Hi guys 25f here. Recently completed a 2 week water fast with the hopes of clearing up some internal scar tissue causing me pain and to hopefully lose a little bit of weight as well, since I was approaching 200lbs. I was very diligent with my water consumption (2.5 liters a day) and took a magnesium sulfate supplement with potassium gluconate and a teaspoon of sea salt every day to keep my electrolytes up. I felt great on the fast, lots of energy, clear head, happy mood, and now that I’ve stopped some worrisome symptoms are emerging and I’m starting to second guess the whole thing.
I’ve had chest pain accompanied by shallow breathing and a slight cough (this is not the first time I’ve experienced something like this, have been told it is related to anemia, but taking iron supplements usually doesn’t help), and sore kidneys. Both the pain in my kidneys and chest are mild at best, but annoying enough to where I can’t ignore it...so I’m not too TOO worried, but it concerns me that I felt so good during the fast only to days later have such bad symptoms. I’ve read horror stories about people experiencing sudden death after a fast and I’m having a mild hypochondriac freak out. I don’t really have heath insurance so I’m afraid to go to the doctor over nothing if this is normal post-fast.
So could someone possibly give me some insight? Is this normal post-fast? A vitamin deficiency? Something I need to go to the doctor for NOW?
Answer
If you can go to your local drug store and take a free blood pressure test, that might make you feel better. :) You know your body better than anyone on reddit. But if you’re prone to anxiety and “mild hypochondriac freak outs” then take that in to consideration. Take a deep breath, fasting is practiced in many cultures. You did a good thing for your body. The normal vital signs should ease your mind without going in to see a doctor and spending unnecessary money.