Physical vs. emotional side effects of longer fasts

(Lisa F) #1

Hi all -

I’m on day 3 of a 5 day fast - or at least that’s the plan! While I feel well enough physically (hunger pangs come and go, drinking coffee with a bit of heavy cream to boost my fats a bit - I’m pretty much at goal weight so need a little extra help). So except for a little bit weaker at yoga yesterday, I’m good! Sleep is a bit disrupted but that could also be my cat :frowning:

But I found both this time and the last time that I’m just not “coping” emotionally. I’m not hangry exactly, but I’m definitely feeling almost…pms-y? Weepier, not rolling with the punches. I wouldn’t call it depressed at all but definitely a bit more anxious and easier to trigger sadness and anxiety.

I don’t see much chatter about the emotional side of fasting. Anyone have any similar experiences to share? Maybe I shouldn’t be fasting?

Note I’m sticking with my magnesium supplement, could possibly use a bit more sodium/potassium (have some salted water with a bit of lemon) and have about a cup of bone broth in the evening for added electrolytes. I’ve been keto for 19 months so I should be fat adapted (I’ve lost about 80 pounds) and have been at my current weight for about 6 months, give or take 5 pounds.

(bulkbiker) #2

Can I ask why are you fasting?
Especially if you are at target weight which I assume is a lot lighter than you have been?

(Lisa F) #3

So to be honest, I’m not sure I’m at target weight. I’d like to see if I can go a bit lower as I feel I still have some fat to lose but I’m willing to accept this is it if it doesn’t go much lower. I am trying to deal with ongoing insulin resistance (so trying to reverse that) as well as the benefits of autophagy. So multiple reasons!

#4

I’m fairly new at fasting and only do fat fasts. My longest was 6 days. I experienced the opposite of your experience. I felt such mental clarity, focus, and a decrease in anxiety while fasting. I have learned to listen to my body and if I had felt emotionally unwell, I would have ended the fast. Since I fast monthly, I don’t feel a need to push beyond what feels comfortable. Maybe trying recurring short fasts vs marathon ones would work better for your body?

#5

Fasting does raise the stimulating catecholamines like epinephrine (there’s a drug of it named Adrenalin), and I think norepinephrine too among others, that could easily make some people feel anxious.

I think this is why Jimmy Moore recommends any fasting attempts as a learning experience since our bodies will likely get used to these things after multiple attempts. I’d further channel Jimmy Moore and Dr. Jason Fung (aka the “Fungster” LOL) and say that if you don’t feel right, then “stop and eat!” and try again some other time. :wink:

(Lisa F) #6

Thanks for the advice and information about catecholamines! Very interesting!

I’m feeling pretty stubborn about sticking to it and maybe I need to let that go. It can be hard to tell if the feelings are situational (I have a very stressful job) or stemming from physical stress of fasting. I’d love to do shorter fasts but I find that for me Day 1 is actually worse than Day 2 so short fasts are almost harder in terms of hunger.

I’ll give it the evening and if tomorrow isn’t better I’ll stop the fast.

(bulkbiker) #7

Fair enough on the insulin resistance but if you don’t have a lot of body fat then you may not find extended fasting especially easy. As others have said if it don’t feel right then eat. I have done up to 7 day fasts but I still have a BMI of around 30 and want to go lower but I’m not sure that longer ones work very well for me so I will try three day fasts as my blood sugars are lowest towards the end of day 3. That will be after my one meal a day experiment for March.

(Lisa F) #8

My BMI is around 27 I’m told - above what it should be, but not by much.

It’s certainly an interesting experience!

I’m feeling better now than I was earlier so can’t discount work stress.

My mental clarity is actually quite a bit improved which is nice!

#9

Awesome! Keep us updated!

#10

glad you’re feeling better. happy fasting!

(Lisa F) #11

So I was listening to Jimmy Moore’s Fasting Talk (ep 7) and it seems that Day 3 can often be tougher emotionally. I’m on Day 4 and things seem better today - but its early yet!

(Georgette) #12

I completed my first three day fast yesterday and I have found that I am exhausted and emotional. I just want to cry. Physically, I feel amazing. Mentally, I’m mush.

(Jeff Davis) #13

I’m on day two of my first three-day fast. I feel okay physically and mentally, but I’m starting to feel some hunger pangs. Time for more water, I suppose. My wife is doing this with me, and she about broke down feeding a snack to the kids.

(Lisa F) #14

I broke my fast at the end of Day 4 when I got an email saying a dinner party on the weekend had been cancelled and it felt like my world was ENDING…not like me at all! A bit disappointed is normal…That was nuts! I think the insane stress at work just pushed me past my limit. Still four days is awesome and I’m glad I did it.

I’m planning to do longer fasts every couple of months. I have a tooth extraction happening at the end of April which seems like it might be a good time for the next one!