Fasting: benefits for body and soul

A long tradition ...

The history of fasting is as old as humanity. Even in ancient times people consciously and regularly avoided food for health reasons. It is therefore no coincidence that fasting is an integral part of countless cultures and religions. It serves as an effective means of calming down, purifying and "rebooting" the mind and body.

Scientifically proven advantages

In addition to religiously motivated fasting, the conscious renouncement of food or a reduced intake of food is also used more and more frequently in modern medicine to combat various diseases with success. In addition to the reduction of obesity, the recovery of the digestive tract and some hormones, so-called therapeutic fasting has been shown to achieve particularly good results in the treatment of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are also various studies that show that fasting has a positive effect on patients with high blood pressure, migraines, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, as well as metabolic and coronary heart diseases. Different methods

There are innumerable forms of fasting that differ from culture to culture and from religion to religion. In Christianity, the 40-day fasting period began on Ash Wednesday, during which, traditionally seen, stimulants of any kind are avoided and, strictly speaking, only one main meal per day is consumed. The fasting period is variable for therapeutic, alkaline and juice fasting, but averages 7 days. Here, depending on the situation, solid food is avoided and only vegetable broth, unsweetened teas or freshly squeezed juices are consumed. Only water fasting, in which no food at all but only water is consumed, is not recommended. In general, the following always applies when fasting: Drink a lot and, if in doubt, consult your doctor. In addition, you should insert a so-called relief day before the cure, on which you should eat less and particularly healthily. The same goes for breaking the fast to slowly get the body used to food again.

Effects of fasting on the skin

In the “light” form of fasting, many people do without alcohol, cigarettes or sweets. Of course, this also has a positive effect on the skin. But also renouncing solid food or reducing it can have a positive effect on the complexion. If we only consume fresh vegetables, fruit or liquids in the form of unsweetened teas and water, the blood sugar level drops and with it the insulin level in the blood. This in turn inhibits the formation of certain growth hormones, which in turn inhibits the production of androgens. These androgens stimulate the skin's sebum production and cause blackheads. Avoiding "fast" carbohydrates such as white flour and sugar in particular can help to get problems with oily, blemished acne skin and pimples under control. Above all, people with skin diseases such as neurodermatitis can benefit from a fasting cure or from a diet with only a few of these "fast" carbohydrates, because a larger consumption of these makes the skin "sweet". This can then lead to bacteria settling on the skin more easily and quickly and thus triggering an atopic dermatitis attack. Since the epidermis in patients with psoriasis renews itself four times as quickly as in healthy people, I also advise you to eat a diet that contains as little growth hormones as possible, as this further stimulates skin renewal. Proper care when fasting

Although the skin can benefit from a fasting cure, it must be noted that at the beginning of the cure, the condition of the skin may first worsen before it improves significantly after waste and toxins have been eliminated. These problems that occur at the beginning of the fasting phase, such as impurities, irritation or dryness, can be managed well with a care routine that includes regular, gentle cleaning and a supply of intensive moisture.