Great Lent is the most important in Orthodoxy, its purpose is to prepare Christians for the celebration of Easter. During this period, you can not eat meat and dairy products, eggs, animal fats, fish, alcohol. Food restrictions, of course, have an impact on the state of the body.
Health Benefits of Lent
Studies conducted by scientists led to the conclusion that exclusion from the diet for some time of meat and dairy products is good for health. During this time, toxins and toxins are cleansed, and excess weight is lost. Eating plant-based foods that are high in fiber helps to improve bowel function and get rid of constipation.
Products with a high content of animal proteins, fats heavily burden the digestive system. Animal meat can contain hormones, antibiotics, which are built into the human metabolism and are harmful. Refusal of such products allows the digestive system and the body as a whole to rest and recover a little.
The intestinal microflora is normalized, which positively affects the condition of the skin. Fasting meals can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as remove excess fluid. Weight loss, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
With kidney disease, the rejection of protein foods will only benefit, as the load on the excretory system is reduced. Fasting also helps patients suffering from various forms of allergies: it helps to activate the function of the adrenal glands. As a result, the synthesis of glucocorticosteroid hormones, which suppress allergic processes, improves. Alternating the diet throughout the year improves the state of immunity and mobilizes the body’s defenses.
Is Great Lent Bad for Your Health?
Great Lent is distinguished by the most stringent food restrictions that can adversely affect health. In particular, excessive consumption of carbohydrates stresses the pancreas. Nitrates contained in vegetables and fruits impede the process of oxygen transfer by blood cells, as a result, chronic fatigue syndrome and other disorders of the body can develop.
A sharp change in the diet can provoke the development of diseases of the digestive system and adversely affect the state of the nervous system. Refusal of animal protein can lead to a deterioration in the condition of hair, nails, and negatively affects the reproductive organs of women. Elderly people, while fasting , run the risk of exacerbating old sores or acquiring new ones. Church representatives do not recommend fasting:
- women during pregnancy and lactation;
- children under the age of 14;
- people whose occupation is hard physical labor;
- in periods after surgical operations;
- with certain diseases (anemia, gastrointestinal ulcer, diabetes mellitus, SARS, influenza, etc.).
If food restrictions are contraindicated, but there is a strong desire to join the tradition, you can, for example, give up your favorite sweets and not overeat.
In order for fasting to benefit the body, it is recommended to eat little and often, preferably every 3 hours. During the day, be sure to drink water. The diet should include fresh and thermally processed vegetables, various types of cereals, legumes, mushrooms, berries, fruits, nuts, honey, dried fruits. There are also concessions when vegetable oil, fish, milk, eggs are added to the lenten menu.
When leaving the fast, it is very important to eat in moderation. New products should be introduced into the daily diet gradually, a sharp transition to regular food is unacceptable.
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