Hi everyone, first time poster looking for a little advice!
I recently have been doing weekly 36-48 hour water fasts. I mostly do these because I have stomach issues and I like to "clear out" my GI tract. It really has been a help thus far and I've been experiencing less problems with IBS and my ulcerative colitis.
I would like to try a longer fast just to see how long I can go and test my body pre and post autophagy. However I have a few issues/fears regarding longer fasts:
- I am kind of scared about how the refeed period after an extended fast will affect my stomach. My body is very sensitive to adding and removing foods (ie. I don't have something for a week+, and then I have a speck of it in my food and am immediately sick).
- I get very light headed easy. I have had my blood tested multiple times, everything is fine there. I just get light headed easily! On planes, during exercise, after sitting for too long... my doctors have assured me my blood work is great and I have never passed out from it so I'm really not even sure if this would be an issue. 36-48 hour fasts haven't made it worse, but I'm not sure if it's because they aren't super long or not.
I guess I am just wondering if anyone has experience with food sensitivity after breaking a fast and if light headedness while fasting is hightened/common? I have been feeling great and find this type of fasting to be a breeze with huge benefits so I really would like to continue this and go longer if possible!
Thanks everyone in advance. This group has been so informative and helpful to me and my experience!
Answer
I’ve been doing some 36 and 48 hour fasts and noticed that my stomach issues and food sensitivity have gotten some relief. IBS, reflux, caffeine sensitivity, lactose rumbles, and bread related yuckiness all seems less of an issue after I’ve given my guts some rest.
I also tend to want different higher quality foods the more I fast and more reasonable quantities. So I’m sure this is a big part of it.
Answer
Do the research, take things slowly. If you’re used to 48 hours then you shouldn’t suddenly have problems with light-headedness but be prepared if you do. Refeeding can be dangerous but it’s usually not a problem if you’re aware of the risk. Again, reintroduce foods slowly, keep it simple. I certainly wouldn’t expect an issue with extending to 72 hours for example.