First fast lasted 5 days

(Thomi M) #1

Hello. I am brand new to the forum and have a question. I just ended my first fast on day five. I wasn’t slightly hungry, no issues until this afternoon. I found my muscles, especially lower body, becoming increasingly stiff and sore. I have been feeling great, tons of energy, so this was a marked change. At 4:00 I also became slightly dizzy. I was well hydrated, salt. At this point I decided five days was good enough for my first voyage and ate a half dozen macadamia nuts. Within the hour I was fully recovered. I ate dinner at 5:30, and other than feeling odd to have a full belly, I have no issues.

My question is about the muscle soreness. Anyone else had that? Possible explanations? Did I lack potassium or some other mineral? I really want to go longer as I am seeing a fantastic improvement in my migraines, bipolar, fibromyalgia, and anxiety when I am in deep ketosis.

Thanks!

#2

How much sodium? You might need as much as 5,000 mg per day under normal circumstances while eating and if not getting enough then, there isn’t likely to be enough around during a fast.

Potassium could be an issue and I would consider adding small amounts of something like Morton’s Lite Salt, but muscle-related issues are more likely to be magnesium in my personal experience.

(Thomi M) #3

Thanks Bill. I hadn’t thought to measure my salt intake, but am guessing I wasn’t over 5000mg, so that’s a possibility. I take magnesium for migraine normally, but perhaps need to increase it during a fast. However, if it was low I would likely notice in my head pain before muscles? Dunno. I will just do more salt next time and if I have the same problem try the magnesium, then potassium. I can add magnesium thru Epson salt baths, right?

I was really excited to try a long fast. Felt so amazing, I think I am hooked.

(Thomi M) #4

Just found out macadamia nuts are rich in magnesium. I broke my fast with them and felt better very quickly, so I think that solves it.

#5

This is also correct, so that’s a good choice.

Another choice for drinking is the variations of “Ketoade” listed throughout the forums and most include a liquid form of Magnesium Citrate.

Ah, macadamia nuts, second only to bacon!

(David) #6

Can I ask what were you eating and drinking during the fast?

(Thomi M) #7

I had water, black tea, herbal tea (nothing medicinal), and bone broth (about 1-2 cups each day). I was adding salt to my broth, but nothing else. Also realized I did take my regular magnesium supplement.

(Michelle) #8

Congrats on your first extended fast lasting 5 days!!! I’m gearing up for my first extended day fast starting this Sunday. I’ve been planning this for a while, and I regularly do IF, but for some reason, I am now nervous about doing it!!! Hope I’m able to go at least 5 days like you. My goal is 7 day fast.

thanks for sharing your story on first extended day. I will look to keep my electrolytes up as I do plan on continuing to workout too.