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Fasting Update, day 17.5: Issues and concerns (help please)

My first post is available here, but this is my first truly long term (by which I mean >5 day) fast. The goal is 30 days. Again, I am female, and do not weigh myself because weight is not a useful measurement for me.

So, in conclusion, (aka TLDR) how I felt during the trip to where I’m house sitting concerned me, especially getting winded and tired so easily, and while I got through it, I’m more worried about the return journey which will be around day 23. I am contemplating ending the fast early, but IDK if I’m just being a wuss about this, or if I should seriously consider breaking my fast early. I don’t want to break it in temporary moments of weakness.

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Answer

Where are you at in your cycle? My sense of smell kicks into overdrive and I can’t eat certain things (esp bitter things, like dark roast or espresso) during those days around ovulation. If that falls during a fast, it ramps up the intensity a lot. Others have those symptoms along with PMS, but there are other times during the minth you might be more at the mercy of hormones.

If that is possible, then maybe tough it out another day or two. If you feel you aren’t in danger.

However I am not a doctor, and I only do baby fasts (3 days max). If you are suffering, you should be gentle with yourself.

Answer

I am not a doctor, and this is strictly my own opinion and perhaps the minority in this sub, but I think for most people, super extended (~10+ day) fasts are potentially more risky than rewarding. You’re putting yourself at greater risk for refeeding syndrome and nutritional deficiencies that can have life-altering consequences (thiamine deficiency is one particularly problematic outcome that has been observed following prolonged fasts).

In addition, I don’t think there is any reason to physically suffer during a fast. During my 4-5 day fasts, I feel great. And I’ve been having fabulous results doing a series of those, broken up by a few days of healthy eating in between. If I were you, I would gently break the fast now. (And I do mean gently—make sure you read up on proper refeeding protocols. There have been multiple posters in this sub who have ended up in the hospital after breaking 14+ day fasts, even being very careful about how they break it.)

After getting used to food again, eat low-carb or keto for a while, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, and you should have no problem starting another fast shortly thereafter if you wish.

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