Does any one have any advice for light headedness around the 21 day mark? Always my weak point but am determined to push through this time and want your guys advice thanks 
Light headed on day 21
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Do you use any minerals while fasting?
I found that it helped me feel less of the symptoms while fasting that long!
I also didn’t do much physical activity at all from around day 23-30 because I felt like my body needed more rest! I guess the resting part was the only way I was able to pull through the last part of my fast!
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Hey Anna no I dont. I always though supplementing in anykind was not pure fasting and you would not gain the maximum effects of the fast. But!.. I am slowly starting to curb my attitude towards that… I have seen some people who have done some very successful fast get through those 21 day marks with salt and things… but I dont know if thats the right thing 100% will I still have autophagy in my cells? And or will it kick me out of my fasting all together if I do supplement that one night with a little salt? I know it will help me get through dramatically though.
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I was feeling and thinking the same thing as you did about adding supplements before, since the body is recycling all of that on it’s own, and it’s not supposed to be needed according to many doctors!
Although I tried it once and it made such a huge difference in my experience with earlier fasts, and it was the only way I was able to pull through some intense nausea!
So in shorter fasts I usually don’t add anything, but I’m not sure I would have been able to finish my 30 day fast without it!
I’m not sure about the autophagy effect to be honest, if the healing part is the main reason to fast! For me it was a lot about about quitting destructive behaviours and getting a break, and it was the best way for me to succeed!
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You need salt, magnesium and potassium for electrolytes. If you’re low t it may affect how your body stores glucogen or cause abnormal heart rhythms. If your electrolyte level gets low enough it can cause muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, paralysis and respiratory problems. If it continues, kidney problems may occur.
I learned my lesson when I did the 14-day Potato Diet to first break my carb/sugar addiction before I got into the fasting part of my treatment protocol. With potatoes the magnesium and potassium were taken care of but not having salt made me light headed the last 2 days.
I use Himalayan salt. I pick it up at Costco here in the U.S. for $7 for a big container. Whenever I feel lightheaded or hungry I just wet my finger and stick it in the jar. A dab is usually good for me.
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I have had weakness on this fast since day two. Like you, I don’t care for supplementation during fasting. I’ve completed 40 day juice fasts and it wasn’t necessary because you were constantly ingesting glucose…had tons of energy. Water fasting is a different journey. Now I’m burning fat and healing…no more glucose. I have resorted to the magnesium, potassium, and salt. My husband purchased the Dr. Berg’s package but I won’t take it due to the addition of stevia. I have mental clarity (that was questionable for the first two days), but continue to be weak. The first day I completed HIIT training…no more gym activities. I would suggest resting with moderate walking. Practice deep breathing and breathe meditations. I have accepted this as part of the process and unless I am critically ill will finish this fast.The addition of the potassium, magnesium, and salt will not take you out of ketosis…only calories can do that. Your mind is your strongest advocate. Tune in to your body and treat yourself with kindness, this is your time to heal.
Angus Barbieri the grandmaster of fasting took vitamins during his record “382” day fast during which he went from 456lbs (207kg) to 180lbs (82kg). He also drank soda water, black coffee and tea during his fast. A youtuber who goes by The Fasting Fatman completed a 150 day fast in 2019 and followed it up later in the year with a 71 day fast. He failed to reach his goal of 190lbs but did go from 530lbs to 218lbs. He used Dr. Bergs electrolyte powder and nutritional yeast supplement as well as Himalayan salt and apple cider vinegar during his fast. So it appears that the inclusion of these items will not break your fast and in the case of long term fasts some may be vital to maintaining health. I’m far from an expert an I just research information and try to apply it to my situation to see if it works. YMMV, but I hope it helps.
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FYI: World Guiness Book of Records will not accept any applications for world record of fasting. So Angus’ record will stand forever.
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Stupid people do stupid things. There are those of us that are fasting for the correct reasons and there are those that would look at it as an extreme sport in search of fame and recognition at the risk of health and life. Hence the reason Guinness will no longer accept entries on extreme long term fasting.
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