The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and Promise of Doing Without

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 thro ugh 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.