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Line 1: − + − + − उपवासः, पुं, (उप + वस + घञ् ।) अग्न्याधानम् ।+ − इति मलमासतत्त्वम् । अहोरात्रभोजनाभावः । (Shabdakalpadruma pg 1/260)+ − == Synonyms ==+ + − तत्पर्य्यायः । उपवस्तम् २ । इत्यमरः ॥ उपोषितम् ३ उपोषणम् ४ औपवस्तम् ५ । इति तट्टीका ॥+ + + + + − लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. Su 8.21)+ + − Langhana is also known as Upavasa. + + − == Definition ==+ − 1) Ayurveda acharyas have stated that Upavasa (the popular term used in reference to fasting for particular religious or spiritual cause) is similar to langhana. − लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. Su 8.21)+ − Langhana is also known as Upavasa. + + − Langhana, the technical term used for fasting in Ayurveda is defined as follows,+ − यत् किञ्चिल्लाघवकरं देहे तल्लङ्घनं स्मृतम्||९|| (Char. Samh. Su 22.9)+ − − Meaning: Anything that generates lightness in the body is called as langhana. − − Anything used as a treatment in Ayurveda is defined and explained in terms of its effect on body, mind or life as a whole. In this reference, fasting that limits food intake in body naturally lowers the load on body systems and generates the feeling of lightness − − 2) Going further, Commentator chakrapani of Charaka Samhita has given definition of upavasa specifically observed for some religious purpose as follows, − − उपवासः क्रोधादिपरित्यागः सत्याद्युपादानं च, वचनं हि- “उपावृत्तस्य पापेभ्यः सहवासो गुणे हि यः| उपवासः स विज्ञेयो न शरीरस्य शोषणम्” इति (Chakrapani commentary on Char. Samh. Su 1.6) − − OR − − 3) उपावृत्तस्य पापेम्यो यस्तु वासो गुणैः सह । उपवासः स विज्ञेयः सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः” ॥ (Shabdakalpadruma Pg 1/263) − − <nowiki>https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82</nowiki>) − − − अस्यार्थः । उपावृत्तस्य निवृत्तस्य । पापेभ्यः पापकर्म्मभ्यः । गुणाः । सर्व्वभूतेषु दया क्षान्तिः अनसूया शौचं अनायासः मङ्गलं अकार्पण्यं अस्पृहाच । सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः शास्त्राननुमतनृत्यगीतादिसुखरहितः । − − Upavasa is related to not just physical but also the psychological and spiritual aspects of one’s life. The deeper understanding of the term upavasa along with and even beyond its physical dimension has been described by Acharya Chakrapani as follows, − − − + + + − + − Ayurveda has described different types of langhana. These are the activities or processes that work as langhana. Since langana generates certain qualities in body, processes or activities that generate similar qualities are grouped under the chief heading of langhana and utilized wherever appropriate. These types are as follows,+ − − − चतुष्प्रकारा संशुद्धिः पिपासा मारुतातपौ| − − पाचनान्युपवासश्च व्यायामश्चेति लङ्घनम्||१८|| − Reference from Mahabharata+ − वैधोपवासे भोजनचतुष्टयनिवृत्तिमाह महाभारते ।+ − + − “सायमाद्यन्तयोरह्नोः सायं प्रातश्च मध्यमे । − − उपवासफलं प्रेप्सोर्वर्ज्यं भक्तचतुष्टयम्” ॥ − + + − === उपवासदिने वर्ज्जनीयानि । ===+ − अञ्जनम् । + + + + + + + + + − रोचनम् ।+ − गन्धः । पुष्पम् । माल्यम् । अलङ्कारः । + − दन्तधावनम् । गात्राभ्यङ्गः । शिरोभ्यङ्गः । ताम्बूलम् । यच्चान्यत् बलरागकृत् । + + + + − दिवास्वापः । + − अक्षक्रीडा ।+ − मैथुनम् । स्तीणां सरागसम्प्रेक्षणस्पर्शौ । व्रतादिषु+ − पुत्त्रोत्पत्तिपर्य्यन्तं ऋतौ सकृत् स्त्रीगमने न दोषः ॥+ − === तत्पूर्ब्बापरदिने वर्ज्जनीयानि । ===+ − कांस्यपात्रे भोजनम् । − मांसभोजनम् । + − सुरापानम् । + − मधुपानम् ।+ − लोभः । + + − वितथमाषणम् । + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − व्यायामः । + + − व्यवायः+ − दिवास्वापः । + + − अञ्जनम् । + − शिलापिष्टभक्षणम् । + − मसूरभक्षणम् । + + − पुनर्भोजनम् । + − अध्वगमनम् । यानम् ।आयासः । + − द्यूतक्रीडा । + − अभ्यङ्गः । + − परान्नम् । तैलम् ।चणकम् । कोरदूषकम् । शाकम् । अधिकधृतम् ।अत्यम्बुपानम् । इति एकादशीतत्त्वम् ॥+ − == Alternatives to compensate the inability to do upavasa ==+ − उपवासा- − सामर्थ्ये प्रतिनिधिः । स्कन्दपुराणम् ॥+ − “पुत्त्रं वा विनयोपेतं भगिनीं भ्रातरं तथा ।+ − एषामभाव एवान्यं ब्राह्मणं विनियोजयेत्” । इति ।+ − “भार्य्या भर्तृव्रतं कुर्य्यात् भार्य्यायाश्च पतिस्तथा ।+ − असामर्थ्ये द्वयोस्ताभ्यां व्रतभङ्गो न जायते” ॥+ − इति गरुडपुराणम् ॥ तदनुकल्पः ।+ − “नक्तं हविष्यान्नमनोदनञ्च+ − फलं तिलाः क्षीरमथाम्बु चाज्यम् ।+ − यत्पञ्चगव्यं यदि वाथ वायुः+ − प्रशस्तमत्रोत्तरमुत्तरञ्च” ॥+ − इति वायुपुराणम् ॥+ − “उपवासासमर्थश्चेदेकं विप्रन्तु भोजयेत् ।+ − तावद्धनानि वा दद्याद्यद्भक्ताद्द्विगुणं भवेत् ॥+ − सहस्रसम्मितां देवीं जपेद्वा प्राणसंयमान् ।+ − कुर्य्याद्द्वादशसंख्याकान् यथाशक्ति व्रते नरः” ॥+ − इति ब्रह्मवैवर्त्तपुराणम् ॥+ − == What is acceptable in Upavasa ==+ − “अष्टौ तान्यव्रतघ्नानि आपो मूलं फलं पयः । − हविर्ब्राह्मणकाम्या च गुरोर्वचनमौषधम्” ॥+ − इति बौधायनः ॥+ Line 191:
