Body aches after fasting

(Michelle C.) #1

I have been working on amping up my fasting and just completed my first 72 hour fast (in the past I only went to 48 hours.) During the fast I felt awesome. I only broke it for a social engagement. I stayed on top of my electrolytes and fluids (water and 2 cups of coffee only.) I broke the fast last night with a keto meal but today I feel like complete crud. My body aches and muscle stiffness are awful! I’ve tried electrolyte replacement with no help. Is this normal with fasting? If so does it eventually go away? I don’t know if I can take this after every fast as I’m hoping to do it on a regular basis.

(Gill) #2

Hi I have a similar issue and feel wiped out after breaking a fast. I have plenty of salt and magnesium and my ketones are ok. A friend has reported similar. I have not heard it mentioned by more experienced fasters here or on any podcast.

(Tim) #3

So I was listening to ‘The Salt Fix’ episode of the podcast, and apparently Coffee can cause massive salt depletion.

How much salt were you supplementing each day of the fast?

(Michelle C.) #4

I don’t have an exact amount, but I use the method suggested by Megan Ramos - I pop pink himalayan salt crystals under my tongue every 1-2 hours through the day or if I feel symptomatic. I only had 2 standard size cups of coffee in the AM and made sure to increase water intake right after. It’s so strange - I felt AMAZING during the fast but its like I crashed right after. In talking to people, quite a few have said this happens to them. I’d love to know why and how to avoid it. I’m still in alot of pain today but its better. I broke down and took a muscle relaxer and ibuprofen last night.

(jilliangordona) #5

I had this issue, and I found REALLY upping my salt and water game right before breaking the fast and the day after helped. I underestimated my salt intake, I think many of us do, it’s almost harder to get over the increase in salt than the increase in fat in my opinion!

I would have salt on the tongue every hour and sprinkle salt in my water as well.

Edited to add: the big difference for me I think was CONTINUING the salt and water after the fast.

(jilliangordona) #6

I was thinking about this post again. Something that helped me with salt intake was adding every tsp on the tongue into my fitness pal so I could get an accurate viewing of my salts. Plus anytime I add it to a dish. Even with all of that sometimes you can still run short! It helps me find patterns as to what foods or choices may prevent me from getting the salt I need.

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(7f9b1818bf8c828c63f7) #7

Thanks! I will try that! I have a high pain tolerance and his has been ridiculous. I’m gonna to do another 72+ in 2 weeks and really increase salt. Thanks for the advice!