For centuries, numerous scholars and intellectuals have studied history and developed theories on the ways in which ancient civilisations approached well-being and health. Though we are advancing rapidly as a society, some simple truths about being human never change.
As explained quite accurately by successful entrepreneur Naval Ravikant, the modern mind is overstimulated, and the modern body is under-stimulated and overfed. By taking a few steps back into our past and re-visiting the importance of nourishing the human spirit, through fasting, meditation and diet we may restore an ancient balance.
Fasting
The first ancient health hack we can all benefit from is fasting. Although it seems that this health craze hit the nutrition world just a handful of years ago, in reality this is something that mankind has done for millennia.
In Ancient Greece, fasting was practised as a means of developing intelligence, perception and physical agility. It is said that Pythagoras himself fasted for 40 days before his exams and experienced such a profound increase in clarity of mind and physical strength that he prescribed fasting to his students.
Recent research has also shown the incredible health benefits of fasting. It can restore insulin levels, balance hormones, burn excess fat and encourage cells to heal themselves via a process called “autophagy”. The Greek term literally translates to ‘self-eating’ and refers to the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new, healthier cells.
From improvements in brain function to heart health, a scheduled fasting regime can do wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing. Around 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) advocated fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, as a means of maintaining a healthy mind, body and soul.
Nowadays, the famous intermittent fasting style of 5:2 (fasting two days out of the week) has not only become a successful weight loss method for many but a beloved ritual to achieve clarity and space for productive thought.
There are many types of fasting that can fit nearly everyone’s lifestyle. So why not pick a date in the calendar and give your digestive system a well-deserved break!
