Why do so many people think fasting is unhealthy?

Question

Just about every animal in the animal kingdom fasts a some time of the year except humans. Why is that? Why is fasting seen as such an unhealthy thing?

Hey dummies! If animals and people are so different, why do scientist conduct "animal testing" before releasing new drugs to the public?

Answer 1

have you ever seen an obese animal in the wild
same principle

Answer 2

There's nothing wrong with short-term fasting. It's actually been shown to produce slight health benefits, if done properly. Many religions and some Asian countries routinely fast.

However, long-term fasting can have detrimental impacts on your health. It really isn't an issue whether you don't get enough nutrients... you can always make up for it by increased intake at night.

The main reason why I've heard long-term fasting is unhealthy is because it alters your metabolism. Studies have shown that the healthiest way for humans to live is to eat approximately 5 small (and healthy) meals a day. That way, our metabolisms keep running at prime condition. When you severely limit the amount of time which you can ingest food, many people tend to binge eat at night. Binge eating in general is unhealthy because you're extending your stomach and not giving your body adequate time before you digest all the food.

People who fast for periods often report decreased energy, muscle tone, etc etc. Your body doesn't have a store of energy to run off of during the day, so if you fast long-term, the body consumes body fat and possibly muscle tissue during the day.

Answer 3

I think the fear is that people (especially in America) seeking the "magic cure" go to extremes. It's the philosophy that "if one pill is good, three must be better." On the same theme, if a day or two of juice fasting is good, a week (or more) of water fasting must be better. I do believe that "sensible" fasting has many benefits, but the temptation to take that to extreme is very real for many people...especially impressionable kids and young adults.

Answer 4

We fast once a month for two consecutive meals. That's not a bad thing but I think what freaks people out is when Someone is fasting for an extended period of time and they are doing it for weight loss. I had a daughter who ended up in the hospital because she would refuse to eat.

Answer 5

It depends on your fast. If you fast for days, of course you're doing yourself harm. If you skip a meal, no...it won't hurt you unless you have blood sugar issues or other health problems. The problem with fasting is that people take it too far. If one day is good, then a week is better...and you know that's not the case. Personally, I think if you want to skip a meal or two for religious reasons, have at it...but if you're doing it as a health benefit, you're only fooling yourself. If you want to clean yourself out, eat a jalapeno omlete. ;0)

Answer 6

Experts say that fasting is a good way to improve your health. Im talking about fasting for 24 hours, not two weeks. I always feel better after I have fasted.

Answer 7

It can be healthy, but you just have to be careful. Some religions even teach fasting as part of their rituals. Good luck.

Answer 8

Because you body requires all kinds of nutrients to survive. When you starve yourself, your body starts consuming your own muscles/organs. Your organs also become very week and will eventually fail. You are better off to eat small portions several times a day than to go without. This helps keep your blood sugar levels at a more normal level.

Answer 9

I don't think it is unhealthy. I think it is very healty if done correctly. Hopefully when you fast, you drink lots of water and you don't do it for an extended period of time (too long).

Answer 10

Fasting is unhealthy because it is detrimental to the state of America's Economy.

That's the type of logic George W. Bush and American politicians, Democrat or Republican are using for not adopting the Kyoto protocol.