Hamburg author following 40 days of intense fasting: "My body functioned at high speed"
Hamburg author Michel Ruge embarked on a 40-day fasting cure, an experience that has garnered attention due to its unique duration. However, it's essential to distinguish between personal accounts and scientifically validated practices.
During this period, Ruge experienced various physical changes. His taste for herbal tea turned sour, inducing nausea, and thoughts of food decreased. Simultaneously, he developed a desire to bake bread and engage with the topic of nutrition in a new way. Ruge's body also underwent transformations, with a bowl of broth eaten every few days providing a delightful reprieve.
The fasting cure was inspired by Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness, and Ruge sought the help of naturopath Miguel Gahn, who prescribed teas and dietary supplements to ensure his body did not lack any essential nutrients. Despite these measures, Ruge's skin became dry, and he felt cold even in the sunshine.
Renovating his apartment became a therapeutic outlet for Ruge during the fast, providing a sense of accomplishment and distraction. Interestingly, a particular kind of calm set in, making traffic no longer bothersome.
However, it's crucial to approach such an extended fast with caution. There is no widely available, medically reviewed information about a specific "40-day fasting cure" as experienced by Michel Ruge. The broader topic of extended fasting and its health effects can be addressed based on established medical and nutritional science.
Short-term fasting can lead to significant calorie restriction and rapid weight loss, improved metabolic markers, and potential cellular repair through processes like autophagy. However, prolonged fasting carries risks, such as nutrient deficiency, electrolyte imbalance, organ stress, gastrointestinal issues, and psychological effects.
Most health authorities do not recommend fasting for more than a few days without medical supervision. The idea of a "40-day fasting cure" is not supported by mainstream scientific literature and is considered extremely risky outside of carefully controlled settings.
In comparison, well-studied fasting-related diets, such as the "Fast 800" approach or 14-day Mayr Diet, focus on short-term calorie restriction or time-restricted eating, which are much safer and have documented benefits.
Ruge's experience, if it exists, lacks scientific validation in current sources. However, his journey serves as a reminder that personal experiences can inspire further exploration and discussion about the potential benefits and risks of extended fasting.
[1] "Fasting Diet: What You Need to Know," Mayo Clinic, 2021,
- Despite Michel Ruge's personal experience with a 40-day fasting cure, it's important to acknowledge that there is no widely available, medically reviewed information about such a practice.
- In contrast to extended fasting, well-researched fasting-related diets, like the "Fast 800" approach or 14-day Mayr Diet, focus on safe methods of calorie restriction and time-restricted eating.
- Prolonged fasting, such as the 40-day fast Ruge undertook, carries risks like nutrient deficiency, electrolyte imbalance, organ stress, gastrointestinal issues, and psychological effects, which are not typically associated with shorter-term fasting.
- Ruge's journey, while lacking scientific validation, can stimulate discussions about the potential benefits and risks of extended fasting in the realm of health, nutrition, fitness, men's health, health-and-wellness, and aging, as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
