There are several types of fasting that we Indians follow, based on the meals and the food items that are permitted during each type.
- Satwikopvas- regular cereals and lentils are replaced with some selective alkaline foods. The objective is to lighten the load on our digestive system.
- Falopvas- only fruits or starchy vegetables are allowed to eat in these days.
- Rasopvas- Fruit/ vegetable juices, water, milk, or any liquid can be consumed.
- Adhopvas- single meal for the day. This is also called the fast of the evening. We are required to eat only once during the entire day; we are not to eat at night.
- Purnovas- complete detachment of food for the day, is the hardest
Why Fasting
Upavas is undertaken with intent to purify the body and mind.
Consumption of food-grains and all the processed food has an adverse effect on our body. Also, the system within, needs rest and overhauling occasionally. Upavas helps us achieve this. Fasting helps reset the pH levels in our stomach and get rid of excess salt and sugar in blood.
Pre Upavas preparation also helps us detox our system. Intake of fruits and water ensures that the fluid levels are maintained and adequate intake of fibre and natural sugars via fruits. No additional sugar or salt is consumed. so, their levels are also normalized. This ensures that the body resets itself