Fasting is only suitable in exceptional cases to become slimmer or to do something good for the body. When it comes to weight, there is often a yo-yo effect and pounds that are lost are quickly put back on, says Stefan Köppen, chief physician at the clinic for gastroenterology, oncology, diabetology, palliative care and nutritional medicine at the Helios Clinic in Hildesheim. “All is not well with fasting alone. Sometimes it even serves as an alibi to cover up an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle.”
Instead, Köppen recommends a balanced diet and, above all, sufficient exercise. “It’s about incorporating exercise into everyday life, for example by planning routes on foot,” he says. “I might be able to get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way or use the stairs instead of the elevator.” In order not to reach for sweets, it is a good idea to provide healthy alternatives such as carrot sticks.
According to Köppen, anyone who still wants to fast should seek medical advice beforehand. For example, blood pressure or diabetes medication would have to be coordinated. You should definitely pay attention to the uric acid value, for example in the case of gout. This can increase and symptoms such as gout attacks can occur.
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