Fasting is a science-backed measure to lose weight, promote good health, and has been proven to raise HGH and to slow the aging process. Fasting is a safe effective way to cleanse the body on a cellular level. Intermittent Fasting is not a trend! Fasting has been mentioned in the Bible for centuries. By splitting your day into fasting and non-fasting hours, you can take your body to an entirely different level.
Can you take supplements while fasting?
After running water fasting retreats and juice fasting retreats for over a decade the top two questions I get are "can I take supplements while fasting?" and "what do I take as far as supplements during fasting?"
I personally don't allow my clients to take any supplements outside of the three formulated supplements that I've specifically formulated for my clients.
Multivitamins do not break a fast, because they are calorie-free most of the time. However, not all of their components are well-absorbed on an empty stomach. Overall, multivitamins do not break a fast, but it's better for your body to consume them with food.
The 3 best supplements to take while fasting
There are some supplements for fasting, for example, the supplements I've created for my clients who attend my water fasting retreat.
1. The Raw Detox Formula
There are certain herbs, adaptogens, and supplements that your health and wellness rely upon. I like to think I've included ALL of those adaptogenic herbs and vitamins into The Raw Detox Formula. The reorders on this product that is shipped directly to you from our warehouse in Ashland Oregon speak for themselves!
2. Sexy and Raw Hair Skin and Nails Formula
Like The Raw Detox Formula, The Sexy and Raw Hair Skin And Nails Formula utilizes the humic and fulvic clay base of my other supplements. This clay base is FULL of the minerals the body needs.
3. Smiling Gut Pre and Probiotics
Everyone knows about probiotics but did you know that pre-biotics are just as important? Pre-biotics are what allow probiotics to be absorbed.
We utilize chicory root (an excellent pre-biotic) in our Smiling Gut Formulation.
Other supplements that may be helpful while fasting would be ... Apple cider vinegar, Curcumin, and plant-based collagen.
Best supplements while water fasting
I do not recommend supplements for water fasting. Water fasting should be done with distilled water (water void of minerals) and no supplements should be taken. Taking supplements while water fasting may interfere with fat burning, weight loss, and the ketosis process.
Protein powders, calcium supplements, vitamin C powders, amino acids such as l-tyrosine, water-soluble multivitamins, or gummy vitamins can cause a glucose spike that will disrupt one's fasting period.
Remember, true health benefits are not found in even the best supplements! The best way to achieve rapid health benefits is through diet (not a low-carb or ketogenic or ketone diet but a high-carb plant-based gluten-free diet), and proper exercise.
Best intermittent fasting supplements to take
When one is intermittent fasting, supplementation can be incorporated due to the fasted state being only a few hours. The supplements I recommend for my intermittent fasting clients and for intermittent fasting are as follows.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides a cellular detoxification outcome to every cell of the body. Vitamin C is excellent for bowel and skin health and does not cause an insulin response.
2. Pre-workout supplements such as bcaas and amino acids
Amino acids are known as the ‘building blocks of proteins in both plants and animals. Because they play such a foundational role, they are involved in many chemical reactions throughout your body to help maintain your body’s normal functions.
3. b-complex vitamins
B vitamins play a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism.
Best extended fasting supplements
Although I don't advocate taking supplements on water fasts, I do recommend extended fasting supplements.
1. Magnesium
Magnesium helps maintain major neurological functions and makes sure that signals from the body to the brain and another way around are working out nicely. Hence, it's something you need for proper body functioning and ensures that you are not deficient in. It can also ensure that fasting for long hours doesn't drain you out and avoid muscle cramps as well when you engage in physically strenuous activity.
2. D3 preferably with K2
Vitamin D is known as the all-important sunshine nutrient for our body and rightfully so. From strengthening immunity, building strong bones and core, matching up necessary vitamin D intake is a must. If you can't get enough sunshine throughout the day, make sure you have a lot of Vitamin D-rich food in your eating window. There are good nourishing vegan and vegetarian options as well. If you still lack it, vitamin D supplements are also easily available.
3. Iron
Iron is an important mineral that helps build up RBCs, transport oxygen to different parts of the body, and make sure the body works efficiently. If you are deficient in iron, fasting can get tricky. The muscles and tissues won't absorb the nutrients properly, you will be low on energy and prone to experiencing immune system or digestion problems as well-which are something that would negate any benefits of intermittent fasting. Hence, make sure you have a lot of iron-rich foods or supplement them with your meals if possible to avoid adverse side effects or deficiency. Adding a bit of Vitamin C-rich food can help speed up the absorbency.
Final points about fasting supplements
There are many health benefits of partaking in a water fast or dry fast. Here is an article to read on many of the benefits.
FAQs
Can I take supplements while intermittent fasting?
I recommend no supplements during periods of fasting due to most vitamins and minerals are more absorbable when taken with food, specifically carbs. Scientific studies also show that blood sugar imbalances and electrolytes may be disrupted when supplements are taken on an empty stomach.
I do not recommend taking any overt fats such as mct oil, vitamin e, or coconut oil while fasting. I also don't recommend creatine, vitamin A supplements, or protein powders sweetened with stevia or sweeteners. These will not replenish you in any way. In fact, attempting to supplement in this manner may cause negative side effects and may dull your weight loss efforts, suppress your immune system, and stop the health benefits of your fasted state.
Can you take vitamins while fasting?
Of course, the choice is always up to you however, in over a decade of running fasting retreats I find that client's insulin levels along with potassium levels are disrupted when supplements are taken on an empty stomach.
I do give my clients a pre and probiotic along with the Raw Detox Formula while fasting.
What is the best multivitamin for fasting
The best multivitamin is vitamin d from the sun. Usually, twenty minutes of sun exposure is enough to get the daily dose of vitamin d.
How do you replace electrolytes while fasting?
I place all of my clients who attend my water fasting and juice fasting retreats on a drink of several minerals found in my Raw Detox Formula. I generally allow them to take two heaping tablespoons every morning and afternoon.
New to fasting? Enjoy this video below that I shot about how to begin intermittent fasting!