{"id":10547,"date":"2026-03-04T09:11:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T09:11:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/endocrinolo.gy\/?p=10547"},"modified":"2026-03-06T10:14:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:14:46","slug":"%e1%83%9b%e1%83%90%e1%83%a0%e1%83%ae%e1%83%95%e1%83%98%e1%83%a1-%e1%83%92%e1%83%90%e1%83%95%e1%83%9a%e1%83%94%e1%83%9c%e1%83%90-%e1%83%96%e1%83%9d%e1%83%92%e1%83%90%e1%83%93-%e1%83%af%e1%83%90","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/endocrinolo.gy\/en\/2026\/03\/04\/%e1%83%9b%e1%83%90%e1%83%a0%e1%83%ae%e1%83%95%e1%83%98%e1%83%a1-%e1%83%92%e1%83%90%e1%83%95%e1%83%9a%e1%83%94%e1%83%9c%e1%83%90-%e1%83%96%e1%83%9d%e1%83%92%e1%83%90%e1%83%93-%e1%83%af%e1%83%90\/","title":{"rendered":"The impact of fasting on overall health and diabetes management"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Orthodox Christianity, there are four Great Lent periods during the year, plus Mondays and Fridays each week (with the exception of a few weeks when these days are also open).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In total, fasting Christians spend approximately 180-200 days<\/strong> a year fasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main principle of Orthodox fasting is abstinence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of nutrition, this includes: banning meat, dairy products, eggs, and on some days, fish from the diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes in diet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the rules of fasting, the main components of the diet remain: vegetables<\/strong>, legumes<\/strong>, cereals<\/strong>, nuts<\/strong>, seeds<\/strong>, and fruits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These products are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber and are free of saturated fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, Orthodox Christian fasting is a dietary pattern that is lower in refined carbohydrates and higher in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which is a contributing factor to: improving human health, preventing metabolic disorders, and chronic diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While observing the fast perfectly, fasting people also avoid desserts and other particularly delicious foods, which also reduces the amount of simple carbohydrates in their diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General impact on health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on the analysis of the results of several dozen studies, fasting has shown positive effects on glucose and lipid control<\/strong> reduction of insulin resistance<\/strong>. The data on arterial hypertension have not been fully clarified. However, some small studies have shown improvements in this regard as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact also extends to body weight control<\/strong>. People who fasted reported a lower caloric intake and a reduced body mass index after the fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fasting also has a positive effect on mental health<\/strong>. Interestingly, according to research, most monks are distinguished by a high quality of life and good mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Providing macro and micronutrients<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How does the consumption of different food groups change during fasting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbohydrates<\/strong> \u2013 consumption increases due to an increase in complex carbohydrates and fiber (cereals, vegetables, fruits).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fats<\/strong> \u2013 Consumption is decreasing mainly due to a reduction in saturated animal fats. Healthier sources of unsaturated fats (nuts, vegetable oils) remain in the diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protein<\/strong> \u2013 consumption is decreasing, but despite this, studies have not found a deficiency of essential amino acids. In all cases, it is important to include sufficient amounts of permitted protein sources in the diet (legumes, nuts, mushrooms, plant-based milk, fish and seafood \u2013 when permitted).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumption of vitamins and minerals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron<\/strong> \u2013 Consumption remains adequate and there are fewer cases of deficiency developing as a result of fasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folate<\/strong> \u2013 Consumption remains adequate or may even increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnesium<\/strong> \u2013 consumption is increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calcium<\/strong> \u2013 Consumption is decreasing due to the ban on dairy products. Deficiencies may occur, although this usually does not affect bone metabolism and mineral density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the reduced consumption of vitamins B2 and B12, a decrease in their concentration in the blood may be observed, especially in those who were already deficient in these microelements before the start of the fast. Therefore, caution is required in this regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fasting and diabetes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The general effects described obviously apply even in the setting of a diagnosis of diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More specifically, in relation to diabetes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n