Water-only fasting
A water-only fast generally means consuming water and no calories. “Assisted fasting” is not a standardized medical term.
Headache, dizziness, weakness, palpitations, and cramps have many possible causes. They should not automatically be treated as sodium deficiency.
Assisted fasting — what is allowed
Some people use “assisted fasting” to describe adding electrolytes, coffee, tea, or broth. Broth has calories, and products differ in sodium, potassium, magnesium, sweeteners, and medication interactions.
Electrolyte supplements do not make prolonged fasting inherently safe. Excess sodium, potassium, or magnesium can also cause harm.
Which should you choose?
There is no authoritative one-size-fits-all electrolyte protocol by fast length. Prolonged fasting should not be self-managed with an internet dosing schedule.
Our fasting clock lets you toggle modes and shows tailored hydration tips as your timer runs.
- For ordinary hydration, drink according to thirst unless a clinician has set a fluid target
- Do not use electrolyte products to push through concerning symptoms
- Avoid prolonged fasting without clinical guidance
- Kidney, heart, blood-pressure, and endocrine conditions can change electrolyte safety
Electrolyte strategy by fast type
Potassium and magnesium supplements can interact with medications and may be dangerous with impaired kidney function. See electrolytes during fasting for general safety information.
Use the water fast timer or extended fasting clock depending on your protocol.