Hi all,
I've been doing OMAD for about a year now. Up until recently I've really been enjoying IF. One of the main negatives I've experienced over the last year was a slight increase of headaches, maybe like 1-2 a week. That wasn't enough to get me to think about stopping IF, but this last month has been different.
I've changed almost nothing in the last month, but I've been getting headaches almost every single day. They start around 1pm, and last until I go to bed. I've tried putting salt in my water during the day (leading up to my OMAD at 5pm), no dice. I'm definitely drinking enough water, if anything I drink way too much water (I estimate around 5-6 liters a day, maybe that's a problem).
What I'm thinking might be a problem is my actual diet or maybe a lack of electrolytes during my fast. My diet consists of mostly chipotle, Chik Fil A, mexican, pasta, etc.. I definitely don't do enough fruits/vegetables.
Anyways, that's what's going on, I'd really appreciate if any of you had any tips/tricks on how to get rid of these headaches! Thanks!
Answer
Sodium might not be the electrolyte you’re deficient in with such a diet (!) - fast food is usually heavy in salt. Try some electrolyte pills and see if that works.
Also yes, 5-6L a day might be a tad overdoing it. I’d say about 4L, since you’re only eating once a day, would be a good start. While IF (and even more so OMAD) means we need to drink more than average to compensate for a smaller water intake through food, overhydration is still a thing. It may give you headaches, yes, and dilute electrolytes, and is dangerous if the kidneys can’t keep up.
What does your urine look like? Is it pale yellow, or barely colored?
Answer
Not sure where you are OP but I really struggled with constant headaches for a few months and when I was in the UK I started taking berocca every day and that started to get rid of them…
Since moving to the states I really like liquid iv powder - I’ve only had the strawberry one but it’s pretty tasty and they have other flavours too