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I am aiming to do a fast for 7 days. I don't plan to do anything overly strenuous but plan to spend most of my time outdoors, hiking, camping, etc. Unlike most of you I presume, I live in a place were its pretty much summer already (minus the rain), i.e. Florida. That said, I am fairly accustomed to this place. I mountain bike, run, etc in the middle the hottest part of the day every weekend for hours at a time. Also, I don't generally consume much (extra) sodium, but haven't been super paleo lately either (lets say 50%).

I am mostly concerned about electrolytes because of the amount of sweating that I know will ensue. However, I have been reading that your body tends to down-regulate the amount of electrolytes lost in sweat when you are fasting.

So, assuming I am already adapted to the heat here, I have been having slightly higher than optimal sodium intake, slightly lower than optimal intake of other electrolytes, and plan to start a 7 day fast in 7 days from now and spend most of my time outdoors doing light but constant activity (in 80-90 degree humid weather), what special considerations should I take into account and what can I do to best prepare myself in the coming week (besides just eating 100% paleo)?

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I would say don't be afraid to eat if you feel ill. I'd rather break a fast then pass out in the middle of the Florida scrub and wake up covered in mosquito bites. Sounds really theraputic actually. Stay hydrated, and have emergency food on you just in case. Otherwise, let us know how it goes! – Oranges13 Apr 8 2011 at 13:16
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 well, if by fast you mean no solid food, i would consider coconut water. Might be an effective way to replenish electrolytes. Do have emergency food on hand. You seem pretty set on doing this, so I would also suggest having someone either do it with you/ be with you, or check in on you during your week. Almost sounds like you're planning on some camping, make sure someone knows where you are. – tartare Apr 8 2011 at 14:06
I would point out that it is exactly this sort of plan that annoys the hell out of my search and rescue friends. Unless you're going with a buddy (or, preferably, two) this is a bad idea. – xyz Apr 9 2011 at 17:55
Why? If I properly prepare, why would this affect your fiends in anyway whatsoever. You must be under the assumption that I don't know my way around the wilderness and that I won't adequately prepare for emergencies, including needing food, electrolytes, etc. Thanks for your support... – saiklón Apr 9 2011 at 19:34
Thank you tartare, I will look into bringing that as a backup for emergencies. – saiklón Apr 9 2011 at 19:36

3 Answers

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It will be a big help to you to read paleohacks user Asclepius' blog see here:

http://naturalmessiah.blogspot.com/2010/06/welsh-143ks-history-detail.html

Your question is about electrolytes and such, but this guy's blog post about climbing 15 peaks over 3,000 ft in 24 hours while fasted is an amazing insight into the mental ping-pong that went on in his head. Fascinating read!

This thread is a good one as well if you have not seen it:

http://paleohacks.com/questions/29220/specific-question-about-fasting-what-activities-can-you-or-do-you-perform#axzz1IwNYA2Rg

Best of luck to you!

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Not exactly what I was looking for but sounds like a good read and relevant to what I am planning. Thank you! – saiklón Apr 9 2011 at 19:37
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Sounds intense. And miserable :)

Why are you doing this?

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Hi and thanks for your curiosity/concern. My reasons are my own and I would rather not make them the focus of this question because I feel it will take away from my original inquiry. There are other questions on paleohacks and good answers that pertain to the reasons for doing such a fast. Thanks – saiklón Apr 8 2011 at 12:34
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50% paleo sounds kinda like the standard american diet ;)

Any particular reason you're doing this?

Good luck, please post your experiences on here when you finish!

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