'Fasting is the voluntary self-denial of solid food over any period of time. The practice of fasting has religious origins dating back to the beginning of recorded history.'

With the Global Week of Action happening on Monday 11 April, Andy Jackson looks at the history of fasting, its roots in religion and ways to overcome the fear of fasting.

To fast for a meal or a day, in solidarity with the 850 million people who go to bed hungry every night, is one part of the Global Week of Action, which takes place on 10-16 April. The aim of the fast is to show that trade is about food, life, death and livelihoods.

Fasting is the voluntary self-denial of solid food over any period of time. The practice of fasting has religious origins dating back to the beginning of recorded history.

The purpose of the religious fast is purification of the soul and preparation to receive atonement of sins. Fasting is practised to this day among Roman Catholics, orthodox Catholics, Jews and several Protestant sects, notably Episcopalians and Lutherans, as well as Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists and American Indians.

According to the Bible, Christ fasted alone in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights.

Fasting has a political history, highlighted by Gandhi’s use of it to pressure and inspire his followers to observe his principles of non-violence during India’s struggle for independence.

Prisoner Bobby Sands died in 1981 after a 66-day hunger strike, in protest against prison conditions.

In ancient times, fasts were traditional at the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, and were believed to increase fertility of both the land (through God’s grace) and the human body.

American Indians

Fasts were used by American Indians to avert disasters (such as earthquakes, floods, droughts and wars) and as penance for sin, although they can lead to medical problems.

One of the most common objections to taking part in a fast is the fear of hunger. Some medical writers believe that the fear comes from the addiction for quantity of food. Others believe that certain elements of food groups, for example, carbohydrates, are to blame.

Even those eating a healthy diet can be addicted to quantity of food, experts say. The thought of a decreased amount, not to mention any food at all, over an extended period of time, is enough to strike terror into the hearts of many people!

Tips

But if you are considering taking part, do read the following:

NEVER FAST if you’re pregnant or suffering from Grave’s disease, diabetes or TB. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

Gradually reduce your intake of food in the days beforehand. Your body needs time to adjust to the absence of solid food.

Stay relaxed throughout the fast. Tongue coating, lethargy and headaches may occur, so rest is essential. If you have an extremely busy day planned, at home or at work, why not arrange to miss one meal rather than fast for 24 hours?

Don’t continue the fast without professional advice and supervision.

Do drink plenty of water and fruit juice. This will help alleviate the feelings of hunger. Don’t smoke or consume alcohol or carbonated drinks during the fast.

Continue normal medication or supplements during the fast, but seek advice on dosage from your doctor.

If you feel faint lie down and rest. If you get a headache increase your water intake.

If you feel very hungry chew a few raisins and spit out the skins.

If you feel unwell stop fasting immediately and seek medical advice.

After the fast, gradually build up your intake of food back to its normal level. Don’t go mad and eat everything in the fridge at 00.01am on Tuesday, because you will be ill.

Eat smaller meals for a day or so, so that your stomach can readjust to the intake of solid food.

• Back to the Global Week of Action index