Overcoming Anxiety During Fasting: A Guide to Finding Relief

In this exploration, we delve into fasting’s ties to anxiety. We draw from personal experiences and thorough research. Fasting benefits are clear, yet at times, it might trigger anxiety. The causes? They lie within intricate links among fasting, increased cortisol, protein depletion, and a deficit in amino acids.

Fasting raises cortisol levels. This hormone, essential in regulating blood sugar during fasting, also degrades some amino acids. However, cortisol, dubbed the ‘stress hormone,’ can spur feelings of anxiety when increased.

Protein depletion is another factor. Proteins, built from amino acids, are key for brain function. In fasting periods, a deficiency in amino acids might occur, potentially causing anxiety.

To grasp this fully, let’s unpack fasting, cortisol’s role, and the importance of amino acids. We’ll also explore strategies to manage fasting-induced anxiety. Understanding the comprehensive view allows you to sail through your fasting journey with reduced stress.

Ready to dive in?

The Symptoms Of The Fasting Anxiety

Fast-induced anxiety might display various symptoms, which can be both physical and psychological. Key indicators include:

1. Overthinking: You may constantly think about food or your next meal, indicating mental distress.
2. Overbreathing: Hyperventilation, or ‘over-breathing,’ may occur, leaving you short of breath. This might be a sign of anxiety due to fasting.
3. Irritability: Changes in your mood, specifically heightened irritability, might indicate anxiety during fasting.
4. Restlessness: You might experience restlessness or difficulty relaxing, which can signify elevated stress levels.
5. Anxiety: General unease, nervousness, or fear that is hard to control may be evident.

Recognizing these symptoms can be the first step to managing fasting-induced anxiety. Always remember knowledge is the key to maintaining control.

This issue is more prevalent than we think. It occurs due to protein deprivation, which reduces amino acids necessary for neurotransmitters, especially in fasting.

Other causes include magnesium deficiency, cortisol spikes, and the release of toxins. The latter, in particular, could be linked to symptoms seen when candida dies off or simply to our bodies adjusting to changes.

Protein Deprivation Might Be Another Reason

Short-term Protein deprivation might be another key factor you experience anxiety during fasting. Notably, during fasting, we may lack certain amino acids, including tryptophan, which can trigger our discussed symptoms. Understanding that our bodies’ reactions to fasting can be quite individual and multifaceted, including potential nutrient deficiencies or hormonal responses, is vital.

Symptom	Description
Confusion and disorientation	Difficulty in thinking and focusing
Memory loss	Decreased ability to recall information
Dizziness and headaches	Feeling unsteady and experiencing headaches
Seizures	Sudden, brief changes in behavior due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain
Numbness and tingling	Loss of sensation or feeling in fingers, toes, or other body parts
Poor coordination	Difficulty in coordinating movements
Depression and anxiety	Changes in mood and behavior

So, fasting worsens this symptom if you already have protein deprivation.

How Can We Solve That Issues?

The silver lining is that ketones can help decrease some amino acid breakdown during fasting. However, it’s worth noting that your body may need time to fully adapt to using ketones as fuel. This transition must be handled correctly, as protein loss during adaptation could trigger anxiety. Hence, understanding this process is crucial for those incorporating fasting into their routines.

Okay, how can we minimize it?

Let’s dive into the solution or minimize that issue (protein breakdown),

• Use MCT Oil and Bulletproof coffee for better ketone production and BHB
• Use collagen in that combined with B complex.

Harnessing the power of specific nutrients can provide relief from fasting-induced anxiety. Collagen protein, with its low glycemic index, is an excellent choice. It doesn’t overstimulate mTOR, unlike other proteins like whey. Hence, you can maintain insulin and detoxification levels thanks to collagen’s support for glutathione production.

This regimen also involves B vitamins, known for their calming effect and improved amino acid utilization. B vitamins, like B1, B2, and B6, play a critical role in reducing anxiety. They enhance fat and protein digestion and nourish your cells, paving the way for a calmer and brighter future.

L-Theanine: A Calming Supplement for Fasting Days

While fasting, you might need a calming agent that won’t disrupt your autophagy process. Here, L-Theanine can be a good choice. As a supplement, L-Theanine reduces anxiety, induces a calming effect, and even lowers blood pressure. Interestingly, it promotes alpha brain waves, giving you a relaxed yet alert mind. This way, it helps combat the jittery feelings often accompanying fasting, making your fasting journey more comfortable and stress-free.

Easy Solution: Wim Hof Breathing Techniques

Wim Hof Breathing can help lessen anxiety by improving oxygen utilization and promoting a meditative state without interrupting the detox process. If you’re new to fasting, pairing it with Wim Hof Breathing can better manage anxiety. Adding L-Theanine could further aid this process.

There’s no need for concern if you’re unfamiliar with this method. Find a guide and slowly integrate it into your routine. I’ve found significant energy, well-being, and anxiety control benefits from over 60 deep breaths per Wim Hof session. This approach is not advised for beginners but is highly beneficial for those experienced with more than 40 power breaths.

Eat More Protein

When you break your fast, consider eating more protein than usual. A protein-rich diet is beneficial during regular fasting as it can help lower stress levels, curb hunger, and stimulate muscle growth and hormone secretion. If you’re dealing with anxiety during fasting, a high-protein diet may help.

Avoid overdoing fasting, especially if you’re a beginner. Instead of intermittent fasting continuously, take breaks and enjoy protein-rich meals.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.

Best Protein Sources After Breaking Fasting

The choice of protein sources post-fasting is essential for replenishing amino acid levels and promoting recovery. Here are some of the best protein sources to consider:

1. Kefir: Kefir is not only a rich protein source but also packed with probiotics. These friendly bacteria may enhance GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calm.
2. Whey Protein: Rich in BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), whey protein is an excellent choice after breaking your fast. BCAAs stimulate mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), a pathway that boosts muscle growth during your eating window.
3. Pea Protein: If you follow a plant-based diet, pea protein can be your go-to source. It’s a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, contributing to muscle growth and repair.
4. Turkish Yogurt: Thick, creamy, and protein-laden Turkish yogurt is a beautiful addition to your post-fast meal. Additionally, it supports digestive health with its probiotic content.
5. Nuts: Nuts like almonds and walnuts are fantastic protein sources. They also provide healthy fats and fiber, making them a satisfying choice to curb hunger.
6. Collagen: Collagen supplementation can provide a unique spectrum of amino acids, supporting skin health, joint health, and even gut health. Collagen doesn’t activate mTOR as much as other protein sources, making it a less disruptive option during your eating window.

High-Quality Kefir: The Ignored Superfood

Kefir stands out in the crowd of protein sources due to its exceptional health benefits. Despite its potential, many people overlook this potent probiotic powerhouse. Here’s why it deserves more attention:

High-quality kefir is teeming with probiotics, beneficial bacteria that significantly enhance our immune system. When our immune system is strong, we’re better equipped to fend off diseases and maintain our overall health.

Moreover, kefir aids digestion. The probiotics it contains help balance our gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in our intestines. A balanced gut can efficiently break down food and absorb nutrients, promoting digestive health.

But that’s not all. Kefir is also a rich protein source, contributing to muscle growth and repair. With these multiple health benefits, kefir indeed holds a place as a top-tier dietary choice. It’s time we start acknowledging kefir’s potential and make it a staple in our diet for a healthier body and mind.