A popular diet trend may have its origins in the Bible.

Intermittent fasting, a pattern of eating based on time limits, is intended to assist with weight loss and other health benefits, according to Mayo Clinic.

There are several types of intermittent fasting, but they all follow the same concept of alternating between fasting and eating — a practice that is often mentioned in biblical scripture.

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With a time-restricted approach to intermittent fasting, the dieter only eats during a certain window. For example, with the 16/8 method, the person fasts for 16 hours and then can eat within an eight-hour span, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

Other versions involve fasting for a full 24 hours once or twice per week — or only consuming limited calories on fasting days.

"The idea is that intermittent fasting causes the body’s cells to change how they work," states Mayo Clinic's website. "Timed eating may push cells to focus on repair, energy use and balancing body-wide functions."

Religious fasting is practiced in many faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism, as well as Hinduism, Judaism and Taoism, research shows.

Around 21% of Americans report that they fast for certain periods of time for religious reasons, according to a 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center.

Some view intermittent fasting as a modern-day form of biblical fasting. 

Fasting is mentioned in the Bible as a way to be closer to God. 

In Matthew 6:16-18, for example, Jesus instructs his followers on how to fast.

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"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Specifically, when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face. So, that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Fasting is also mentioned in Joel 2:12, when the Lord declares, "Yet even now, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."

Various religions teach that fasting improves self-control, increases spiritual awareness and even fosters empathy for the less fortunate, according to Pew.

While religious fasting is for spiritual purposes, intermittent fasting may also have physical and mental benefits that go beyond the primary goal of weight loss.

Studies have shown that the practice may have positive impacts on blood pressure, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and other health factors — but the long-term effects aren’t as clear.

"When changes occur with this metabolic switch, it affects the body and brain," Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, states on the hospital's website.

Mattson's research has confirmed multiple health benefits associated with fasting, including greater longevity, a leaner physique and a sharper mind.

"Many things happen during intermittent fasting that can protect organs against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, age-related neurodegenerative disorders, even inflammatory bowel disease and many cancers," he said.

However, Fox News Digital previously reported on a 2024 study that linked time-restricted eating to a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death.

"Intermittent fasting is not appropriate for people with a history of disordered eating or active eating disorders, those with hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes on insulin, children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and more," New Jersey-based registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus told Fox News Digital at the time.

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Ohio-based cardiologist Dr. Lou Vadlamani was not involved in the study, but told Fox News Digital that it would be "a stretch" to conclusively say that fasting has a direct impact on heart attack risk.

"It certainly raises a lot of questions and supports the need for a more comprehensive study, since intermittent fasting has become so common," he said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

As with every major lifestyle change, it’s important to check with a doctor before starting intermittent fasting, experts advise.

Blood type “B” positive or any other type is urgently needed for Grismeily Benítez Contreras, 13 years old, who is at Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Pediatric Hospital.

The minor, who, along with her sister, suffers from a rare skin disease called epidermolysis, popularly known as “crystal skin .”

According to an admission document from the aforementioned medical center, the little girl was admitted this Friday due to severe anemia.

Santo Domingo.- Approximately 12,000 people in the Dominican Republic are currently receiving treatment for HIV, a public health effort that costs the government an estimated US$14.4 million, according to Dr. Lilliam Fondeur. The gynecologist and obstetrician shared these figures during a lecture on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC), as part of the Diploma in Gender Equality and Social Policy.

Dr. Fondeur emphasized that HIV and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are the STIs with the highest economic and social toll in the country. She warned that HIV treatment demands lifelong use of antiretrovirals and diverts resources from prevention. HPV, the main cause of cervical cancer, affects women’s health and employment opportunities. Syphilis and other STIs, if left untreated, also cause severe health complications.

She highlighted the global scope of the STI issue, noting that over one million people contract an STI daily. The World Health Organization reports 374 million curable STI cases annually, particularly affecting women and youth in vulnerable populations. Locally, the Ministry of Public Health documented a rise in STI cases, including notable increases in syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and HPV.

The diploma program is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s health and social protection systems, supported by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France. Through the Center for Gender Studies (CEG-INTEC), it trains public officials and provides guidance to ensure gender equality in public policy.

As the Guyana government plans to embark on the “aggressive” recruitment of foreign nurses to work at several new hospitals that are being built across the country, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said new conditions of employment would be put in place for Cuban doctors. “We’re recruiting people from around the world, not confined ...

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA, 10 June 2025—Caribbean HIV service organisations say they are experiencing severe service disruptions and financial instability that threaten to reverse decades of progress in the HIV response due to the funding pause issued by the U.S. Government in January 2025. A rapid assessment, which was conducted by the Joint United Nations Programme on ...

Little Álaia has undergone open heart surgery at CEDIMAT, and her family is requesting platelet donors for her recovery.

Those interested in donating should go to the Blood Bank at the aforementioned health center.

Health Ministry urges citizens to reinforce hygiene as virus activity remains high.

The Ministry of Public Health has called on the population to strengthen hygiene measures due to a high incidence of circulating viruses.

According to the Ministry, it is intensifying epidemiological surveillance in response to ongoing viral activity, as reported in its latest bulletin for epidemiological week 21.

Health officials noted that the number of respiratory illness cases reported so far remains within expected seasonal parameters. However, they confirmed that sentinel surveillance for respiratory viruses continues, alongside strict enforcement of national health protocols at ports, airports, and other entry points. Hospitals are also maintaining active monitoring to identify new cases.

Viruses detected in circulation

During epidemiological week 21 of 2025, the following viruses were identified: influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, SARS-CoV-2, and adenovirus. Since the beginning of the year, additional viruses have been detected, including influenza A (H3N2), influenza B (Victoria lineage), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses (types 1, 2, and 3), and human metapneumovirus.

Handwashing and prevention remain key.

The Ministry is urging the public to continue practicing basic preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering their mouths when coughing, using disposable tissues, and — especially for immunocompromised or vulnerable individuals — wearing masks in enclosed or crowded spaces. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.

Recognize symptoms and seek care early.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing is advised to seek care at the nearest health center. Officials highlighted that climate change, rising temperatures, and the presence of Saharan dust have altered traditional seasonal patterns of viruses, contributing to increased transmissibility.

WHO alert and Southern Hemisphere trends

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on April 17, 2025, anticipating a rise in influenza and other respiratory infections across the Southern Hemisphere. The alert encourages countries to strengthen surveillance and increase seasonal vaccination, particularly among high-risk groups.

Pest control takes center stage in the latest bulletin

This week’s health bulletin also emphasized pest control as a core strategy in global public health, essential for preventing the spread of communicable diseases and promoting safer, healthier environments.

Two new dengue cases were confirmed in week 21, bringing the 2025 total to 115. The current incidence rate stands at 2.65, representing an 87% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is accusing health officials of understating the severity of a scabies outbreak at the Geriatric Hospital.

Speaking during a press conference earlier this afternoon, DLP spokesperson on Health and Wellness, Senator Andre Worrell, claimed that at least 24 patients and six nurses have been affected, which is significantly more than the nine cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health earlier this week.

He is calling for the outbreak to be declared a national health emergency, highlighting ongoing staff illness, a lack of basic supplies, and worsening conditions that, according to him, could lead to wider community spread if not urgently addressed.

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