In principle, fasting cures are suitable for improving physical wellbeing. However, since the process places a considerable burden on the metabolism, such a project should only be carried out in consultation with a doctor. Because if done incorrectly, the Food deprivation harmthan it should actually be of use.
Why fasting can also harm
During fasting, the body has to forego vitamins, proteins, proteins and fats. Minerals are also hardly absorbed. Muscle loss, hyperacidity and deficiency symptoms are common risks during a fast.
Anyone who already suffers from underlying diseases must speak to their doctor before starting a planned treatment. This determines to what extent fasting is possible and accompanies the entire fasting period carefully. Children are a particular risk group. They need a lot of vitamins and nutrients. Otherwise, growth disorders and sudden deficiency diseases can be the result of a rash fast.
A cold or chronic disease of the immune system are also exclusion criteria for fasting. Because in times of such illnesses, the body needs all the strength and thus nutrients for recovery and / or defense against immune disorders. Otherwise the clinical picture can quickly worsen.
The harm of an ill-considered fast can lead to a life-threatening condition. The lack of minerals, for example, is a great danger to an unhealthy heart. Possible risks then include cardiovascular problems and even heart attacks. People who suffer from depression or are battling cancer must also refrain from fasting.
Because only through a balanced diet can the administered medication work in the way that is vital for healing. A lack of nutritional components can cause irreparable damage in the body from existing weaknesses. The risk groups named here by way of example can discuss gentler alternatives with the treating doctor instead of a fasting cure. A special diet with sufficient nutrient intake can have a long-term cleansing and detoxifying effect similar to fasting.
Beware of liver and kidney diseases, pregnancy and eating disorders
Those who suffer from liver and kidney diseases do not necessarily have to do without a fast. In the therapeutic fasting method, a doctor constantly monitors the functionality of both organs. However, it depends on which organ diseases are present, because some burdens caused by fasting would not have the desired effect of relief and cleansing.
Without the accompaniment of a doctor, patients endanger their lives and risk organ failure, at least reduced functions of the liver and kidneys. Pregnant women harm themselves and the child with a fast. Incorrect development and growth disorders in the embryo are possible risks.
Fasting is taboo for breastfeeding women even after the birth. Because now the body has to change hormones again and at the same time produce food for the baby. Anyone who fasts now, perhaps out of a misunderstood health and body awareness, risks new illnesses or old illnesses flaring up again. Even the baby would hardly be nourished in a balanced way if the breastfeeding woman did not eat meals during this physically highly productive time.
An eating disorder permanently causes an unbalanced supply of nutrients. Anyone who fasts strictly now also risks their life, at least an aggravation of the eating disorder. Patients with eating disorders are interested in fasting primarily because of their weight loss goals. However, the effect will not occur or will promote a yo-yo effect after the end of the fast. This could only worsen the psychological suffering of those affected.
The influence of fasting on medication
The dosage of drugs is precisely tailored to the body weight, the degree of illness and other personal characteristics. The prescribing physician assumes a normal diet. However, if the body does not receive this normal supply of food through fasting, an overdose of certain medications is to be feared.
The stomach and intestines are also extremely stressed by the active ingredients of the medication during this time. It is not without reason that there are recommendations for taking tablets as to when and what food should be taken for medicine. These recommended foods and fluids will ensure optimal effect given the other body characteristics present.
If you only need to take medication temporarily, you may be able to discuss with your doctor whether to start fasting after the administration has ended. If, on the other hand, it is a matter of medicine for chronic diseases, then fasting for the sake of health is excluded. Depending on the type of chronic illness, there are, however, in a few cases homeopathic alternatives.
With these, the otherwise drastic overdose can be avoided during Lent. However, even now it is important to realize that fasting is not a diet. So if the only goal of the cure is to lose weight, there are gentler and sustainable ways in which those affected do not have to go without food and can still lose weight.
Fasting promotes high blood pressure and diabetes
In favorable circumstances, fasting can have a positive effect on people's blood pressure. However, here too, the attending physician is an absolute prerequisite. Before starting a fast, it is also necessary to clarify exactly what causes the high blood pressure. Because some triggers of this mostly chronic disease are more likely to be favored by food deprivation.
A very fluctuating blood pressure with dangerous high pressure peaks could then be the risky fasting sequence. The assumption that high blood pressure can be combated through weight loss is a misconception. The overall physical condition is more important, and sensible medication will make it better for patients with high blood pressure than fasting. Fasting with diabetes is also excluded. There are no exceptions for this by type of diabetes.
Rather, the body is permanently dependent on regular food intake in a balanced ratio of nutrients. If you want to change your diet at all in diabetes, you can talk to your doctor about intermittent fasting. This is not a complete waiver of food, but simply more than the normal hours between meals. But even then, the risk of life-threatening hypoglycaemia cannot be ruled out.
When it makes sense to stop a fast
If you start a fast without consulting your doctor, you can promote the development of some of the diseases mentioned. That is not the point of fasting. A visit to the doctor is inevitable at the latest when previously unknown symptoms such as changes in heart rhythm, low blood pressure or stomach pain occur. If such complaints last for two days, the treatment must be stopped immediately and the body rebuilt. Here, too, medical supervision is a safe method of avoiding consequential damage.
Discontinuing the fast must also be considered in completely healthy people as soon as symptoms such as long-term fatigue, rapid heartbeat or inexplicable weakness occur. This is rare during an accompanied fast and always a sign that the body is currently overwhelmed by food deprivation. Any form of fasting requires a long learning curve. If this is done sensibly and together with the doctor, many of the risks of fasting can be avoided.
Fasting should not be confused with a strict diet. Other methods are therefore more suitable for the desired permanent weight loss. The numerous risks of a fast can only be avoided if accompanied by a doctor. Very often it should not be fasted at all and the treatment should be stopped immediately if symptoms arise.
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