I finished a three day water fast recently. In the following days I experienced extreme lethargy, nausea, and my mental health issues heightened. I broke my fast with light things like chicken broth then had things like homemade chicken soup and plain yogurt over the next few days. Only today I feel normal. Does fasting work for everyone? I have decided to stop fasting for the short term and also quit intermittent fasting and do just three meals a day. I feel better when I do that.
I’m curious, did you take any electrolytes while fasting? Are you feeling truly sick or do you think most of your issues are mental?
For me, it’s a mental battle, and I feel the things (except nausea) you mention so I end up occupying my time with work to distract me while also drinking lots of water and taking electrolytes and supplements. I do get very tired while fasting but sometimes I also don’t require as much sleep…very weird.
You do you, always applies. However, I will say that if you are relatively new to this then it is hardly shocking that your body is not adjusted and you have lingering side effects,. It would be more shocking if there were zero side effects.
I’m on my first extended fast. Started out, hoping for 48 hours, but felt so good there that I upped it to 72. Does anyone know if body aches could be a symptom? I woke up during the night and ached everywhere . I took more potassium and magnesium Not sure if it helped, but it’s not bad since I got up except my knees. I saw someone post on here about being aware when autophagy was healing. I don’t know if others buy that. What are your thoughts?
Fasting is for many, but not for everyone. Not to say that one cannot adapt. However, if you’re experiencing worsening mental health, especially pre-existing mental health conditions, then I would strongly advise taking a couple steps back. Perhaps try two meals a day once you feel like you’re back to a better place. However, there is no absolute need to return to fasting. Healthy relationships with food and adequate nutrient intake can be achieved in a variety of ways.
If you feel like this lethargy, etc, was particularly extreme or if you’re having any lasting effects then I would strongly encourage you to look into getting some blood work done to see if you might be deficient in any nutrients.