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Scary experience after my 5-day Prolon fast + 2-day water fast
I've done several 5-day Prolon fasts, and it seems it gets easier each time. The last 2 times I never even got hungry. So at the end of my last 5-day Prolon fast I decided to continue with a water fast, and I told my wife I'd just continue until I got hungry. After 2 more days I STILL wasn't hungry, but I had the following scary experience during the last 3 days:
My ketones jumped from 0.9 to 4.5 to 5.1 (this is GOOD)
My glucose plummeted from 88 to 53 to 39 (this is BAD)
My vision developed a bright white spot in the center of it (caused by the low glucose?) and I freaked out and immediately ended my fast. But I still wasn't hungry and I pretty much had to force myself to eat. Why did my glucose plunge like that? For reference, I'm 5'8", 64 yr. old male, 145 lbs., NOT diabetic, and really healthy. I'd love to try water fasting in the future, but not if this happens.
Has this happened to any of you? Any insight on this is welcome.
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I haven't heard of this kind of five-day fasting, though I’ve been an intermittent faster for almost 2 years. Thanks for posting about it, I will try to learn more about it. And kudos, by the way, for watching your numbers so conscientiously throughout.
So I have no experience-based insights, but like you, I would be alarmed at the sudden falloff in glucose, especially in combination with the skyrocketing ketones, because that combination is what occurs with advanced anorexia-type disorders. I’m glad you broke your fast immediately, even though you were not actually hungry.
Perhaps read up on hunger strikers for information on your other symptoms, such as lack of appetite and blind spot. I know of one activist in Washington DC some decades ago who lost much of his eyesight due to his frequent hunger strikes on behalf of the homeless (Mitch Snyder during the Reagan years, there was a movie about it). Whether that’s related to what you experienced, I don’t know.
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3 ReactionsProlon doesn’t recommend a water fast immediately following the 5 day fast. In fact they don’t recommend repeating the 5 day fast after immediately finishing one. After the 5 day fast you need to ease back into eating. On their web site there is a sample day 6 diet to follow. Your body needs to reset. In fact they recommend 25 days between the 5 day fast. I have done about 10 or 11 rounds of Prolon. I usually eat less after the fast. You can order the Prolon fast bars which extend the intermittent fasting window. They also have shakes. I have tried the fast bats and often use them for breakfast.
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1 ReactionI started using prolon and am doing the once a month course of 5 day fasting. I've been tempted to extend my fast and was looking for insight when I found your post. Thank you!
I can give my insight just on the 5 day. I've done 3 fasts so far. The first one, my glucose dropped to 46 by day 5 and ketones to 2.9.
2nd fast, glucose only dropped to 59. Ketone monitor ran out of strips so I dont know.
3rd fast, blood sugar never went below 70. Im guessing that my body is adjusting to this type of fasting.
I was prediabetic and overweight 10 years ago. Glucose is an issue I monitor often. Ketone is new for me.
Even with blood sugar in the low 40s, I felt fine, no issues.
With my last fast going so well, I was seriously tempted to go longer, but I think I will stay on the safe side and do as the program recommends.
Again thanks for your post.