Fasting means a “vacation from food.” The voluntary withdrawal of food cleanses the body from the inside. But that's not all: negative thoughts are also eliminated and make way for a new lightness. Despite positive effects, minor obstacles in the form of mood disorders can arise during the fasting phases. What can you do against headaches and feelings of hunger and how do you even get off to a good start?
Fasting for the body
Fasting often brings about a noticeable improvement in health. Common consequences of fasting are:- firmer skin
- Strengthening the immune system
- weight loss
- more stable intestinal function
- Relief of chronic complaints
- Sensitization of the senses of taste and smell
- Lowering blood lipid levels
- Relief from intervertebral discs and joints
Fasting for mind and soul
In addition to the physical factor, there is also a psychological factor. After a short period of overcoming, fasting people feel fresher and more relaxed. The I·DO Body & Mind fasting treatment is also aimed at this well-being experience.
The weight loss, improved blood circulation and general well-being have a relaxing and restorative effect. This often also brings about mental liberation, so that many fasting people report that the treatment helps them achieve emotional balance and inner peace.
In addition, the body releases more of the happiness hormone serotonin and the concentration of the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. The so-called fasting high often occurs after about three days.
Fasting properly in three phases
A typical fasting regimen is divided into three fasting phases:
- Transition phase or relief phase
- Detoxification phase
- Build-up phase or breaking the fast
Below we will introduce you to what needs to be taken into account in these phases.
Relief phase: gradual change
In the first phase, the adjustment or relief phase, the diet should be changed gradually. Intoxicants such as alcohol or nicotine , as well as caffeinated coffee and sugary sweets, are considered taboo. You should also make sure to avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
Drinking enough fluids is essential for the success of the first phase . The body needs at least three to four liters a day, which can be supplied through water, juice, tea or broth.
The first phase is considered the most difficult time to get through. The body suffers several side effects from the changed lifestyle. These include feelings of weakness, mood swings, increased sensation of cold and headaches. Body or bad breath is also possible as a result of the waste products excreted. However, these symptoms usually disappear after the adjustment phase.
Detoxification phase: complete avoidance of solid food
Following the adjustment phase, the detoxification phase is initiated. Now, with traditional fasting, eating solid foods is a thing of the past. The daily requirement for nutrients is only covered by liquids. In addition, the gastrointestinal tract is emptied on the first day using Glauber's salt or enemas.
Thanks to the high fluid intake during "real fasting", fat deposits (also called toxins) in the muscles are loosened and driven out of the body. The toxins are also released from the body and excreted. As the side effects of the first phase subside, the body strengthens and gradually feels better.
However, not every drink is suitable because it is important to provide the body with enough nutrients. These are suitable liquids containing minerals:
- Water
- fruit juices
- vegetable juices
- Broths
- fruit teas
Breaking the fast: back to normality
When breaking the fast, the third fasting phase, the body should finally be brought back into normal eating habits. Basically, laxatives are counterproductive during this build-up period and must therefore be discontinued at the beginning of the phase.
During fasting, the body stops producing digestive juices. However, these are essential to normalize food intake after fasting. For this reason, the body should be supplied with light, low-fat meals , otherwise stomach cramps and circulatory problems can result.
