I made a comment a while back on experimenting with water fasting to combat my Long Covid. I was suffering with debilitating fatigue and PEM that would leave me unable to do the laundry. Breathlessness, the lot. Life felt on hold for the best part of a year. I did a 3 day water fast (with salt/electrolytes), and can now happily say my condition is cured. Resolved 95% within a week of the fast, brief minor recurrence of very mild fatigue for a few days here and there, now 100% gone. Just a case of rebuilding strength and cardio now. Can do full strength training sessions as per pre Covid, no PEM to speak of. I’d highly recommend people to try this, with proper research and advice from a doctor. Any questions, I’ll do my best to help. May everyone recover as fast as possible. Cheers 🙂
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting I fast intermittently quite regularly, and often do a 24-36 hr fast for general health reasons, with good results. But this is the first time I've cured an illness by fasting.
I've struggled with long covid symptoms since mid January, chest tightness, fatigue and breathlessness. My condition worsened and I was diagnosed with pneumonia in Late February. I'm two days into my dry fasting for the month of Ramadan and my chest tightness and fatigue have markedly diminished. I will report back at the end of Ramadan, appx. 28 days from today and share my experience. Best wishes to all those suffering from this challenging condition.
@Marco Antonio - have you noticed continued improvement so far? I have chest tightness and breathing issues and I'm thinking of starting a fast as well.
@@andrewbotsch1380 Hi Andrew. Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your condition. Second, please make sure you consult with a medical professional. That said, I'm happy to report that my symptoms, chest tightness and fatigue , are now gone. I noticed they began to dissipate 3 or 4 days into my fasting. This is a daily dry fast, from sunrise to sunset. It also requires one to minimize stress and anger. I think it also helps to go into the fast with a positive mind set and a firm belief that you will get better. I convinced myself it would work and it did. Also, although I wouldn't recommend this for novices, I did light exercise routines while fasting, like cycling and light jogging and resistance band work. I've been fasting for 30 years and am very experienced with this type of fasting/fitness regimen. Also., very importantly, make sure not to overeat when breaking your fast. Needless to say, you should make sure you're getting your fruits and vegetables and rehydrate. I usually have a light dinner and then a late night snack comprised of organic fruits, mostly berries. I wish you the best . Feel free to keep in touch. Take care
@@purveyorofproof thank you so much for the helpful response. I'm almost at 24 hours water-only fast as I write this. I'm so glad to hear it cleared up your symptoms! I hope I get similar results and I will definitely consider all your advice.
Fasting seems to be like some kind of magic remedy to cure many ills. I have tried it on and off for a while and it takes a lot of will power and determination and perseverance but it does work wonders and also saves money on buying food ha ha. A kind of a win win really.
Thank you very much. Yes it can need some willpower in the beginning. If done under medical supervision in a clinical setting it's much easier, though :)
I don't understand. Those people who are dying in the hospital aren't eating processed foods, sugar etc, so basically they are fasting yet they still don't get better.
@@ThanhTran-33333Thats a very general observation when it depends on why they are in there in the first place and what kind of treatment they are getting.
Extraordinary results. Thank you for sharing. Our bodies have great healing and regeneration abilities; under proper supervision it becomes a powerful machine of infinite possibilities.
Excellent information! This video is leaving an important point out - that stem cells are activated and new immune cells are created during the fast (and immobilized afterward), and also red & white blood cells are recycled and renewed, Please do a video on the cell structures that are damaged from Long Covid and how fasting renews them ALL. Also, there are some errors - three patients were said to have contracted in 2020 - but the time period of months of long Covid doesn't match - I suspect she meant to say 2021. Please fix that in subtitles.
I got really sick in Christmas of 2019, was down for two weeks, had lots of fluid in my chest, coughing up green phlem until my throat was raw, slept in a recliner a hour at a time. Ended up drinking pickle juice to sooth my raw throat. Was not in good shape but i never gave up an kept on hacking up the garbage. Never went to the hospital or doctor. I was weak going back to work, and was exhausted months later and had trouble breathing going up stairs especially with a covid mask on but made it through. It took me another year to actually start dealing with my health, May 2021, high blood pressure, 270 lbs, 5ft. 9in, obese, retaining water in my legs, itchy feet, signs of fatty liver. I watched a video from Dr. Ekberg on Fatty liver disease and one of your videos on fasting/blood pressure. That helped me make the decision to start Keto and fasting. After only a few days of doing one meal a day and getting rid of sugar and processed foods, my inflamation dropped and the water retention in my legs, and was able to breath easier, less inflamation in my nostrils. Ive lost many inches since then, went from a size 40 waist to under a 36 inch waist. Still doing a one meal a day during the work week and varying my eating times on the weekend. So far ive only been up to a 5 day fast but looking forward to having another extended fast soon. Thanks for sharing Health!
@@StarrAckerman Thank you for your comment, we are planning on upcoming videos about that topic. We are not sure where exactly the error is. Can you tell us, please?
I've been having severe covid issues with my throat and lungs and heart. I've fasted before after a week long alkaline diet but i'm going to try it now. Ive been sick since november 1st. I'm going to start fasting tomorrow for 14 days I'm excited to see the results these symptoms are extremely scary.
I’ve had COVID for two weeks in March 2019. My only symptom was difficulty breathing although my oxygenation wasn’t affected. Since then, I’ve lost my sense of smell, experienced general tiredness, low mood, and have difficulty breathing at times (almost like asthma). I also gained a lot of weight but this could be due to many other factors. Before 2019, I have done two fasting, one of 4 days and another of 5 days. Ive set myself to do a 5 day fast. Im on day 3. So far, I’m seeing a huge improvement on the mood and energy. I wasn’t hungry for the first two days but now I’ve started to feel it at times. I take breathing and mindfulness breaks, showers and talk to loved ones to help through these bouts. So far I’m okay and really curious to see the impacts. I plan on doing them every month for the next little while.
