Overview of Fasting from Ancient Traditions to Contemporary Health Practices-Narrative Review

Fasting, a practice of deliberate abstention from food and drink, has ancient roots across diverse cultures and religions. It has gained renewed interest due to potential health benefits and spiritual significance. This review explores fasting's historical, cultural, and religious contexts, highlighting its evolution and variations such as intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, and prolonged fasting. Despite extensive research, gaps exist in understanding fasting’s comparative effectiveness, region-specific practices, and individualized impacts. Common myths, such as fasting leading to muscle loss or being harmful to women, are addressed alongside evidence-based health benefits, including weight loss, metabolic improvement, and cognitive support. Safety considerations and recommendations for different populations are also discussed. This comprehensive review aims to bridge existing gaps, offering a detailed overview of fasting’s multifaceted nature and debunking prevalent misconceptions.