Muscle soreness after fasting

(Nick D'Agostino) #1

Has anyone else experienced general muscle soreness/aches after an extended fasting? I’ve noticed more than once that I may feel fantastic while I’m doing my fast (1-4 days) but within ~12 hours of breaking my fast, I get sore (and tired). I’d just like to understand the process and see if there’s a way to minimize it.

I’ve always just assumed that it’s my body trying to rebuild what was lost during my fast. If so, does that mean that I’ve lost skeletal muscle, and the soreness is trying to rebuild that?

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #2

One possibility is that it is the result of fluctuations in your electrolyte levels. Are you dropping your salt intake once you start eating again?

(Robert C) #3

I have not experienced muscle soreness / aches after a fast.

I think your assumption might be incorrect - the link below has more detail but essentially, the body protects its muscle during a fast with extra HGH.

Regular muscle soreness after a workout (AKA DOMS) is not due to rebuilding anything - it is due to the micro-tears you received during the workout.

Something you might try is to do a workout just before the end of the fast. It is good for muscle growth due to the extra HGH at that time and may actually help as you’ll get extra blood flow to the sore muscles. Of course, it could make things worse but, it is recommended on several YouTube videos on fasting and may actually help.

(Nick D'Agostino) #4

Good question. I don’t think I’m consistent about whether or not I continue supplementing. Going forward, I’ll be sure to pay attention to this.

(Nick D'Agostino) #5

I’m familiar with that phenomenon. However, in my case, I seem to be experiencing soreness (sometimes) even when I haven’t exercised, and I just simply start eating again.

(Sarah) #6

I have fasted for four days and have done a CrossFit workout. It seems if I drink pickle juice and make sure I have enough salt I don’t have any soreness or cramps. I also make it a point to be very hydrated. If I don’t do all three above I get very sore and a soak in Epson salt. Hoping I didn’t crash male party