Line 209: + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + − − === Why to eat early at night/ evening- Night fasting === − Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that eating patterns that reduce or eliminate nighttime eating and prolong nightly fasting intervals could result in sustained improvements in human health. While this hypothesis has not been tested in humans, support from animal research is striking and data from human time-restricted feeding studies are suggestive. Prolonged nightly fasting may be a simple, feasible, and potentially effective disease prevention strategy at the population level. (Patterson RE, Laughlin GA, LaCroix AZ, Hartman SJ, Natarajan L, Senger CM, Martínez ME, Villaseñor A, Sears DD, Marinac CR, Gallo LC. Intermittent Fasting and Human Metabolic Health. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Aug;115(8):1203-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.02.018. Epub 2015 Apr 6. PMID: 25857868; PMCID: PMC4516560.) − − === Cancer and other Metabolic benefits === − Evidence is accumulating that eating in a 6-hour period and fasting for 18 hours can trigger a metabolic switch from glucose-based to ketone-based energy, with increased stress resistance, increased longevity, and a decreased incidence of diseases, including cancer and obesity. Preclinical studies consistently show the robust disease-modifying efficacy of intermittent fasting in animal models on a wide range of chronic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Many studies have indicated that several of the benefits of intermittent fasting are dissociated from its effects on weight loss. These benefits include improvements in glucose regulation, blood pressure, and heart rate; the efficacy of endurance training26,27; and abdominal fat loss27 The research reviewed here, and discussed in more detail elsewhere,11,12 shows that most if not all organ systems respond to intermittent fasting in ways that enable the organism to tolerate or overcome the challenge and then restore homeostasis. Repeated exposure to fasting periods results in lasting adaptive responses that confer resistance to subsequent challenges Cells respond to intermittent fasting by engaging in a coordinated adaptive stress response that leads to increased expression of antioxidant defenses, DNA repair, protein quality control, mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy, and down-regulation of inflammation (Fig. 3). These adaptive responses to fasting and feeding are conserved across taxa.10 Cells throughout the bodies and brains of animals maintained on intermittentfasting regimens show improved function and robust resistance to a broad range of potentially damaging insults, including those involving metabolic, oxidative, ionic, traumatic, and proteotoxic stress.12 Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy and mitophagy while inhibiting the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) protein-synthesis pathway. These responses enable cells to remove oxidatively damaged proteins and mitochondria and recycle undamaged molecular constituents while temporarily reducing global protein synthesis to conserve energy and molecular resources (Fig. 3). These pathways are untapped or suppressed in persons who overeat and are sedentary.12 − − In humans, intermittent-fasting interventions ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation.33 Intermittent fasting seems to confer health benefits to a greater extent than can be attributed just to a reduction in caloric intake Line 215:
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Upavasa or Fasting (उपवासः) (view source)
Revision as of 19:20, 15 November 2022
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Upavasa is the samskrt term which means fasting. In Ayurveda The term upavasa and langhana are used synonymously at some places. Langhana is the treatment type that generates lightness in the body. Upavasa is one of the 6 different types of langhana used in Ayurveda. Simply put, Ayurveda considers fasting as treatment for multiple disease conditions. This is the unique approach of Ayurveda of managing certain conditions. In Sanatana dharma, fasting is observed in many religious functions as well as on particular days like Ekadashi or on some months in a year like chaturmasa and it is popularly known as Upavasa. The medical significance of fasting was deeply studied by Ayurveda scholars thousands of years ago and was implemented in Ayurveda treatments effectively.
Upavasa is the samskrt term which means fasting. In Ayurveda The term upavasa and langhana are used synonymously at some places. Langhana is the treatment type that generates lightness in the body. Upavasa is one of the 6 different types of langhana used in Ayurveda. Simply put, Ayurveda considers fasting as treatment for multiple disease conditions. This is the unique approach of Ayurveda of managing certain conditions. In Sanatana dharma, fasting is observed on many occasions of religious importance as well as on particular days like Ekadashi or on some months in a year like chaturmasa and it is popularly known as Upavasa. The medical significance of fasting was deeply studied by Ayurveda scholars thousands of years ago and was implemented in Ayurveda treatments effectively.
