Do you Think Navratri Fasts are mere for devotion? Well you are Wrong!!!
Navratri, which is rich in colours, tradition, songs, and dance, is also a time for us to unwind, turn inwards, and recharge ourselves with new energy. Fasting during Navratri facilitates the inner journey towards bliss and joy, and it calms the mind and brings awareness and joy into the world.
Navratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated worldwide. During the festival’s nine days, devotees dressed in traditional attire offer special prayers to nine different forms of Goddess Durga and fast. Although the fast is somewhat restrictive, the Saatvik diet consumed during this time is beneficial to your digestive system. It not only detoxifies the body but also has a plethora of other health benefits.
Given that lifestyle conditions are deteriorating among people of all ages, fasting during Navratri can be extremely beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Aside from that, you should keep medical insurance plans on hand for yourself and your loved ones to be financially prepared for unforeseen events.
The Navratri Fasting Dynamic
“We fast not to appease God, but to cleanse our bodies.” – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Fasting, according to Ayurveda, rekindles the digestive fire. Toxins in the body are burned by increasing the digestive fire. Toxins are flushed out of the body, which causes dullness and lethargy. All of the body’s cells are rejuvenated. Fasting is thus an effective therapy for cleansing our bodies. Because of the deep connection between the body and mind, the mind becomes calmer and more peaceful when the body is cleansed.
The many health benefits Navratri Fasting
Aids in weight loss
During Navratri fasting, you must eat a gluten-free diet. As a result, you can only include certain grains in your diets, such as water chestnut flour, amaranth flour, buckwheat flour, and sago. These grains are not only higher in fibre, proteins, and many essential nutrients, but they are also easier on the digestive system. They keep you full for a long time and aid in weight loss.
Other foods, such as fruits, green vegetables, healthy spices, fresh fruit juices, and buttermilk, can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Fasting, according to experts, also increases ketosis or fat burning. As a result, when you fast, your body burns excess fat that has been stored around the liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Immerse yourself in deeper meditations with Navratri fasting.
Navratri is a time to reconnect with yourself, meditate, and connect with the source of all existence. Fasting reduces the mind’s restlessness, making it easier to turn inwards and meditate. However, to keep yourself energized, make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits and other sattvic foods.
Reduces bloating
When you eat a healthy, gluten-free diet, your chances of experiencing digestive distress and bloating are reduced. Fasting during Navratri is especially beneficial for those who are gluten intolerant.
Improves cardiovascular health
Navratri fasting decreases the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Studies have shown intermittent fasting to improve blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of associated conditions. It reduces the risk of artery narrowing, heart attack, and stroke by removing fat deposits in the blood.
However, you should also be prepared for emergencies by purchasing the appropriate medical insurance plans. Health emergencies occur without warning, and you must choose a medical insurance plan that will be hassle-free and quick to assist you in an emergency.
It helps the body detoxify
When you fast during Navratri, you consume a lot of fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and grains. Fasting allows our digestive track’s organs to rest and re-energize. These foods aid in removing toxins from the body, develop immunity, and promote overall well-being.
As a result, fasting has several health benefits.
Precautions to be taken when Navratri fasting
Maintain an eye on blood pressure:
If you have hypertension or hypotension, keep track of your blood pressure while fasting. Although fasting can help lower blood pressure in hypertensive people, it is best to consult a doctor before fasting.
Do not fast if you are diabetic
Fasting can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels in diabetics, which can be dangerous. It is especially true for those who use insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Fasting lowers blood sugar levels, and prescribed medication can further lower them. This can result in hypoglycemia, which causes shakiness, confusion, irritability, and dizziness. As a result, fasting is a strict no-no for them.
Do not attempt extreme fasting
Fasting for extended periods can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches, and it may also significantly lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. As a result, avoid fasting excessively during Navratri or at any other time of the year.
