THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC FASTING
Therapeutic fasting is based on scientific principles relating to our body's reactions to food deprivation. When the body fasts, it switches from glucose utilisation to ketosis, a state in which fat reserves are used for energy (metabolic switch). This switch promotes autophagy, a process of cell renewal and the breakdown of damaged cells, which leads to improved cell health and triggers many other health-promoting processes in the organism.
METABOLIC SWITCH: CONVERSION OF ENERGY PRODUCTION
After around 13 hours without solid food, the body undergoes a remarkable change in energy production: After the organism has used up its sugar reserves, it falls back on its biological ‘emergency power generator’ and converts fat cells into ketone bodies. These ketones not only supply energy efficiently, but also activate the process of autophagy. The ‘metabolic switch’ therefore plays a decisive role in the fasting process.
AUTHOPHAGY AND SELF-PURIFICATION
A central mechanism that is activated during fasting is autophagy. This vital process, in which the cell encapsulates and excretes substances that are no longer needed, damaged or outdated - and in some cases even recycles them - runs continuously under genetic control. The self-cleaning process of the cell makes a decisive contribution to maintaining the health of the organism, but it declines in the course of life. This increases the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, dementia, muscle, infectious and liver diseases. In the mid-1990s, Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi was able to prove that fasting stimulates autophagy and was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work.
MENTAL HEALTH IN FOCUS
In addition to the physical aspects, therapeutic fasting also plays an important role in mental health. Relieving the metabolism leads to a reduction in feelings of stress, calms the mind and supports the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Fasting can therefore not only alleviate physical complaints, but also contribute to mental stabilisation.
FASTING FOR YOUR HEALTH
Therapeutic fasting, known as ‘surgery without a knife’, activates complex repair systems in the body that can have a positive effect on numerous illnesses and mood disorders. Therapeutic abstinence from solid food has been proven* to have a metabolism-relieving, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and vegetative calming effect. Fasting also has immune and hormone-modulating effects. Therapeutic fasting thus offers a genuine, sustainable perspective not only as a preventative measure, but also for those suffering from chronic illnesses, modern diseases of civilisation and for health prevention.
*Sources: e.g. Prof. Dr Andreas Michalsen, Prof. Dr Valter Longo, Prof. Mark P. Mattson
The health benefits include improved regulation of blood sugar levels, a reduction in inflammation and a strengthening of the immune system. Fasting can also contribute to mental clarity and improve general well-being. Despite these benefits, fasting has potential risks, especially for people with certain pre-existing conditions or if not done properly. It is therefore essential to fast under medical supervision in order to minimise health risks and maximise benefits. The benefits can be summarised as follows:
OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL BENEFITS
- Normalisation of metabolism & liver function: Stimulates the metabolism and degreases the liver.
- Reduces the risk of type II diabetes: Improves insulin sensitivity and regulates blood sugar levels.
- Protection of the cardiovascular system: Inflammation and high blood pressure are reduced.
- Reduction of pain & inflammation: The fasting processes have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect in the organism.
- Strengthening cell health & immune cells: Activated autophagy promotes cell repair and renewal and improves cell functions.
- Support brain function: Promotes improved cognitive function and contributes to neuroprotection.
- Calming of the autonomic nervous system & mental clarity: The production of stress hormones is reduced. Body and mind find peace.
- Promotes longevity: High cell cleansing activity extends the duration of a healthy life.
