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Navratri is a Hindu festival of worship and dance, celebrated in different ways throughout India. The word Navratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit. |
Navratri is the time when people fast, to follow a tradition of cleansing, detoxifying and getting their bodies rested. Fasts are a means of internal cleansing, physically and spiritually. They not only purify the gastro-intestinal tract and surrounding organs, but also normalise the metabolic components and give rest to the intestines.
Fasting is good, but healthy fasting is all the more important. A healthy fast will help the body flush out excess harmful toxins and other waste substances. On the other hand, fasting in an improper way will leave you stressed and worked out. Hence, it is necessary that you fast healthy.
Fasting is a powerful therapeutic process, which can help people recover from mild to severe health conditions. Naturopathy believes that a properly done fast helps the body to detoxify and prepare for rejuvenation. A well done fast (which should be done cyclically) has the potential to cure many diseases. Fasts usually benefit people and constitutions, which are acidic, congestive or pitta and kapha in nature.
How to Fast Healthy
Navratri is the time to eat a variety of healthy foods. The ideal fasting diet should contain a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
- Begin your day by drinking luke-warm water with a few drops of lemon to flush and detoxify the system.
- Eat fruits like papaya, apple, pear and pomegranate.
- Eat almonds (soaked overnight) and raisins to boost minerals.
- Avoid over-indulging in full cream milk and paneer, as this may add to the lethargy.
- Vegetable juices made out of bottle gourd, tomato, apple and a little bit of ginger, provide mega shots of vitamins A, B and C, serving as antioxidants to prevent cancer.
- If you have acidity and heartburn problems, make sure to avoid staying empty-stomach for long hours. Eat small portions every few hours.
- Avoid too much sugar and too much salt in your diet.
Check with your doctor to see if you are capable of fasting, this Navratri. No religion asks for your death, and as we know, unhealthy fasting could lead to dire consequences. |
| Prathima S.S is Lifestyle Counselor, Apollo Life, chennai |
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