Therapeutic fasting – almost nothing or quite a lot?

What can therapeutic fasting do and what does it do for my skin?

Fasting is now not only found in a religious context, but has become a part of our everyday lives. Fasting as a health boost and as a therapy for various illnesses such as rheumatism, high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. This is known as therapeutic fasting. It is referred to as detoxification. As a cleansing of the body and the mind. It is about relieving the body and getting to know it better, finding yourself.

But what is the truth? Who is fasting really suitable for? Who can do it and who should? What happens to the body and especially to the skin during the period of abstinence?

[Mr]

The Lenten beast greets us every year

Even though the "official fasting period" has not yet begun, I am currently in a fasting phase myself. Because every year I actually enter the world of teas and broths for a good week. Whenever I feel like it and I can easily fit it into my life. I would like to explain to you how proper fasting works, what you should pay attention to, how to properly care for your skin while fasting and, above all, how to survive the time when it seems like everyone around you is only eating or talking about it! Our brain is usually particularly insidious in situations like this and directs our focus to exactly the things we are trying to avoid. Mean.

I have read a few articles, watched documentaries and read through reports. Because this type of “diet” simply fascinates me every time. When I am back in the middle of it, with a bowl of warm broth in front of me and remember how stupid I found the first few days the last time, I usually can’t help but be proud. Proud that I can simply leave out something as natural and automatic as eating with my will. To be independent of it. To show perseverance and at the same time know that I am doing something good for myself. It has been medically proven that fasting has a positive effect right down to our cells. And I can feel it in my own body!

What is therapeutic fasting?

To put it simply, fasting means abstaining from solid food. And for a limited period of time. You can fast for one day or 40. The latter is carried out in facilities, health resorts and clinics supervised by doctors or specialists. There are various forms of fasting. The inventor of therapeutic fasting, Otto Buchinger, begins his treatment with so-called relief days. These days prepare the body for the upcoming abstinence from food. Then comes the actual fasting. You can choose to fast only

with broth and tea or, somewhat less drastically, with additional vegetable and fruit juices. The goal: to give the body a maximum of 300 kcal in liquid form. And very important: drink enough! You should drink at least 2-3 liters of water, tea or broth every day.

The initial intestinal cleansing through enemas, laxative teas and juices or with the help of the quick version of Glauber's salt and Epsom salts is the starting signal for the fasting cure. Good intestinal hygiene at the beginning can help the body to change its metabolism more quickly and thus prevent feelings of hunger. It enables the body to better deal with old burdens.

Breaking your fast is just as important. To avoid the yo-yo effect, start eating again slowly. Start with light food and easily digestible foods. Keep the amounts small and increase gradually. Slow and careful are the key words here.

What happens in my body when I fast?

If you don't give your body any sugar, fats and proteins from outside, it switches to "fasting mode". What does that mean? After a day of fasting, your sugar reserves are used up and only protein and fat reserves remain. When it gets to that point, your body goes on alert and releases various hormones. These hormones provide a variety of protective mechanisms that not only repair cell damage, but also protect the cell from future external attacks. Inflammation is alleviated and chronic pathological processes can be stopped.

There is a program in our genes that acts like a reset button and allows us to reset our body and our cells to "zero" and start again. Our body's response to the lack of food occurs on various levels and the effects can therefore be felt in many areas.

[Mr]

What benefits does fasting bring to my well-being?

Fasting is good for your body and especially your mind. It can really provide more clarity, concentration and energy. Because nutrition is a crucial factor when it comes to our health. Some might even say that it depends on it.

Giving up food does a lot to our body. It doesn't need this constant abundance. It isn't designed for such a continuous supply of food. No, we often even cloud our brains with it. Fasting allows the body to direct its energy towards other functions, cleanse the intestines and detoxify itself. So you boost your natural self-healing process.

I am talking about the rule here. Because even though fasting is considered to be beneficial and has even found its way into cancer therapy, not everyone should just “start fasting”. And especially not without consulting a doctor!

[Mr]

Who is fasting suitable for?

So no matter what your reasons are for wanting to fast, check beforehand whether your body can handle it. For example, do you take medication regularly, suffer from severe chronic illnesses, depression or are underweight? In such cases, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.

However, if you are generally healthy, you can fast for up to a week on your own. You can also use the method of intermittent fasting. This involves abstaining from food for up to 16 hours a day. Or you can fast all day 1-2 days a week.

[Mr]

Fasting for healthy skin

And of course, the question that arises in the context of our venture is: How does fasting affect my skin health? Yes, even here fasting can work wonders. We all know by now that the constitution of our skin is closely linked to nutrition and healthy digestion. Our intestines play a major role in whether we have to deal with impurities or diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis.

For example, eating foods that contain a lot of sugar literally "sweetens" our skin. This is a wonderful breeding ground for bacteria that manifest themselves in inflammation and cause open, itchy and burning areas. People suffering from various types of skin diseases can therefore benefit greatly from fasting (under medical supervision).

At first, you may experience an increase in impurities when fasting. Our skin is an excretory organ. Because our cells do some spring cleaning in the “zero phase”, our body has to get rid of the “garbage” first. It’s stupid, but once you’re through it, your skin can improve a lot.

As already described, fasting can help on various levels. Pressing the reset button is a very welcome change to a different diet and helps you to relieve inflammatory processes in the skin.

Proper skin care during Lent

Even though it is important to drink plenty of fluids while fasting, this change can still affect the moisture content of your skin. In addition to blemishes, it can also lead to dryness.

To support the skin's detoxification process, you can take alkaline baths or stimulate blood circulation with alternating showers and massages. A particularly thorough cleansing is now a must. Our junglück cleansing oil is very suitable here, as it removes deposits and excretions from the skin while still leaving its protective barrier intact. The skin does not feel tight after cleansing and is simultaneously supplied with valuable nutrients.

In general, you should place as little external strain on your body as possible during this phase. No unnecessary chemicals. No additives. Your body is trying to cleanse itself and therefore needs gentle and natural care. Because we absorb substances that are not good for us not only through our food, but also through our skin.

As you probably already know, this is precisely why we have made it our mission to develop care products that only provide our skin with really important ingredients. We leave out everything that your skin doesn't need - not just during Lent, but actually never. For example, our organic plant oils , such as almond and jojoba oil , nourish your skin without preventing it from breathing, thus allowing it to have an undisturbed cleansing process. The junglück products are therefore ideal as a fasting accompaniment.

[Mr]

Conclusion

There are countless reasons to fast. And there are countless positive effects that set off a chain reaction in your body. Not only do you influence your physical well-being, but you can also help your mind and soul.

Fasters often say that they find themselves during this time, that they become calm and grounded. A new direction for your own path is possible and opens up many perspectives. Decisions suddenly become very clear before you. I have read all this about fasting and have also seen it in my environment. I have to admit that I have unfortunately not yet had these "enlightenment-like" moments. I also still feel hungry from time to time, as do cravings.

Nevertheless, I always feel great after a fast. I have more energy and feel freer in my head. I have even been able to get minor ailments like joint pain or headaches under control. And as I said, I am just incredibly proud every time afterwards! It really is an indescribable feeling of lightness. A sense of achievement.

Yes, every beginning is difficult, but don't let that discourage you. Hang in there, it's worth it!

Your Leonie

Just a small disclaimer: Fasting is not suitable for losing weight. Sure, you will lose weight, but you will quickly gain it back after the treatment. However, fasting is perfect for initiating a change in diet or letting your body rest for a while!