Started doing IF in July, currently doing 18/6. The first couple of weeks were pretty alright, but the last few weeks have seen me dealing with pretty bad tension headaches. I plan on seeing a doctor soon, but in the meantime, I figured I’d ask here to see if anyone has experienced headaches as a result of not eating enough/not getting enough of a certain nutrient. I’ve had a feeling lately that, even though I feel full, I’m not eating enough to make up for my days (I live a very active lifestyle)
Any insight/advice is appreciated
For me it was not drinking enough water. The days I’m more active gardening, getting 15k-25k steps I get headaches. I do 20:4 & 24, alternating days currently. When I did 18:6 I got nausea and dizzy. When I did 16:8 I had the worst re-feeding cramps and headaches. I’ve been fasting since Oct 2015 started with 18:6 for 5 years now primarily 20:4, omad 2x/week. So try more water first or electrolytes. For me it takes about 5 minutes if it is an water issue, before the headache stops.
I’ve dealt with chronic migraines since I was 11. On days where I get one that I know wasn’t caused by just my body being a douche (when you’ve had them this long you can start to tell the triggers), it is almost always caused from me not drinking enough water. Most people, especially being active, truly underestimate how much fluid intake they are getting. I’d suggest starting upping your water intake, maybe adding some salt in of you’re feeling your electrolytes may also be a cause
Look up Hi-Lyte brand electrolyte concentrate. It contains salt and other minerals. Zero calorie.
The other thing to keep in mind is sleep. Has IF affected your sleep? It has for me, I sleep less while fasting which can lead to headaches/migraines.