Hi guys - I have narcolepsy, so I take amphetamine in the morning and early afternoon to stay awake during the day.
(I know it isn’t the healthiest thing in the world, but the alternatives just haven’t worked for me/aren’t offered where I live).
The amphetamine seemingly really dehydrates me, so on top of drinking a lot of water throughout the day, I also occasionally need to use electrolyte tabs/magnesium supplements to avoid muscle cramps.
I also live in sun-less Sweden, so taking a vitamin d supplement is a must. I’ve always been told to take this in the morning so as to mimic getting morning sunlight.
I’m doing IF ultimately to feel more alert (my narcolepsy symptoms are way worse directly after a meal, so avoiding breakfast and delaying lunch just makes sense anyway). However, I’d really like to take advantage of autophagy and cellular repair as I’ve always had some vague autoimmune/inflammatory crap as well.
I can switch to taking the vitamin d and fish oil during my first meal around 1pm (I know vitamin d is fat soluble and should be taken with food): **would taking vitamin d later in the day like that cause any circadian rhythm issues?** Lord knows I have enough sleeping issues as is with the narcolepsy.
I currently take magnesium at night, but I guess I can just take it a tiny bit earlier at the end of my eating window around 9PM. That one seems simple enough.
Now, for the most frustrating ones: **will my morning dose of amphetamine break my fast?** Sadly, there’s not really a way around that currently :/ and changing my eating window defeats the main purpose of IF for me.
Finally, **are there any IF-safe electrolyte tablets?** I would love to continue taking one when I feel like my meds have zapped me of minerals, but maybe just taking them once daily at lunch would work too?
Thank you so much for your patience with my post. I value and appreciate any advice.
TLDR: any advice on how to successfully fast from 9PM to 1PM while also taking medication in the morning, as well as taking vitamin d, fish oil, magnesium, and electrolytes?
Answer
I have ADHD and take Adderall, which is amphetamine and it doesn’t break a fast, also there aren’t many studies showing the relationship between Adderall consumption and blood sugar levels. However, one study did report that related compounds could lead to a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels, as well as an increase in insulin release from the pancreas. This means that taking your medication in the morning as is normally prescribed will not cause an increase in blood glucose levels, but will do the opposite and lower blood sugar.
Answer
I will only answer about electrolytes because I don’t know about the rest.There are for sure electrolytes pills IF friendly without any sugars, sweeteners, and fillers with calories. There are also salts combining sodium, magnesium, potassium, and iodine. You can mix them with your beverage or/and take them directly in small quantities (pinch). I don’t know what is available in your country but you will find something for sure. If not, there is always the net.