Therapeutic fasting plan: effect and procedure of a fasting cure

What is the body's trigger for therapeutic fasting?

During a fasting period, the supply of external energy decreases significantly. Within 24 to 48 hours, the liver's glycogen stores are depleted, insulin levels fall and the process of lipolysis is activated. The body then begins to use fatty acids and ketone bodies as its main energy source, which affects several systems simultaneously.

• Stabilizing blood sugar at a lower level
• Activating fat burning
• Modulation inflammatory processes
• Adapting the autonomic nervous system
• Providing functional relief to the gastrointestinal tract and liver

A fasting plan takes these processes into account and manages them consciously. Without a clear therapeutic fasting process, circulatory fluctuations, electrolyte imbalances and excessive demands can occur.

The healing fasting process

Relief days - fasting days- construction days

A well-designed fasting programme consists of three coordinated phases:

‍1. The preparation phase

During the so-called discharge days, the diet is changed. Alcohol, sugar, coffee and heavily processed foods are forbidden. The aim is to achieve metabolic relief and control the transition to fasting physiologically.

2. The fasting phase

Bowel emptying takes place at the beginning to reduce feelings of hunger and stimulate the metabolism. During the fasting days themselves, calorie intake is specifically reduced to 250–350 kcal per day. Vegetable broths, diluted fruit and vegetable juices, and if required, 30 g of honey, as well as sufficient liquid, ensure the minimum supply. Moderate exercise for at least one hour a day stabilises circulation and helps burn fat.

At the same time, adequate rest is important to avoid overloading the vegetative adaptation processes.

3. The set-up phase

The gradual reintroduction of solid foods is a central part of every therapeutic fasting programme. The digestive system, intestinal motility and metabolism must first readjust to them.

The first solid food should therefore be consumed slowly and mindfully. This involves increasing the intake of fibre, complex carbohydrates and high-quality fats. The quality and composition of the initial meals significantly impact the long-term success of the fasting regimen in terms of future eating habits and metabolism.

When is a fasting cure medically useful?

A fasting cure can be particularly beneficial in cases of metabolic stress, for example in cases of prediabetes or diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or chronic inflammatory processes.

However, there are also clear contraindications. These include eating disorders, severe underweight, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and certain internal diseases.

Even if medication is taken regularly, medical attention is required, as therapeutic fasting is not a universal method but an intervention that must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This illustrates the distinction between a self-created fasting plan and professional guidance on therapeutic fasting.

How long should a fast last?

The duration depends on health, goals, and previous fasting experience. A typical fasting regimen usually lasts ten days, with additional preparation and set-up days. This duration is sufficient to fully establish the metabolic transition; however, a longer course of fasting is a deliberate therapeutic measure. This can be useful when seeking more profound metabolic adjustments.

At Menschels Vitalresort, we therefore offer different fasting programmes: 10, 14, 21 or 28 days of therapeutic fasting. As the duration increases, the focus shifts from purely metabolic changes to more stable adjustments in eating behaviour, weight management and autonomic nervous system regulation.

However, the length of the fasting programme is not the only important factor; medical support throughout is also crucial. The longer the fasting period, the more carefully circulation, blood pressure, electrolyte balance and individual reactions must be monitored.

Why is the location of fasting relevant?

Therapeutic fasting affects not only metabolism, but also the autonomic nervous system. Stress, work commitments and lack of sleep can interfere with these functions, but a specialised fasting spa hotel provides stable conditions for carrying out therapeutic fasting.

At Menschels Vitalresort, every therapeutic fasting plan is based on an initial medical examination. Circulatory values, pre-existing conditions, and individual goals are all taken into account. The fasting process is continuously monitored, adjusted and documented. Supplementary treatments, exercise sessions, rest periods and a defined diet form part of the overall concept. It is important to understand that therapeutic fasting is a medically based process, not an isolated measure.

From a therapeutic fasting plan to a specific decision

A therapeutic fasting process requires thorough preparation and an appropriate duration, as well as a good understanding of physiology. Therefore, the decision to undertake a fasting cure should be structured, not spontaneous.

If you do not wish to undertake therapeutic fasting as a self-experiment, but rather as a medically based measure, you should undertake an individually planned fasting treatment under medical supervision.