What does "fasting properly" mean?
If you want to fast properly, you should delete the keyword diet in this context: Rather, the focus is on internal cleaning. Researchers found that around five percent of damaged body cells are broken down during therapeutic fasting. The stored toxins are released from the cells and excreted by our detoxification police, liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs and skin. The intestine is thoroughly cleaned once and the digestive system is relieved. As a result, therapeutic fasting can also have a positive effect on various diseases, for example digestive problems or migraines.
The instructions for proper fasting
If you want to fast properly, you should plan your cure well. Many fasting followers use classic Lent, but in general, therapeutic fasting can be carried out at any time. There is not one correct form for fasting, but different methods from which to choose with which you can cope best. Buchinger fasting or detox are particularly popular.
In general, you should choose a time for fasting that is as relaxed as possible. This means that you shouldn't be under a lot of stress either professionally or privately. You do not necessarily have to take time off, but since unpleasant symptoms such as circulatory problems or a slight headache can arise at the start of fasting, it can make sense to spend most of the time at home at fasting.
Proper preparation counts
It is also important that you have everything you need at home before the fasting cure. Depending on the fasting method, for example, solid food in the form of healthy foods such as fruit or vegetables may be allowed. If you want to do juice fasting, you can order the juice in the form of a cure on the Internet or make it yourself. Since many fasting cures start with a colon cleanse, you should have everything in the house for this. Epsom salt, for example, depending on the method of colon cleansing.
Through so-called relief days before the actual fasting cure, you adjust your body to the upcoming fast. At best, you shouldn't be consuming any stimulants like alcohol or cigarettes anymorend protect your digestion with light and small meals. Small portions of oatmeal (alternatively rice) with some steamed fruit or vegetables are particularly suitable. The relief days should be one to two days long and can be ended with a colon cleanse for the perfect start for therapeutic fasting.
Do I have to do a colon cleanse?
Bowel emptying is not a must, but is recommended by many users at the start of therapeutic fasting. Because the activity of the intestine decreases during fasting, because hardly any food gets into the intestine. In addition, an empty bowel should reduce the feeling of hunger.
What else do I have to know?
For beginners, a fasting period of around seven days plus relief and build-up days is often recommended. Depending on the method, fasting may allow up to 500 calories a day so that no muscle is lost. These calories can be achieved, for example, with vegetable broth and several glasses of juice. Liquid intake during fasting is particularly important. During therapeutic fasting you should drink at least two to three liters of still water a day, even unsweetened herbal teas are allowed.
Aside from the diet, relaxation also plays a major role in therapeutic fasting. If you want to fast properly, you should take time for soothing baths, for example. Light movement is also important when fasting. Yoga is particularly suitable, but also general relaxation techniques such as autogenic training.
Fasting break and days of construction
When the fasting days are over, the so-called breaking of the fast comes, usually in the form of a grated apple or a boiled potato. And the breakup days are followed by the days of construction. That means that you slowly start to get used to food again. It is important that you do not immediately overwhelm him with heavy food, he has to get going again. Accordingly, you should avoid fatty pizza or pasta and opt for light meals, for example in the form of cooked rice and some vegetables.
The ten most important questions about fasting
So that really no questions remain, we answer again the most common questions about fasting:
1. How long and how often can I fast?
Fasting for seven days once a year (plus relief and build-up days) – that's a good measure, especially for beginners. If you feel efficient and good after a week of fasting, you can hang on for a few more days. However, you should then take more time to switch to a normal diet, one build-up day per three days of fasting is recommended. If you want to fast more than once a year or for longer than two weeks, you should not do this without medical advice and support.
2. Does it make sense to combine fasting with my everyday life?
Whether you want to fast while the everyday demands of work and family continue is a very individual decision. Fasting at home certainly has advantages: It does not cost time or money, and it offers the chance to save new experiences and habits in everyday life afterwards. On the other hand, those who drive away to fast have more opportunities to concentrate entirely on themselves. There are offers in the form of fasting seminars, fasting trips or fasting clinics. The health insurance companies only cover the costs of such programs in a few exceptional cases.
3. Does fasting change my hormonal status?
Does it affect my menstrual period? Yes. The effects can be quite different in individual cases: some women get migraines, for some the rule is unscheduled or more severe. Some menopausal women report that fasting helps them relieve hot flashes. If you take the pill, you should continue taking it while fasting, without relying on this form of contraception.
4. Can I continue smoking while fasting?
Smoking is generally prohibited in fasting clinics. For good reason, after all, many fasting people are concerned with detoxification. If you can't stop completely, you should at least try to limit your cigarette consumption. Sugar-free chewing gums and relaxation exercises help with this. Perhaps fasting is a good way to stop smoking?
5. Does fasting change my mental performance?
Some fasters report spiritual heights. But it can also happen that concentration becomes more difficult and thinking processes run more slowly when the brain has less fast energy available. In contrast, carbohydrates help – A teaspoon of honey or a glass of juice is allowed. Exercise also ensures better energy supply. If the "hazy" feeling in your head becomes permanent, you should speak to the fasting director or a doctor.
6. How does fasting affect my sleep?
Many people get by less sleep during this time, but others want "more, more and more" sleep right now. Neither are sleep disorders, but normal body reactions to changes in metabolism.
7. Can there be visual disturbances?
Drainage of the body during fasting also affects the anterior and posterior chamber of the eye. The changed refractive index of the eye can cause that one temporarily sees less clearly, feels strained while reading and is sensitive to light. This is harmless in itself, eyesight is restored in the build-up phase. But be careful: night and twilight trips should be just as taboo when fasting as long highway trips. And speak to your family doctor if you are worried about poor vision.
8. Should I avoid meals together with colleagues, friends and family?
It depends: Can you bear it when everyone is sitting at the table and happily enjoying their meal? For many fasters, this is worse than preparing. Give it a try! If you have young children who need to be persuaded to eat more often, think carefully about whether a fasting seminar is feasible elsewhere, as it is almost impossible to explain why you are now stopping eating (and the children itself not).
9. How do I get out of the fasting program early if I can't keep up?
The best way to do this is with light carbohydrate meals, such as those intended for the first day of development. Highly recommended: Fruit, preferably steamed, or potatoes with cooked vegetables. (You should only do without bloating cabbage.) For self-medication of other commonly used medicines, such as headache tablets. Discuss any form of treatment with a doctor while fasting!
Reading tips: Here we reveal everything about intermittent fasting, the detoxification cure and the best intermittent fasting recipes.
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