I have had long haulers for the last year and a half. It has been horrible. Severe asthma, severe anxiety ( probably because I can't freaking breathe!), bad brain fog, extreme fatigue. I have been so scared. I have currently been on an 80% raw fruit 20% raw veggies diet for the last 12 days. I have been through so many detox symptoms. I have only had two good days, but they gave me so much hope. Yesterday my lungs flared up so bad my son almost had to call an ambulance, nothing was working. I have already been fasting all day today. After watching this I am going to start a fast and just do it until I am fully healed. I will update after I am done. I am ready to heal!! Thank you so much for putting this info out there. I finally feel hope again!
Since 2016 I have logged over 8000 hours of strict two weeks long medical dryfasting sessions, and am currently on day eleven of this dryfast session. This is a 68 years old much abused body with serious health conditions, and dryfasting is reversing all un-health. Dr. Sergei Filonov speaks of "Phase II" when autophagy really heats up. In my case that always happens at day nine and onwards, when the body lights up like a Christmas tree, and the most marvelous purges occur throughout the body.
@@colleenkaralee2280 Colleen, can you please walk us through your dry fast? Tell us how you started it and came out of it, tell us if you had to do any blood work prior to know if your kidneys would be OK during a dry fast, or if it is not needed? Tell us how you felt each day and if you felt like you couldn't bare it anymore or was it easy? What benefits you saw from dry fast over water fast? Any tips or advice? Thank you very much in advance 😊
Thank you so much for posting this video! I wrote a letter to the Buchinger Center in Spain asking if long-haulers were recovered by fasting, I didn’t receive a response- but this video is explaining it! Have you considered Valter Longo’s cycle of fasting research as well to put patients into full remission? Meaning - repeated extended fasts over a 3 month period - 5 days or more each month? Based on his research, I have done two extended fasts since June - one for 10 days, and another for 7 days, and am presently on my third water fast. I have cleared Long Covid symptoms of migraines, breathlessness, anosmia, internal tremors, facial twitching, parasthesia (numbness / pins and needles) in arms and legs, and more. This video is leaving an important point out - that stem cells are activated and new immune cells are created during the fast (and immobilized afterward), and also red & white blood cells are recycled and renewed, Please do a video on the cell structures that are damaged from Long Covid and how fasting renews them ALL.
@starr Ackerman Thank you for your insight into your fasting experience and your request for a new video. I have noted that down and I will try my best that it will be covere in one of the upcoming videos. Stay tuned and take care!
soo I developed covid like symptoms 3 days ago and started fasting on the onset. my symptoms have only improved. i do drink ginger tea when I feel hungry. but I definitely noticed an immediate improvement!
Developed long COVID symptoms of chest pain/tightness, breathing issues, and some fatigue about 3 months ago. It started 2 weeks after having COVID in January. I'm starting a 3-day water fast today. Will report back here with how it went.
Thank you for your comment, we are looking forward to hear from your experience. Although we have to add that the human body requires around 2-3 days to adjust its metabolism to fasting. This is followed by a fasting period lasting several days to several weeks, depending on the patient’s indication and constitution. At the end of the fast comes the refeeding phase. The longer you fast, the longer this refeeding phase should be. A typical length of stay for therapeutic fasting at BuchingerWilhelmi is between two and four weeks. In individual cases, it can make sense to fast for a considerably longer time. Our doctors will discuss with you how long you should ideally fast when you arrive, or, if you prefer, in advance. Apart from the recommended period, is there such a thing as a minimum length of stay for fasting? To undergo therapeutic fasting in our clinics, you should come for a minimum of ten days. That is the time you need for a digestive rest day before you fast, for the fast itself, and for the refeeding phase after breaking your fast. If you would like to get to know our clinics, give your digestive system a rest or take advantage of our other activities while enjoying our delicious and yet light wholefood cuisine, you may of course visit us for a shorter time.
@@roberttruth2717 I completed my fast and there was no change in my symptoms immediately. However, 2 days after finishing i am experiencing a relief in my breathing issues and fatigue, still have chest pain though. I don't know if I can attribute it to the fasting or not. Hard to say. Are you having similar symptoms?
One of the best part of your explanation are the details of the study along with history and post session feedback. Well done doctor. Thanks once again.
Thanks for sharing this positive Fasting information! It amazes me how are bodies are designed to heal themselves if we give it time to heal instead of consuming food constantly. I have personally lost many inches because of fasting and by getting rid of most sugars and processed foods. Keep up the good work!
I've been dealing with long Covid for one year and seven months. I have been asking everyone if fasting would help heal the damage cells from Covid and help restore my health. I have searched the Internet, and this is actually the first video I have found. Thank you very much for your research!
Kimberli, same here! I got covid in July 2022 and being familiar with intermittent fasting and keto/low carb I have wondered if extended fasting could help my long covid issues due to the autophagy that comes along with it but despite much searching this is the first information I have found about it online!! It gives me hope! I have a Dr. appt this week so I am going to discuss it with him first.
@@mistyfoley4210 I didn't discuss it with my doctors. My doctor at the Covid clinic told me that I needed to cut carbs and sugars immediately. I automatically knew that she was talking about the keto diet. Doctors do not want us to heal ourselves. I have been doing intermittent fasting with one meal a day for a month and a week. I have an app called Steps, it shows my increased activity for the past month. I feel better. I've lost approximately 24 pounds. I can tell my lungs are healing because I can walk farther now than I could last month. Intermittent fasting with one meal a day, learning a ton from Dr Berg on RU-vid, I can honestly say fasting is healing, my body more quickly than anything else has in the last year and a half.
