How intermittent fasting can trigger acidity and gas-related headaches, and what to do about it
Intermittent fasting is a popular type of diet where you stop eating for a considerable period of time before you start eating again. This process gives your tummy a break from digestion. 'During fasting hours, when blood glucose levels are used up and moved into stored fat, the body uses it as an energy source,' explains Edwina Raj, a nutritionist at Aster CMI Hospital.
However, while it helps the body burn fat and supports weight loss, staying in a fasting state for extended periods can have certain drawbacks.
Raj explains that the entire chemical process has its own kind of effects such as hormonal changes, fat oxidation, and gut microbiota modifications. 'The ultimate goal behind intermittent fasting is that weight loss is achieved along with some improved cognitive function. However, this kind of diet has some negative effects, like headaches, especially those classified as gas or bloating with headache, which might occur in some individuals,' says the nutritionist.
Raj shares several factors that could contribute to acidity and headaches during fasting:
1. Changes in eating patterns may lead to an individual eating a huge meal or consuming a variety of meals during the eating period. This sudden change could overload the gastrointestinal tract and potentially lead to bloating and discomfort.
2. The nutritionist points out that dehydration may be another reason during fasting periods, since some people may not be drinking enough fluids. Headaches might arise due to lack of hydration.
3. Prolonged fasting may cause an individual to starve for an extended period of time, resulting in fluctuations in blood sugar levels and, ultimately, a headache.
Edwina Raj shares various techniques to reduce the chances of fasting-induced headaches:
1. Keep well-hydrated during fasting periods and drink plenty of water.
2. Emphasize the consumption of digestible foods in the eating windows to make digestion easier.
3. Avoid sudden changes to an intermittent fasting routine, as the body needs time to adjust.
4. Monitor food choices to reduce the risk of gas-related headaches in between fasts.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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