Fasting is a time out for body and mind. It strengthens the immune system, improves the skin and promotes well-being. But how do you survive the first few days of hunger and headaches? Find out how to start a fasting...
Fasting means"a holiday from eating." Voluntarily abstaining from food is a conscious break for the body. But that is not all: negative thoughts are also released, making room for a new sense of lightness. Despite the positive effects, minor obstacles in the form of physical ailments can occur during fasting phases. What can you do about headaches and hunger pangs, and how do you get off to a good start in the first place?
Fasting for the body
Fasting often leads to a noticeably clear improvement in health. Common results of fasting include:
firmer skin
strengthening of the immune system
weight loss
more stable bowel function
alleviation of chronic ailments
increased sensitivity of taste and smell
lowering of blood lipid levels
relief for spinal discs and joints
Fasting for the mind and soul
In addition to the physical factor, there is also a psychological one. After a short period of adjustment, those who fast feel fresher and more relaxed. The I·DO Body & Mind fasting cleanse is also aimed at this well-being experience.
Weight loss, improved circulation, and general well-being have a relaxing and restorative effect. This often brings about mental liberation, with many people reporting that the cleanse helps them achieve emotional balance and inner peace.
Additionally, the body releases more of the happiness hormone serotonin and the concentration of the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. As a result, the so-called "fasting high" often kicks in after about three days.
A typical fasting cleanse is divided into three fasting phases:
Transition or relief phase Fasting phase
Refeeding phase or breaking the fast
Below, we outline what you need to consider during these phases.
Relief phase: gradual transition
In the first phase, the transition or relief phase, your diet should be changed gradually. Intoxicants such as alcohol or nicotine as well as caffeinated coffee and sugary sweets are off-limits. In addition, you should try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
Essential for the success of the first phase is the intake of sufficient fluids. The body needs at least three to four liters a day, which can be provided by water, juice, tea, or broth.
The first phase is considered the most difficult to get through. The body experiences several side effects from the change in lifestyle. These include feelings of weakness, mood swings, increased sensitivity to cold, and headaches. Body odor or bad breath are also possible as a result of the waste products being excreted. However, these complaints usually disappear after the transition phase.
Fasting phase: complete abstinence from solid food
Following the transition phase, the actual fasting phase begins. In conventional fasting, consuming solid food is now a thing of the past. The daily requirement for nutrients is met solely through liquids. In addition, the gastrointestinal tract is emptied on the first day with the help of Glauber's salt or enemas.
Thanks to the high intake of fluids during"proper fasting," the body draws on its reserves. While the side effects of the first phase subside, the body strengthens and gradually begins to feel better.
However, not every drink is suitable, as it is important to provide the body with sufficient nutrients. These are suitable, mineral-rich liquids:
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 reintroduced to a normal nutritional routine. Basically, laxatives are counterproductive during this build-up period and must therefore be discontinued at the beginning of the phase.
During the fasting period, the organism stops producing digestive juices. These, however, are essential for normalizing food intake after fasting. For this reason, the body should be provided with light, low-fat meals, otherwise stomach cramps and circulatory problems can result.