Thanks heaps for this video! I tested positive for COVID on 12th Dec & lost my sense of smell & taste on 13th Dec. I do have a bit of experience with extended fasting but put changed that to more of an intermittent fasting (20:4) once I tested +ve. After watching this video, I did another 72 hour fast starting Day 10 while I was still testing positive. Also supplemented with 50mg of Zinc & 500mg Vitamin C on those 3 days. On Day 12, I also did a brief steam water inhalation therapy to relieve nasal congestion before breaking my fast. Both smell & taste were restored in the dinner that I had that night! I also tested -ve on Day 13, so its definitely worth trying.
Have you had any patients with parosmia? For many of us after we recover from anosmia, we then are faced with parosmia. Things smell and taste horrible.
We appreciate your question. I made a note of it, and we will discuss it in the editorial team meeting and maybe answer it in one of the next videos. So stay tuned!
Wow! So Ramadan is coming and 1 month long fasting going to take place for Allah swt and to get healthier, the fasting prescribed to Muslim nearly 1500years ago, what a fantastic clinical research which evidenced the benefits of fasting, I congratulate your clinic and the clinicians 👏
I'm a month post covid and have a drastic drop of my libido, sexual health has decreased with little to no drive, and ED problems I never had before. Got other symptoms to like minor congestion, minor muscle aches, nausea. I was thinking that extended fasting would help me recover and this video helps. I'm starting a 7 day fast now.
Do you know about, or have reported on, any case in which the fasting took place *during* the viral infection? Having read about SARS-CoV2’s ability to interfere with autophagy, I was wondering about the effects of a fast to: 1. force the autophagy state anyway, and 2. induce a state of minimal inflammation that can prevent the cytokine storm. The risks are arguably the lack of some critical nutrient at the moment that the body is mounting its defenses, but having applied a fast during a previous flu infection with excellent results, it always has made me wonder of its potential against COVID. Any information or thoughts?
Im looking for the answer for this question as well. Based from my previous experience of fasting through a common flu, I got out of it in euphora on 3rd day of fasting, no medicines needed and resumed life as normal immediately. Now I have covid and planning to apppy the extact principle. Unfortunately I found out that I have covid rather late last night so only been eating less for the last few days. However I'm going to fast for 3 4 days or until all symptoms are gone.
@@kenehnsklp5530 Wishing you a prompt and full recovery. Indeed report back. A friend of mine went through COVID recently. Ended up with extreme fatigue and mental fog. I suggested a long fast. She could only manage 4 and a half days as this was the first time she attempted this, but her fatigue and fog disappeared even with that.
@@ApolloOverDionysus thank you. So I listened to my body and decided to go for intermittent fasting instead and would eat when I was hungry. My food was high protein, very low carb and low/moderate fat foods and would only eat if I felt I needed to. So for 2-3 days I just had a protein shake with half an avocado, 1.5 scoop of protein powder, 50-100g of berries and a bit of spinach. Came to about 250-350 calories depending on how big the avocado was each day. Supplements: I took the usual doses of my supplements. This means: 2 multivitamins, 1 mega size 40g, 20000 IU vidD, 180mg vitK, 400mg magnesium, along with probiotics and total of around 400mg chromium. I drank lots of water with a lemon juice (2-3 lemons/limes) throughout the day. Symptoms improved slowly but daily. I was still very tired and could not do much other than going from the bed to the kitchen to make the smoothie. I made sure that if I cant dot anything, I wouldnt try to do it, such as cooking for others etc. I made sure I would just lie in bed and would not pick up work-related calls. Keeping stress at the minimum is important. By day 6, I could do some exercises, only within my capabilities (some lunges, body weights etc) and did not have any breathing issue. Day 7 , everything improved quickly and I resumed my normal intermittent fasting schedule (20/4 with 3 meals or 2 meals +1snack), still eating low carb, high protein and fat is kept on the low side. So that means adding baked chicken breast and steamed veggies. I ate a lot of dark green veggies and mushroom, along with tomatoes and cucumbers. Until now, my appetite is still rather low and I still don't feel like going out to eat or to cook anything complicated. My stamina, sense of smell and tastes improved noticeably everyday as I test myself first thing in the morning. I then did a normal workout and was doing better than before I had covid. So in this aspect, I think I've recovered fully. My sense of smell and taste used to be quite superior before covid, now, I would rate at 80% and improving. Brain fog has gone. Improved everyday during the period. I lost 1kg, which is not much. No muscle loss, most of it came off my lower belly. Mental fatigue - this is where Im struggling right now. I realised it's very difficult for me to "fall" asleep. I just find it difficult to let myself fall into sleep. Im tired and agitated as a result the next day. I've tried rescheduling meal times away from bedtime, doing exercises earlier, drinking chamomile tea, eating a light meal before bed. Before covid, any of these changes would have helped me go to sleep at 10.30pm easily. Now, I stay up until 2am and only sleep when my body feels wrecked. Last night, I had to take a sleeping pill and even then it wasnt that easy to fall asleep. I feel that I need to concentrate and keep telling myself "it's going to work, you will sleep". I'm afraid all my progress is now hindered by this one symptom, and it might be the more difficult symptom to fix. I'm contemplating again whether and actual fast would help or not.
Thanks for the video! Been suffering with Long Covid for a while (mostly extreme fatigue and dizziness). I'd like to try fasting, my question here is what kind of fasting did your patients do? 16-8? Would be glad to receive more information, many thanks 😊
You can also build up to it by doing a 16-8, i started with doing one meal a day, and then two days and so on. Eventually got up to 5 days. Over a few month time period, sticking with one meal a day. Getting rid of processed sugars and food and eating whole foods. Following the Keto prinicples, low carb, high fat and protein. Stay away from fruit juices and fruits that are high in sugar. For me I felt better in a few days with less inflamation and easier to breath. The key is sugar intake, causes a lot of damage in the body. Goodluck!
