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For 36-72 hour fasts do I actually need to supplement potassium and magnesium or is salt enough?

Title says it all really, I’ve been doing OMAD for two months, and comfortably for one month. I’m looking to explore longer fasts and really wanna do it right. It seems that refeeding is something that is a little overblown (and perhaps rightfully so) and from my research and talking to people on this is sub it seems to be something that really only occurs in much longer fasts that last over 5 days. I’m curious if it’s similar about potassium and magnesium.

I will only be doing 36-72 hour fasts, not so much for weight loss (although I could lose a couple pounds), and more so for health. Is this long enough that I should be concerned with anything other than a tsp of salt per day?

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Answer

I have only been playing around with this for a couple months. Did 5 days once, 4 days once, 3 days several times. I have done nothing on these fasts except drink black coffee and water and occasionally dump some salt into my hand, lick it and wash it down with water. I am pretty sure I have high potassium anyway. Any issue I had with the 5 day fast was cured with a little salt so I don’t worry about it personally but I won’t be getting carried away with any long fasts. As far as eating after I just eat my normal things no problem

Answer

depends what your BMI is.

if you have lots of fat you should be fine,
if you have very little you need electrolytes.
or you just might need electrolytes regardless even being 600LBS.

listen to your body, it will tell you if things are good or bad, and adjust as necessary

Answer

Firstly, refeeding and electrolytes are two different topics. People who do sports and eat normally could need to use electrolytes.

I am doing rolling 72’s and havent taken electrolytes regularly except the probably 4 fasts or so. I still take them occasionally when I happen to be getting water and see them sitting there all lonely. Its probably not necessary depending on what you are eating and if you are working up a sweat, but it also won’t hurt.

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