Chhath festival is celebrated with complete sanctity not only in Bihar and Purvanchal, but now in many countries of the world including Delhi-Mumbai. But fasting for 36 hours during this festival can also be harmful for health. Here we are talking about those special situations when you should not observe this fast.
Chhath Puja is the most popular festival of Bihar (chhath puja fasting). Today, it is popular in Bihar as well as many other states of the country. In this great festival of 4 days, one has to observe waterless fast for 36 hours (chhath puja fasting hours) (36 hours fasting side effects). From a health point of view, staying without eating or drinking anything for 36 hours is not good for health, especially for those who already have health problems. At the same time, staying without eating or drinking anything for 36 hours can have many side effects on the health of ordinary people. If you are also thinking of observing Chhath fast, then first check your body.
Dietitian Parmeet Kaur, Head and Chief – Nutritionist and Dietician, Maringo Asia Hospital Gurugram lists some possible side effects of fasting without water for a long time. So let us know the disadvantages of long fasting and also know who should not do long fasting (36 hours fasting side effects).
Possible side effects of 36 hours fasting (36 hours fasting side effects)
1. Weakness, tiredness and dizziness
There are both advantages and disadvantages of fasting for a long period of time. Fasting for long periods of time, especially when not under medical care, can pose several health risks. First of all, fasting for a long period of time can lead to deficiency of essential nutrients in the body, resulting in weakness, tiredness and dizziness becoming common.
2. pH of blood can change
The body uses stored fat as a substitute for glucose to produce energy. Although this process can help with weight loss, it can also result in the production of ketones, leading to ketoacidosis. This is a dangerous disease, which changes the pH of the blood. Especially it can be more dangerous for diabetic patients.
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3. Muscle Loss
Prolonged fasting, especially Nirjala Vrat, can lead to muscle loss. Because during this time the body starts breaking down muscles to conserve energy. Thus muscle loss can weaken your body.
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4. Blood sugar level may fall
Fasting for a long time can reduce blood sugar levels. Which can result in mood changes, irritability, and trouble concentrating. Not only this, due to falling blood sugar level many other symptoms can be seen in the body.
5. Blood pressure may drop
Prolonged starvation can lead to unconsciousness in low blood pressure patients, which can result in injury.
6. Dehydration
Our body requires about 3 to 4 liters of water every day. In such a situation, not getting any water in the body during fasting for about 36 hours can cause problems (36 hours fasting side effects). Not drinking water for a long time or not consuming any water-rich foods can cause dehydration. In this condition, electrolyte imbalance and pressure on the kidneys can occur. Prolonged fasting can also have a detrimental effect on the digestive system, making it more difficult to effectively digest food when eating again. If you are thinking of fasting for a long time, then consult a doctor first.
Know who should avoid chhath puja fasting
Chhath Puja is a waterless fast, in which one has to fast for about 36 hours (chhath puja fasting hours). Preparation for puja starts with bathing and eating and during these days too the fasting food has to be eaten only once. After this, one has to remain without eating and drinking continuously for about 36 hours (chhath puja fasting tips). This is a very difficult festival, which is very difficult to keep. However, despite it being so difficult, most of the people in Bihar observe this fast. Although fasting is good for the body, there are many situations when prolonged fasting can harm the body.
- Especially pregnant and breast feeding women should not observe long fasts like Chhath Puja. This may increase complications for you.
- Apart from this, if you have diabetes, then fasting for 36 hours without water is not at all good for your health. Being hungry for such a long time can lead to unbalanced blood sugar levels, due to which one may have to face many types of problems.
- Fasting is not recommended for people taking certain medications, such as insulin, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Apart from this, people with low blood pressure should not fast.
- If you have a heart related problem, or have had heart surgery, then do not observe Chhath fast in this situation.
- People with uncontrolled migraine should also avoid prolonged fasting otherwise a migraine may be triggered.
Also read: Navratri Fasting for Diabetes: If you are observing Navratri fast due to diabetes, then control your blood sugar level in these 5 ways.