@@dennisray6093 thanks for the detailed feedback! I'll try to start with 16-8 as I've already done it a few times. Then might limit the time window of eating day by day. due to some allergies since my Covid infection I kinda have to eat ketogenic anyway :D Thanks again and I hope it improves my fatigue a bit :)
@@Thod3r0wns your welcome! If you have the fat your body will use it for fuel. When you start feeling those hunger pains you know the fasting is working and if you continue those hunger pain will go away. My allergies seem to be connected to sugar, less intake less problems. Electrolytes, potassium, magnesium glycinate, redmond salt, himalayan, sea salt. Body needs salt with minerals but short fasting its not that big of a deal but the right salt is important. Dr. Fung and Dr. Ekberg have great videos and many others. Fasting is a great tool for any diet. Nothing wrong with having off days of no fasting or going on a two day and so on. Goodluck!
At the Buchinger Wilhelmi clinics the main focus is on long-term fasting (5, 10, 15, 20 days or more). The key mechanism of fasting is the metabolic switch from absorbing glucose supplied by food intake to utilizing ketones and the body’s own fat deposits. So our method is not a intermittent fasting method like the 16:8, but rather a low calorie restricted diet (about 250 kcal/day) to induce ketosis and autophagy.
@@ImranAhmadKhanNiaziPTI If you are new bee to this, whatever you are strong or not. Play the Yoga first in order to find yourself and master of mind. I would recommend Yoga Moksha as the foundation, in the same time you can do IF or FF while doing Yoga too.
This is super fascinating. I do wonder if this might help reset some of my symptoms, but my eating disorder has also been massively triggered by long covid cause I don't have the energy to make food half the time--so this might be contraindicated for me. :)
3 weeks now constant shortness of breath its terrible. Inhaler does nothing. My bronchitis is gone. Still have terrible time breathing. Overweight 49 non smokers. Anyones shortness of breath get better?
I have long haul post vaccine syndrome (basically long covid caused by the vaccine). I am 36 hours into a 10 day water fast. I hope this helps :). I have done two 14 day water fasts a few years back.
Thank for sharing your experience, we wish you all the best. But we have to add that we do not recommend only water fasting, since it is very stressful for the body. According to the fasting method of our founder Dr Otto Buchinger, you can also take in teas, juices and soups, besides water. Our scientific studies show that it boosts your energy and does not break the fast.
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting How can juice or soup not break a fast? These both activate the liver and cause insulin spikes. A true fast is water only. If you're taking in juice and soup then it's not really a fast and should be called something else so as not to confuse people.
5 months post dealing with brain fog and cognitive issue , it's healing but the process is so slow , do you think fasting with speed it . thank you god bless us all .
Just FYI, I had a very mild case of COVID, approximately 1 year after vaccinations, and I am going on 2+ years of long covid. Fatigue, brain fog (confusion, concentration), and depression are my primary symptoms.
so i have covid now for about a week, all the classic symptoms, I feel like crap after I eat, so I just finished my first day fast and will continue until I beat this covid
The duration of a fast is dependend of your height, weight and general condition. Hence, we advice to always consult a medical doctor with fasting experience before going on a long term fast.
@@LongCOVIDAdvocator I have noticied, the less bodyfat. Less symptoms I have. Finally it's almost all gone, atleast now I can live normal. But I also take vitamins
Hi team at Buchinger Wilhelmi, thanks for the great work you are doing and the encouraging case reports in this video. I suffer from post covid hyposmia. Can I ask if your centre has seen more cases since the publication of this video where patients with post covid smell loss had good improvements in their sense of smell and taste after fasting at your centre? And are you publishing any studies soon on fasting and long covid? Including fasting on post covid smell loss?
Hi Mark! We understand the urgency. But please understand that we cannot give you a blanket answer about the duration of the fast. The length of a fast has to be defined on an individual basis and it depends on many factors, e.g. previous diseases, general state of health, etc. May I suggest you try to find a medical expert experienced in fasting in the area where you live to help you. Your health and safety during a fast is important to us. Take care!
Great to hear, thanks for sharing your personal fasting experience. Please understand that we cannot give you a blanket answer about the duration of the fast. It depends on many factors, e.g. previous diseases, general state of health, etc. To undergo therapeutic fasting in our clinics, you should come for a minimum of ten days. That is the time you need for a digestive rest day before you fast, for the fast itself, and for the refeeding phase after breaking your fast
Besides unlimited amounts of mineral water, guests who are fasting are offered herbal teas, freshly made vegetable consommés and freshly pressed fruit juices - naturally all organic. Fasting begins with a light vegetarian meal on the day you arrive followed by a digestive rest day. After you have completed the fast, you gradually build up your nutrition again over a period of four days - an intense and pleasurable experience and one which is vital for the success of your stay in the long term.
Very interesting, thank you for sharing your findings! I have one question, how come these four patients lost so little weight in such a long fast? Is that normal?
The pattern from the Buchinger Clinic at Lake Constance have generated following statistics over the years: One-third of subjects weigh less than at the beginning, one-third weigh approximately the same, and another third gain a little bit of weight. We hope you find this helpful. Here are two studies on the topic of weightloss and the Buchinger therapeutic fasting method. 1. Relationship between the rate of weight loss in a low caloric diet (250 kcal/day) and age, body mass index, gender, and number of fasting cycles. Brubacher, D.; Jordan, P.; Wilhelmi de Toledo, F.; Brubacher, G. Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin 1999, 138-142. 2. Prediction of Weight Development on a 250 kcal/day Diet by a Simple Two-Compartment Model. Brubacher, D.; Jordan, P.; Wilhelmi de Toledo, F.; Brubacher, G. Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin 1998, 23, 293-298.
It's very normal for weight to change very little when fasting for a limited amount of time because your body automatically compensates for the lack of food by shutting down less necessary systems and preserving energy. This is exactly what causes the reset of your metabolism that they mentioned in the video, and why fasting is generally not a good solution for weight management.
