Fasting and health

The tradition says that a vrat should never be allowed to harm the body. This is general information and not medical advice; talk to your doctor if you have any condition.

Take advice first if you

• have diabetes or take insulin or tablets for diabetes, since fasting can cause dangerous low blood sugar;
• have blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease, or an ulcer;
• are pregnant or breastfeeding, elderly, very young or underweight;
• take medicines that must be taken with food.

Signs to stop

Dizziness, fainting, a racing heart, severe headache, vomiting, confusion or a sharp fall in strength mean that the fast should be broken at once with water and something sweet or salty, and medical help sought if it does not pass.

Safer ways to keep a vrat

• Choose a fast with fruit, milk and water, not a dry fast.
• Keep up fluids.
• Break the fast gently, with water, fruit or a light meal.
• Do not drive or do heavy work if you feel weak.
• The vow can be kept in another way, with prayer, charity or restraint.

Read next

• Types of fast
• Vrat food ideas

This page describes common practice. Families differ, and the tradition itself says that illness and age are good reasons to reduce a fast. It is not medical advice: please talk to a doctor if you have a health condition. Times for fasts depend on the panchang for your city.