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Fatigue and shortness of breath

Hello, I’m just about to finish day 6 of my fast. I’ve had no issues with physical hunger at all which has been great, but I’ve found myself super fatigued lately and short of breath, even when walking short distances.

I’ve been taking an electrolyte supplement, as well as my other daily supplements (B12, iron & vitamin C). I only started taking the electrolyte supplement recently, before that I was scranning pinches of salt; maybe I might start to feel the benefits of the electrolytes in a few days, or is it more of an immediate thing?

I’ve been enjoying my fast so far, as much as you can enjoy a water fast, and would be gutted to give it up. Any advice re the fatigue and has anyone else experienced shortness of breath on a fast? Any tips for how to combat it?

Other potentially relevant info: I’ve been sleeping well during my fast and getting sufficient sleep, I’ve been drinking around 2 litres of water every day (or in and around that) as well as some black coffee and I’ve had my bloods checked last week and all good there.

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Answer

It’s normal to feel like that, or at least in my case, I’ve come to accept that. Since you’re doing every other thing right, I’d say just suffer through it. If it gets worse or unbearable, no shame in breaking your fast and starting again after a short reprieve.

Answer

Hmmmm that’s a weird one. Maybe try taking more potassium? One thing though is that you might want to re-evaluate how much water you are drinking and coffee. I know that may sound crazy, but when you drink lots of water, you end up peeing a ton which gets rid of your electrolytes. Also, caffeine dehydrates you. So basically just make sure you are getting enough electrolytes. Not saying at all that you shouldn’t be drinking lots of water. Just saying make sure to supplement plenty of electrolytes

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