This podcast episode of JJ Virgin’s Ask the Health Expert addresses a listener question about signs that intermittent fasting may not be working. The episode includes several sponsor ad reads (home decor, laundry detergent, beer, finance app, sporting goods) and features nurse practitioner Cynthia Thurlow, who identifies sleep disruption, reduced energy, headaches/dizziness, and possible blood-sugar or dehydration issues as signs fasting may be problematic. She recommends staying hydrated, replenishing electrolytes, and including protein and healthy fats in meals; suggests working with a clinician if problems persist.
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Pacifico find your own way. 21 Discover Responsibly Pacifico Clara Beer imported by Crown Import, Chicago, IL what's a sign that intermittent fasting isn't working for you? This is JJ Virgin, four time New York Times bestselling author, celebrity nutrition expert, and Fitness hall of Famer. I've been on a lifelong quest for answers to the toughest health questions, and now I'm sharing what I found with you. Welcome to Ask the Health Expert. Jill from Facebook asks, what's a sign that intermittent fasting isn't working for you? Hey, it's jj and I've got the perfect expert to answer this question. Meet nurse practitioner, nutrition, and intermittent fasting expert Cynthia Thurlow. Her TEDx talk on intermittent fasting has been viewed over 5 million times. She's a former varsity field hockey player who's been known to read four to five books at a time. We'll be right back with the answer. Hey, jj, Virgin here. Okay, real talk. 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Hey Jill, thanks for your question. You know, I would start with if you are using intermittent fasting for a strategy and you're not able to sleep, meaning all of a sudden you've been sleeping well and now you're waking up multiple times at night or you're having trouble falling asleep, could be a sign it could be an issue with blood sugar. Could also be an issue that you haven't just haven't had enough macronutrients during your feeding window. Nonetheless, that kind of change is something we want to really be mindful of. Also, if you're experiencing a reduction in energy, you're really tired, you're experiencing headaches or dizziness, it could be a sign of dehydration. It could also be a sign that it's just a strategy that's not working for you at that period of time. And I would really encourage you to make sure you're staying really well hydrated, getting in those electrolytes, making sure that every meal incorporates protein and a healthy fat to keep that blood sugar stable. And then if you're still struggling to figure out what could be going on, I would ensure that you're working with someone that can help you kind of really dive into troubleshooting and getting a better sense of what's going on.
This is JJ with Ask the Health Expert. I do this five times a week, so make sure you never miss a show by going to subscribetojay.com.
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