The Benefits of Fasting

Article: “Lent, Ramadan and other fasting periods have benefits for body and mind.”

The above article, linked below, by Tegan Taylor for ABC News, discusses the potential benefits and some of the research that has emerged in recent years.

It is a super conservative article that really only touches on the subject of fasting and it’s benefits. There has been stacks of evidence in recent years that has come out on the benefits of both intermittent fasting and extending fasting for a number of both chronic physical ailments, and also psychological conditions.

Interestingly, whilst fasting has really gained momentum as a modality and in the research world in the West over the past decade, it had been researched extensively in the former Soviet Union for over 50 years. The doctor who introduced me to fasting, and from whom I have been trained on using fasting as a health and performance modality, Dr Vagif Soultanov, was formerly a research biochemist, and medical doctor in the former Soviet Union involved in much of this research. As a practitioner now, he continues to use this potent modality in his work with clients. I have found his fasting methods to be far more thorough and complete, or comprehensive, than any extended fasts I have seen used by Western practitioners.

Fasting is not as scary and difficult as it may seem to most. Most of the fear and difficulty is in the mind stemming from unfamiliarity. Once you begin to fast, if you do it properly, you begin to break down these fears and barriers.

However, especially extended fasting (longer than 2 days), is something that you should not attempt without supervision from a practitioner experienced in extended fasting. I have had many people email me after finding an online extended fast, experiencing difficulty and unsure what to do next. An experienced practitioner will assess your individual health, and circumstances, to determine what fasting program will suit you best – not some program online that sounds cool.

I offer fasting programs for clients, mostly one on one either in person, or online via Skype/phone etc. Initially I ask lots of questions to assess your current health, your long term goals, your life circumstances etc. to work out the best program for you. I also offer fasting for groups at times.

I have blogged on fasting, including some of this research, in the past, and will endeavour to add more and more soon.

If you would like to contact me for an appointment, or to discuss fasting, and you health further, please email me at tim@timaltman.com.au or call 0425 739 918.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2018-02-14/fasting-history-and-health-benefits/9396780