== Etymology ==
== व्युत्पत्ति ॥ Etymology ==
In Shabdakalpadruma, the term upawasa is explained as below,
उपवासः, पुं, (उप + वस + घञ् ।) अग्न्याधानम् । agnyAdhAna placing the fire on the sacrificial fire-place
इति मलमासतत्त्वम् । अहोरात्रभोजनाभावः । (Shab. 1/260)<ref>Shabdakalpadruma pg 1/260</ref>
Abstaining from food throughout a day and night is called as Upavasa.
== पर्यायाः॥ Synonyms ==
Various words used synonymously with Upavasa in Samskrt are given below,<blockquote>
तत्पर्य्यायः । उपवस्तम् २ । इत्यमरः ॥ उपोषितम् ३ उपोषणम् ४ औपवस्तम् ५ । इति तट्टीका ॥</blockquote>
The commonly used words include Uposhana, uposhita, upawasta etcIn Ayurveda, the term upavasa is used synonymously with the term Langhana<blockquote>
लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. 8.21)<ref name=":7">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam adhyaya 8 Sutra 21)</ref></blockquote>Langhana is also known as Upavasa. Langhana is the term that indicates a method by which lightness is generated in the body. Upavasa where the food intake is restricted performs the same functions thus the words are used interchangeably at many instances.
== Deeper understanding of the term Upawasa ==
The term upawasa along with its synonyms is defined is various different ways as follows,
=== Upawasa in terms of Diet ===
Ayurveda acharyas have stated that Upavasa (the popular term used in reference to fasting for particular religious or spiritual cause) is similar to langhana. <blockquote>लङ्घनं-उपवासाख्यं,… (Asht. Hrud. 8.21) <ref name=":7" />
Meaning: Langhana is also known as Upavasa.</blockquote>Langhana, the technical term used for fasting in Ayurveda is defined as follows,<blockquote>यत् किञ्चिल्लाघवकरं देहे तल्लङ्घनं स्मृतम्||९|| (Char. Samh. Su 22.9)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 22 Sutra 9)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Anything that generates lightness in the body is called as langhana.
Anything used as a treatment in Ayurveda is defined and explained in terms of its effect on body, mind or life as a whole. In this reference the term langhana is described in the same way. Fasting that limits food intake in body naturally lowers the load on body systems and generates the feeling of lightness.
=== Upawasa in terms of lifestyle ===
Commentator chakrapani of Charaka Samhita has given definition of upavasa specifically observed for some religious purpose as follows,<blockquote>उपवासः क्रोधादिपरित्यागः सत्याद्युपादानं च, वचनं हि- “उपावृत्तस्य पापेभ्यः सहवासो गुणे हि यः| उपवासः स विज्ञेयो न शरीरस्य शोषणम्” इति (Chakra. Char. Samh. Su 1.6)<ref>Chakrapani commentary on Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 6)</ref></blockquote>OR<blockquote>उपावृत्तस्य पापेम्यो यस्तु वासो गुणैः सह । उपवासः स विज्ञेयः सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः” ॥ (Shab 1/263)<ref>Shabdakalpadruma [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82) Pg 1/263]</ref><ref name=":5" />
Commentary- अस्यार्थः । उपावृत्तस्य निवृत्तस्य । पापेभ्यः पापकर्म्मभ्यः । गुणाः । सर्व्वभूतेषु दया क्षान्तिः अनसूया शौचं अनायासः मङ्गलं अकार्पण्यं अस्पृहाच । सर्व्वभोगविवर्ज्जितः शास्त्राननुमतनृत्यगीतादिसुखरहितः ।</blockquote>Upavasa is related to not just physical but also the psychological and spiritual aspects of one’s life. The deeper understanding of the term upavasa along with and even beyond its physical dimension has been described by Acharya Chakrapani as follows,
Upavasa denotes '''giving away the shadripus (negative emotions) like anger, lust, jealousy etc and following the path of truth, purity,''' japa (prayers), puja (worshipping), danam (offering), sewa (volunteering, giving service), brahamcharyam, dhyanam etc. Moreover, the one who refrains from these sins or the act of refraining from these sins by living in vicinity with the divine (and following the right path of truth etc) is known as Upavasa and it is not merely parching your body which is commonly misunderstood otherwise.
Upavasa denotes giving away the shadripus (negative emotions) like anger, lust, jealousy etc and following the path of truth, purity, japa (prayers), puja (worshipping), danam (offering), sewa (volunteering, giving service), brahamcharyam, dhyanam etc. Moreover, the one who refrains from these sins or the act of refraining from these sins by living in vicinity with the divine (and following the right path of truth etc) is known as Upavasa and it is not merely parching your body which is commonly misunderstood otherwise.
Therefore, the term Upavasa encompasses 2 main aspects of a particular way of living life. This includes refraining from the regular food, excess food and unwholesome food along with being in the presence of the divine by observing specific code of conduct.
Therefore, the term Upavasa encompasses 2 main aspects of a particular way of living life. This includes refraining from the regular food, excess food and unwholesome food along with being in the presence of the divine by observing specific code of conduct.
