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Fasting isn’t a new concept. It’s an age-old tradition that strengthens Agni (digestive fire), eliminates the accumulated ama (harmful toxins) and helps you lose weight. The principles of fasting extend the rights and wrongs as well as tell us who can fast and who shouldn’t. Since Ayurveda recognizes each individual under the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, it also suggests fasting based on the same classification. Talking of intermittent fasting, it’s as old as humans are. But, what is it? How to intermittent fast correctly? What’s the fad on intermittent fasting for weight loss? Let’s find out…

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

According to a Healthline article,

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It’s a very popular health and fitness trend, with research to back it up. It does not say anything about which foods to eat, but rather when you should eat them. Most people already “fast” every day, while they sleep. It can be as simple as extending that fast a little longer.

Intermittent Fasting According To Doshas

Kapha Type: People dominated by the Kapha Dosha can go on a fruit and juice fast once or twice every week. Such individuals must try intermittent fasting for weight loss and to improve their metabolic functioning.

Pitta Type: Pitta ruled individuals can go on a liquid-only (bitter and astringent vegetable juices) intermittent fast but occasionally. Fasting isn’t recommended for more than three days during a seasonal change.

Vata Type: A Vata personality must not fast. If one still wants, he/ she can start with a 12-hour fast to accustom the body. And keep having Vata pacifying fruits like sweet oranges, mango, and grapes.

PS: Intermittent fasting benefits the ones who are healthy and stable. Avoid, if you’re experiencing any discomforts.

How To Intermittent Fast Correctly?

To gain the positive effects of intermittent fasting, cut off Tamasic edibles like coffee, carbonated drinks, processed food, unhealthy fats, refined carbs, leftovers, frozen food, and alcohol from your diet. These produce ama. So, try following a Satvik diet. Take fresh fruits or vegetable juices in breakfast, and eat light digestive food at lunch as well as dinner.

As mentioned in Healthline, fasting variations may include:

16/8 Method: 16 hours fasting; eating between noon and 8pm.

Eat-Stop-Eat: Fasting once or twice weekly, not to eat anything from dinner to dinner (24 hour fast).

5:2 Diet: During 2 days of the week, eat only about 500-600 calories.

Intermittent Fasting Benefits

1. It Improves Digestion.

Fasting allows the digestive system to regain its power. But, it’s useful only when you follow a regular intermittent fasting schedule. So, how to intermittent fast to aid better digestion? Cut out heavy, oily and processed foods!

2. Try Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss.

Keeping up with a regular intermittent fasting schedule helps shed even stubborn fat. The stored fat is ultimately consumed to energize the body leading to a healthy weight loss.

3. It Regulates Hormonal Balance.

Intermittent fasting benefits are immense for women. Try to maintain the intermittent fasting schedule and it eventually helps increase hormonal functioning, relieve autoimmune disorders, and also manage PCOS/ PCOD.

4. It Results In A Sound Sleep.

Intermittent fasting benefits those who are victims of short sleep cycles or sleeplessness. With the elimination of toxins, fasting clears mental confusions and the brain functioning improves.

5. It Teaches Survival.

Intermittent fasting teaches you survival techniques. Be it for spiritual reasons, out of trend or scarcity, humans have been fasting for thousands of years. Eating throughout the day also gives one the luxury of ignoring the fact that life is uncertain.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.