Tiredness after three days of fasting (now day 9)

(Zanzibarian) #1

Hi everyone.

I’ve been interested in keto for years and it worked great for me. Also fasting for quite long period (several weeks).

For some reasons I deviated from that path and gained weight. Fortunately I lost approximately 20 kgs and began 9 days ago a water (and coffee!) only fast. I lost 6 kgs but from day three I felt tired and I thought it was only the transition period to ketone-fueled metabolism. But it gets worse to the point where I can’t do much (I’m on a break).

What’s happening? Last remembrance of past fastings were devoid of such tiredness. Thanks!

(Polly) #2

How long have you been ketogenic this time around? If you are not yet fat adapted which can take weeks to achieve then tiredness is a natural response.

(Allie) #3

Could be you need to add salt, or maybe your body just isn’t ready to fast for that long.

#4

You’re not fueling your body and you can only mobilize fat stores so fast. Eat! Much better ways to get the fat off without risking metabolic slowdown.

(Zanzibarian) #5

That must be it. I added a bit of salt but that didn’t work.

Actually just after my message I drank mineral water and after hour hour I got diarrhea (mostly liquid of course) and that was a bit scary! So I decided to stop and eat but only in a truly keto way.

Thanks for all your answer!

(Rebecca ) #6

Welcome!
Honestly, I would be a pile of nothingness if I didn’t eat for 3 days! I have allowed my body to guide me in what/when I eat.
I agree with the responses that suggested you need to eat! Metabolic Damage from not eating is a real thing.
Good luck!

(Robin) #7

Fasting is just one more option at your disposal. But absolutely not for everyone. Most successful fasters do it after they have fully adapted to keto and found their balance. But still… it’s not necessary. It is beneficial for some but not all.
Ditch it for now if you are having issues.

(Zanzibarian) #8

I’ve fast for weeks years ago and it was great!

(Allie) #9

Years ago is not now.
Your body and it’s needs will be completely different.

(Bob M) #10

I think the experience changes over time. I’ve done many 4.5-5.5 day fasts, and initially they were pretty easy to do, and got better the longer I fasted. Toward the later fasts, though, I could get really hungry at times. I also didn’t get the amazing clarity and lack of hunger I got during the early fasts.

I’m not sure why.

Now, I’m back to doing 36 hour fasts periodically. I would like to do a 4.5 day fast again, but only did one of those last year. (Started fasting about 7.5 years ago.)