Duration of a typical long-term fast
The duration of the fasting period depends on the chosen method, your own needs and the physical state of your body. If you are fasting for the first time, you should not choose excessively long periods, but start with a fasting day and move on to longer intervals as your experience increases. It is important not to fast for more than a week without medical supervision or an experienced fasting guide. So if you want to do long-term fasting of between 10 days and 3 weeks, you should consult your doctor beforehand to find the right duration and method of fasting. In the case of therapeutic fasting, for example Buchinger's method, you usually fast for between 5 and 35 days, ideally between 2 and 4 weeks. Depending on the medical indication, shorter or even longer phases of fasting up to 6 weeks are possible. According to historical records and modern science, a healthy person reaches their physical fasting limit after about 40 days. Usually, most practiced fasters opt for a 21 day fast.
Offers for long-term fasting holidays
Benefits of long-term fasting & target groups
Fasting has been proven to have a positive effect on the body after only a short time, for example a day of fasting. Because the supply of food is lacking, the metabolism changes and the carbohydrates stored in the body are broken down and consumed. After 14 to 18 hours, autophagy also sets in. This term refers to a purification process of the body in which the enzymes break down old or defective cell components. The individual components are then returned to the cell so that new and healthy cell components can be built up again. All this can already be achieved with short-term fasting, i.e. fasting for one day or up to one week. Long-term fasting has the advantage that the processes already set in motion during short-term fasting last longer. One can compare this with a large-scale “spring cleaning” for the body.
Long-term fasting benefits at a glance
- Cleansing of the body
- Reduction of high-risk abdominal fat
- Improvement of physical well-being
- Improvement of mental well-being
- Blood pressure reduction
- Lowering of blood fat levels
- Potential for weight loss
- Relief for inflammatory diseases
- Stress Relief
- Rest & Recreation
Suitable fasting methods for long-term fasting
If you want to fast for a longer period of time, you should definitely choose a form of fasting in which you consume at least a minimum number of calories per day. The very extreme fasting methods such as zero or water fasting are not suitable for long-term fasting. This causes great stress for the body and due to the lack of vitamins and minerals, it can lead to problems with the circulation, fatigue, muscle cramps and headaches. In addition, the lack of food causes the muscle protein to be broken down to produce energy. To maintain the vital functions of the body, you should therefore consume at least 230-300 kcal per day. In general, it is important for fasting to drink a lot, at least 2.5 litres of calorie-free liquid per day. This can be, for example, herbal teas, vegetable broth, fruit or vegetable juices. Moderate exercise, preferably in the fresh air, and relaxation are ideal additions to your fasting therapy.
Suitable methods for long-term fasting are:
Long-term fasting in a hotel or clinic
Especially if you are fasting for the first time, it is advised to start while you have time off from work and preferably under professional supervision. Our fasting hotels offer you the perfect setting for your fasting therapy. Your booked programme includes medical care or fasting supervision for the entire treatment. In addition, there is nutritional advice and sports programmes, free use of the wellness areas or reduced admission to nearby swimming pools. Massages or other suitable treatments round off your complete package, so that the well-being of body and soul is well taken care of and you are also well prepared for the time at home.
Discover our most popular hotels and clinics for long-term fasting holidays
FAQ – Tips for long-term fasting
Which side effects can occur during long-term fasting?
Is a long-term fasting suitable for everybody?
For whom is long-term fasting not suitable?
Contraindications include:
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding
- Heart diseases
- Underweight
- Cachexia (pathological, very strong emaciation)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Advanced renal, liver or cerebrovascular insufficiency
- Dementia or other debilitating cognitive disorders
Children and minors should not fast.
Is fasting always synonymous with dieting?
Fasting is not a classic diet, as weight loss is not the primary goal of fasting. However, since the calorie intake is so low, one may still lose weight while fasting, basically as a side effect. The actual goal of fasting is the cleansing of the body and also the mind. If you want to lose weight in the long term and change your diet, then fasting is the ideal way to start.
What can I expect during fasting at a hotel?
Our fasting hotels in Germany and abroad give you the security that you will be well looked after during your fasting therapy. At the beginning of your stay, there will be an introductory talk to enable the doctor to address your personal needs or complaints. During the treatment, certified nutritionists will be at your side and there will also be valuable tips for the time after your fasting holiday. To support the healing process, your programme also includes numerous detoxifying and relaxing treatments (sauna, steam baths, pool). Your treatment is rounded off by a varied programme of exercise, for example, joint walks, water gymnastics, meditation or yoga. In addition, many hotels and clinics offer health lectures so that you can learn a lot about fasting and your personal health.
When is long-term fasting considered dangerous?
Although medical professionals can only judge if long-term fasting is safe for somebody after examining them individually, the majority of medical professionals will agree that long-term water fasting can be very dangerous. As the body is lacking any form of basic nutrients and the vital organs are starved from calories to maintain basic functions, the body tends to go into a form of shock. Also the feeding days after the fast tend to be a lot more critical, as the body needs to re-adapt to all forms of nutritional intake. Liquid fasts such as the Buchinger Method therefor tend to be more universally approved, as they allow for a bare minimum of nutrients and still ensure that the body receives nutrients.