How to Deal with Fasting Headaches & Dizziness
✨ Key Takeaways
- Learn the best practices of intermittent fasting for optimal health.
- Understand how to track your fasting windows effectively.
- Discover the science-backed metabolic benefits of fasting.
In This Article
Fasting headaches are incredibly common, especially when you are just starting out. They are usually accompanied by brain fog, fatigue, and a feeling of lightheadedness when you stand up too fast. But why do they happen, and how can you stop them?
Why Do Fasting Headaches Happen?
When you fast, insulin drops. A drop in insulin signals your kidneys to excrete excess water. As you flush out this water, you also flush out essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium). This rapid loss of water and sodium is the primary cause of fasting headaches.
The Solution: Electrolytes
You cannot just drink plain water; drinking too much plain water will actually flush out more electrolytes. You need to replenish them. The quickest fix is to put a pinch of high-quality sea salt (like Himalayan pink salt) under your tongue and drink a glass of water.
Caffeine Withdrawal
If you used fasting as an excuse to cut out coffee, your headache might simply be caffeine withdrawal. You are allowed to drink black coffee while fasting!
When Should You Break Your Fast?
If you have replenished your electrolytes and the dizziness persists or becomes severe, break your fast immediately with bone broth or a light meal. Fasting should never make you feel like you are going to pass out.
Conclusion
Keep your electrolytes balanced! Use the Simple Fasting Tracker to log your water intake and monitor your fasts safely.
Download Simple Fasting Tracker
📚 Scientific Studies & Medical References (5 Sources) ▼
FastingTracker adheres to strict editorial standards, citing peer-reviewed clinical trials and authoritative medical institutions.
- New England Journal of Medicine (2019): de Cabo R, Mattson MP. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. N Engl J Med. 381(26):2541-2551. PubMed 31881139 • DOI
- Cell Metabolism (2014): Levine ME, Suarez JA, Brandhorst S, et al. Low Protein Intake and Periodic Fasting Promote Longevity and Autophagy. Cell Metab. 19(3):407-417. PubMed 24606898 • DOI
- Obesity (Silver Spring, 2018): Anton SD, Moehl K, Donahoo WT, et al. Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying Health Benefits of Fasting. Obesity. 26(2):254-268. PubMed 29086496 • DOI
- Annual Review of Nutrition (2017): Patterson RE, Sears DD. Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting. Annu Rev Nutr. 37:371-393. PubMed 28715993 • DOI
- Autophagy (2010): Alirezaei M, Kemball CC, Flynn CT, et al. Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal and systemic autophagy. Autophagy. 6(6):702-710. PubMed 20534972 • DOI
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