Fasting has always been part of the Christian life, especially during Lent. But on The Drew Mariani Show, Drew Mariani looked at this timeless practice from another angle: What if fasting is not only spiritually fruitful, but physically beneficial too?

Drew pointed out that for most of human history, people did not eat constantly. Periods without food were a normal part of life. Today, however, many people eat all day long, rarely giving the body a chance to rest. That is one reason fasting has drawn new attention from modern science.

According to Drew, after about 12 to 16 hours without food, the body begins to shift from burning sugar to burning stored fat. He noted that this “metabolic shifting” may open the door to deeper physical benefits. He invited on guest Dr. Sean O’Mara to explain more.

Dr. O’Mara began with a reminder from Saint Paul that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. From that perspective, fasting is not merely self-denial. It can also be a way of honoring God with our bodies. He described fasting as a kind of “spring cleaning” that helps the body clear out what is damaged or unhealthy.

He also stressed that fasting can benefit people even later in life. Far from simply weakening the body, he said fasting may help preserve strength and support healthier aging. Still, his advice was practical: start slowly.

Lent calls Catholics to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This conversation served as a timely reminder that fasting is not an empty rule. It is a discipline that can sharpen the soul, strengthen the body, and draw us back to greater dependence on God.

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Fasting has always been part of the Christian life, especially during Lent. But on The Drew Mariani Show, Drew Mariani looked at this timeless practice from another angle: What if fasting is not only spiritually fruitful, but physically beneficial too?
Drew pointed out that for most of human history, people did not eat constantly. Periods without food were a normal part of life. Today, however, many people eat all day long, rarely giving the body a chance to rest. That is one reason fasting has drawn new attention from modern science.
According to Drew, after about 12 to 16 hours without food, the body begins to shift from burning sugar to burning stored fat. He noted that this &ldquo;metabolic shifting&rdquo; may open the door to deeper physical benefits. He invited on guest Dr. Sean O&rsquo;Mara to explain more.
Dr. O&rsquo;Mara began with a reminder from Saint Paul that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. From that perspective, fasting is not merely self-denial. It can also be a way of honoring God with our bodies. He described fasting as a kind of &ldquo;spring cleaning&rdquo; that helps the body clear out what is damaged or unhealthy.
He also stressed that fasting can benefit people even later in life. Far from simply weakening the body, he said fasting may help preserve strength and support healthier aging. Still, his advice was practical: start slowly.
Lent calls Catholics to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This conversation served as a timely reminder that fasting is not an empty rule. It is a discipline that can sharpen the soul, strengthen the body, and draw us back to greater dependence on God.
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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.