| | Water Fasting

New to IF and having fainting issues.

Hey, has anyone else experienced this? Currently I'm eating my first meal around 12 and second around 6 and no snacks in between. Fainting runs in my family, possibly because we tend to have low blood pressure. I keep feeling unwell during the day while waiting for my second meal; often I eat a snack just out of fear of fainting while driving. I fainted from not eating enough once before (years ago), so I know what it feels like when it's coming on. I bought ingredients for "snake juice" (aka. water with several types of salt for electrolytes) to try and was also considering adding a pedialyte to my first meal each day. Has anyone else had issues like this? What helped? ​ \*edit to add that I'm currently obese, and am eating healthy food; I make sure I get a full range of veggies, fruit, fats, and protein every day.

Answer

Have you seen a Dr to get the problem diagnosed?

Given your history it may be worth getting a pre-fasting health check to be sure all is ok and to make sure fasting won’t cause any issues.

If the cause of your fainting is anything but salt imbalance issues, then snake juice may not be of much help (other than maintaining safe electrolyte levels during your fast).

Fasting is a great tool however please fast safely.

Answer

I faint fairly easily as well. Always thought it was due to low blood pressure, but a doctor recently told me it sounded like a hydration problem. Drinking snake juice has helped a lot. I drink it even when I am not fasting.

Answer

I also have pretty low blood pressure, but haven’t fainted in a long time.

Like someone else said, water intake makes a huge difference for me, as well as salt intake. I normally consume quite a bit of salt, and usually make sure to drink miso soup (30 calories for 1 tbsp) during any fast over 36 hours, and start taking my electrolyte mixe (10 calories) on any fast over 48 hours. I know some people consider that breaking a fast, but for me, it prevents any sort of dizziness, especially the kind I get when I stand up too quickly.

Maybe have snake juice in between your meals? Also, instead of Pedialyte, I would go with something without added sugar. I personally use Emergen C’s Electro Mix and add a bit of salt to it, but I think snake juice has the same minerals.

I’d also look into iron supplements if you’re unable to get enough iron from your regular food intake. Definitely check with your doctor before taking iron supplements though–some people don’t flush out the excess and it can cause an overdose.