Food is our lifeblood. We can't go long without it.

But for most people, it's more than just a fuel.

It keeps us alive, but it also helps us live.

Think about some of your favorite memories, a family celebration, first date, memorable trip.

I bet food was a part of it. A good meal helps us connect with other people.

And that's a reason why breaking bread together is a cornerstone of many religions. But so is

its opposite. Going without food. Across the world, fasting plays a role in personal growth in many faiths,

which, as someone who gets hungry if I haven't had lunch by noon, made me wonder, why? Why do so

many religions periodically take away the very thing that nourishes our bodies and souls?

On this episode, the very thing that nourishes our bodies and souls.

On this episode, we'll talk with a mom and Harvard chaplain Dr. Khalil Abduhrushid about the role fasting plays in Islam.

And why not eating and drinking, that's actually the easy part.

The challenge of Ramadan is not avoiding food and drinking, that's actually the easy part. The challenge of Ramadan is not avoiding the food and drinking beverage.

It's the unavoidability of the self that you're faced with.

And while centuries of religions have recognized the many psychological benefits of fasting,

science is just starting to catch up.

We'll hear about some new studies happening at Arizona State University

that show how even one day of fasting

could help deepen religious commitment and overall well-being.

What fasting is supposed to contribute to is this spiritual mindset

of recommitment and reappraising your life and spiritual transformation.

I'm Dave Desteno, and this is how God works.

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