Overview

Fasting works – on the body and mind

There are many good reasons for fasting: health precautions, therapy for physical complaints, intermittently as a starting point for switching to a healthy diet, or spiritually motivated to sharpen the senses and increase mental focus. But how does it affect the body? What type of fasting is the most effective, and what can it not achieve? Here is a brief overview.

It is not only during Lent that consciously abstaining from certain foods, reducing their intake or skipping meals are popular ways of cleaning the body and mind and setting the starting point for a healthier and more conscious lifestyle. Therapeutic, alkaline and interval fasting are widespread and have been practised for thousands of years. In 1923, Doctor Otto Buchinger coined the term “therapeutic fasting” after he was able to cure his rheumatic complaints through fasting.

Different types of fasting

Buchinger’s therapeutic fasting, Daniel fasting, juice fasting, water fasting – the range of specific fasting treatments is constantly growing. Fasting is an excellent introduction to a more conscious and healthy lifestyle. The satisfaction and exhilaration that many fasting people report is caused by the release of messenger substances such as serotonin and dopamine. The prerequisites are good preparation and a suitable environment, e.g. in a fasting facility under medical supervision or with qualified fasting companions.

Health benefits and individual guidance

Fasting has health benefits, but it is not suitable for everyone. Professional guidance and support are particularly important, especially if medication is taken regularly. Fasting incorrectly can lead to side effects like increased heart rate variability.

Fasting as a chance for change

Lent is a good opportunity to reconsider your lifestyle and consciously do something food for your body and health. This does not necessarily mean giving things up. Small changes in everyday life can have a big impact, for example having a smaller dinner and not eating 2 – 3 hours before going to bed.

Autophagy and preventative fasting

The preventative effects of fasting have now been scientifically proven. Autophagy is a process in the human body that ensures cells “clean” themselves. By abstaining from food for several hours, unused and diseased cell components are broken down and used for other purposes. This cellular cleansing is also stimulated by intermittent fasting, which current studies show to have positive effects on the brain, the intestinal microbiome and the immune system.

Intermittent fasting is popular

Intermittent fasting is currently being heavily promoted. In contrast to therapeutic fasting, it is primarily intended as a long-term strategy for weight loss and cell renewal. Data from studies to date indicate positive effects on health and weight loss, without negative side effects. It is, however, still unclear how the long-term implementation of intermittent fasting compares to other forms of diet and how it impacts on mood and cognitive performance. Intermittent fasting usually includes vague recommendations for food selection and does not in itself promote a change in diet, but it can be a good starting point for taking a more conscious approach to food.

The following applies to all types of fasting: Eating less and making mindful food choices has a positive effect on both body and mind. Sporadic interval fasting does not replace a healthy lifestyle and will only lead to long-term weight loss in combination with a change in diet. Professional guidance can help to define realistic goals and then to achieve them. With the right guidance, nothing stands in the way of fasting to boost your health.

Mag. Susanne Dirisamer
Diätologin & Gesundheitswissenschafterin

 

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Overview

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