So I am doing my second fast ever. I frequently do IF. My first fast was all the way back in 2006. I did 11 days of juice only mostly fruit with just a little bit of greens immediately followed by 3 days of water only.
I recently watched the episode of limitless with chris hemsworth on the benefits of fasting. Especially multi day fasting which induces ketone production and autophagy.
I have 3 questions.
How do I know that Autophagy is actually occurring.
What is the best tool for measuring ketones. I am thinking about doing this once a quarter or maybe even monthly until I feel healthy again. I have problems with my left foot and secondary osteoporosis in my back. I am 48 yo male so it is quite uncommon.
I have had massive headaches throughout this fast I am 79 hours into it right now. My stomach is growling and I am a little hungry. If it were not for these headaches I would call this pretty easy tbh. I get headaches pretty regularly and the only thing that ever works is excedrin migraine which has aspirin, Tylenol, and caffeine. Do we consider Taking headache Medicine with caffeine a break of my fast? Will the caffeine hinder, help or hurt my fast in any way?
Autophagy is always going on in your body, but the lack of amino acids will stimulate it.
There is no easy way to measure it however. General agreement, that you need 3-5 days to give it a good kick.
Precision Xtra is the most accurate Ketone meeter:
https://www.amazon.com/DSS-Precision-Glucose-Results-Included/dp/B00JIK6CIW
(or check Ebay, sometimes it can be even cheaper there)
Tylenol & Black coffee will not affect autophagy, just might irritate the stomach a bit.
Headache might be a sign that you are not getting enough “fuel” to the brain. Try to do some keto prep next time and see if it helps.
More tips & common fasting mistakes:
https://youtu.be/VaMGp0dLlmo