Basen fasting according to Wacker

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What does alkaline fasting mean? The fasting method according to Wacker

The basic idea of alkaline fasting is to deacidify the body. For this, one should avoid all foods that acidify the body for a certain period, usually one week. The diet during this fasting week is 100% alkaline. This is what distinguishes alkaline fasting from acid-base diets. By completely avoiding acid-forming foods, deposited acids are mobilized and excreted. As with any diet, sufficient fluid intake is necessary.

It is not uncommon in this context to also speak of “cleansing” or “detox.” The individual cures differ in detail, as a detox cure can also include acidic foods. However, at their core, they have much in common, and a alkaline fasting cure definitely detoxifies or cleanses the body.

Fasting according to Wacker

The standard method of alkaline fasting was developed by Dr. med. Andres Wacker and his wife, the naturopath Sabine Wacker. Therefore, this fasting method is also called “Wacker fasting.” The goal of the two medical professionals was to motivate as many people as possible to change their diet long-term.

Why alkaline fasting?

We eat too unhealthily. This statement does not surprise us much, yet it is very difficult to maintain a healthy diet permanently. Ideally, 80% of our nutrition should consist of alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, or bitter herbs, etc. The acid-base balance is one of the central regulatory mechanisms of our body.

People should eat alkaline

The diet of our ancestors seems to have largely consisted of alkaline-forming foods. Grain products, a lot of meat, animal protein from milk and eggs, as well as the numerous refined products we eat every day, cause our bodies to become too acidic. This is likely partly responsible for the stomach issues that affect our modern society. Acid reflux syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and other problems plague millions of people every day and are becoming increasingly common.

The human acid-base balance

Fundamental to our health is our acid-base balance because it creates the environment for chemical reactions in our body. Chemical reactions in our body are limited to a very specific pH range. If the value is too high or too low, the reactions no longer proceed properly or are restricted. Especially enzymes (catalysts) require very specific conditions to perform their work. An overly acidic body now prevents these chemical reactions from running smoothly and thus contributes to your suffering.

Alkaline-forming foods - versatile talents from nature

Acid-forming foods

All animal proteins from:

Meat
Fish
Shellfish,
Egg
Milk, dairy products,

All types of grains and grain products such as:

Bread
Noodles
Luggage
Sugar
Sweets
Some nuts
Asparagus
Brussels sprouts
Artichokes

Alkaline-forming foods

Almost all plant-based foods such as:
Fruits
Vegetables
Herbs
Mushrooms
Sprouts, seeds, and kernels
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, cedar nuts

What is alkaline fasting good for?

A healthy organism has a balanced acid-base regulation that ensures all bodily functions run smoothly.

If an imbalance exists, it leads to the beginning of over-acidification. This does not immediately cause serious illnesses but can significantly affect quality of life.

Our diet significantly influences our physical and mental well-being. This discovery was already made by Hildegard of Bingen.

Fatigue, exhaustion, digestive problems, and dull, impure skin are the first signs of over-acidification. These symptoms can escalate into stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or heartburn. Since the rest of the body also falls out of balance, various problems can occur.

Not only acidity is bad

Complaints such as heartburn, nausea, fatigue, etc. usually arise from a combination of factors. For example, alongside an acidic diet, one or more of the following factors can contribute:

Eating too quickly
Too little exercise
Toxic indulgences
Stress
Medications or illnesses
Excessive eating or binge eating

However, most of these factors in turn contribute reciprocally to over-acidification.

If you now look at the foods allowed in alkaline fasting, you’ll notice: this diet could solve some of the problems. Enjoyment toxins like nicotine or alcohol are taboo in alkaline fasting. Most people also chew more slowly because they are now eating consciously. Excessive eating should also belong to the past with alkaline-forming foods. Through such detours, alkaline fasting helps even better to bring the body back into balance.

What can you eat during alkaline fasting?

Good news upfront – you don’t have to starve. But you may only consume alkaline-forming foods. These are most fruits and vegetables. In addition to the important bases, it is the vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and bioactive substances that should be supplied to the body. Fruits and vegetables are the best anti-aging remedy available. Affordable and provided by nature.

You can grow your own sprouts on the windowsill all year round. They contain many natural vital substances. Suitable seeds for the small vegetable garden are seeds like fennel, millet, chickpeas, cress (especially rich in vitamin C), mung beans, or radishes. Grains like barley, oats, or wheat are also allowed in freshly sprouted form during alkaline fasting. Make sure to consume freshly sprouted grains; otherwise, they become acid-forming again!

Of course, you should also consume drinks. Water is fine, as are herbal teas. Fruit teas as well as black or green tea are acid-forming, so you should avoid these.

Alkaline fasting can basically be done by anyone, especially since it is good for health. However, alkaline fasting is particularly well suited for people who have chronic illnesses or special complaints. If you suffer from constipation, bloating, skin problems, autoimmune diseases, and the like, you can give alkaline fasting a try.

Can we get started?

Good preparation is everything, and this is also true for fasting. Take a week to prepare your alkaline fasting week thoroughly. Enjoy, for example, a soothing alkaline bath, which not only detoxifies but also wonderfully relaxes. Pick some delicious recipes and take the time to "relieve" yourself.

Start with Wacker

As a rule of thumb, Ms. Wacker recommends: The more acidic your previous diet is, the more sensible it is to have some relief days beforehand.

Your intestines need to adjust to the new diet, so a intestinal cleansing program is part of the preparation. Psyllium husks are especially gentle here. Hildegard’s pear puree is recommended as a supplement.

This way, your metabolism and intestines adjust better, and you feel lighter and more comfortable from the start. Most people do not tolerate a too abrupt switch to alkaline nutrition well.

Try to spend the alkaline fasting week as stress-free as possible and treat yourself to a soothing break, for example with the liver pillow for liver wraps.

Back to everyday life

After fasting, try to plan three alkaline portions daily if possible. Or regularly schedule an alkaline day. Your body usually adapts quickly to the change, and the craving for acidic foods decreases significantly. Therefore, you should not completely abandon the habit of alkaline nutrition but skillfully integrate it into your daily routine.

Alkaline fasting with Hildegard von Bingen

Our products are the perfect companions for an alkaline fasting cure. Our BitterKraft! is alkaline, especially since it contains numerous beneficial bitter substances that further support alkaline fasting. We also recommend our KlosterTee for alkaline fasting, as it is a tasty herbal tea.

Source: Thieme.de/ GU Health Guide Alkaline Fasting by Sabine Wacker

About the author Henrik Aulbach

Henrik Aulbach is an experienced health editor with over 10 years of experience, an expert in plant-based active ingredients and cultivation, co-founder, book author, and freelance specialist writer in healthcare since 2020.

Learn more about this author here .