Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I attempted a 7 day water fast to detox and made it only 5 days because my back pain was just too intense. And I have had three children so I know intense pain when I feel it. Well I eased into eating as recommended, slowly with organic berry juice and then Greek yogurt the next day etc.. I didn't eat solids until the 4th day. But now I have a case of edema in my legs (mainly right),heavy bloating of my body and face, and a swollen thyroid.

And advice?

A little history: I do get heat edema, or edema if I sit or stand a long time, but never when IFing. I normally just IF no longer than 36 hours. I normally do not eat fruit or yogurt. I chose to fast this way because many cancer survivors recommend it.

edited Jul 17 2011 at 14:42

asked Jul 17 2011 at 14:20

Uggla
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none · Answer 1 · 2011-07-17 14:44:21Z UTC

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I am not sure if this would apply to your situation as this is normally seen in anorexics or people who have been starved for prolonged periods of time - but this sounds like "refeeding syndrome". The edema is a common sign of this.

I too get the heat edema, but recently I've been adding 1/8 tsp of baking soda and 1/4 tsp of a potassium based salt substitute (MOrton's) to my 32 oz water bottle and that has helped tremendously. My fingers look like fingers and not sausages.

So, if you are experiencing a bit of a refeeding phenomena (refeeding causes a dip in electrolytes) coupled with the heat induced edema, you may benefit from adding the electrolytes to your drinks.

I can't speak to the thyroid, but low thyroid can cause edema as well.

answered Jul 17 2011 at 14:44

none
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I was going to but I couldn't get past the fact it smells like Bigfoot's dick – Aravind Jul 18 2011 at 1:26

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SNL...nice. Looks like you are going to put me to the test. Game on – Aravind Jul 18 2011 at 1:58

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HI Cavey-my-man! So, here's my take on fasting - according to some non-Paleo thinkers. Fasting just forces the body to use its muscle and other lean body mass for energy. Your cells will still be eating even if you aren't. It would be a high meat diet - muscle. After a bit, fasting turns down liver function. Your liver is a rather important detoxifying organ. With what I've read, if I were to do a cleanse I would have little snacks of bone broth, some berries and coconut oil throughout the day. (BIG GRAIN OF SALT HERE - Notice my lack of credentials). – none Jul 18 2011 at 22:10

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Mere-my-lass! I'm kind of cynical when it comes to fasting. I don't know if it's 'body wisdom' or 'just plain chickenshit' talking, but it feels like our current obsession with 'detoxing' is a kind of Puritan mindset where we are all 'dirty' and must be 'cleansed'. Hallelujah, life as metaphor and all that. However I think Uggla is amazing, clear, and not likely to be caught up in BS so she's right too. So how about a compromise: bone broth with chunks of papaya floating around in it? Yum! – CaveRat Jul 18 2011 at 23:24

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Cavey - (shhhhhhh - no one can hear, right? I whiz up my own cheap cuts and (((shhhhhhhh))) include liver and other guts into the meatloaf/meatballs) They don't know and I shall do it forever! – none Jul 18 2011 at 23:41

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Josh M · Answer 2 · 2011-07-17 19:01:37Z UTC

I have do fasting for up to 14 days for Spiritual reasons. I have not experienced edema. Our Shaman makes sure we drink a special 'tea' (its not made from tea) and I know it has some salt in it, as keeping electrolytes in balance is key when fasting.

Joshua · Answer 3 · 2011-07-17 21:03:21Z UTC

Uggla, sounds to me like you were dehydrated (especially if the pain was in the low back, right above the butt). The edema probably aggravates this further.

The biggest problem with an all-water fast, is that many (myself included) tend to drink an inappropriate amount of water during the water fast - and that results in a diuretic effect.

So I would agree with others who suggest you include some kind of electrolyte (a small amount of coconut water, and green tea perhaps), as well try to keep a handle on how much water you are drinking.

Hack my fasting reaction.

3 Answers