Welcome to our exploration of the Schroth Diet, also known as the Schroth Cure. This article serves to provide information for your knowledge only and does not constitute a recommendation. Let’s delve into the principles, structure, and potential benefits and drawbacks of the Schroth Diet.
Principles of the Schroth Diet:
The Schroth Diet, or Schroth Cure, aims to cleanse and detoxify the body. Contrary to common belief, grains play a minor role, if any, in this diet. The name refers to the naturopath Johannes Schroth (1798-1856), whose concept focuses on preventing civilization diseases through a detoxification process to enhance the body’s self-healing abilities. This often results in weight loss, particularly as the classical version prescribes a maximum of 700 calories per day. The modified Schroth Cure retains the core principles but aligns more with modern nutritional science.
Structure of the Schroth Diet:
Four pillars form the foundation of the Schroth Cure. The traditional diet emphasizes a fat-free, low-protein, and low-salt approach. Meals typically consist of steamed and boiled vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, and dry bread in the evening. In the modern variant, a healthy mixed diet is introduced, starting with 500, later 1,000, and ultimately 1,500 kilocalories per day.
The second element involves daily packs, excluding Sundays. These packs elevate body temperature, stimulate the immune system, inhibit bacterial growth, alleviate pain, soothe, and strengthen the skin. Both the original and the modern Schroth Cure incorporate this aspect. However, there are notable differences in the Schroth Drinking Regulations. These rules outline drink and dry days with well-defined fluid quantities. Drinking days aim to eliminate substances that migrate into the blood during dry days. Allowed beverages on these days include wine and the somewhat controversial juniper schnapps. Advocates of the modern Schroth Diet see no positive effect in alcohol and, therefore, omit strong spirits. Consensus remains that the body requires both rest and movement—for regeneration and energy replenishment.
Pros and Cons of the Schroth Diet:
Whether following the traditional or modern approach, the Schroth Cure can yield successful weight reduction and ensures a rich supply of essential nutrients through fruits and vegetables. However, it tends to lack fats and proteins over the long term, and the dietary transition is not consciously implemented. Some doctors express concerns about the health implications of this approach. Viewing the naturopathic procedure as a short-duration cure, lasting only a few days and conducted under medical supervision, may be considered acceptable.
