Benefits of fasting.

Thousands of years ago, God commanded His people to “afflict your soul” or “fast,” at least annually on the Day of Atonement (known as Yom Kippur by Jews—Leviticus 23:27).  Both Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul understood the spiritual reasons for fasting (Mark 9:29; Acts 27:9).  Although God intended fasting (going without food and water) to be a spiritual tool to draw closer to Him, He—the Designer of the human body—knew there would also be significant health benefits.

According to a recent report, “there’s now emerging evidence to show occasional fasting… also carries benefits.”   Those benefits include “a drop in levels of growth-factor, a hormone linked with cancer and diabetes, as well as a reduction in ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the blood.”  Other benefits are “free radicals—the damaging molecules linked to disease—are dampened down.  Studies also suggest that levels of inflammation can fall.  And now there is the suggestion that fasting protects the brain, too,” reducing the risk of degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s (Mail Online, February 27, 2012). 

Fasting is one of four powerful tools for spiritual growth (along with regular prayer, Bible study, and meditation)—and when done periodically, there are also important health benefits.