Benefits of Fasting during Maha Shivratri 2021 - Gigadocs - Online Appointment with Best Doctors

Maha Shivratri brings an ideal time to observe a one-day fast in order to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Shivratri means the night devoted to worshipping Lord Shiva, celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvathi. This year, Mahashivratri will take place on March 11^th 2021.

When you are fasting for Mahashivratri, you are voluntarily abstaining from any or all food for a period of time. Water fasting and intermittent fasting are two distinct types of fasting observed during Shivratri.

Fasting for Mahashivratri

Our body requires energy whether or not we are fasting. The main source of energy is glucose, a sugar that is obtained from carbohydrates. Our Liver and muscles store this glucose and release it into our blood stream when required. This process is however altered when we are fasting. The liver uses the last of its stored glucose within eight hours of fasting. Successively our body enters into a state known as gluconeogenesis which is the beginning of the fasting mode. Fasting causes moderate stress in the body, our cells adapt to this stress by increasing their ability to cope and thereby strengthen themselves in the process. Fasting for a short period of time allows our bodies to grow stronger if we give them enough time to relax and heal.

Benefits of Fasting

Fasting can be difficult and painful at times, but the mental and physical benefits can be worth it. Here are the proven benefits of fasting-

Reduces Insulin Resistance

Fasting may increase blood sugar levels, which can be especially helpful for diabetics. However, people who are at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia, dehydration, or hypotension should avoid fasting. These people include the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies, and people who have had a traumatic brain injury or dementia.

Fights Inflammation

Although acute inflammation is a natural immune response that aids in the fight against infection, chronic inflammation may have serious health implications. According to researches, inflammation could be the reason behind rheumatoid arthritis, chronic heart disease and cancer. Fasting has shown to help lower inflammatory levels and encourage improved health.

How to Prepare for Maha Shivratri 2021 Fast

Keep yourself hydrated

Mild dehydration may trigger exhaustion, dry mouth, hunger, and headaches, so drink plenty of water while fasting. It’s easy to get dehydrated while fasting because food provides about 20–30% of the fluid your body requires. While you are observing the Manashivratri fast, we recommend you to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water to flush off the toxins and the waste from your body. If you’re practicing water fasting this Mahashivratri, raise your water intake to meet your body requirements. This will also keep you energized and prevent you from feeling exhausted and hungry.

Choose liquids to detox

Fasting with a range of liquid foods is a better choice for those who find it difficult to go without food or who have health concerns. Pregnant mothers, people with diabetes, stomach problems, extreme weakness need to take extra precautions while fasting.

To help you get through your Shivratri fast, including juices, milk, milkshakes, herbal tea, yogurt, or buttermilk in your diet.

Don’t Break Fasts with a Feast

It can be tempting after to break your fast by eating a huge meal. Though it could be tempting to break your fast with a huge meal, medically it is not advised. Breaking your Mahashivratri fast with a feast could make you feel tired and bloated.

Consuming excessive calories to break your fast have serious repercussions on your calorie deficit. The best way you can break your fast is by eating a balanced diet and then slowly getting back to your regular diet.

Stop Fasting If You Feel Unwell

Though you may feel tired, hungry, and irritable during a fast, you should never feel ill. Consider keeping your fast periods to 24 hours or less, particularly if you’re new to fasting, and keeping water and a snack on hand in case you start to feel dehydrated or sick.

The following are some indications that you should break your fast and seek medical help: Dehydration, irritability, mood swings, fainting, hunger, a lack of energy, and inability to concentrate that prevents you from performing everyday tasks, as well as sudden feelings of illness and discomfort.

Eat Whole Foods on Non-Fasting Days

Even though Mahashivratri fasting requires complete abstinence from food, it is still necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle on non-fasting days. Whole-food diets can help to lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. When you’re not fasting, make sure to eat whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and legumes to fulfill your body requirements.

Exercise Mild

Although fasting, some people find that they can keep up with their daily workout routine. If you’re new to fasting, however, it’s best to keep some exercise at a low intensity — particularly at first — to see how you respond. Light yoga, gentle stretching, and housework are examples of low-intensity exercises. Most importantly, if you’re having trouble exercising while fasting, take a break.

Pre-existing Conditions and Fasting

People who suffer from chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes should consider consulting a doctor to carefully plan and prepare for their fasting to avoid any complications. However, if their condition is well-managed and uncomplicated, they can safely fast.

Consulting a Doctor on Gigadocs

Before you begin your Mahashivratri fasting, speak with the best doctors and specialist dietitians via the Gigadocs E-healthcare app. Discuss your current health problems and those of your family to prevent any health issues that could occur while fasting, such as dehydration, irritability, mood swings, or fainting, which may have an effect on your health and well-being.

To consult doctors around you from the privacy of your home, download the Gigadocs app from-