== Upavasa as a type of Langhana ==
== लङ्घनभेद उपवासः ॥ Upavasa as a type of Langhana ==
Ayurveda has described different types of langhana. These are the activities or processes that work as langhana. Since langhana generates certain qualities in body, processes or activities that generate similar qualities are grouped under the chief heading of langhana and utilized wherever appropriate. These types are as follows,<blockquote>
चतुष्प्रकारा संशुद्धिः पिपासा मारुतातपौ| पाचनान्युपवासश्च व्यायामश्चेति लङ्घनम्||१८||
Meaning: 4 types of shodhana panchakarmas (Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya), Thirst, Exposure to air, Exposure to sun/heat, Use of digestive medicines, Upawasa and Exercise are known as (types of) Langhana therapy.</blockquote>
In this way, upawasa or fasting is counted as one of the type of therapy known as langhana. In vaiou smedical conditions like Ajeerna (Indigestion), Jwara (Pyrexia/fevers), Chardi (Vomiting), Amavata (Type of arthritis) Langhana is the chief and first line of treatment. Wherever appropriate, as per the strength of patient, disease, season etc the right type of langhana is selected and advised to the patient in Ayurveda treatment. Therefore in some cases, upawasa can also be the therapeutic procedure.
== For how long the food should not be taken in Upavasa? ==
== For how long the food should not be taken in Upavasa? ==
In a discussion about Vrata, Tapa, Upavasa, brahmacharya and Atithiseva, Bhishma says in Mahabharata Shanti Parva that commoners fast for 15 days of the month and consider it an act of tapas. But that infact is an act of exploiting the body which is actually a medium of dharmik activities.<blockquote>मासपक्षोपवासेन मन्यन्ते यत् तपो जनाः । आत्मतन्त्रोपघातस्तु न तपस्तत्सतां मतम् ॥ २२१.४ ॥</blockquote>Furthermore, he states that the one who eats in the morning and evening alone, and doesnt consume anything in between, such a person is known as a practitioner of Nitya Upavasa. <blockquote>अन्तरा प्रातराशं च सायमाशं तथैव च । सदोपवासी स भवेद् यो न भुङ्क्तेऽन्तरा पुनः ॥ २२१.१० ॥<ref>Pandit Ramnarayanadatta Shastri Pandey, Mahabharata (Khanda 5-Shantiparva), Gorakhpur: Gita Press.</ref></blockquote>A careful reading of the different vratas enumerated in the Garuda Purana (Adhyayas 116-137) brings out that different fasting regimens were described for the vratas observed during different times of the year.<ref name=":3">M.N.Dutt, The Garuda Mahapuranam ([https://archive.org/details/GarudaPuranamSanskritEnglish/page/n315/mode/2up?view=theater Vol. 1]), Delhi: New Bharatiya Book Corporation. </ref>
== What to be taken and what should not be taken during Upavasa ==
When upawasa is observed, there are few food items that are permitted to be consumed. Similarly some lifestyle activities are also either permitted or prohibited in upawasa as per ancient texts. The same has been discussed here.
== What to be taken and what should not be taken during Upavasa ==
=== उपवासदिने वर्ज्जनीयानि । Things prohibited on the day of Upawasa (as vrata) ===
A few forbidden things during the day of Upavasa as enlisted in the Shabdakalpadruma are as follows:
# अञ्जनम् । Collyrium
# रोचनम् । Foods that enhance taste and flavor of food or foods that stimulate appetite
# गन्धः । Perfume
# पुष्पम् । Flower
# माल्यम् । Garland
# अलङ्कारः । Ornament
# दन्तधावनम् । Cleaning the teeth
# गात्राभ्यङ्गः । Massaging the body
# शिरोभ्यङ्गः । Head massage
# ताम्बूलम् । Having Betel
If we observe the qualities of these lifestyle elements one can understand that all these enhance the beauty, affect shukra dhatu and stimulate the senses which might distract the person from the path of upawasa.
As also those things that are influenced by strength and passion like,
# दिवास्वापः । Sleeping during the day
# अक्षक्रीडा । Gambling in a dice game
# मैथुनम् । Copulation
# स्त्रीणां सरागसम्प्रेक्षणस्पर्शौ । Approaching or being in contact with women as a result of passion
However, it clarifies that approaching one's wife once at the appropriate time for the sake of progeny during Vrata is not considered a transgression.<blockquote>व्रतादिषु पुत्त्रोत्पत्तिपर्य्यन्तं ऋतौ सकृत् स्त्रीगमने न दोषः ॥<ref name=":0">Shabdakalpadruma, See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82 उपवासः]</ref></blockquote>The Skanda Purana also enlists a few forbidden things while describing the Vidhi or procedure of observing fast in the month of Kartika.<ref name=":1" /> It says, <blockquote>वस्त्वालोकनगन्धादिस्वादितं परिकीर्तितम् ।। अन्यस्य वर्जयेद्वासं ग्रासानां संप्रमोक्षणम् ।।६१।।
गात्राभ्यंगं शिरोभ्यंगं तांबूलं सविलेपनम् ।। व्रतस्थो वर्जयेत्सर्वं यच्चाऽन्यच्च निराकृतम् ।। ६२ ।।
न व्रतस्थः स्पृशेत्कंचिद्विकर्मस्थं न चालपेत्।।<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Meaning: Sweet scents and flavours are forbidden. Other men's morsel ie. food should be avoided and morsels of food must be distributed. The person observing the Vrata should abstain from anointing the body or the head with oil, eating betel leaves and application of unguents. Whatever is forbidden should be avoided. The person observing the Vrata should not touch anyone engaged in forbidden activities, nor should he talk to him.<ref name=":1" />
The Garuda Purana (adhyaya 128) also emphasizes that using flowers, perfumes, unguents, collyrium, a toothbrush, a new cloth or an article of ornament renders a fast less effective.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>पुष्पालङ्कारवस्त्राणि धूपगन्धानुलेपनम् । उपवासेन दुष्येत्तु दन्तधावनमञ्जनम् ॥ १,१२८.६ ॥<ref name=":4">Garuda Purana, Achara Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 128]</ref></blockquote>The Agni Purana further adds to the list stating, (previous day and same day)<blockquote>कांस्यं मांसं मसूरञ्च चणकं कोरदूषकं ॥१७५.००६
शाकं मधु परान्नञ्च(३) त्यजेदुपवसन् स्त्रियं ।१७५.००७ पुष्पालङ्कारवस्त्राणि धूपगन्धनुलेपनं ॥१७५.००७
उपवासे न शस्यन्ति दन्तधावनमञ्जनं ।१७५.००८ दन्तकाष्ठं पञ्चगव्यं कृत्वा प्रातर्व्रतञ्चरेत् ॥१७५.००८<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>Meaning: One who is fasting should reject bell metal, flesh, masura (a kind of pulse), chick-pea, koradushaka (a species of grain), vegetable, wine, food from others, (association with) a woman, flowers, ornaments and dress, incense, perfume and unguent.