Is there a way to Fast safely? IE, I assume you need to drink fluids, take some vitimin suppliments, etc. I can't image anyone fasting w/ no food what so ever for 17 days. Please advise! Thanks (I'm a long covid sufferer).
Therapeutic fasting under medical supervision is not dangerous. On the contrary, it is an effective therapy for metabolic diseases and also for many so-called diseases of affluence such as obesity and high blood pressure and thus reduces risk factors. The Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method is not a water-only method. While water plays a crucial part, you would consume tea, fresh vegetable or fruit juice and light soups, which will amount to 250 kcal a day when staying at our clinic. These will neither break your fast nor prevent autophagy from taking place. We have over 100 years of experience in this kind of fasting method and have seen great results which are backed up by several studies conducted at our clinics. Watch our video on fasting supplements here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WSA949nbDtc.html. I hope this information helps you. Take care!
Will you be able to tell me how you did it? And really short time kind of right out how you did it how your plan was all appreciate it if you can tell me details thank you
Funny you should ask since I was just reviewing yesterday to try again. I only fasted four days and while my smell and taste didn’t return I did lose the sense of “phantom” smell. I kept smelling smoke in close spaces but that’s completely gone. Will probably try again in December
*IS IT BE EFFECTIVE DURING INFECTION? OR WORSE?* I think I have Covid because my parents got it and I now have a mild cough, Slight fever, but no throat pains or aches yet and I can still smell.... I know there are amazing healthbenefits when you're not sick. But when I googled this Topic it's 50/50 I just want the facts.
I was just released from the hospital a few days ago after fighting covid pneumonia. My oxygen is better but I can't get past the brain fog, headaches, and the insomnia is maddening! They want me to rest but I can't sleep or stay asleep. I am 5'1 and 260lbs, so definitely unhealthy and regret not being healthier before covid. I am desperate to get rid of the insomnia and other symptoms that are lingering, and am thinking a long fast might be the miracle I need. I noticed your patients were on a 250 calorie a day fast, can you explain what food or drink that 250 calories came from and how you determined how long the patient should fast?
Hello and thank you for your question. Sometimes things have to happen to us for us to realise that something needs to change. You made the first step by informing yourself about the potential healing effects of fasting. We would be very happy to welcome you at our clinic to support you on this healthy journey. To your questions: The length of a fast is individually determined as it depends on your age, health condition, general constitution, vitality and any other medical markers. The "ideal" length of a therapeutic fast is between 2 and 3 weeks. A minimum of 10 days (1 transition day, 5 fasting days, 1 day breaking the fast, 3 building up days) is recommended so that the fast can take its full effect. The Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method is NOT a water-only fast. Instead, as you rightly said, our guests are served about 250 - 300 kcal a day. Apart from a lot of water, you consume tea with a little bit of honey, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices as well as vegetable soups. The liquid consistency of these "dishes" do not trigger hunger or prevent the metabolic switch, but give you enough energy throughout the fast. This is how you enjoy this time and can be more active throughout.
Can someone explain this a bit more to me? Does this mean no food at all or eating within certain hours? Also, is water allowed out of these hours? I’ve had long covid for nearly 5 months. Caught it age 23, now 24 and showing no signs of getting better. Any advice on this fasting technique would be really appreciated.
Hi there! The Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method is not a water-only method. While water plays a crucial part, you would consume tea, fresh vegetable or fruit juice and light soups, which will amount to 250 kcal a day when staying at our clinic. These will neither break your fast nor prevent autophagy from taking place. We have over 100 years of experience in this kind of fasting method and have seen great results which are backed up by several studies conducted at our clinics.
Sure! The soup should not be too thick. Hence, avoid using a lot of starchy vegetables. Instead, add a lot of vegetable broth to the mix. Our former head chef Hzbert Hohler describes how to prepare such a fasting soup in this video 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pv4aiV5Qpxo.html. Check out this video too 👉 Videolink ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--DXHBI3XRQ4.html for our famous Gazpacho fasting soup.
I hope you understand that we cannot give medical advice on social media. Please talk to your doctor. He or she will help you. We wish you all the best! 🍀
Hello, First I just wanted to say thank you all so much for sharing this video! I’ve been suffering from long Covid for going on 3 years now, when you say these patients fasted, do you mean they are nothing at all?
Thank you for your comment. Here at Buchinger Wilhelmi we practice therapeutic fasting according to our founder Dr. Otto Buchinger. This method allows low-calorie teas, juices and soups (200-250 kcal daily in the Buchinger Wilhelmi clinics). This video talks about a 10-day fast in our clinics.
Besides unlimited amounts of mineral water, guests who are fasting are offered herbal teas, freshly made vegetable consommés and freshly pressed fruit juices - naturally all organic. Fasting begins with a light vegetarian meal on the day you arrive followed by a digestive rest day. After you have completed the fast, you gradually build up your nutrition again over a period of four days - an intense and pleasurable experience and one which is vital for the success of your stay in the long term.
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting I really wish we had something like this in the US. It seems so daunting to replicate this on my own. I've never fasted in my life and have issues with low blood sugar at times. I'm 5'4" & 105 lbs. I'm concerned about if my body would be able to handle it.
Hello Danielle! Low blood pressure as such is not a contraindication for fasting. However, your blood pressure may drop slightly during fasting. Hence, I would like to ask you to always go on a long-term fast supervised by someone that can help you if you are not feeling well. Hence, we would be very happy to welcome you at one of our clinics, either at Überlingen, Germany or Marbella, Spain in order to take care of you 😊
Thank you for your question. They fasted for 10 days according to the Buchinger Wilhelmi method. This method allows low-calorie teas, juices, and soups (200-250 kcal daily at Buchinger Wilhelmi clinics).
