For many people, it is just another weight loss trend. But that is far from the case! Anyone who takes a closer look at the topic will quickly notice: Fasting is about much more than just weight loss.
From an evolutionary biological perspective, fasting is just as important as eating. It's a sensible principle, because food deprivation triggers healing processes in the body.
According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE) There are partially beneficial effects for the following diseases:
- metabolic syndrome
- Chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases and pain conditions
- Atopic diseases
- Psychosomatic Diseases 1
But what exactly happens in the body when fasting? If the food supply stops, the body resorts to the stored carbohydrates for energy. This includes the glycogen in the liver and muscles, which is used as fuel Sugar (glucose) is broken down. Then the fat deposits are tapped. Fatty acids are broken down into so-called ketone acids. This means that the whole body switches from sugar metabolism to fat metabolism and covers its energy needs without external supply.
According to studies, fasting has a regenerative effect, normalizes metabolic disorders, improves blood lipid levels and blood pressure, inhibits inflammation and stimulates the body's own self-cleaning process. ("autophagy") stimulate.
Fasting is defined as the voluntary abstinence from solid food and stimulants for a limited period of time. Fasting does not mean starving , the proponents emphasize. Quite the opposite: the body should recover. If you fast properly, you can perform well without feeling hungry.
Different fasting methods
There are various Fasting methods that differ in duration and implementation. Here are some of them to give you an overview.
therapeutic fasting according to Buchinger: The traditional method according to Buchinger banishes all solid food from the diet and is based on consistent fluid intake. It is the most widely used Fasting method. It is a tried and tested and popular fasting method, on which the I DO Body & Mind fasting cure based.
During alkaline fasting, the body is only given alkaline (high pH value, i.e. low acid content) substances. These include mainly natural products such as vegetables, salad, fruit and pulses. There is no actual abstinence from solid food. Those doing alkaline fasting should drink at least three liters of water a day. The person fasting can lose over three kilos in a week.
This fasting diet allows up to 700 calories a day, which are consumed through fat-free, low-salt food. The diet, which lasts several weeks, is particularly known for its water fluctuation. A dry day with little water (maximum 1 liter) is followed by a water-rich drinking day (3 Liter). The Schroth treatment is not recommended for people who dehydrate quickly.
During intermittent fasting, a period of normal food intake alternates with a period of fasting. The exact rhythm can vary depending on the concept, but often fasting occurs every other day or one day per week.
Without any other food sources, whey fasters consume only whey and other liquids such as mineral water and fruit juices.
The juice fasting refers to a special form of the so-called During a limited period of time, only up to 1.5 litres of freshly pressed Fruit- and vegetable juices , plus Water and tea This is supposed to stimulate the metabolism and bring the body into a natural acid-base balance. Many people also use juice fasting as an introduction to a change in diet.