Cleaning of teeth and the use of collyrium is also not recommended. Instead it is suggested that Panchagavya (5 things obtained from a cow) should be used in place of the toothstick in the morning.
It further adds that frequent drinking of water, chewing of betels, dreaming and having intercourse during the day render one's fasting fruitless.<ref name=":6">The Agni Purana ([https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n503/mode/2up?view=theater Part 2]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>असकृज्जलपानाच्च ताम्बूलस्य च भक्षणात् ।१७५.००९ उपवासः प्रदुष्येत दिवास्वप्नाच्च मैथुनात् ॥१७५.००९<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>
=== तत्पूर्ब्बापरदिने वर्ज्जनीयानि । Things to be avoided the day before and after Upawasa (as vrata) ===
Shabdakalpadruma<ref name=":0" /> also enlists what is to be avoided the day before and after the Vrata as referenced from the text Ekadashi Tattva.<ref>Raghunandana Bhattacharya, [https://archive.org/details/EkadashiTattvam/page/n5/mode/2up?view=theater Ekadashi Tattvam], Hugli: Sriharinatha Smritibhushana & Srinivarana Bhattacharya.</ref> They are as follows:
# कांस्यपात्रे भोजनम् । Dining in brass vessels
# मांसभोजनम् । Having meat
# सुरापानम् । Having intoxicants
# मधुपानम् । Having honey
# लोभः । Fostering greed
# वितथभाषणम् । Engaging in futile conversations
# व्यायामः । Exercising
# व्यवायः। Coitus
# दिवास्वापः । Sleeping during the day
# अञ्जनम् । Applying collyrium
# शिलापिष्टभक्षणम् । Having eatables grounded on stone
# मसूरभक्षणम् । Eating lentils
# पुनर्भोजनम् । Constant eating
# अध्वगमनम् । Journeying
# यानम् । Riding vehicles
# आयासः । Exerting oneself
# द्यूतक्रीडा । Playing dice
# अभ्यङ्गः । Massage
# परान्नम् । Consuming other's food
# तैलम् । Consuming oil
# चणकम् । Consuming Bengal gram (chik-pea)
# कोरदूषकम् । (kind of a grain??)
# शाकम् । (?Leafy) Vegetables
# अधिकधृतम् । Over preserved things?/eating excess a day prior or after to support fasting state
# अत्यम्बुपानम् । Excessive consumption of water.
In fact, the Garuda Purana (Adhyaya 128) states that the merit of a fast is destroyed by gambling, indulging in day-sleep or intercourse and by constantly drinking water on the day of its breaking.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>... असकृज्जलपानाच्च ताम्बूलस्य च भक्षणात् ॥ १,१२८.७ ॥ उपवासः प्रदुष्येत दिवास्वप्ना क्षमैथुनात् ।...<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>
== Alternatives to compensate the inability to do Upavasa ==
In Skanda Purana, having heard about the greatness of Kartika Vrata from Brahma, Narada enquires as to what can be done incase one lacks the capacity to perform the Vrata. It is then revealed by Brahma that the merits of the Vrata may also be attained through certain other means like providing monetary help to a Brahmana or by getting his disciple, servants, women or any worthy person to perform the Vrata on his behalf.<ref name=":1">The Skanda Purana ([https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Skanda-Purana-Part-6.pdf Part 4]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.</ref><blockquote>नास्ति कर्तुं स्वसामर्थ्यमुपायात्प्राप्यते फलम् ।। द्रव्यं दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणाय गृह्णीयात्फलमुत्तमम् ।। २ ।।
शिष्याद्वा भृत्यवर्गाद्वा स्त्रीभ्यो वाऽऽप्ताच्च कारयेत् ।। तस्मादपि फलं गृह्णन्फलभाग्जायते नरः ।। ३ ।।<ref name=":2">Skanda Purana, Khanda 2 (Vaishnava Khanda), Kartikamasa Mahatmya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A6 Adhyaya 30].</ref></blockquote>The Brahmavaivarta Purana also states a similar alternative.<ref name=":0" /> It says,<blockquote>... उपवासासमर्थश्चेदेकं विप्रं च भोजयेत् ।। ८४ ।। तावद्धनानि वा दद्याद्यद्भुक्तं द्विगुणं भवेत् ।। सहस्रसंमितां देवीं जपेद्वा प्राणसंयमान् ।। ।। ८५ ।।<ref>Brahmavaivarta Purana, Khanda 4 (Sri Krishna Janma Khanda), [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AA_(%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 8]</ref></blockquote>Meaning: If anyone is unable to perform fasting, one should serve food to a brahmana, besides giving him the money which should suffice for him to take food twice. Thereafter, he should recite the Gayatri mantra a thousand times performing pranayama.<ref>Shanti Lal Nagar, Brahmavaivarta Purana ([https://archive.org/details/357106450BrahmavaivartaPurana2SanskritTextWithEnglishTranslationPdf/357106450-Brahmavaivarta-Purana-2-Sanskrit-text-with-English-translation-pdf/page/n77/mode/2up?view=theater Vol. 2]), Delhi: Parimal Publications.</ref>
== उपवासकाले भक्षणीयद्रव्याणि ॥ What is acceptable in Upavasa ==
After grossly describin gwhat is permitted and what is not while observing upawasa (as a vrata), list of food stuffs that can be consumed during upawasa has also been provided.
