Ekadasi: a one-day dry fasting - the benefits and dangers
Food / / December 19, 2019
A man needs a rest. From time to time we take a vacation, leaving the warm countries, hangs up the phone and the Internet. Mind and body need peace and harmony. Not only stomach a rest: on vacation, as at home, we continue to overeat. Meanwhile, our digestive system is also required pause. In Vedic culture days of abstinence from food and water are called Ekadasi.
Ekadashi (in Sanskrit - "eleven") - this is the 11th lunar day after each full moon and new moon. Typically, this is the 11 th and 26 th lunar day. In Hinduism and Jainism, these days are especially beneficial for a variety of spiritual practices, meditation and cleansing the body by fasting. It is the physiological aspect of the Ekadasi we discuss in this article.
What is Ekadashi?
In terms of the Vedic teachings, every 11th day of the ascending and descending Moon favors the cleansing of the body and its self-healing. It is believed that these days the Moon is closest to the Earth, and has on its waters the most gravitational influence. And since man is 80% water, the moon affects not only the tides but also on the physiological condition of the body. The cells in these days already experiencing "overweight", and heavy food can be detrimental to health. While abstaining from food and drink, on the contrary, it allows the body to rest and gain strength.
Followers of Hinduism believe that such fasting days activate the internal resources of the body, cleanse it of toxins, improve health, rejuvenate and even prolong life.
From the point of view of modern medicine, Ekadasi - a preventive one-day dry fasting. Within 24 hours (from sunrise to sunrise) to refrain from taking food and water. At the same time calorie restriction has both its supporters and opponents.
The benefits and dangers of dry fasting
Supporters of Ekadashi and other types of fasting say: hunger treated more Hippocrates; fasting is in all religions; abstinence is hidden the great wisdom of the ancestors.
It is believed that Ekadasi can alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as asthma, allergies, hypertension, diseases of the stomach and intestines, diabetes and others.
The main argument is that while not receiving feeding from outside, the body proceeds to internal power supply due to destruction of their own fats, carbohydrates and proteins. At the same time there is a body clean of toxins. Whereby cells improve their health, a person feels the influx of vitality.
It is important to stress that fasting is a method of alternative medicine. Doctors representing the classical school, as a rule, do not support such radical measures. So, MD, clinical professor of medicine, a cardiologist Isedor Rosenfeld (Isadore Rosenfeld) Opposes diets involving consumption of less than 1200 kcal per day.
He argues that the idea of the existence in the human body so-called unscientific slag. No studies reliably prove that the body needs help to deduce the final products of metabolism. Moreover, Dr. Rosenfeld suggests that fasting may weaken the immune system, disrupt the rhythm of the heart and lead to dehydration.
Ekadasi provides for the refusal of food and water for 24 hours. When this is possible as a strict fast (complete lack of contact with water and food) and more gentle (partial fasting, when once a day are admitted drink and meal). The scientists say that the one who fasts completely, gets a "prize" in full, but the one who eats naktam (dinner) - only half. However, it is important to remember that the loss of water causes the body mass reduction of 10–20% life-threatening. Doctors urged to refrain from the dry fasting during hot weather, as well as significant physical exertion.
Followers Ekadasi admit that the first few posts may cause side effects:
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- headache;
- irregular heartbeat;
- lowering blood pressure and others.
But it is believed that it is a natural reaction of the body, which is being rebuilt to fight with slag. If practiced regularly Ekadasi, these symptoms go away.
Doctors also say that dry fasting can lead to complications of urolithiasis and gout, and in the long term - to the problems with the liver and kidneys. In addition, there are diseases in which the doctor is strictly prohibited to starve, especially without water. Among them:
- tuberculosis;
- heart disease and blood circulation;
- thrombophlebitis;
- underweight;
- malignant tumors.
Not recommended as Ekadasi fasting for pregnant women, nursing mothers and people taking potent drugs.
Post Ekadasi: how to get, keep and exit
As mentioned above, the best way to observe Ekadasi - completely abstain from food and drink. But for those who can not adhere to such strict rules, it is allowed to drink water and eat a certain food. The main thing is that it did not include legumes and crops (peas, chickpeas, beans, beans, rice, pasta, etc.).
Other foods that are forbidden on Ekadasi:
- spinach;
- honey;
- eggplant;
- beet;
- tomatoes;
- onion and garlic;
- cabbage;
- mushrooms;
- spices, sea salt and sugar;
- oil.
In addition, it is not recommended to eat in other people's homes, cafes and restaurants.
But the most difficult - is not the position, but the correct input on Ekadasi and exiting. It is necessary to prepare the body to starvation, on the eve of abandoning the heavy meal and generally reducing diet.
Exiting Ekadasi should start with a drink (if you adhere to a strict fasting). For this purpose, after sunrise to drink 0.5 liters of salt water (one teaspoonful of salt per pint). You may want to add to the water-salt solution lemon juice. After a few minutes once the water can be eaten banana. It is believed that this fruit coats the stomach by neutralizing the acid accumulated in it. Even after some time, you can afford a light breakfast. During the day after Ekadasi it is not recommended to eat fatty, fried foods.
If a person fasts on Ekadasi, I will burn all his sins and grant him His transcendental abode. Ekadasi - the best day for the destruction of all sins. He comes to the benefit of all. Krishna Arjuna
Remember Ekadasi, like any religious post - this is primarily a spiritual abstinence. These days should devote themselves to austerity, to help the needy and to do good. Because in Hinduism Ekadasi - a cleansing of the body is not so much how many souls.
If you practice (ever practiced) Ekadasi fasting or other, share their experiences in the comments.