Hello new here. Found this thread the same way like most others…did my first true prolonged fast and encountered extreme leg/hip/back pain just as day 3 started. I have read the entire thread and I am inclined to go with the caffeine withdrawal theory. I use to have a cup of coffee every morning, and I know most people do but I think maybe not many want to admit it because, well, quitting coffee is no fun.
I am willing to quit coffee but I don’t think I can quit my pre-workout, which I’m assuming has a small quantity of caffeine. I’m just not at the point where I can go to the gym at 430a WITHOUT my pre-workout.
Also I wanted to add that despite the fact that I broke my fast early on the third day (today), I continue to experience the tremendous muscle aches, and it is the afternoon now.
I’m also very grateful to discover that this phenomenon is not uncommon! I believe if more people report back we can get to the bottom of this.
Last I wanted to add that my fasting is mostly dry fasting but not %100. Sometimes I feel like I “ruined” it by having intermittent “snake juice” style water and can’t help but wonder if %100 dry fasts are devoid of pain. My next fast, starting after breakfast tomorrow, will be 100% dry fast for 72 hours and I will report back.