According to Agni Purana, there are 8 things (including food items) which when consumed while on upawasa do not vitiate the vow or vrata. <blockquote>अष्टौ तान्यव्रतघ्नानि आपो मूलं फलं पयः ।१७५.०४३ हविर्ब्राह्मणकाम्या च गुरोर्वचनमौषधं ॥१७५.०४३<ref name=":5">Agni Purana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AD%E0%A5%ABhttps://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AD%E0%A5%AB Adhyaya 175]</ref>
Meaning: Water, roots, fruits, milk, clarified butter, the desire of a brahmana, the words of the preceptor and herb are the eight things which do not vitiate a vow.<ref name=":6" /></blockquote>The Garuda Purana (Adhyaya 122) states that incase one faints during the fast, milk may be consumed without any apprehension of breaking the vow.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>दुग्धादिप्राशनं कुर्याद्व्रतस्थो मूर्छितोऽन्तरा । दुग्धाद्यैर्न व्रतं नश्येद्भुक्तिमुक्तिमवाप्नुयात् ॥ १,१२२.७ ॥<ref>Garuda Purana, Achara Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 122]</ref></blockquote>
=== हविष्यान्नम् || Havishyanna ===
Havishyanna is described as 'that which can be consumed during Vratas'.<blockquote>व्रतादौ भक्षणीयद्रव्यविशेषः ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma. See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87 Havishyannam]</ref> </blockquote>The text Mantra Kaumudi enumerates what is considered as Havishyanna by great seers. They are<ref>Vachaspatya. See: [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE Havishyanna]</ref>,<blockquote>हैमन्तिकं सितास्विन्नं धान्यं मुद्गास्तिला यवाः । कलायकङ्गुनीवारा वास्तूकं हिलमोचिका ॥ षष्टिका कालशाकञ्च मूलकं केमुकेतरत् । लवणे सैन्धवसामुद्रे गव्ये च दधिसर्पिषी ॥ पयोऽनुद्धृतसारञ्च पनसाम्रहरीतकी । तिन्तिडी जीरकञ्चैव नागरङ्गकपिप्पली ॥ कदली लवली धात्री फलान्यगुडमैक्षवम् । अतैलपक्वं मुनये हविष्यान्नं प्रचक्षते ॥<ref>Sri Ramanatha Jha (1960), [https://archive.org/details/MantraKaumudiMMDevaNathThakkurTarkaPanchanana/page/n69/mode/2up?view=theater Mantrakaumudi of Devanatha Thakkura], Darbhanga.</ref></blockquote>हैमन्तिकं - that which is cold, grows in winter, kind of rice.
सितास्विन्नं धान्यं - cold and unboiled (uncooked) grains.
मुद्गाः - a kind of kidney-bean (mung)
तिलाः - Sesamum
यवाः - barley-corn
कलाय - Peas, Pulse
कङ्गु - Panic seed
नीवार - Wild rice
वास्तूकं - Sweet
हिलमोचिका - raddish/edible roots
षष्टिका - a kind of rice
कालशाक - Potherb
मूलकं - edible roots/raddish
केमुक - Taro plant
लवणे सैन्धवसामुद्रे - rock salt
गव्ये च दधिसर्पिषी - Curd and Ghee
पयोऽनुद्धृतसारञ्च पनसाम्रहरीतकी - milk and unextracted juice of Jackfruit, Mango and Fig
तिन्तिडी - tamarind
जीरक - Cumin
नागरङ्गक - Orange
पिप्पली - Indian long pepper
कदली - Banana
लवली - Star fruit
धात्री - Indian gooseberry
फलान्यगुडमैक्षवम् - fruits that are non-sugary
अतैलपक्वं - not cooked in oil.
== Popular Legend about Health ==
== Popular Legend about Health ==
The lad was Charaka (Doyen of Ayurveda, whose compilation Charaka Samhita is the bible for Ayurveda Physicians and Pharmacologists for generations.)
The lad was Charaka (Doyen of Ayurveda, whose compilation Charaka Samhita is the bible for Ayurveda Physicians and Pharmacologists for generations.)
== Fasting as a therapy ==
The evolution of the human genotype is believed to have slowly occurred from 600,000 BC to 25,000 BC, when humans were hunter-gatherers. During this period, major energy oscillations appear to have selected genes that regulate metabolism for efficient nutrient usage and increased fat storage, which represents an evolutionary benefit consistent with the thrifty genotype theory proposed by James V. Neel. When the environment changed drastically in the 19th, 20th and more so, the 21st centuries, with urbanization and easy availability of food, the genotype remained unaltered. This imbalance has resulted in an epidemic of conditions characterized by metabolic disturbances, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2 (Neel, 1962).These metabolic disturbances have led to an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular, neurological and other degenerative diseases. Many recent experimental studies have clarified some of the metabolic mechanisms involved with fasting. Animal models undergoing cyclical fasts have shown positive changes in glucose (lower plasma glucose and insulin levels) and in lipid metabolism (reduced visceral fat tissue and increased plasma adiponectin level), and an increased resistance to stress (Azevedo, Ikeoka & Caramelli, 2013).
