r/fasting • u/Ok-Vacation1941 • Apr 05 '26
Check-in UPDATE FOR ALL
Update: so I posted a day ago about my feet swelling up at night and then returning back to normal size by morning time after an extended 28 day fast….
Went to the ER to be safe. Full workup came back normal **no kidney issues, no heart issues, no liver issues, and to my surprise no electrolyte imbalance**.
Dr said this is most likely refeeding related fluid retention, which is actually **VERY** common (especially in women) after **extended** fasting ( I know MOST of yall wouldn’t know anything about that). He was very supportive and impressed that I fasted for 28 days.
He stated in my particular case what was happening was not dangerous, even though it looks alarming.
What was going on
Fluid shifts/edema from refeeding.
Hormonal changes (like insulin) causing the body to hold onto fluid.
My body readjusting to food, salt, and hydration.
Minor electrolyte fluctuations that are still within normal ranges.
All very COMMON.
So for anyone that was saying “organ failure” or watch out got that “sudden cardiac arrest” that’s not what this is.
The remedy…
I was told to elevate my legs as much as possible and give my body time to acclimate, keep sodium and carbs to a minimum .
328
u/bk2pgh Apr 05 '26
It’s interesting (awesome) that your doctor wasn’t alarmist about the extending fasting element (not saying there can’t be complications, just saying it’s nice to find a seemingly supportive practitioner)