Long-term fasting

Effects on the metabolism

Through the extended fasting period, the entire metabolism adjusts and the body adjusts to producing sugar - which is mainly needed for the brain - from certain proteins. Muscle protein is used to a small extent, but for people with overweight it is mainly the connective tissue or supporting protein that is used. However, since the sources of protein in the body are limited and must not be completely used, the organism finally begins to convert glycerol from the fat reserves into sugar. Ketones can also be extracted from the fatty acids, which the brain can also use for energy metabolism. A great advantage of this is that the first thing that is broken down is the particularly risky inner abdominal fat. This means that fewer messenger substances are produced, which can lead to metabolic diseases such as diabetes or inflammation and cardiovascular problems.

Improvement of physical & mental well-being

Fasting has a number of positive effects on your health. Some even claim to have a rejuvenating effect on the body, and studies show that a prolongation of life span can be achieved by fasting and calorie reduction. Through the excretion and limited re-absorption of common salt in combination with relaxation and rest, blood pressure is lowered and blood sugar and blood fat levels are also reduced. The liver can recover and new stem cells and mitochondria (= power plants of the cells) are created. Fasting also has a positive effect on the psychological state and mood after 2 to 3 days leading to greater calm, relaxation and balance. In addition, the messenger substances dopamine and serotonin have a stronger effect during the fasting and not only make you happy, but also curb your appetite. The so-called "fasting euphoria" can occur, but it is not equally strong in everyone. A study published in 2019 with 1422 participants confirms the positive effects on blood pressure (the longer the treatment, the better the results), emotional and physical well-being and also on weight and BMI.

Fasting & weight loss

Although it is possible to lose weight during fasting, weight loss is actually not the primary goal of traditional therapeutic fasting. Much more important is the aforementioned reduction of abdominal fat, which can be measured at the waist circumference. This can be reduced by up to two centimeters after only one day of fasting.

Buchinger therapeutic fasting

The traditional Buchinger fasting method is a pure liquid fast, in which only vegetable broth, juices and lots of tea are consumed. The aim of therapeutic fasting is to activate the self-healing powers of the body. This has a particularly positive effect on chronic inflammatory diseases. Buchinger fasting is divided into three phases: The relieving phase, in which the diet is slowly changed, the purification phase, i.e. the actual fasting period, and the breaking of the fast with subsequent feeding days, during which the body is slowly accustomed to solid food again. As you are not completely foregoing all calories, it is possible to arrange long-term fasts with this method, provided you have adequate medical supervision. This is a particularly well-practiced method in fasting clinics and hotels in Germany.

Learn more about Buchinger fasting here.

Mayr method

This form of fasting therapy is also known as "milk & bread roll diet". The aim is to rehabilitate the intestines over the long run based on the principles of protection, cleansing and training. The portions are quite small, but as the Mayr treatment is eaten particularly slowly and chewed very well, the pleasure is not neglected and a feeling of satiation remains. This form of long fast is particularly suitable if you do not wish to or are not allowed to completely eliminate solid food. This fasting therapy is also a great starting point for a long-term change in eating habits, as eating slowly allows you to reflect on your eating habits and make thoughtful changes.

Learn more about the Mayr method here.

Alkaline diet

In contrast to classical fasting, you do not have to do without solid food when undergoing the alkaline diet. You can eat your fill, but at the same time do something good for your health and well-being. If you only eat alkaline food for a while, the body will be de-acidified and relieved and the acid-base balance will be brought back into balance. We recommend 1 to 2 weeks with a subsequent alkaline surplus diet.

Learn more about the alkaline diet here.

Schroth therapy

The 4 pillars of diet, wet and dry days, compresses and exercise form the basis of the Schroth therapy. The diet consists of about 600 calories per day from vegan and purely alkaline foods. The additional alternation of wet and dry days (0.5-1 L water) is intended to awaken the body's self-healing powers. The third pillar, the moist compresses, improve the blood circulation and stimulate the metabolism. With moderate exercise you can distract yourself a little and do something good for body and soul.

Learn more about the Schroth therapy here.

Intermittent fasting

With intermittent fasting, also called interval fasting or alternate day fasting, you abstain from food for a few hours or even days. The aim is to stimulate the metabolism and reduce weight in the long-term. Compared to other fasting methods, the inhibition threshold is often lower here, as the fasting periods can be flexibly arranged and adapted to the daily routine. Long-term Intermittent fasting using the 16:8 method - i.e. fasting for 16 hours and eating your daily calories within 8 hours - is also well suited for treatment over a longer period of time or even permanently, as it is not truly a diet, but meals are only distributed differently throughout the day. Generally speaking, you can eat what you please during intermittent fasting. However, you should of course make sure that you eat a balanced and healthy diet, especially if you want to lose weight. This method can be a very suitable form of long-term fasting for many people.

Learn more about intermittent fasting here.