Hi Aestawtic Edits! Thank you for your question. As outlined in the video, fasting can help with recovering from long covid and the symptoms you described. We have a testimony of another patient in the lineup. Follow us on Instagram or facebook, if you are not doing so already, and you will get inotified when we are publishing this article. 😊
Would supplementing N-acetyl cysteine & probiotics be okay for fasting? Also is exercise recommended with the fasting studies? My BMI is on the lower end might need to try soon. I've also heard it may be that covid impairs the immune system to C. Albicans. I have noticed a lot of antifungal supplements have helped quite a lot & organic diet with low glycemic/fodmap food along with healthy fats. I've been doing this and it has suppressed all of my symptoms but if I stay from the diet it creates a lot of symptoms to relapse. Maybe biofilm disruptor or enzymes might be good too
In general, exercise during fasting is healthy. We recommend in particular gentle activities like walking in nature or yoga. Always listen to your body and do what feels right to you in that special period. For any questions on supplementation while fasting, you can watch our video on that topic 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WSA949nbDtc.html.
Hi everyone, I'm struggeling with long covid for 20 months now. Had a severe depression. Still foggy, blurry in my head and suffer from chronic hyperventilation. I'm already on a strictly diet without alcohol, sugar, grains (apart from oat), glutens. So my meals exist mainly of poultry, eggs, fish, lots of vegies and fruits, nuts and seeds, lots of olive oil, kefir, fermented legumes. I practice the Buteyko breathing method trying to solve my chronic hyperventilation. Should I take it a step further en go for prolonged fasting? Can the chronic hyperventilation be solved with prolonged fasting? Many thanks.
I've had long covid for just over 2 years. I had some depression previous to that as well. I did a 7 day water fast last September. Long covid symptoms improved a lot, blood pressure, blood sugar very improved, and I would say my depression pretty much went away altogether. I am currently on day 10 of another water fast. I am hopeful for more improvements- Of course you should try prolonged fasting! It has improved the health of so many! If you feel bad, just eat!
If you struggle with anxiety or anything like that, which higher adrenal activity could pair with and exacerbate (psycho-somatically facilitating further hyperventilation and a possible panic attack, potentially), proceed with caution. Do your research first. Search for Thomas Delauer videos re: prolonged fasting (he has numerous), read a bit of research and check out the couple of fasting videos on the Andrew Huberman channel. You want to build up bio-energetically and immune-wise a bit more (also stay more parasympathetic going in if at all possible, do not enter a fast during a period of unusually high stress, compared to your standard or typical day so whatever level that is for you) just prior to a 3-5 (or so) day fast. Do it with clean H20 and with electrolytes (sodium, magnesium and potassium most particularly)! Perhaps try to transition to a _slightly_ more ketogenic state if you can a day or 2 prior leading into the fast start date (not essential but probably helpful). Learn about risks that can arise such as low BP (blood pressure), BG (blood glucose aka blood sugar), tachycardia, etc. Plan (pre) and modulate (intra aka during) fast activity level and practices accordingly. You CAN "break" the fast with a smidge of something like a tad of MCTs or even with glucose if need be. No obsessing or pushing too far during the fast. Your body WILL re-enter the autophagic repair state shortly after the "break" especially if it is a miniscule caloric amount. But obviously the ideal is to not do so (however again, the diminishment is likely quite insignificant and besides the research for that I have experienced it during my 2nd 5 day fast which alleviated my LC symptoms despite a couple carefully selected items or substances that technically briefly "broke" the fast during the 5-day period). Your mentality must be that it is a vacation or something analogous during the fast. Plan prior, don't worry/tinker during and avoid psycho-social and cognitive stressors. A tiny, bio-individualized amount of exertion early in the day might be good physically but mostly relax, just light therapeutic movement every few hours (or ideally every hour or so, again no obsessing though during just giving you some guidelines as an idea beforehand as someone who has extensively researched this and is a repeat practitioner etc.) Again, no chores or work if at all possible. Limit that at the absolute least. Your environment ought to be that which promotes a predominantly parasympathetic neural state. Expect the last few days you will likely sleep less, and begin to experience the higher adrenal activity (evolutionarily unsurprising else we would starve during famine vice experience motivation or "activation energy" to gather/forage/hunt/obtain food for survival) stress state. Again this is normal. Moreover it might even be required *to some minor extent* for the full hormetic aka positive adaptative response to the stress signalling set that the fast presents your physiology. Plan out _play activities_ and practices to relieve tension (such as the simple but potent hot shower or bath followed by a brief, light stretching routine). If you use any stimulant (caffeine, nicotine, etc.), refrain from use (especially caffeine) or at least limit amount and timing to earlier rather than later. Follow Huberman's repeated insistence re: early Sun exposure in AM soon upon/after waking (or just, as best you can, follow a solid daily circadian control of light exposure). Even if you typically do not do so, at least for the fast, do not lie down to sleep with your phone/a mobile device (a hardcopy book could be okay though and for many will facilitate nodding off lol) Make a 1 page, simplified cheatsheet or checklist with the most essential, key components (electrolytes, parasympathetic dominance, etc.) or something if the elements to follow feel overwhelming, then all you need to do is glance at it early and maybe a time or 2 thru the day and you're good to go Again above all besides doing your research, do not push yourself too far you can always do another fast (review and adjust YOUR bio-individualized protocol after, not during a fast lol, the last couple days you are literally in somewhat of a slightly altered mental state and also are probably much more prone and sensitive to stress). You likely might feel a decline in energy and spike im hunger stress early (day 1, 2 or so) then recedes then a gradiated increase or even somewhat spike in energy on day 3, 4 or 5 (though sometimes as early as day 2). But whatever happens again, if in doubt and especially if you are not being monitored by someone experienced/knowledgeable/competent with prolonged fasts AND you/your physiology, just play it safe, break the