Ready to Try Ekadashi Fasting? Don't Miss Out on These Benefits!

Hey there! Today, let us dive into the fascinating world of fasting, with a spotlight on a special day called Ekadashi. Yep, you heard it right—it's time to explore how skipping a meal or two can do wonders for your health.

Table of Contents

• What is Ekadashi?

• The Science Behind It

• Who started this practice?

• The Spiritual Saga

• Why to avoid eating rice?

• Pros & Cons

• Fasting and Cancer Prevention

• When and How to Fast?

• References

What is Ekadashi?

It is a significant day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls on the eleventh lunar day (ekadashi tithi) of each of the two lunar phases: the time when the moon is getting brighter (Shukla Paksha) and the time when the moon is getting darker (Krushna Paksa). But why is it so special? Well, legend has it that Ekadashi is the day when Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu mythology, rests and meditates. And his devotees follow suit by fasting and praying.

The Science Behind It

Now, you might be wondering, what's the deal with fasting on Ekadashi? Is there any scientific rationale behind it? Turns out, there is! Fasting on Ekadashi isn't just about spiritual cleansing; it's also about giving your body a much-needed break from digesting heavy food. Research suggests that practicing intermittent fasting, like Ekadashi, can help with the following:

1. Reset & detox digestive system

2. Boost metabolism

3. Improve insulin sensitivity

4. Reduce risk of chronic illnesses

5. Spiritual Cleansing

6. Practice control over senses (Tapasya & Vairagya)

Who started this practice?

It is believed to have originated from ancient Indian scriptures, with sages and saints prescribing it as a path to spiritual enlightenment and physical well-being. Over the centuries, it has become a cherished tradition among Hindus, with devotees eagerly awaiting each Ekadashi to cleanse their bodies and minds.

The Spiritual Saga

In old Hindu stories, Ekadashi fasting began because of a scary demon named Mura. The gods were afraid, so they asked Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu fought Mura for thousands of years, but then he pretended to sleep in a cave. When Mura tried to attack him, a strong goddess named Maha Shakti Ekadashi appeared and defeated Mura. She was born from Vishnu's eleven senses.

Because of this, Vishnu said people should fast on Ekadashi, the 11th day of the lunar cycle, to control their senses. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to wash away sins and make people healthier. Those who fast without eating grains are said to be welcomed into Vishnu's divine home.

Why do people avoid eating rice on Ekadashi?

• Scientific reason - Rice fasting helps cleanse the body every ten to eleven days, giving the digestive system a break from heavy food like rice & grains, and consuming on fruits.

• Gravitational Phenomenon - The Moon's gravitational pull affects water bodies, causing tides to rise and fall. On Ekadashi, the Moon's position results in a particularly strong gravitational pull on water bodies worldwide. Since, rice has a high water-retaining property, consuming rice on these days could make digestion difficult and potentially causing stomach issues.

• Mythology - Legend has it that Brahma, the creator, once had a drop of sweat fall from his forehead, which transformed into a demon. Seeking refuge, the demon asked Brahma for a permanent home, and Brahma told him to reside among the grains of rice eaten on Ekadashi.

Pros & Cons

Now, let's talk benefits and drawbacks. On the bright side, Ekadashi fasting can work wonders for your physical, spiritual, and mental health. From improved digestion and weight management to increased focus and inner peace, the perks are aplenty. However, it's essential to listen to your body and approach fasting with caution, especially if you have underlying health conditions or dietary restrictions. Consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any fasting regimen to ensure it's safe for you.

Fasting and Cancer Prevention

One of the most intriguing aspects of fasting is its potential role in cancer prevention. Research suggests that fasting may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Studies have shown that fasting can reduce insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity, which may help slow down the progression of cancer. Additionally, fasting has been found to activate pathways in cells that promote longevity and protect against age-related diseases, including cancer.

A study published in Cancer Cell demonstrated that fasting can lead to the regeneration of immune cells, which play a crucial role in detecting and destroying cancer cells. Another study in Cell Metabolism found that fasting could enhance the effects of chemotherapy on cancer cells while protecting healthy cells from damage.

For more information on the link between fasting and cancer prevention, you can check out the research paper titled "Fasting cycles retard growth of tumors and sensitize a range of cancer cell types to chemotherapy" by Cheng et al., published in Science Translational Medicine.

When and How to Fast?

So, you're sold on the idea of Ekadashi fasting—now what? Well, mark your calendars, because Ekadashi comes around twice a month. Click here to find out the exact dates (sample shown below) to practice it.

As for how to fast, it's pretty straightforward: abstain from grains, legumes, and certain vegetables, and opt for light, sattvic (pure) foods instead (like fruits). And don't forget to channel your inner Zen with meditation and prayer—it's not just about the food; it's about nourishing your soul too!

The scientific explanations and mythological tales have left me eager to experience the benefits firsthand. I'm going to try this fasting method myself and I promise to share my thoughts and experiences with you in the comments soon.

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References

1. Horne, B. D., & Muhlestein, J. B. (2015). "Fasting: A history and overview of preclinical and clinical evidence." Cardiovascular Research, 104(3), 393-402. doi: [10.1093/cvr/cvu225](https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvu225).

2. Anton, S. D., Moehl, K., Donahoo, W. T., Marosi, K., Lee, S. A., Mainous, A. G., Leeuwenburgh, C., & Mattson, M. P. (2018). "Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying the Health Benefits of Fasting." Obesity, 26(2), 254-268. doi: [10.1002/oby.22065](https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22065).

3. Longo, V. D., & Mattson, M. P. (2014). "Fasting: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications." Cell Metabolism, 19(2), 181-192. doi: [10.1016/j.cmet.2013.12.008](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2013.12.008).

4. Michalsen, A. (2010). "Prolonged Fasting as a Method of Mood Enhancement in Chronic Pain Syndromes: A Review of Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms." Current Pain and Headache Reports, 14(2), 80-87. doi: [10.1007/s11916-010-0130-6](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-010-0130-6).

5. Nidhi, R., Padmaprabhu, C. A., & Setty, S. (2013). "Scientific Evidence on the Physiological Effects of Siddha Fasting Practices." Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 12(2), 308-313. [Link to article](http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/17347).

These articles provide insights into the physiological and clinical benefits of fasting, which are often associated with the observance of Ekadashi fasting practices in Hindu culture.