In Hindu and Islamic traditions, such as Safar and Ramadan, fasting has always held a high position. Although many observe these traditions as an ancient custom, Dr. Shubham Vats recently presented fasting from a new perspective, asserting that it is not merely an old ritual practice, but rather a tool for maintaining health and insurance for the body.
Dr. Vats believes that in the past, when there were no fitness centers or dietitians, religions taught people to fast. He posits that the true meaning of fasting lies in giving rest to the body's engine. Modern practices known as Intermittent Fasting are essentially the same method that our ancestors passed down to us through traditions like Safar and Ramadan. When a person fasts, they unconsciously give their body the necessary break.
Dr. Vats emphasized a critically important point: often, people consume large amounts of sugar, fried foods, or fast food disguised as juices, fruit dishes, or special fasting products during the fast. He warns that if the goal of fasting is to gain benefits, it should not be filled with unhealthy food. Fasting should mean a break in the digestive system so that the body can recover on its own. Consuming fried or overly sweet items during a fast hinders the body's recovery system.
The most significant aspect of this discussion is self-control. According to Dr. Vats, fasting is not just an empty stomach; it is a way to learn to say 'no.' In today's fast-paced life, people often cannot say 'no.' This can relate to refusing unhealthy food that is toxic to the body, refusing the need for surrounding approval, or refusing to agree with everything others say. By controlling one's appetite during a fast, a person gradually learns to manage other desires in life, which constitutes a kind of mental detoxification.
Dr. Vats drew an interesting analogy, comparing fasting to saving money. Just as we invest part of our earnings to secure the future, by practicing fasting, we conserve our body's energy. During fasting, the body begins to convert fat into energy. Sharing his experience, he noted that the most noticeable change he felt during his research was an improvement in sleep quality. After fasting, he began having deep, peaceful dreams, which in modern times can be considered a great blessing.
Thus, next time you observe the Safar or Ramadan fast, you should not view it merely as a religious formality. It should be seen as an opportunity to reboot your body and mind. Fasting teaches us that even when having everything we need, we do not have to accept every thing all the time. Restraint is the key leading to a long, healthy, and peaceful life.
