Fasting is something you can do that will have a range of health benefits. However, it definitely is not easy and takes a lot of commitment and motivation to stick to.
So, you don’t want to do anything, whether intentionally or accidentally, that will cause you to break your fast.
This brings us to supplements. Supplements are a great way to start your day, workout, etc, that also offer numerous health benefits.
However, if you are someone who is fasting, you may be wondering whether or not taking supplements will break your fast.
In this article, we will be answering this question, and more! So, if this is of interest to you, then read on!
Do Supplements Break A Fast?
Yes, and no. Some supplements will actually help your fast because they will enhance the benefits of fasting, such as weight loss, mental clarity, etc.
However, there are some supplements that will break your fast and therefore should be avoided when you are fasting.
What Supplements Can Be Taken During A Fast?
If you are looking for supplements you can take to support your fast, then you are in luck!
There are plenty out here that you can take during your fast without any issues. Let’s check them out in more detail below.
Creatine
First up, we have creatine! Creatine is free from calories naturally, so taking it will not affect your fast or levels of insulin.
However, there is plenty of creatine on the market that contains added sweeteners, all of which have calories. So, you must ensure you avoid these by finding pure creatine.
Electrolytes
Chloride, calcium, phosphate, sodium, magnesium, and potassium are all examples of electrolytes.
These are very beneficial for ensuring you stay hydrated while you are fasting.
And, they will work to minimize any side effects your body may experience after going into ketosis as a result of the fast.
On top of this, electrolytes do not contain any calories, so provided your supplement does not contain any added sweeteners, then you are free to take them while fasting!
Probiotics
To boost our overall health, then we need to boost the health of our gut!
So, there are good probiotics out there that will help our gut bacteria. No matter if you are fasting or not, it is a good idea to take these probiotics daily.
In fact, most probiotic supplements require the individual to take the probiotics on an empty stomach because there is a lower level of stomach acid.
So, because of that and the fact that they do not contain calories, they are perfectly fine to take while fasting.
Prebiotics
Anyone taking probiotics should be taking prebiotics, too! This is especially true if you are fasting. Prebiotics act almost like food for the good bacteria present in the probiotics.
As always, ensure that your prebiotic supplements do not contain any calories.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium Husk is a supplement that will seriously boost your fiber intake! Not only that, but it will help to improve your digestion, which is very important when it comes to fasting.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Unlike vitamins that are fat-soluble, water-soluble vitamins can be taken without water and will still be absorbed by the body.
During periods of fasting, it is a good idea to take vitamin C and a variety of B vitamins.
However, it is important to note that some B vitamins out there can cause nausea when taken without eating any food prior, so they may not be suitable for fasting.
Adaptogens
Supplements with adaptogenic properties, such as nootropics and herbs, are extremely effective at helping the body adjust to environmental, emotional, and physical stressors.
These are very safe to take during periods of fasting, and they will be able to support your physical and mental health during your fast.
L-Tyrosine
If you take a low dosage of L-Tyrosine, then it is not likely to break your fast. This is because this amino acid is supposed to be taken on an empty stomach.
L-Tyrosine can help to boost your mood and help manage your stress. This will make it a lot easier to stick to your fast.
What Supplements Will Break Your Fast?
Any supplement that contains calories will break your fast, and so should be avoided.
Additionally, you should not take any supplements that need to be taken with food while fasting.
So, here are some supplements that you should avoid while fasting!
Chromium And Vanadium
Chromium and Vanadium can actually cause your blood sugar levels to drop, so it is not a good idea to take these while fasting.
Low blood sugar can lead to other issues like anxiety, irritability, and energy crashes.
Protein Powder
Any kind of protein powder will break your fast because they all contain calories, which triggers an insulin response in your body.
Amino Acids
With the exception of L-Tyrosine, L-Glutamine and other types of amino acids should be avoided if you do not want to break your fast.
These amino acids will stop your body from reaching ketosis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 actually has a vast range of health benefits, but none of these will be beneficial to you while you are fasting.
For your body to absorb them properly, they need to be taken with food.
Iodine
Like fat-soluble vitamins, Iodine needs to be taken with food to be absorbed.
Zinc And Copper
If taken on an empty stomach, zinc and copper supplements may cause nausea and an upset stomach. So, it is best to take these with food after your fast has concluded.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Taking these vitamins will not necessarily result in a broken fast, but they will only be absorbed with food. Examples include vitamins E, K, A, and D.
Final Thoughts
There are some supplements that will not break your fast and will actually enhance the health benefits that fasting has on your body.
However, there are other supplements that will break your fast because they contain calories.
These supplements are best avoided, along with any supplements that need to be taken with food.
One of the most common things I talk to my clients about is calories, but so few of them actually know anything about them.
Calories is not a dirty word. If you remove emotion from it, it is simply a unit of energy.
We need calories to live and thrive, and knowing how many to consume is important to ensure that you’re living a healthy lifestyle.
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