Fasting - Headache

Discussion in 'Biology & Genetics' started by one_raven, May 3, 2007.

  1. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    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
     
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  3. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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    What kind of a fast is it?
     
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  5. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    Water only (and vitamin supplements).
     
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  7. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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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.
     
  8. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    What is ORT?
     
  9. Plazma Inferno! Ding Ding Ding Ding Administrator

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    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.
     
  10. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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  11. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    So, if I need to replace my elctrolytes, should Smart Water be sufficient?
     
  12. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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    Can't tell from the ad. It should contain both electrolytes and sugar.
     
  13. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    Thanks for the tips.
     
  14. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    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?
     
  15. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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    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
     
  16. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    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?
     
  17. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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

    Check out the ORS link from wiki for amounts.

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
  18. one_raven God is a Chinese Whisper Valued Senior Member

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    how much?
     

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