=== Why to eat early at night/ evening- Night fasting ===
Eating patterns that reduce or eliminate nighttime eating and prolong nightly fasting intervals result in sustained improvements in human health. Several lines of evidence support this hypothesis. Prolonged nightly fasting may be a simple, feasible, and potentially effective disease prevention strategy at the population level. Therefore eating early at night or in the evening can facilitate night fasting and health benefits can be gained by just this night fasting on daily basis. (Patterson RE, Laughlin GA, LaCroix AZ, Hartman SJ, Natarajan L, Senger CM, Martínez ME, Villaseñor A, Sears DD, Marinac CR, Gallo LC. Intermittent Fasting and Human Metabolic Health. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Aug;115(8):1203-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.02.018. Epub 2015 Apr 6. PMID: 25857868; PMCID: PMC4516560.)
== Health Benefit of Upavasa :Intermittent fasting the popular trending diet ==
== Health Benefit of Upavasa :Intermittent fasting the popular trending diet ==
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an increasingly popular dietary practice, and its implementation is found throughout human civilisation in various cultural, spiritual and religious traditions. Emerging evidence has shown that the health benefits of IF stretch beyond calorie restriction and weight loss. These benefits include metabolic shifts in energy production, the optimisation of peripheral circadian clocks, and overall improvement in physiological markers of metabolic health. IF has been proposed to reduce systemic inflammation and have a role in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. For the athlete, IF protocols offer a potential new frontier for maintaining performance in the fasted state. (Mandal S, Simmons N, Awan S, et alIntermittent fasting: eating by the clock for health and exercise performanceBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2022;8:e001206. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001206)
In 2016, a Japanese cell biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his research on how cells recycle and renew their content through a process called autophagy. It was also understood that this autophagy process can be driven by unspecific metabolic stimuli, such as starvation or fasting. Since then a lot of focus of research has been shifted on understanding the metabolic effects of fasting and its application in clinical practice to manage certain lifestyle diseases. Therefore, the age old practice of upavasa or fasting on certain days, months or occasions observed in many in various cultural, spiritual and religious traditions like Santana dharma is gaining popularity all over the globe. Over time, science had debunked these beliefs and observances of fasting. However, the benefits of fasting are being discovered more and more today. Various studies have been conducted on animals and humans to evaluate the effects of fasting and most of them have shown positive results. Intermittent fasting (IF) is thus becoming an increasingly popular dietary practice in today's time. Emerging evidence has shown that the health benefits of IF stretch beyond calorie restriction and weight loss. The benefits of fasting on metabolic and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer, hypertension, inflammation , neurodegeneration etc have been demonstrated. (Mandal S, Simmons N, Awan S, et alIntermittent fasting: eating by the clock for health and exercise performance BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2022;8:e001206. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001206)
=== Metabolic benefits ===
Evidence is accumulating that eating in a 6-hour period and fasting for 18 hours can trigger a metabolic switch from glucose-based to ketone-based energy, with increased stress resistance, increased longevity, and a decreased incidence of diseases, including cancer and obesity. Preclinical studies consistently show the robust disease-modifying efficacy of intermittent fasting in animal models on a wide range of chronic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Many studies have indicated that several of the benefits of intermittent fasting are dissociated from its effects on weight loss. These benefits include improvements in glucose regulation, blood pressure, and heart rate; the efficacy of endurance training; and abdominal fat loss27 The research reviewed here, and discussed in more detail elsewhere,11,12 shows that most if not all organ systems respond to intermittent fasting in ways that enable the organism to tolerate or overcome the challenge and then restore homeostasis. Repeated exposure to fasting periods results in lasting adaptive responses that confer resistance to subsequent challenges Cells respond to intermittent fasting by engaging in a coordinated adaptive stress response that leads to increased expression of antioxidant defenses, DNA repair, protein quality control, mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy, and down-regulation of inflammation (Fig. 3). These adaptive responses to fasting and feeding are conserved across taxa.10 Cells throughout the bodies and brains of animals maintained on intermittentfasting regimens show improved function and robust resistance to a broad range of potentially damaging insults, including those involving metabolic, oxidative, ionic, traumatic, and proteotoxic stress.12 Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy and mitophagy while inhibiting the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) protein-synthesis pathway. These responses enable cells to remove oxidatively damaged proteins and mitochondria and recycle undamaged molecular constituents while temporarily reducing global protein synthesis to conserve energy and molecular resources (Fig. 3). These pathways are untapped or suppressed in persons who overeat and are sedentary.12
=== Autophagy, fasting and cancer : A Nobel prize winning research ===
Autophagy, a lysosome-mediated intracellular degradation pathway, was discovered in the late 1950s. Intermittent fasting stimulates autophagy and mitophagy while inhibiting the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) protein-synthesis pathway. These responses enable cells to remove oxidatively damaged proteins and mitochondria and recycle undamaged molecular constituents while temporarily reducing global protein synthesis to conserve energy and molecular resources
Autophagy is suggested to inhibit tumorigenesis. Autophagy has also been identified as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disease. A protective role for autophagy has subsequently been described in many other neurodegenerative diseases, predominantly via the clearance of intracytoplasmic aggregate-prone proteins, such as alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease and tau in various neurodegenerative conditions. (Frake, Becca & Rubinsztein, David. (2016). Yoshinori Ohsumi’s Nobel Prize for mechanisms of autophagy: From basic yeast biology to therapeutic potential. Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. 46. 228-233. 10.4997/JRCPE.2016.403. )
This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Yoshinori Ohsumi for the discovery of the molecular principles governing autophagy, an intracellular degradation pathway routed via lysosomes or vacuoles. It is a story of a simple yet insightful yeast genetic screen that revealed the inner circuitry of one of the most powerful quality-control pathways in cells. In the still-growing field of autophagy, which has seen an enormous boost after the pioneering work of Ohsumi and colleagues, many groups across the world have significantly contributed to further our understanding of the pivotal role of autophagy in metabolic homeostasis, in regulation of vital processes in the cell, and in guarding cellular integrity (Sharon A. Tooze1 and Ivan Dikic2. Autophagy Captures the Nobel Prize. Cell 167, December 1, 2016)
Autophagy can be driven by unspecific metabolic stimuli, such as starvation, or by highly specific signals facilitating the removal of damaged or superfluous proteins or organelles, thereby serving cellular homeostasis needs.
