Paastumine

Paastumine isthe practice of abstaining from food for a period, sometimes accompanied by limited liquid intake. In Estonian, the term is used for a range of practices from short, time-limited abstinence to longer periods of fasting. It can be undertaken for religious or cultural reasons, for health or personal discipline, or as part of medical protocols.

Forms of paastumine vary by duration and caloric intake. Time-restricted regimens involve eating within a specific window, such as 12/12 or 16/8, and fasting outside it. Calorie-restricted or partial fasts limit energy intake on certain days, for example a 5:2 pattern. Some regimes involve complete abstention from food for one or more days. Prolonged fasting lasts several days or longer and should be supervised in medical settings in many cases.

Religious and cultural contexts are common drivers of paastumine. Fasting is practiced in Islam during Ramadan, in Christianity during Lent or on other holy days, in Judaism on Yom Kippur and other fast days, and in various Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous traditions. In many traditions, paastumine is linked to concepts of purification, self-discipline, or spiritual reflection.

Health aspects are widely discussed. Some evidence suggests potential benefits for weight management, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular risk factors, particularly with intermittent fasting. However results are mixed, and paastumine is not universally suitable. The practice can cause dizziness, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or nutrient deficiencies, especially with prolonged or unsupervised fasts.

People with certain medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with a history of eating disorders should seek medical advice before undertaking paastumine. It is often recommended to approach fasting gradually and to prioritize hydration and balanced nutrition on non-fasting days.