasting can be risky, particularly for diabetics because of the dangers of unstable blood sugar levels. Always consult a doctor before fasting, even if you plan to do so for only two days.
Types
A two-day fast can take many forms. Some people fast by refraining from both food and liquids. Others eliminate only foods and sip fruit and vegetable juices. Still others sip only water. A person who's fond of sweets might choose to eliminate them as a way of breaking a habit of indulgence.
Spiritual Benefits
Spiritual fasting is an age-old practice, most common in Eastern and Western Cultures. People who fast for spiritual reasons believe they can become closer to their maker and achieve religious clarity through self-denial. Some believe that the act of rejecting food, a necessity to life, is an act of penance and one that shows a deep reverence for their god or religion. In Muslim religions, fasting is an act of worship that is believed to bring great blessings, according to the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine."
Increased Energy
Although no scientific evidence proves that two-days fasts increase energy, Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky says that some people report feeling more energetic and focused both during and after a fast. It's possible that these feelings stem from a belief that they are doing something good for themselves, says Zeratsky.
Health Benefits
Although proponents of a two-day fast say the practice is helpful for flushing environmental toxins and damaging substances from the organs, no scientific evidence supports these claims. In truth, a person's liver and kidneys efficiently remove most toxins from the body.
Still, fasting has some positive health effects: A two-day fast might help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers by improving symptoms. These benefits are short-lived, however, typically ceasing after 10 days. Furthermore, fasting is not a recommended component of arthritic care, says the American Cancer Society.
Weight Loss
A two-day fast might promote weight loss by forcing the body to use stored fat for fuel. Although, many dieters find that this weight loss is temporary. Some people end up gaining more weight following a fast, as their urges to overeat increase after the strict deprivation period.
