Garlic

Well, at 13 days into this diet I made a turning point today. I mowed the lawn AND took the dog for a 40 minute walk with ZERO heart palpitations. Both of these things I did EFFORTLESSLY (48 y/o, 6'4 male, 316lbs., down from 351lbs. --- yes, that much, its mostly water, I know) These last 13 days have been HELL with the heart palpitations... seriously, a couple of times, I thought I was going to pass out. I figured it was due to dehydration, or even maybe too much Potassium because by Grabthar's Hammer I am VERY diligent with the snake juice and the macros in my snack to ensure I get 80-100% Potassium and I salt the fux out of EVERYTHING i eat. But none of that today, in fact, I almost feel like my old self again -- the energy is amped up 100% over and above the last 12 days combined. What the hell happened? Well, obviously ,this is anecdotal only, but last night I introduced the following to my diet: Garlic/Jalapeno stuff olives. I had 8 of them dipped in cream cheese (oh my god you gotta try that...) But I got to thinking... there's **garlic** in those. Garlic is good for the heart. Like, insanely good for the heart. So either the garlic turned my heart around (that freaky fast?) or I just somehow passed a major milestone. I did quit the following 13 days ago as well, however: \-Middle-stage alcoholic \-Burgeoning pothead (1 delta-9 gummy, sometimes 2 every night for the last 3 months) \-Coffee addict (6 cups a day) For 13 days I've had ZERO of these, so that (obviously) could also be contributing. But go watch Dr. Berg's videos on garlic. I'm going to make sure to get garlic (either from these olives or garlic water) in every single day! Incidentally I had the best sleep in a LONG time last night as well, slept a full 8 hours and woke up only a couple of times.

Answer

Massive congratulations, that’s really impressive. You we’re brave to hold the line for so long while experiencing so many palpitations.

I imagine the alcohol and caffeine withdrawal also played a large factor. Caffeine withdrawal alone triggers palpitations for me, and I was only having 1-2 mugs and I don’t drink alcohol.

Great to hear things have gotten better for you.

Answer

Alcohol detox and withdrawal can be nightmarish and cause extreme physiological distress.

Caffeine withdrawal and detox does the same but is not nearly as dangerous. You have thankfully passes through this. As a caveat if you return to heavy drinking each time you quit cold turkey like you have, it becomes increasingly dangerous and can lead to seizures so it is imperative that you exercise your newfound control diligently.

As in you can’t really go on a weekend bender and just walk away effortlessly you’ll have to pace down. This is physiological not just psychological so consider passing through this challenge successfully as an enormous accomplishment.

Depending how long you were drinking heavily there are effects that will stay with you for a while so with fasting which brings insomnia for some so does alcohol detox…lots to unpack there but be proud of what you have accomplished!

It may be helpful to get a blood panel done as a baseline to get a clearer picture of where you are and how you improve over time. Electrolytes and organ panels and other markers in addition to the usual annual tests.

Quitting coffee gave me monstrous headaches for a week but you seem to have passed the worst of things. Impressive!

I can only add that you may need more supplement support which is challenging as some are fat soluble and could impact strict fasting but do consider adding them during refeeds others are amino acids and minerals that likely won’t derail your fasting.

Keep updating! Be great to see your progress.