Author(s):
Shyamala Ravikoti, Seykkulandai Kuppuswamy Mohanasundari, Mamta Choudhary
Email(s):
mohanasundarisk.con@aiimsbibinagar.edu.in
DOI:
10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00013 
Address:
Shyamala Ravikoti1, Seykkulandai Kuppuswamy Mohanasundari2, Mamta Choudhary3
1Additional Professor, Dept of Microbiology, AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India.
2Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, AIIMS Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India.
3Associate Professor, College of Nursing, AIIMS New Delhi, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 1,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Fasting, a practice of deliberate abstention from food and drink, has ancient roots across diverse cultures and religions. It has gained renewed interest due to potential health benefits and spiritual significance. This review explores fasting's historical, cultural, and religious contexts, highlighting its evolution and variations such as intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, and prolonged fasting. Despite extensive research, gaps exist in understanding fasting’s comparative effectiveness, region-specific practices, and individualized impacts. Common myths, such as fasting leading to muscle loss or being harmful to women, are addressed alongside evidence-based health benefits, including weight loss, metabolic improvement, and cognitive support. Safety considerations and recommendations for different populations are also discussed. This comprehensive review aims to bridge existing gaps, offering a detailed overview of fasting’s multifaceted nature and debunking prevalent misconceptions.
Cite this article:
Shyamala Ravikoti, Seykkulandai Kuppuswamy Mohanasundari, Mamta Choudhary. Overview of Fasting from Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Health Practices-Narrative Review. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(1):61-5. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00013
Cite(Electronic):
Shyamala Ravikoti, Seykkulandai Kuppuswamy Mohanasundari, Mamta Choudhary. Overview of Fasting from Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Health Practices-Narrative Review. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(1):61-5. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00013 Available on: https://ajner.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-1-13
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