Tips For Fasting Safely

Stop Fasting if Feeling Sick

In the short term, intermittent fasting may sometimes trigger symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. Less commonly, patients have experienced low blood pressure and heart rhythm abnormalities as a result of fasting. If patients notice any of these, they should discontinue the fast immediately and see their doctor for an evaluation. Patients should take care when getting out of bed and standing up from a seated position to minimize dizziness and lightheadedness. The patient may want to sit on their bed with their feet on the floor for a few minutes before slowly attempting to stand up. 

Monitoring blood pressure and pulse readings regularly during a fast can help individuals understand how their heart is affected by their particular fasting regimen. They can take these measurements with an automatic blood pressure monitor at home. If the patient experiences heart palpitations or a sensation of fluttering in the chest during or after a fast, they should obtain urgent medical attention. Patients who have a history of heart rhythm abnormalities or low blood pressure are generally advised not to fast.