India, March 19 -- As Navratri begins, the nine-day festival brings with it a shift in routine, from what people eat to how they structure their day. While fasting is rooted in devotion and ritual, experts say these changes may also have a subtle but meaningful impact on mental well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been observing this fast for over 50 years, has often spoken its benefits including mental clarity and self-discipline.Traditionally, the two Navratris - Chaitra (spring) and Sharad (autumn) - coincide with seasonal transitions, making this dietary shift significant. From an Ayurvedic lens, fasting during Navratri is considered beneficial for both physical and mental health. It is believed to act as a biological reset at a time when the digestive fire, or Agni, is most sensitive due to changing weather. While the practice is rooted in faith, experts say it may also influence mental well-being, an aspect that often goes unnoticed. A 2025 Chinese study titled 'Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain Health via the Gut-Brain Axis', published in the journal Frontiers, highlights how balanced fasting can influence mental well-being through the gut-brain axis - the connection between the digestive system and the brain. During Navratri, most of the devotees follow intermittent diet: typically by restricting daily eating windows to 8-12 hours. During the period, a sattvic (pure) diet is being consumed. This involves avoiding grains, lentils, onions, garlic and processed foods, while focusing on fruits, dairy and fasting flours like kuttu (buckwheat) and singhara (water chestnut). Shifting from heavier foods like wheat and rice to lighter, nutrient-dense alternatives such as kuttu and singhara helps prevent the build-up of Ama (metabolic toxins). Its absence leads to langhana (lightness), which allows the body to divert energy away from digestion towards cellular repair and immune support. As the body recalibrates, it may also positively impact mental clarity and emotional balance. This is the closest scientific parallel to 'cellular repair', which support longevity, metabolic health, and resilience. Arpita Kohli, psychologist at PSRI Hospital, explains, "Navratri fasting introduces a sense of discipline into daily life, which can help reduce mental clutter and improve emotional regulation. It also supports brain health by improving metabolic flexibility and reducing inflammation, both of which are linked to better mood and cognitive function." She further adds that fasting promotes the production of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein associated with improved memory and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Explaining how intermittent fasting (IF) helps, Dr Hozefa Runderawala, consultant gastroenterologist at Saifee Hospital, says, "The gut-brain axis refers to the two-way communication which plays a key role in both digestive and mental health. By simplifying food intake, the gut gets time to recover, while also influencing the release of neuromodulators (brain-related chemicals). This improved gut function can, in turn, support better concentration, mental clarity and attention span." According to a US-based research, IF rebalances the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, which has been linked to anxiety and depression remission. Nutritionist Eshanka Wahi, founder of Eat Clean with Eshanka, attributes a shift in sleep quality to Navratri diets. She states, "Reduced intake of caffeine and packaged snacks during fasting can improve sleep quality, as the body experiences fewer stimulants and less digestive strain at night. Better sleep naturally leads to improved concentration, emotional stability, and sharper thinking during the day." During Navratri, people naturally fall into a more balanced and disciplined routine without consciously planning it. "Waking up with natural light and going to bed earlier helps the body release melatonin at the right time - the hormone essential for good-quality sleep and recovery. At the same time, a consistent routine helps stabilise cortisol, the stress hormone. This, in turn, often leads people to feel less anxious, more balanced and mentally at ease," she concludes....