Intermittent Fasting: FAD Diet or Ancient Practice?

Intermittent fasting has rapidly gained popularity over the past few years and has become one of the most effective methods of sustained weight loss. While no one can deny that intermittent fasting promotes weight loss, this is not the only benefit to be derived from it, neither is it a new concept. 

Fasting, variations of which all include abstaining from food in one form or another, is a practice found throughout history. From ancient physicians to the founders of almost all major religions, for culturally designated initiation rites or as an expression of protest, records of fasting practices can be found in many instances of the collective history of the world. 

Fasting in Ancient Greece 

As early as the 5th century BCE, Greek doctors recommended medical fasting as a therapeutic tool. Physician and philosopher Hippocrates, advised abstinence from food and drink certain illnesses to his patients. Fasting was considered an important part of the natural recovery process.

It was also common practice in Ancient Greece for athletes to fast as part of their training when preparing for the Olympics. It was believed that such fasting strengthened the athlete's body for the upcoming trials.

The Greeks also believed that fasting promoted shrewdness and developed intelligence. Before taking his exams at the Alexandria School, famous mathematician Pythagoras, fasted for 40 days. He claimed to have felt such a marked improvement in being able to think more logically and physical energy, that he would often recommend the practice to his students. 

Fasting in other ancient civilizations

There is evidence to suggest that fasting was practiced in ancient civilizations, especially by religious figures like priests and priestesses, in preparation for contacting their deities. This practice was especially evident in the mystery religions of the Hellenistic era where the gods, like Asclepius, were believed to only reveal their gospel via visions or dreams to the blessed few after a fast to prove the devotee's dedication. 

In the American Southwest, the tribes of Pueblo Indians fasted before the change of seasons and all major life ceremonies. In Peru, pre-Columbian people would fast as it was a requirement to atone for sins.

In the upper Himalayan Valleys of Hunza, an ancient practice of 'spring fast' has prevailed to this day. The Hunzas fast to symbolically prepare for any new phase in their lives. 

In some Native American tribes, fasting was an important ritual to be carried out before completing vision quests. Shamans in the Evenk tribes of Siberia trained themselves and fasted as they believed that it allowed them to be able to see visions, control spirits, heal, and communicate psychically.

Fasting in Major Religions

Fasting is a common denominator across all major religions across the world today. The pious deprive themselves of food or privileges at certain times of the year to show their devotion.

Muslims, followers of Islam, were instructed to fast during the holy month of Ramadan over 1400 years ago. By willingly renouncing all bodily appetites, eating, drinking, and sex, every day from dawn till dusk for a whole lunar month, they practice self-control and spiritual discipline.

In Jainism, Fasting is a common spiritual component. Most Jains fast at many different times throughout a year, like holy days, festivals, monsoon time in India, or as part of penance for sins. Jains also believe that fasting burns off bad Karma

Orthodox Jews observe many dietary restrictions and observe several days of fasting throughout the year. In Judaism, fasting is observed on holy days such as Atonement Day, Yom Kippur, Days of Penitence, or mourning. 

Christians, especially Orthodox and Roman Catholics observe a 40 day period of fasting during Lent. Lent is a period of penitence before spring that culminates in Easter. Some Christians also fast during Advent before Christmas.

Fasting is also prevalent in Buddhist traditions. Perhaps the most famous fast of all times is the one kept by Buddha who practiced an extreme form of fasting which led to his emaciation before he abandoned it. Buddhist monks follow the rules outlined in Buddhist texts. In addition to not being allowed to eat after the noon meal, Buddhists use this time for meditation.

Fad or Ancient Wisdom?

While scientists are only now discovering the specific benefits of intermittent fasting, we cannot ignore its presence in history. Fasting is not a newly fangled fad diet, but a technique practiced for centuries.