=== Obesity and lifestyle diseases like Diabetes ===
=== Obesity and lifestyle diseases like Diabetes ===
Obesity and obesity-related diseases, largely resulting from urbanization and behavioral changes, are now of global importance. Energy restriction, though, is associated with health improvements and increased longevity. We review some important mechanisms related to calorie limitation aimed at controlling of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes. Recent Findings Calorie restriction triggers a complex series of intricate events, including activation of cellular stress response elements, improved autophagy, modification of apoptosis, and alteration in hormonal balance. Intermittent fasting is not only more acceptable to patients, but it also prevents some of the adverse effects of chronic calorie restriction, especially malnutrition. Summary There are many somatic and potentially psychologic benefits of fasting or intermittent calorie restriction. However, some behavioral modifications related to abstinence . (Saeid Golbidi 1 & Andreas Daiber2 & Bato Korac 3 & Huige Li 4 & M. Faadiel Essop5 & Ismail La . Health Benefits of Fasting and Caloric Restriction. Curr Diab Rep (2017) 17:123 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0951-7)
Obesity and obesity-related diseases, largely resulting from urbanization and behavioral changes, are now of global importance. Energy restriction, though, is associated with health improvements and increased longevity. We review some important mechanisms related to calorie limitation aimed at controlling of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes. Recent Findings Calorie restriction triggers a complex series of intricate events, including activation of cellular stress response elements, improved autophagy, modification of apoptosis, and alteration in hormonal balance. Intermittent fasting is not only more acceptable to patients, but it also prevents some of the adverse effects of chronic calorie restriction, especially malnutrition. Summary There are many somatic and potentially psychologic benefits of fasting or intermittent calorie restriction. However, some behavioral modifications related to abstinence . (Saeid Golbidi 1 & Andreas Daiber2 & Bato Korac 3 & Huige Li 4 & M. Faadiel Essop5 & Ismail La . Health Benefits of Fasting and Caloric Restriction. Curr Diab Rep (2017) 17:123 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0951-7)
=== Ageing and life span ===
=== Ageing and life span ===
After nearly a century of research on caloric restriction in animals, the overall conclusion was that reduced food intake robustly increases the life span
After nearly a century of research on caloric restriction in animals, the overall conclusion was that reduced food intake robustly increases the life span
=== Memory and neurodegeneration ===
=== Memory and neurodegeneration ===
Two recent pilot studies showed that patients with multiple sclerosis who adhere to intermittent fasting regimens have reduced symptoms in as short a period as 2 months.73,75 Because it reduces inflammation,17 intermittent fasting would also be expected to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis, and indeed, there is evidence supporting its use in patients with arthritis.76
Two recent pilot studies showed that patients with multiple sclerosis who adhere to intermittent fasting regimens have reduced symptoms in as short a period as 2 months.73,75 Because it reduces inflammation,17 intermittent fasting would also be expected to be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis, and indeed, there is evidence supporting its use in patients with arthritis.76
Intermittent-fasting regimens reduce tissue damage and improve functional outcomes of traumatic and ischemic tissue injury in animal models. Preoperative fasting reduces tissue damage and inflammation and improves the outcomes of surgical procedures.
=== Wounds and surgical procedures ===
Intermittent-fasting regimens reduce tissue damage and improve functional outcomes of traumatic and ischemic tissue injury in animal models
Preoperative fasting reduces tissue damage and inflammation and improves the outcomes of surgical procedures.
In humans, intermittent-fasting interventions ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation.33 Intermittent fasting seems to confer health benefits to a greater extent than can be attributed just to a reduction in caloric intake
=== Western science slowly taking a step to reach upto Ayurveda wisdom ===
=== Western science slowly taking a step to reach upto Ayurveda wisdom ===
(De Cabo, R., & Mattson, M. P. (2019). ''Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(26), 2541–2551.'' doi:10.1056/nejmra1905136 )
(De Cabo, R., & Mattson, M. P. (2019). ''Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(26), 2541–2551.'' doi:10.1056/nejmra1905136 )
These benefits include metabolic shifts in energy production, the optimisation of peripheral circadian clocks, and overall improvement in physiological markers of metabolic health. IF has been proposed to reduce systemic inflammation and have a role in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. For the athlete, IF protocols offer a potential new frontier for maintaining performance in the fasted state.
== References ==
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[[Category:Ayurveda]]