Side Effects of Prolonged Fasting: Headaches and Decreased Pain Tolerance

👉 Common side effects of prolonged fasting, such as headaches, are generally mild.

🧠 Pain sensitivity increases during fasting, but it doesn't indicate a pathological issue.

🔚 Knowing when to stop fasting is important if side effects become overwhelming.

🧠 Prolonged fasting shifts the sympathovagal balance, affecting our pain tolerance.

💥 During fasting, lower blood glucose levels are correlated with lower pain threshold.

🍽️ Fasting leads to lower insulin levels, reducing protein synthesis and availability of tryptophan.

🧠 Tryptophan is unable to enter the brain during fasting, leading to feelings of anxiety and discomfort.

💦 Dehydration is a common side effect of fasting, as the body expels more water when insulin levels are low.

⚡️ Adding salt or electrolytes during a prolonged fast can help prevent physical and cognitive performance decline.

Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect of prolonged fasting, causing dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up or moving suddenly.

A study found that blood pressure decreases during a longer fast, indicating a potential benefit, but caution is advised in treating all issues with fasting.

Dehydration and lack of salt can contribute to orthostatic hypotension during fasting, so adding salt and hydrating properly is recommended.

🌙 Prolonged fasting can cause sleeplessness and restlessness, as it increases cortisol levels and affects sleep.

💤 Fasting stimulates the gene expression of erection neurons, leading to increased wakefulness and restlessness.

💩 Fasting can result in diarrhea due to the migrating motor complex, which increases gut motility.

🍽️ Prolonged fasting allows the gut to clean and triggers the migrating motor complex.

🏋️ During fasting, the metabolism increases and the body shifts to utilizing different fat stores.

💡 Fasting taps into white fat for fuel and can lead to thermogenic effects.

🌱 Prolonged fasting can have positive effects on the body.

🔥 Loss of libido is common during prolonged fasting, particularly for men due to a drop in testosterone.

💪 Breaking a fast can result in a surge in libido and reproductive signals.

⚠️ Individuals with gout should be cautious when fasting as it can increase uric acid levels.

🕰️ Prolonged fasting may have side effects in the first 24-36 hours.

🍽️ Shorter intermittent fasting may be a safer option.

💡 Be mindful of potential negative effects and consider consulting a professional.