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So fatigued - due to fasting ?

Hi all, I've been doing the 16:8 time restricted eating for about a month. I would say about 5 days out of the week. I did a 36 hour fast last week. I think since I've been doing this, I've been feeling very fatigued, and generally really weak. Lately, it's been getting much worse, as I've also cut down on simple carbs and sugars. I thought I was getting keto flu like symptoms, but I also have these symptoms after I eat. For example I will have meal, eggs and a small amount of potato, maybe some yogurt. After that I get intensely tired and just can't stay awake. If I'm at work, I'm dragging and doing everything really slowly. I try to have a well balanced diet with fruits and vegetables recently, so not having high processed carb meals. I used to do distance runs 3-7 miles before all this, but I haven't been running or being very active at all recently. If I go for a run, I just walk instead, and feel way too week to run. Could all this be a sign of diabetes? I'm a 32 year old female. I know I can test my sugar levels, which I will do, but I'm sceptical that I'm diabetic. I'm confused and will see a doctor about this, but wondered if anyone here had thoughts or experiences on the matter. Ty Update. I'm getting a lot of feedback that the problem may be electrolytes. I found this video online that is really helpful, and talks about the need for more electrolytes while on keto or intermittent fasting. Very informative! https://youtu.be/bNoIM9eCyc0

Answer

If it was diabetes you’d be feeling Better by dropping the carbs and sugar not worse.

Honestly this sounds more like you might not be eating enough calories in general which is mostly what keto-flu is. Not enough fat based calories often in conjunction with not enough water. If you’ve been doing a low carb diet, then add carbs, you might be setting yourself up for a carb coma every time you eat.

Did you feel the same weakness during your 36 hour fast?

When was the last time you had a physical and full bloodwork? There are a lot of things that can lead to fatigue that can be exacerbated by dietary changes as well.

Answer

Check to make sure you are getting enough salt. I was getting very fatigued and found that if I licked salt off my finger - it helped a lot.

In switching diets, you are probably getting rid of a lot of prepared foods - so you may not notice how much you’ve reduced your salt intake.

Good luck and best wishes!

Answer

Those are classic symptoms of being low on electrolytes. Try taking some salt (sodium chloride) and NuSalt (potassium chloride) either in some water or I just toss it and wash it. You shouldn’t need as much of the NuSalt, maybe once a week should be fine. But normal salt is fine to take more of as long as you have normal kidney function. That should pep you right up. Just make sure you are drinking enough but not too much water. Too much and you’re just washing out your electrolytes. Oh and you can add in a magnesium supplement as well. Lots of good ones out there but you can get this through food as well.

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I agree with u/MortalGlitter - sounds like you need to eat more during your window, and definitely more healthy fats - they will keep you energized for longer (ex, avocados, nuts, meats/eggs). I would also suggest some electrolyte intake to battle the “keto flu” symptoms (there are lots of sugar-free options for electrolyte supplements). Finally, make sure you’re drinking lots of water, especially during your fast!

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Usualy a simptom of diabetes is feeling realy thirsty and drinking too much water (the body is tryung to wash of the sugar) so i dont think this is it… I cutently have a similar problem, been fasting 18-6, and 20-4 for almost 2 months without problem, now i switched to a keto diet and for the last 7 8 days, i have been feeling light headed and week, hope it’s the keto flu, if something doesnt change in the next week its back to the drawing biard :)

Answer

I doubt it’s diabetes, but I’m also not your physician.

Fasting long enough puts you into ketosis, and eating enough carbs will knock you out of ketosis. This will fatigue the body because you are changing energy sources. Short fasts (IF) where you still consume carbs does not preserve muscle mass, causes water weight gain, and leads to hunger and fatigue because you never actually fall into ketosis, which will preserve your muscle mass. If you stay in ketosis long enough, with plenty of hydration and electrolytes, you might not see this dip in energy.

If you want potatoes or other higher-carb vegetables and fruits in your diet, you might want to plan a keto break every few weeks, but otherwise I’m not certain you will be able to battle this fatigue. Also, if you’re going to continue eating yogurt, make sure it’s greek style or homemade, full fat and unsweetened – not the yoplait-style dessert yogurts full of added sugars and sweetened flavorings.

Good luck!