Why is Fasting Back in Fashion? The Spiritual History Behind Today’s Diet Trend

“… we fast to become like angels.”

Fasting dates back to time immemorial. We can assume that ancient people were forced to fast due to lack of food availability. The Bible shares numerous accounts of people fasting as a way of repentance, of coming closer to God, and for purification and success in troubled times. Animals even fast as a means to heal from trauma or illness. Today, scientists, doctors and healers often extoll the health benefits of fasting.

“Today, it’s fashionable to fast for the health of the body,” said Yael Eckstein, Global Executive Vice President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship). “But, really it’s a spiritual practice that has been done for a long time. In Judaism, we fast to become like angels. Just like angels don’t have to eat or drink since they are in a state of perfection, at times, like on Yom Kippur, we strive to be clean from our sins and achieve full repentance. Therefore, we fast in order to be in that state of perfection and cling to God, just like the angels.”

The first time the Bible discusses fasting as a form of atonement is Leviticus 16:29–31:

“And this shall be to you a law for all time: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall practice self-denial; and you shall do no manner of work, neither the citizen nor the alien who resides among you. For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins; you shall be clean before Hashem.”

This dictate refers to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (which falls this year on September 19), a time when Jews of all denominations gather in synagogue to pray, repent, and come closer to God.

Judaism has an additional five fast days throughout the year. It is also considered an act of righteousness to fast every Monday and Thursday, days when the weekly Bible portion is read in synagogue.

“In past generations, there were many rabbis who did a lot of fasting, and not just on holidays like Yom Kippur,” continued Eckstein. “But this is a different generation. We have to focus on practicing our good deeds, acts of kindness, and helping others. I think that through that, in this generation, we get the same merit as past generations that did a lot of fasting.”

Nearly every religion has decreed fast days. Islam has the month-long fast of Ramadan, when Muslims refrain from eating in the day, and feast in the evening. Many Christians observe Lent by refraining from eating certain foods for 40 days. Primitive cultures were known to fast before going to war, as part of a coming-of-age ritual, or to assuage an angry deity. Native Americans fasted to avoid catastrophes such as famine.

The 14th century Greek philosopher, Pythagoras extolled the virtues of fasting, as did Hippocrates, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and Galen. During the Renaissance, the Swiss “father of Western medicine” Paracelsus said, “Fasting is the greatest remedy — the physician within.”

Yogis have practiced fasting for thousands of years as a way of self-discipline and a natural method of healing. The ancient Indian healing practice of Ayurveda still includes fasting as therapy.

Fasting has also been used as a means of political protest. For example, Mahatma Gandhi undertook 17 fasts during his struggle for Indian independence. Those devoted to fasting claim that it brings physical and spiritual renewal.

Fasting is one means to wake up both the physical and spiritual parts of one’s body in order to help it heal. Even one-day fasts have been found to provide a resetting of the body as well as one’s psyche. In fact, more and more people who work in the healing fields say that surgery or medical procedures work best when a person’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sides are aligned towards healing. Fasting is a means to bring about that alignment.

Therapeutic fasting is used to treat or prevent ill health. One of its pioneers, Dr. Herbert Shelton, claimed to have helped at least 40,000 patients recover their health through water fasting.

Tom Greenfield, a naturopath who runs a healing clinic in the UK, stated, “If people can do a one day fast for a minimum of twice a year — maybe one in spring and one in the autumn and setting aside a day they can rest, when they just drink water — this will help mitigate the toxic effects of daily living.”

There are many different types of fasts, all of which have benefit. Most fasts last 24–72 hours. Some of the most common are:

Water fasting, when one drinks only water for a set amount of time

Juice fasting, when one only drinks vegetable or fruit juice for a certain period

Intermittent fasting, when one partially or completely restricts intake for a few hours, a few days, or even alternates days of eating with days of fasting

Partial fasting, when certain food or drink, such as processed foods, animal products, caffeine and alcohol are eliminated from the diet for a set amount of time

Calorie restriction, when one limits the amount of calories consumed for a set amount of time

Additional documented benefits of fasting include:

Controlling blood sugar and insulin resistance

Fighting chronic inflammation, which can lead to such diseases as heart disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis

Enhancement of heart health by improving blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels

Boosting brain function and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s

Assistance in weight loss and boosting of metabolism

Increasing HGH growth hormone which is vital for metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength

Potential delay of aging and extension of life

Might prevent cancer by blocking tumor growth and increase effectiveness of chemotherapy

Though fasting has been a means to health and spirituality for thousands of years, especially if a person has any underlying health issues, it is always best to speak with one’s doctor before undertaking a fast for more than 24 hours.

In the words of the prophet Ezra (8:21), “I proclaimed a fast there by the Ahava River to afflict ourselves before our God to beseech Him for a smooth journey for us and for our children and for all our possessions.”

AMEN!

International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

The IFCJ has a mission to promote understanding between Christians and Jews, build support for Israel, and create a relationship marked by dialogue and respect.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade