Metabolic syndrome has a lot to do with lifestyle. In the period of scarcity immediately after the Second World War, it was virtually unknown or only occurred very rarely. Today we know that the trifecta of lack of exercise, stress and malnutrition in particular paves the way for metabolic syndrome. Accordingly, the guidelines of the German and American diabetological societies, for example, place lifestyle changes at the forefront of therapy. However, it is not always possible to eliminate all symptoms, especially as lifestyle is often characterised by constraints. However, it is usually possible to reduce the progression of symptoms and the number of medications by making lifestyle changes.

Correct. Metabolic syndrome and the components of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and lipometabolic disorders are not genetic diseases, or only to a very small extent. Around 80-90% of them are the result of our no longer ‘species-appropriate’ lifestyle. This also explains why the many drugs used, from antihypertensives to statins, from antidiabetics to the brand new weight loss substances, do not cure the diseases, but only help to control them symptomatically. If we really want to prevent or even cure these diseases, then we cannot avoid lifestyle medicine, i.e. naturopathic treatment methods. Medication certainly has its place, but we can only get to the root of the problem with lifestyle therapy methods.

In terms of diet, reducing or avoiding isolated carbohydrates (‘sugar’) is particularly important, as is limiting animal fatty acids (especially inflammatory fatty acids such as arachidonic acid in red meat and sausages). Avoiding convenience foods and moving away from the so-called Western diet in favour of a Mediterranean diet with a high proportion of fresh vegetables, high-quality vegetable fats and omega-3 fats (fish oil) while at the same time limiting red meat has proven to be effective. Exercise does not have to be a competitive sport, on the contrary: even a 30-minute brisk walk every day has a significant effect. If this is not possible, 3.5 hours of appropriate exercise or light sport per week is sufficient. Exercise and sport improve the metabolism as a whole, especially the blood sugar and fat metabolism, regulate blood pressure, improve blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and even have anti-depressant effects. 

Therapeutic fasting according to the Buchinger method - i.e. fasting with juices and vegetable broths - has proven itself in empirical medicine for decades and has been increasingly supported by studies in recent years. One major advantage is that therapeutic fasting, like diet and exercise, has an interdisciplinary effect. Metabolic syndrome is also ultimately a multidisciplinary problem, often accompanied by orthopaedic conditions and psychovegetative exhaustion.

Studies show that seven to ten days of modified fasting can greatly improve one of the biggest problems of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver. There is also such evidence for intermittent fasting. With regard to high blood pressure, you can literally watch your blood pressure drop while fasting. One of the first things you learn as a fasting doctor is that you have to stop or at least greatly reduce your high blood pressure medication at the beginning of the fast to avoid low blood pressure. This clearly illustrates how strong the blood pressure-lowering effect of fasting is. However, it is also fascinating that this effect does not end when the fasting ends; there is definitely a lasting effect. We explain this with an increased sensitivity of the blood pressure receptors due to the fasting therapy. High blood pressure, fatty liver and type 2 diabetes can therefore be treated excellently with therapeutic fasting.

After that, there is also a very good window of opportunity to change your eating habits. The right diet is extremely important in the long term. In some cases, an individual approach is required. The basis is certainly a plant-based, wholesome diet, but sometimes you are more likely to go in the direction of low-carb or sometimes low-fat. This depends on the patient's situation. Exercise is another essential component of lifestyle medicine. However, more recent data shows that nutrition, which for me also includes fasting therapy, is even more important. Stress reduction is also very relevant for me, as many people cannot get their eating habits under control due to too much stress in everyday life. We therefore teach our patients practicable methods to combat stress, such as meditation or yoga, but also autogenic training, Qigong and other methods.