Is Science Backing Traditional Christianity on Fasting?

In recent years, I’ve been fasting more frequently because I’ve become more traditional in my faith - and because my metabolism has slowed down in my age.  So I’ve given more weight (No pun intended.) to both the spiritual and physical health of fasting.

I should say I do not fast for very long because I sometimes have issues with energy and low blood sugar.  Also, I’m just not that fat (although the pious youth of my church seem convinced I am fat and old).  I do very much like being in good shape, and it affects me when I’m not.  Anyway, my typical fast is skipping lunch.

Well, lo and behold, science (SCIENCE!)* is discovering that intermittent fasting is good for you.  It sounds not that dissimilar from what the traditional church Calendar prescribes.  I will not go into detail here, but the benefits of fasting go beyond weight loss.

Among the study participants, markers of cell regeneration increased, while risk factors for diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging all dropped, he says.

Funny how God and His Holy Church is usually wise about most things.

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By the way, I found the above article through the eclectic Ace of Spaces blog.  Ace has been telling of his efforts to improve his health through fasting and other means under the GAINZZZ label.  Here is one example.

I’ve picked up a thing or two myself from him.  I’ve begun drinking water with BCAA powder (Alpha Amino powder to be exact) when I work out and find that helpful with some extra energy for one thing.

While on the subject of health, yes, my knee and I are doing quite well.  Don’t stop praying though. :)

*Apologies to Thomas Dolby.

I think like a Roman Catholic (or not).

Over at Fr. Z’s blog, there is a poll asking the following:

Should the [Roman Catholic] Bishops of the USA have us return to obligatory meatless Fridays during the whole year and not just during Lent?

My thinking is that fasting is commendable and that the adult faithful should be encouraged to practice fasting when health permits.  But to make it obligatory once a week is going too far.  And, besides, the Roman Catholic Church in the U. S. has much bigger problems to deal with.  (Don’t get me started on those!)  So I answered “No, this would be a really bad idea.”

And 3% of Fr. Z’s audience agrees with me.  3%.

I guess I really don’t think like a Roman Catholic.

I’m not into rosaries either.  But I heartily agree with the call of Fr. Zed and associates to pray for the U. S. from August 15^th through October 7^th.  (I would take it through Election Day myself, but I’m nitpicking.)  To say my view of the United States’ future is pessimistic would be an understatement.  We need all the prayer we can get and not only because of the two major parties’ nominees for President.

I would not be surprised if the Lord’s answer is to let us eat our own cooking for a few years.  But we should nonetheless pray and trust God to answer in his justice and mercy in due time.