Why fasting people need to supplement

Why fasting people need to supplement

 It goes to reason that if you consume fewer calories by fasting, you will also consume fewer vitamins and nutrients. Whether or not that reduction is big enough to have an effect on your health is determined by how long you fast and whether or not you were weak in any area before to starting. Furthermore, fasting individuals frequently inquire whether supplements count as food during a fast. Most experts say no, but the timing of taking them is critical.

To begin, note that if you're simply drinking water and/or black coffee while fasting, several vitamins, from B vitamins to zinc, might make you feel queasy on an empty stomach. If you're going to take any of these, you should definitely save them for your eating times. (If you're unsure, certainly wait.)

Vitamins are classified into two types: 

Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K must be consumed with fat-containing foods in order for your body to absorb them. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and body fat. Taking them in the morning when you aren't eating anything with fat means you're less likely to absorb them, so there's no point. You'll be burning your own body fat and receiving those vitamins if you fast for fewer than 5 days.

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in your body and are expelled throughout the day if you consume liquids. They contain B-complex vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, and so on, as well as folic acid, vitamin C, and many others. You can take these on an empty stomach, but they may upset your stomach. If you fast for a short period of time, you are unlikely to deplete enough of these to have a negative impact on your health. If you're fasting for more than a week, you should consider supplementing.

If you aren't currently taking vitamin supplements before fasting and eating a variety of healthful foods during your eating windows, you probably don't need to start. Unless you are lacking in one, science has yet to produce clear evidence that vitamins and supplements have a substantial impact on health. In fact, some can cause harm (too much vitamin C can cause kidney stones; too much vitamin E can cause blood-clotting problems).

L-tyrosine: If you want to continue supplementing, you could consider L-Tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted by the brain into three important neurotransmitters: dopamine (related to our mood and reward centers), norepinephrine (helps our bodies deal with stress and muscular repair), and adrenaline (which we need to get motivated and focus under pressure). While fasting, L-tyrosine may help you feel stronger and more intellectually alert. This can be taken on an empty stomach.

Electrolytes: The nutrients you'll most likely need to replenish during a fast aren't vitamins at all, but electrolytes, which the body requires to regulate and sustain a variety of critical bodily functions and are depleted by physical exercise and fasting. The following are important electrolytes to monitor (but not consume in excess). The top two to watch out for are sodium and potassium.

Sodium is a mineral. Check the recommended daily allowance for your weight and gender to avoid headaches and muscular spasms.

Potassium is a mineral. This maintains your heart healthy and your energy levels strong.

Magnesium is a mineral. It helps regulate muscle and nerve activity and can aid in sleep, among other things.

Zinc. Although zinc can help with the common cold, it is better known for its role in testosterone production and nerve function. Take this with food if possible, as it can cause nausea if not.

Calcium is a mineral. Calcium is essential for both your bones and muscles. Contrary to what the dairy industry would have you believe, you do not absorb it best by eating cheese and milk.

Focus on refilling your electrolytes and, if feasible, continuing to take your vitamins. The longer you fast, the more probable you will require supplementation; but, most essential, pay attention to how you feel and let your doctor know you're fasting. When you do eat, make sure to eat a variety of foods, or follow a diet like the Mediterranean diet (a lifestyle change, not a fad diet), which has been linked to lower risk factors for a variety of health disorders.