They are among the first converts. Entrepreneurs have always been aware that their most valuable asset is their physical and mental health. Today, the new generation is joining them with a firm step. The many benefits of therapeutic fasting – backed up by a century of data from the standard Buchinger Wilhelmi method – are of particular interest to modern post-Covid humans. Forbes brings you an incursion into the heads and bodies of fasting people, at the time of a joint interview with Dr. Françoise Wilhelmy of Toledo and Leonard Wilhelmy, of the famous clinic.
Why is fasting under medical supervision no longer appropriate today?
Leonard Wilhelmi : There is a lot of literature accumulated on this topic! We see it in people who come for the first time to experience our century-old method. They often took the time to browse our studies, check out journal articles, or follow people on social networks who shared their experience. Also, there is no denying the impact of the pandemic on this awareness, people now want to take care of themselves at any age. They find many benefits in resting food.
Dr. Françoise Wilhelmy of Toledo : The fasters who discover us are often surprised by the reaction of their bodies as they realize for the first time that they cannot eat anything for several days. And everything is fine! A new program will begin in their body: no longer glucose will be metabolized, but fat. Activated from oxygen, sugar and fat, the mitochondria, the little energy factories in cells, will replenish. Old cells are shed to make room for new cells (the process of juventology). This state is accompanied by a real stimulation of the mind, it’s great to think that we have the resources within us!
Leonard Wilhelmi : A lot of times, first timers make a lot of promises, telling us they won’t drink alcohol anymore, they’ll stop eating red meat, they’ll exercise every day… (laughs). We recommend that they take it step by step, considering it a true success for kicking one bad habit at a time. I like to give them a picture of a staircase to climb for better health.
We can talk about orgasm. So, what happens in the brain?
Dr. Françoise Wilhelmy of Toledo : completely! Regulars are familiar with this mood lift/elevation, which is explained in part by the regeneration of neurons. There is a substance produced by the brain called “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” with a stimulating effect via neurotransmitters. BDNF – brain-derived neurotrophic factor – plays an important role in the survival and development of neurons, acts as a determinant and is involved in neuronal plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory. We are more alert when we do intermittent fasting.
Add to this the phenomenon of “shrinkage” / shrinkage of organs. With the disposal of old fat cells, there is a re-expansion of all tissues from the new cells. Only the brain is not affected by this contraction.
How often do you prolong the benefits of therapeutic fasting?
Dr. Françoise Wilhelmy of Toledo : Once a year, and maybe twice if you encounter certain problems (work exposed to great stress, cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases, weight gain, extreme fatigue, etc.). Otherwise, I recommend practicing intermittent fasting at home to maintain the benefits. This consists of observing a meal break from 12 noon to 2 pm between dinner and your first meal the next day. It’s perfect for keeping your weight in check, staying alert, and maintaining a healthy medical floor.
In what form do they return?
For the group of patients with cardiovascular disease, there is a significant reduction in medication intake. As for people with weight problems, they are in better health and have avoided falling into obesity. Among those over fifty, a population that sees blood pressure concerns emerging, and feel more fatigued on a daily basis, they understand the challenge of investing in their health for better aging. I have a recent example of a senior athletic lady victim of Covid who, seeing her health deteriorate dramatically, thanks to curative fasting, regained her beast hair. His case is not isolated.
Leonard Wilhelmi It is especially interesting to meet the male entrepreneurs who visit us. In their answers, most will tell you they’re there to lose a few pounds…but in a more private interview, they explain that they need to slow down, to recharge their batteries. They say they felt great benefits after their fast.
Dr. Françoise Wilhelmy of Toledo We are certainly a clinic, but also a place for life and community. We can indulge in many activities every day: yoga, pilates, hiking, meditation, cooking workshops, thematic conferences … This does not happen anymore, but sometimes there were people who arrived at our house with exclusive pajamas in their bags …they thought we’d put them to bed and they wouldn’t have an ounce of energy from fasting (laughs)! It is a revelation when they discover how full of energy they are, that it is possible for them to rest in addition to the series of activities. As for their minds, they are being stimulated like never before!
Everyone has this realization that food is the next medicine.
Some people who are fasting are also looking to rebalance their sleep. What do you notice in your clinics in Lake Constance and Marbella?
Obviously, this is the problem of modern man. Since screens have taken over our lives, sleep has been affected. The blue light from screens is as stimulating as consuming caffeine before bed. Our daily programs are designed on the basis of alternating day and darkness, but the blue light in the evening gives a signal to keep us alert, as if we were in the middle of the day. We know that sleep has a significant impact on chronic disease and mental health.
A night’s rest also plays an essential role in easing the trauma we experience (loss of a loved one, accident, trauma, etc.) through rapid eye movement (REM) mechanisms that will release emotions. Fasting helps regulate sleep and restore a normal circadian rhythm. That is why we are seeing an increasing demand in our clinics to resume good habits.
For more :
www.buchinger-wilhelmi.com
Wilhelm Beckster. 27
88662 Ueberlingen, Germany
Tel: +49 7551 807-0
[email protected]
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