Buchinger therapeutic fasting is the best-known fasting method in Germany. Instead of solid food, there is herbal tea, vegetable broth and juice for a few days. Here you find out exactly how it works, how long it lasts and what to keep in mind.
- Buchinger fasting means tea, water, vegetable broth and juice, but no solid food.
- It includes lighter days beforehand and rebuilding days afterwards.
- In a fasting hotel doctors guide you, which makes sense above all the first time.
What Buchinger fasting is
The method goes back to the physician Otto Buchinger, who made it known in the first half of the 20th century. During therapeutic fasting you go without solid food for a limited time and only take liquids. Rest, exercise in the fresh air and time for yourself are firmly part of it.
How a fasting week works
A Buchinger cure follows a clear rhythm. The details differ from house to house, but the basic pattern is similar everywhere.
- Lighter days: simple food, for example fruit, rice or vegetables
- The start: often with a bowel cleanse, guided by the house
- Fasting days: herbal tea, water, vegetable broth at lunch, plus fruit or vegetable juice
- Breaking the fast: traditionally with an apple or a soup
- Rebuilding days: step by step back to normal eating
Fasting does not mean starving, but leaving things out on purpose.
How long, and how it feels
Many fasting houses offer cures from one week; classic Buchinger cures often last ten to fourteen days. For many, the first two or three fasting days are the hardest, with hunger, tiredness or headaches. After that many report feeling lighter and clearer. How you feel varies a lot, though.
Who it suits and who it does not
Buchinger fasting is meant for healthy adults who want to take a conscious break. It is not suitable, for example, during pregnancy, with underweight, eating disorders or certain illnesses. Anyone on medication should talk to their doctor first. In a fasting hotel the doctor checks this in the initial consultation.
The best-known house for Buchinger fasting is the Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic on Lake Constance. But many health hotels also offer medically guided fasting.
Frequently asked questions
What can you drink during Buchinger fasting?
Water and herbal tea, usually a vegetable broth at lunch and fruit or vegetable juice through the day. Some houses also add a little honey to the tea.
How much weight do you lose with therapeutic fasting?
It varies a lot. Part of it is water that comes back afterwards. Therapeutic fasting is not a diet but a conscious break for the body.
What is the difference between Buchinger and Mayr?
With Buchinger there are only liquids. With the Mayr cure you eat small, easily digestible meals and chew very thoroughly, guided by a Mayr doctor.
Luxly does not provide medical advice. Whether a programme suits you is something to discuss with the house's medical team or your own doctor.
