FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There is a deeper meaning to festive fasting than traditions. There's a theory behind the traditions and a possible clue to why we're seeing a big increase in cases of obesity and diabetes Ishi Khosla      Globally, annual 'hungry' seasons or seasonal famines have been a part of agricultural societies. All ancient populations have been subjected to selective pressure by famine. According to research, it is proposed that these seasons are associated with decline in fertility.  ARE GENES THE CULPRIT?  It is proposed that there is an adaptation of the body in response to the lowering energy consumption (thriftiness). This causes a deposition of body fat (as a source of energy) in times of plenty so that individuals could survive the periods of starvation. This is called the 'thrifty gene hypothesis'.      Proponents of this theory, use it to explain why certain populations, particularly the developing agricultural economies, have a genetic predisposition towards obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Such societies are especially  vulnerable to the influences of typically western urbanised obesogenic lifestyle.  SOME EVIDENCE IN FESTIVALS  Perhaps Navratris (nine nights) could be rooted in such agricultural cycle and is symbolic of famine followed by plenty. Navratris, in India is observed with 8-9 days of fasting, prayers and rituals for the Gods. It is observed twice a year (usually April and October) and is calculated on the basis of the lunar calendar.      While, there must be an astrological significance, its occurrence with harvest time may not be a coincidence. The period before harvest in agricultural societies was marked with frugality and associated with shortage of food. According to the agricultural calendar, these times are followed by times of plenty or good times.  THE REASON BEHIND THE FASTING FOOD  During Navratris, perhaps a pre-harvest time, alternate grains are eaten and the traditional staples like wheat, rice, pulses and vegetables are prohibited. A sort of fast is observed with alternative feeding practices. This includes a variety of foods (alternatives to routinely consumed ones) such as sago (sabudana), buckwheat (kuttu ka atta), water chest nut (singhara ka atta), khus khus, nuts, seeds, coconut, lotus seeds (makhana), potatoes, colocasia (arbi), special rice for fasting (samak), rock salt, fruits, milk and yoghurt. Even those who do not observe fasts avoid fish, poultry and meat and some even stop eating garlic, onion, and alcohol during this period.  WHAT DOES THE THRIFTY GENE SAY  It must be stressed that the thrifty gene concept lacks experimental validation. However, it is interesting if evolution is to be blamed for our susceptibility to obesity and diabetes mellitus. Such knowledge surely, could help public health messages and government initiatives to combat obesity, particularly in countries like ours where double burden of obesity and starvation co-exist.  CAN FASTING HELP DETOX  Contrary to popular belief that fasting is a way of cleansing and detoxification, there is little evidence to support this, especially when followed by feasting. In fact, some may end up gaining extra kilograms after completion of this sort of fasting and feasting cycle.      However, sound fasting programme, which includes plenty of fluids, fresh fruits and vegetables, may in fact be valuable if practised on regular basis. This technique conforms to the scientific principles of balance in nutrition. Balancing practiced on a regular long-term basis, whether religious or selfwilled, can indeed prove to be a healthy practice.