Fasting - Headache

one_raven

one_raven

God is a Chinese Whisper
Valued Senior Member
I am on my fourth day of a 5-day fast and I have had a headache since midnight (13 hours now).
It feels very much like a dehydration headache (dull pressure and pain in my forhead and sensitivity to light), but I can't believe that's it because I have been drinking at least 3 liters (probably more than 4 liters) of water a day since starting.
I have been taking multi-viatmin supplements, and I have minimized activities (but I am not lying prone).

I recall reading something once about a lack of salt causing dehydration, but that never really made sense to me.
What else could be causeing such a headache?

Thanks
 
one_raven said:
Water only (and vitamin supplements).
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You have low blood glucose and you've run out of glycogen stores.

Since the brain uses only glucose and it takes chronic undernutrition or starvation for the brain to use keto acids, its not gonna happen instantly.

I would suggest lying down with eyes closed to relieve the headache if you don't want to break the fast, or taking ORT in the water to ease it.
 
Hm, it isn't healthy at all.

Point of fast is to drop fats, proteins and some carbohydrates, but not all food.

You should take some cereals, bread, salads... But only water and vitamins aren't suffice.
 
Plazma Inferno! said:
Point of fast is to drop fats, proteins and some carbohydrates, but not all food.
Click to expand...

That's not the point of it for me, but I appreciate your concern.


Sam,
Is the lack of electrolytes the reason I always crave salt so strongly on the second day?
 
one_raven said:
That's not the point of it for me, but I appreciate your concern.


Sam,
Is the lack of electrolytes the reason I always crave salt so strongly on the second day?
Click to expand...

Yes and if your pee turns too yellow, you're breaking down muscle OR your pee is too concentrated. Of course, this may be masked by your drinking large quantities of water
 
I just picked up some Smart Water (I've always like this stuff).
Ingredients: vapor distilled water, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium bicarbonate

I understand that electrolytes help out cell more readily absorb water, therefore help prevent dehydration, but what do suagrs have to do with it?
Also, how much sugar would you recommend to dissolve in 1 liter bottle of Smart Water?
 
one_raven said:
I just picked up some Smart Water (I've always like this stuff).
Ingredients: vapor distilled water, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium bicarbonate

I understand that electrolytes help out cell more readily absorb water, therefore help prevent dehydration, but what do suagrs have to do with it?
Also, how much sugar would you recommend to dissolve in 1 liter bottle of Smart Water?
Click to expand...

The sugar is for the headache, to keep your brain supplied with glucose.

Check out the ORS link from wiki for amounts.

diy.gif
 
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