fast (NOT with a humongous bolus of calories and certainly not with a mass of simple carbs and lots of unhealthy or even healthy fat _simultaneously_ lol) Listen to your body. The first fast will likely be a good trial run that can absolutely relieve symptoms but often not totally the first time. You will build a bit of general and definitely some bio-individualized experience, knowledge, and practice. Note your pre-fast meal and anything you've taken during the fast etc. in the event of an emergency or urgent medical situation (best practice) Pre- recommendation (last meal prior to fast) could be something like a raw, freshly crushed (releases more allicin) garlic (note, contains natural antibiotic properties) clove (with a little black pepper and turmeric for increased bioavailability and synergy, respectively), then sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir or some probiotic a few mins after and some prebiotic from any number of plant sources you know you digest OK based on your past. Then some high quality protein with a good amino acid profile, and maybe some blueberries and an avocado. Something like that just a decent example Post meal, start with a little lemon water or better yet some ACV - apple cider vinegar (the good kind that i.e, in an actual glass jar that contains "Mother"), wait a few mins then again feed gut/microbiome first (natural anti-/pre/pro biotics), then ideally protein first, followed by healthy fats and maybe some complex carbs with polyphenols, antioxidant complexes, etc. (i.e., blueberries, pomegranate, pinneaple, sweet potato, many other examples). Not a big mac meal to break the fast lol that is on the other extreme i.e. the worst way which will significantly limit the positive adaptative response to the 3-5 or so day gauntlet you just endured Trust nothing I wrote here without doing your own research (multiple sources not just 1), I don't know why I spent so much on this comment other than I am about to do my 3rd fast soon and am excited as all hell lol. Best to you! P.S., note if you do come across data/research/source that counters anything I've suggested though please advise both for your sake and mine (much conflicting info in this space, I've sifted accordingly but besides you being mislead, I'd also like to be corrected if I'm operating off of any innaccurate info myself). Last note, other than clean H20, electrolytes, and a smide of fatty acids or something with glucose if you absolutely need a time or a couple times, I would suggest considering quercetin to take during the fast also (along with lactoferrin or colostrum, NAC, and low-dose melatonin like 1mg or no more than 3mg, the last couple nights). Might be missing a couple others but that is more than enough, no one has a perfect protocol for someone else or even themself we can only revise over time (between fasts but caveat there, taking a couple notes during the fast might be useful to you to review later, just as a quick brain data dump but no analysis and intra-fast cognitive work, only light physical or mental play, R&R, maybe a tad of creative "work," and a data-dump audio recording or quick text note if you just _need_ to record something for review later lol) /The End JFC
I mentioned Huberman has 2 or 3 breathing podcast episodes, James Nestor interviews (including but not limited to the recent episode on Diary of a CEO podcast), and Oxygen Advantage channel - all on RU-vid. Check 'em out if you haven't Also, DBL (deep belly laughter) is a potent vagus nerve stimulus, which will help trigger activation of the parasympathetic branch/activity of the ANS. Make a YT playlist or watchlist or something (e.g., I have a Impractical Jokers playlist for this for instance) to relatively easily invoke DBL (will be particularly useful for the latter part of the extended fast to modulate against hyper-stress or hazardously prolonged high-stress condition as your adrenal activity/hormonal/stress reponse to the fast continues on and help as a preventative and/or countermeasure against hyperventilating to some extent) Another useful, real-time breathing practice that can help counter stress and hyper-ventilation is the double-inhale (see Huberman). Again though see Nestor on Diary of a CEO and elsewhere (some people over-extend the attempt and ironically make it worse lol). Patience and grace for yourself through this challenge, LC is no joke. But with what I've noted for you to check into, consider and incorporate in your own way, I think you can experience a huge relief (if not remission, eventually) of your own symptoms. Of course work with your MD/health care team where you can (though standard medical practice is rather limited as a pharmaceutically biased/profit-driven, so-called 'sickcare' business model vice an intelligently integrated or "holistic" health care industry). Most MDs are not up to date on much (if any) of the tremendous bulk of relevant science as the actual researchers (or even some decently research-informed practitioners i.e. some of their patients)
Do you think that fasting is a good strategy to help prepare your body to more resilient to covid if you haven't already been exposed? Would a long term fast optimize the immune system? Thanks for your great work.
Thank you John for your kind feedback. Have you seen our other two videos on that topic? Here are the two Q&A videos 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_ZG6lCgpPcA.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LhUOyeiY6r0.html.
Yes!! I had fasted and cut out all sugar and processed foods to reverse my T2D 5 months ago. Currently have Covid at age 62 and my 22 yr old as well. My symptoms are FAR milder than my son.
Yes! Drinking a lot is our fasting motto 😊 . The beverages consumed on a Buchinger therapeutic fast include water and herbel teas, as well as fresh fruit or vegetable juices and vegetable broth.
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting thank you I did a 24 hour fast today which I don’t feel I’d enough but it was to prepare for the 3 day plus one. I love what your clinic is doing. 💌
Great to hear that you have discovered fasting as a way to feel better and that the content we publish is helping you with that journey. We would be very happy to welcome you at one of our clinics in the future.
Great for fasting.. Now tell us what to do with our time when for ever we had a routine of preparing meals three times a day and now were mostly locked away in our homes with nothing to do and if fasting not even getting a meal prepared!! Give us some tips please...
While fasting you have time, time for yourself. In his book "Guidelines for aking Care of Your Soul", Dr. Otto Buchinger listed elements that were important to him to nourish a person, not only during the fast but always. This list includes reading, being outside in nature, listening to music, art, meditation and gentle physical activity like yoga or walking. At our clinics we have a day programme designed available to our guests which in cludes such elements. We hope you got some inspiration and you find something enjoyable.
