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Coldness

Hello guys, Its been 2 weeks since I've switched from OMAD (23:1) + calorie counting to ADF and OMAD + calorie counting combined. I usually fast for 48 hours, eat one meal, then start fasting for 48 hours again. There are times when I only fast for 36 hours (mostly when there's an occasion), eat one meal, then fast again for 36-48 hours. These past few days I feel really cold, even right now while I'm typing this. I'm wearing a sweatshirt with a shirt underneath, pajama and a pair of socks and I'm covered with a blanket and still, I feel so cold. My husband (who doesn't fast) told me it's not cold and even feels hot. He also told me my skin is cold especially my hands and feet. I live in Metro Manila, Philippines and the weather here is really hot compared to other countries. We used to use the aircondition the whole day everyday but because of how cold I feel, its been turned off for 4 days now. I'm well hydrated (I drink 3-5L a day) and I also take enough electrolytes. Is this coldness caused by my change of fasting pattern? Or is this coldness probably not related to my fasting habit?

Answer

I was told boron supplements help with body heat. Haven’t exactly tried it per say, but I started taking my multivitamin gummies (which contain boron) and I haven’t been as cold since. On day 11 of my fast for reference. But basically, it’s the lack of heat generated from food digestion that is making you feel colder, breaking down food generates a surprising amount of heat!

Answer

do random fast cycles. few weeks back did a 72 hour fast and day 2 was cold and had headache. previous fasts never had headache, but have been cold. The fast was the one coming off of high carb thanksgiving, which may have had something to do with it. Did you just cone off of high carb into fast?

Answer

Coldness is a side effect. I imagine you’re not very well fat adapted at this point, especially if you eat over 50g total carbs per each (day?) meal that you wind up having. Metabolic cycling like this (burning fat vs burning sugar) will necessarily mean that you’re shutting down thermogenesis in an effort to save energy during fasting periods.

I bet if you turn down your carb intake you’ll be less cold during fasting days. I know that fixes my cold issues.

Answer

Update: Coldness is gone.

I am now on hour 24 of 48 hours fasting. I still do all the things I’ve mentioned above (36-48hrs. fasting, OMAD, Calorie counting, well hydration, electrolytes). The only thing that changed is that I limited my carb intake on the last meal I had, only hours after feasting the coldness is already gone. Up until now I don’t feel cold. I will keep on limiting my carb intake and if the coldness happen again, I will reply to this comment.

Thank you all so much for your help 🤍