A lot of other countries/cultures live by short term fasting. I've only heard of long term fasting (anything more than 3 days) for religious reasons. Anywhoo... Certain cultures and those who practice alternative medicine believe that fasting can help heal the body. They say that fasting will transfer the energy, usually used for digestion, to the ailing body system to promote healing. Like when an animal is sick or hurt it will refuse food and water until it is better. I don't know enough about it to be for or against it. I've only had to fast for medical reasons (blood work, surgery). I hope this helps.