Fasting therapy

In principle, fasting is only recommended for (generally) healthy people. If you suffer from metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the digestive tract, skin or respiratory system, allergies or states of exhaustion, fasting therapy can definitely relieve your suffering, but you should only fast under the supervision of a doctor or fasting nutritionist of specialized hotels and clinics.

Before starting any fasting therapy, you should have a check-up with your doctor because, healthy or sick, fasting is not for everyone.

The most common contraindications are:

• Cardiovascular disorders
• Eating disorders
• Serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, cancer, etc.
• Psychological disorders or severe depression
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pregnancy and breast feeding

Fasting therapy can be beneficial to some of these conditions, but only with medical consent from your physician and under strict supervision.

Children and teenagers should not fast.

Fasting itself is not considered a diet in the classical sense. Although it is not primarily geared towards weight loss, it is a welcome side effect of fasting therapy, as the calorie intake is kept very low, usually between 380 and 600 kcal. The goal of fasting therapy is primarily improving the physical and mental well-being. You can also see the fasting regimen as a kind of new start: Those who wish to lose weight on the long term and change their diet or lifestyle will find this much easier after fasting.

We have numerous fasting clinics and hotels, both in Germany and abroad, that cover all the above mentioned fasting therapies. If you book a fasting therapy in one of our health hotels, you can be sure that you will be well looked after. For example, at the beginning of your stay there will be an introductory consultation so that your personal needs or complaints can be addressed; during the treatment you will be looked after by medical staff; and after your fasting holiday, you will be helpful tips that you can take home with you. You can also take part in many detoxifying and relaxing treatments to support the healing process (sauna, steam baths, swimming). A varied exercise programme also plays an important role in your stay at the spa, often encompassing group hikes, aqua gymnastics, meditation or yoga. Some even offer informative lectures to round off the programme.

The number of fasting days possible for you depend entirely on your goals, individual health and of course the specific fasting therapy you choose. The classic fasting regimens, such as Buchinger fasting which is carried out under professional supervision in our fasting hotels, is usually booked as a 7 day fast. You should not fast for much longer than 2 to a maximum of 4 weeks. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, can be integrated into everyday life for a longer period of time, for example after a fasting holiday, as the body is does not lack nutrients, but is merely given more time to regenerate. You can, however, continue to eat a normal, well-balanced diet.

For people who are considering fasting therapy for the first time, abstaining from (certain) foods and the resulting weakness can initially be quite overwhelming. We have put together some tips for you to make fasting pleasant and, most of all, successful:

Environment: First of all, make sure that you fast in an environment that supports your goals. Many people choose a fasting holiday at a clinic or hotel, for example, so that they can meet like-minded people as well as not be exposed to tempting stimuli that could derail their therapy. In this way you can concentrate fully on your fasting stay in a supportive environment. It also allows you to get away from your day-to-day stressors, giving you the headspace to reflect on your health and lifestyle.

Timing: In principle, you can always start a fasting therapy, provided are in good health and not pregnant or breastfeeding. However, it is advisable to choose a period that is free of stress for you. You should start your fasting holiday completely relaxed and have time for your thoughts. Even after the fasting therapy, it is important to remain relaxed and mindful, so that you do not immediately fall back into old patterns, which you have defeated during the treatment.

Health: You should always consult with your personal physician before embarking on a fasting holiday. Tell your doctor about the fasting methods that interest you most and discuss if they would be suitable for you and your body. You can also ask them if they have a method that they would suggest for you. This step is particularly important to first-time fasters.

Goal: Choose a fasting therapy that caters towards your goal – whether it is to tackle a specific health problem or simply shed some pounds. Not every programme is right for every situation.

Mindset: There will be days when you will wonder why you started this in the first place. It is important not to focus on quitting, but consciously remind yourself of the good aspects as well as the initial goal. Make yourself aware of the health benefits of fasting and perceive all moments of the treatment as an enjoyable experience. Get support from other guests at the fasting hotel, as they are likely battling the same pitfalls and doubts. And most of all, let yourself be pampered with a massage, mud pack or other wellness treatments. This is, after all, a holiday that is about taking time for yourself!