I had covid in march 2020 My only symptoms were loss of smell/taste and extreme fatigue. My smell and taste come back slowly but some things came with a new weird smell. both of these went away in about a year or so. I had covid again in november 2021 and got it even worse. I was bed bound, my heart rate would go nuts when standing, short of breath, forgetfulness, was very dizzy, had headaches, extreme anxiety, and was also having issues in the bathroom. I decided to go to the E.R after a few days cause i wasnt sure what was wrong at the time, and my blood pressure was very high but they basically sent me home not knowing what was wrong. I took a rapid test and came to find i was positive. I started taking vitamins and eating healthier but hard to tell if these were helping or just the time since inflection, but a noticable shift came with starting a probiotic. My headaches and anxiety went down tremendously and my bowl movements are more normal than they ever were. In fact, the first day i took the probiotic i didnt have headaches or anxiety after having every night for weeks. Over the past few weeks I have been feeling much better but still not 100%. I noticed my blood pressure has been a little higher than normal even though i had no history of high blood pressure previously, but i figured this would soon go away. The other night i wasnt so careful with what i was eating and had pizza soda and fries and within an hour my heart rate spiked tremendously and i was taken to the hospital because i was unsure what was going on. The doctor there i think was skeptical of long covid claims, but he told me my ekg was normal and i wasnt having any other issues that he was concerned about so there wasnt much to do. He did think i would benefit from taking something for my blood pressure and prescribed me something. Currently day three on it and no noticable side affects atm, but not sure if its working yet. Planning on going to the doctor soon to see. But very obviously, as someone who was in good health before all of this and who is a normal weight etc. there is no reason i should have these blood pressure issues. The doctor treating my symptoms is not really helping the underlying issue which nearly everyone who discusses long covid says is an immune/inflammation issue. That being said i would rather try something which is supposed to help the actual issue, not just symptoms. This is my first day with this fast and planning on doing for 4 days. Will let all of you know how it goes. I'm hoping it solves my blood pressure issue and the little left of brain fog and occasional headaches
I am starting a 3 day (72 hour water fast) I'm still struggling with bad brain fog and fatigue. I work hard, will it be ok to fast and still do physical labour? I just want my brain back 😔
Hello Benny. We do not recommend strenuous exercise when fasting as it is tremendous stress for the body. Light activities like walking are best. It takes some time for the body to complete the switch in metabolism, which may take up to 3 days. A medical practitioner experienced in fasting would be of great help to alleviate the symptoms. You may want to watch our video on electrolytes and fasting supplements here 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WSA949nbDtc.html
I have covid now ,4th day, how many days would you reccomend to fast , normally i am a boxer and train hard 2xtimes a day.. can i take my vitamins durning the fast?
May I suggest our video on this topic ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SzFsfp920jA.html&lc=UgzYsXlhJdVrWgfkgHZ4AaABAg. You should always consult your doctor before going on a fast. APlease understand that we cannot give you a blanket answer about the duration of the fast. The length of a fast has to be defined on an individual basis and it depends on many factors, e.g. previous diseases, general state of health, etc.
Look up 72 hour water fast and resetting immune system. I'm in day 10 of Omicron ? just completed a 24 hour. moving on to 48 then 72. Breaking fast with bone broth.
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting It would be great that you can add that to patients as a service, so that people actuallyu knew whats going on with the microbiome instead of just guessing.
Thank you for your feedback, if you wish to do a microbiome test we can organise one. But our scientific studies where we did the tests give an overview into the changes in the microbiome.
Hello and thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to answer medical questions on social media. (Please contact our medical information service who will be happy to answer your question: www.buchinger-wilhelmi.com/kontakt/) Best regards Your Buchinger Wilhelmi Team
Currently, we have not published a scientific study on this topic. However, we are constantly working on publishing new studies. Follow our channels to be up to date about the latest research and the clinical experience of our fasting doctors. Thank you for your understanding. The Buchinger Wilhelmi Fasting Clinic
I'm on day 2 of my fast, and I've only been consuming water. I'm fasting for smell & taste after covid, should I be drinking vegetable/fruit juices? what about supplements too? Thank you for your video.
Hello Resae and thank you for your question. The fasting method we practice here at Buchinger Wilhelmi, as you rightly mentioned, does not only include water, but fresh vegetable and fruit juices, light vegetable soups ( 👉 some tips here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pv4aiV5Qpxo.html), as well as tea with a little bit of honey ( 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9qLFn7zGy-I.html). The light consistency of these "beverages" will not trigger hunger, but give you strength during your fast due to the small amount of carbohydrates. Additionally, these contain some nutrients, so generally supplements are not necessary. However, patients with existing deficiencies or a pre-existing illness may have to take supplements and / or medications. Hence, we recommend that a medical practicioner is always supervising anyone who is deciding to go on a long term fast. For more on supplements 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WSA949nbDtc.html. Hope this helps 😄
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting Thank you! I've completed a 3 day water fast but I intend to do your method this month as my energy levels were low during the water fast. Thanks again for sharing your research
@@blazinga1200 I've only done a 3 day water fast so far, but I feel like my smell has definitely sharpened. Just to note that I could smell prior to the fast, it's just weak after having covid.
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting yikes....honey and fruits raise my glucose significantly! I would think staying away from any kind of sugar is key to success
@@BuchingerWilhelmiFasting thank you. There are many many kids now in different age groups with long covid. There are no solutions or answers on how to recover.
Fasting didn’t improve my symptoms and actually made most of my symptoms worse. Completely anecdotal and my experience only, I hope it works better for you then it did for me.
I think it only prevent's immune disregulation (cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome) or in other words: I think it's good for people with a relatively small viral load but an overactive immune response. (As for me, I already was feeling way better after initial symptoms ended but then, I got coughing again and weird body aches and now, I have been testet negative every day the last three days, but I still have pain in my legs, chest, back, lower than usual oxygen saturation, perhaps fever at night, insomnia and so on.) I think in my case, calorie restriction might be worth a try.
