From our ancestors we have inherited the ability to perform the fastto survive without food thanks to body reserves. Following this cycle not only helps us survive, but also cleanse the body and launch mechanisms that enhance healthfertility and longevity.

Fasting also makes sense from solidarity with those who are hungry. Fasting is not about not eating anything, but about provoke a series of reactions in the body by eliminating the intake of solid food. This leads to living at the expense of bodily reserves, which triggers a physical and psychological revolution.

Fasting is not, therefore, starving. In the acute crisis you do not live on reserves but without reserves, which is why you are in danger of dying.

Types of fasts

in fasting only liquids are drunkensuring that the total calorie intake does not exceed 300 daily. It is important to eliminate unnecessary things – such as coffee, tobacco or alcohol – and behave naturally, since fasting is a natural and physiological act.

The ways of fasting, depending on what is taken, are varied:

• Fasting 0. You drink only water. It is the most practiced among hygienists.
• Taking infusions. Fasting is done with infusions that help treat the specific problem of each person.
• Taking mucilage. It is indicated for intestinal problems and calorie-free mucilaginous substances are taken – such as agar-agar or psyllium – which help the intestinal tract and eliminate toxins.
• Büchinger fast. Based on broths, infusions or juices. It is the most similar to the one discussed in this article and is, along with maple sap or syrup, the most bearable and affordable for most people.

If we take the duration into account, we can also distinguish between short fasts, long fasts and intermittent fasting.

Fasting: everything you need to know to do it right

We will clarify some concepts and see what the keys are to do it correctly and safely.

1. Why is fasting healthy?

When resources are lacking, the organism launches all survival mechanisms: not only searching for food, but others that would not be activated in any other way and that are necessary for life. It has been shown in animals and even in people that This practice lengthens life and helps maintain health.

2. How many days can a fast last?

​Depends on body reserves: A person of 1.70 m and 70 kilos can have reserves for about 40 days. But at a preventive and curative level, The most recommended fasts are the short ones: 1 to 3 days, once a week or a month.

You can also fast for 3 to 7 days once a month.

3. In what cases is fasting advisable?

​As a hygienic standard, one day a week can benefit everyone. It can also be used as a therapeutic resource in numerous diseases, as long as the patient has reservations and wants to do so.

It can be useful, for example, in case of obesity, cholesterol, infection, rheumatism or skin or digestive problems.

4. What liquids are recommended to drink?

In the morning, you can drink an infusion; between meals, mineral water and sucking on lemon slices; at midday, a raw vegetable juice or a vegetable broth; in the afternoon, infusion again; and at night, another fruit or vegetable juice or vegetable broth, and an infusion.

Basic salts (such as those provided by bicarbonated mineral water) prevent adaptation discomfort.

5. Where does the body get energy from?

Of the energy reserves, the glycogen accumulated in the liver and muscles, proteins and above all of the accumulated fat. But it does not do it throughout the fast in the same way.

In the first phase of one day, the body uses glycogen. Then, when you deplete your glycogen stores, you turn to fats and proteins. After a week, only fat is used.

When the body begins to consume proteins from its own tissues, fasting must be abandoned.

6. Do you feel hungry during fasting?

​No. The first few days there may be stomach discomfort, anxiety or slight hypoglycemia, but they will pass in 24 or 72 hours.

The hunger-free phase lasts until body proteins begin to be consumed. Then hunger appears, sign that we have to eat again.

7. What is the advantage of drinking sap syrup?

​Like some sweet fruit juice, maple sap improves the detoxifying function of the liver; palm tree is rich in minerals. The step of metabolizing fats and proteins instead of glycogen is gentler, which makes fasting more bearable.

But exceeding the amount prevents fat burning from being activated.

8. What can you feel during fasting?

​You may feel some adjustment discomfort the first days and times you fast, such as a headache or stomach upset. Then you adapt and do it without problems. The most common thing is to feel lightness, lucidity and general well-being, with improved memory and a more relaxed body. A certain euphoria is common.

9. Can you drink any water?

It is advisable to take care of the quality of the water you drink, since Tap water is not free of contaminants even if it lacks microorganisms.

The aweak or very weak mineralization guides –those that are poorer in salts– have a lighter flavor –the palate appreciates this during fasting– and usually have a greater purifying capacity.

10. Is there a risk of rebound effect?

After fasting, fat is recovered and this effect is natural. If you don’t exercise, your body even tries to accumulate more to prevent you from going without food.

But if we move during the fast and after, the body understands that the person is capable of looking for food and that they will not lack itso it accumulates less.