How is focus related to fasting?
"No food. More clarity. Less distraction". My name is Dr Gudrun Herzel, and today I am going to show you how regular fasting can improve your brain health and ability to concentrate.
February 4, 2026
6 Min.
Focus through fasting
When you fast, your body goes into repair mode. Autophagy, a natural cleansing process in which your cells are renewed, starts.
The energy that would otherwise be used for digestion is now available to your brain. You'll find that you are clearer, more focused and less distracted. This has been proven neurobiologically: ketone bodies and the protein BDNF, which are produced during fasting, have been shown to improve concentration and protect nerve cells.
Fasting protects your brain
Fasting has short- and long-term effects on cognitive health. Fasting metabolism noticeably activates the protein BDNF. This supports the formation of new nerve connections, thereby promoting learning and memory performance. At the same time, it can reduce inflammatory processes in the brain. Studies also suggest that regular fasting can lower the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. Whether you choose intermittent fasting in your daily routine or Buchinger therapeutic fasting which lasts several days, you will often notice an improvement in concentration and mental clarity after just a short period of time.
Benefits and effects at a glance
- More mental clarity
- Increased concentration
- Cell regeneration in the brain
- Protection of nerve cells
- Increased performance
- Lower risk of dementia
Practical tip
Start with intermittent fasting. Avoid solid foods for 14 to 16 hours, for example from dinner until a late breakfast the next day. Notice how your focus improves and how you start the day feeling clearer. Alternatively, you can try a fasting holiday with Buchinger-style therapeutic fasting to consciously give your body a guided break.
For more health tips, follow Menschel's Moments. Your Dr. Gudrun Herzel
FAQ
Which form of fasting do we offer?
What do you eat when you're fasting?
How often should you fast?
From our blog
Health tips
Fasting at home or in a fasting hotel? When a fasting vacation makes sense.
Fasting has established itself as an integral part of modern health care. Especially at the beginning of the year and during Lent, the desire for relief, clarity and a more conscious approach to one's own body increases. This often raises the question: Is fasting at home enough, or is a professionally supervised fasting holiday in a fasting hotel the more sustainable and safer alternative?
