Sexual abstinence is an alternative to skipping some foods this lent season

Lent is a time when most practising Christians draw closer to God. Many choose to do so through daily prayer and devotion. Others decide to go further by abstaining from specific things.

Benson Ojangole has chosen to abstain from cigarettes. “Fasting is about leaving something that is really important to you. It has been hard because on the first day, someone smoked in the office and I was tempted to light up. I hope by the end of Lent I will have given up the habit,” he says.

For Janet Kimbugwe, the sacrifice is beer. “Last year, on the twentieth day of Lent, I gave in to the beer thirst when I escorted friends to a bar. But this year, I hope to make it to the end of Lent, although I will not give up alcohol forever.”

It is not all about addictions though. Xavier Katusiime is not eating meat. “The priest told us that we must not eat meat on Fridays, but I want to abstain for the entire 40 days,” he says.

What the church says
In early Christianity, the pious abstained from sexual relations, as well. Today, the Anglican Church still encourages sexual abstinence during Lent.
Reverend Michael Mukhwana, Provost of All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala, says that “for those who cannot commit themselves to fasting from food, sexual abstinence is a good alternative.

However, couples should discuss this decision with their spouses to avoid misunderstandings.

The common type of fasting among Anglicans is the full fast which involves going without food and water for the day. “My advice for Christians is to be sure of their medical health before they take on this kind of fast,” adds Mukhwana.
As you draw nearer to the fast day, gradually reduce your food intake to prepare your body so that when you begin, your body does not suffer severe detoxification.

For those who have work that requires a lot of concentration and energy, a liquid or partial fast is the way to go. “Liquids consumed include water and fruit juice to remove the danger of dehydration,” says Mukwana.

In the Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday and every Friday of the Lenten period are the traditional days when Christians abstain from meat. Fr Gerald Kalumba, the Parish Priest of Christ the King Church in Kampala, says, “it is a must for every Catholic to abstain on those days.

However, one may choose to fast on any other day, from meat or other foods, if they want to. The church does not dictate on this.”

Medical view
Dr Ben Khingi, a physician, advises that carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks should be avoided.

“Carbonated drinks, like sodas create the illusion of satisfaction because they have gas. Caffeine is also not good because it primes the body for hyperactivity and yet it is in a weakened state.”

Wean yourself off these drinks a few days to the fast. Milk, and its cultured products, is to be avoided because in its absolute state, milk is a complete form of food.

In the Daniel fast observed among some Christians, adherents feed exclusively on vegetables, fruits and water. “The body can sustain this fast for a number of days because as long as you give it water, it can take care of its needs,” says Khingi. “But as it breaks down proteins and you get weaker, the body reaches a point where it cannot take any more,” he adds.

In a dry fast, practiced among very strict sections of Christianity, if the body does not receive food or drink for a number of days, it can lead to death by starvation.

Health benefits
According to Dr Khingi, fasting could rid one of undesirable addictions. “The body does not need cigarettes but when one smokes, the body becomes addicted. Of course there are many benefits of abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol.”

Weight loss is another likely benefit of fasting. Eight hours after your last meal, the body enters into a fasting state. When glucose – which generates energy – runs out, the body starts burning fat to make energy. This leads to weight loss.

“The body works better in this state because it is not being overtaxed with breaking down food. This is especially true for those who have been overeating or are obese,” says Khingi.

The body is also given a chance to clean and detox when one is taking liquids only.
On longer fasts, the body uses proteins – released by the breakdown of muscle – for energy, which can lead to extreme weakness and starvation. However, you are unlikely to reach this stage because the fast is broken daily, replacing lost energy.
People abstaining from meat generally will eat fewer calories and less fat, lowering the risk of heart disease.

Risks
When one suddenly stops smoking, the cravings may reach a point where one is unable to focus on their work and fasting.

Withdrawal symptoms for alcoholics may also make them irritable and restless. There are also some people who cannot manage stress well, and nutritional deprivation of the body can lead to stress.
Khingi says, “The body may be unable to manage blood sugar levels especially in diabetics, and in such extreme cases, one may lose consciousness.”
Dehydration is a danger on an absolute fast because the kidneys need water to function well. Constipation may also result if the intestinal tract is not getting enough water.

Fasting causes the body’s metabolism to shift towards breakdown, which is imbalanced. The body is in breakdown mode and yet you are not building up by eating.

How to fast right

Consult a doctor if you are diabetic, pregnant, or on medication before you fast.

Break the full fast every evening and start with liquids or light food like bananas or porridge before you can go on to fuller meals after a 20-minute period.

Eat a balanced diet and in moderation so you do not overload the system which has been empty.

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