With fasting at an all-time high in popularity here is the first deep exploration into the
surprising history and science behind the practice-essential to many religions and
philosophies. Whether for philosophical political or health-related reasons fasting marks a
departure from daily routine. It involves doing less but doing less in a radical way. Based on
extensive historical scientific and cultural research and reporting The Fast illuminates the
numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John Oakes interviews doctors spiritual
leaders activists and others who guide him through this practice-and embarks on fasts of his
own-to deliver a book that supplies readers curious about fasting with profound new
understanding appreciation and inspiration. In recent years fasting has become increasingly
popular for a variety of reasons-from health advocates who see fasting as a method to lose
weight or to detox to the faithful who fast in prayer to seekers pursuing mindfulness to
activists using hunger strikes as an effective means of peaceful protest. Notable fasters
include Moses Buddha Jesus Muhammad Gandhi George Washington Abraham Lincoln Emily
Dickinson Mark Twain Cesar Chavez and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over
the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the
jaw-dropping biological phenomena that occur inside the human body when we fast. Metabolic
switching induced by fasting can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level such
fasting can provide benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes cancer epilepsy
cardiovascular disease neurodegenerative disorders and more. Prolonged fasting can serve both
to reinvigorate the immune system and to protect it against damage. Beyond the physical
experience fasting can be a great collective unifier an instant leveler that connects us
purely by virtue of being an act accessible to all and it has been adopted by religions and
political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and
days such as Lent (Christianity) Ramadan (Islam) Yom Kippur (Judaism) Uposatha (Buddhism)
and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to
an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine ascending to enlightenment or even
sainthood. Through the ages fasting in the name of justice-a hunger strike-has signaled purity
of intent and action. It's a tactic that demands commitment serves to highlight the cruelty of
those in authority and appeals to shared values: that we're united by a common humanity and we
deserve to be heard. Advocates who have waged hunger strikes include Gandhi in India Bobby
Sands in Ireland and the Taxi Workers Alliance in New York City. Fasting reminds us of the
virtues of holding back of not consuming all that we can. Ultimately this book shows us that
fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and
empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world.
