Just wondering if anyone has a good link that compares potassium levels in people fasting by days fasted. I’ve tried looking for papers online but haven’t found a good one. Anyone reckon I would have a noticeable decreasei in potassium after 48 hours/ 5 days for instance?
Sorry don’t have a paper but I did just read a study yesterday about people fasting for 8 days and the biggest problem at the end was the lack of Salt, they got uncompensated hyponatremia. But the kidney did well compensating for the lack of magnesium and potassium during their 8 day fast fast. But 8 days was the absolute limit of not taking in electrolytes.
I would still strongly suggest to supplement with electrolytes.
Edit: if you don’t supplement you’re just making your life unnecessarily miserable.
If prior to fasting you had a solid diet, you can do 7 days ok-ish. You can do it but salt is extremely helpful. Lack of magnesium for me doesn’t seem to cause much discomfort. Lack of sdium and potassium are noticeable.
You could just base your intake on symptoms. At least for me, I know my electrolytes are off when my heart rate goes up to the point where it’s a bit uncomfortable. First, I try sodium. If that doesn’t work, I take potassium. It’s worked for me so far.
Potassium is the least likely of the core 3 electrolytes, that you need to supplement for.
Personally I use salt under the tongue and magnesium capsules. I only use Potassium if I’m getting muscle cramps.
Potassium is very prevalent in food.