fasting the ayurvedic style

A lot of false information about fasting is spread, making it difficult to understand when and how to fast correctly. Fasting is believed to be a state of deprivation; however, you should view fasting as a short break from the constant barrage of food and experiences you consume.

According to Ayurveda, regular fasting will help you maintain your health.

Ayurveda defines fasting as your choice while consuming anything, be it food, a breath of air, or even thoughts and sensory experiences. As we choose to avoid what can be potentially harmful, we are opening ourselves to receive what can be beneficial and improve our mind and body.

Ayurveda does not define fasting as going without food, however, it proposes a lighter and cleaner intake of food, based on our natural constitution.

Why do we need to fast?

We are often overfed, but still undernourished.

Our food is mixed with many pesticides, preservatives or chemical additives. An abundant consumption of these foods can cause diseases and health imbalances.

Ayurveda states that you are not only what you eat, but also what you digest.

If our digestive energy, or agni is low, we tend to slow down our digestive process. This leads to the accumulation of a large amount of toxic food waste in our intestines. Over a period of time, these toxins cause mood swings, fatigue, confusion, sluggishness, anxiety, etc. It is important to periodically cleanse our body of these toxins by fasting.

Benefits of fasting:

Our digestive system is one of the largest systems in the body and consumes most of our energy. During a fast, our digestive system is allowed to rest, which helps our body use free energy to heal itself. Fasting helps eliminate toxic waste and cleanses our body.

Our body is quite capable of healing itself, provided it is offered the right type of nutrition.

With a new burst of energy, we can focus more and make good decisions.

Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners proposed fasting as a means of gaining knowledge and spiritual growth.

An Ayurvedic fast:

During the fast we must eliminate all kinds of refined sugars or carbohydrates, gluten, processed foods, commercial meats and dairy products, fast foods, leftovers, caffeine, and alcohol. One should always fast based on his constitution. Always start a fast under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.

When to fast?

If you usually wake up in the morning with a coating on your tongue, feel lazy and bored, then you need to fast according to your constitution. This could include a water fast or a general fast until the coating is removed.

Also, if you experience belching, bloating, heartburn, or a burning sensation, then that is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.

Allow your digestive system to rest and eliminate accumulated toxins.

It is better to fast if you are tired and cannot focus or focus on your work.

What to eat during fasting?

According to Ayurveda, the ideal is a brief and regular fast. Prolonged fasting can harm your digestive system. A cooked mixture of a handful of rice, split green lentils, cumin, turmeric, and salt (called kichari) is suitable for each constitution during fasting. In addition, you can take a monodiet of easily digestible fruits or vegetables, juices

A water fast or not having water or food is not recommended.

General tips to improve your digestive health:

• Select appropriately the duration of your fast. During your fast you should not feel very hungry, irritable or experience weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, eat something solid.

• Eat only if you are hungry.

• Lunch should be your most important meal, since your digestive strength is greatest during the day

• Triphala is a mild detoxifier that helps you get rid of toxic waste while fasting.

• If you want to fast every week, select the same day every week

• Reduce your daily activities and exercise while fasting and allow your body to rest to ensure proper healing.

• After finishing your fast, do not jump into your daily diet. Gently ease into your usual routine by initially consuming easy-to-digest meals. A successful fast will reduce your food cravings and you will be drawn to natural foods that are beneficial to your body.

• Pregnant, lactating or menstruating women, or the elderly and very young should avoid fasting.