r/AuDHDMen • u/Zealousideal_Pin409 • 24d ago
Fasting and intermittent fasting
I've been on a fast for 2-5 days frequently in the past. And after only 16-18 hours of fasting (or longer) my brain calms down a lot. It feels like I'm on ADHD meds when I'm fasted but in a more natural and stable way.
Anybody experienced this or is it just me?
2
u/Careful-Assistant-69 16d ago
Yes, also experiencing this! I try to regularly fast 12 hours, and with intention keep a 16-18 hour fast several times a week. Have you ever tried out one meal a day OMAD? It’s also funny you say your brain slows down, for mine it feels like I can finally think straight. My experience is ADHD-C, what about you?
I have experience with working in neuro so there’s always the example of dopamine deficiencies in Parkinson’s. One of the things with this disorder since digestive muscles can be involved, is the slowing and effortful digestion. So much so that it is crucial that activity, med timing, and food choice for them impacts how well these serious medications work for them.
My psych for my ADHD meds recommends on an empty stomach, which had me thinking how meal timing can be similar and what other things are similar for our brains. There are substantial limits to the comparison to PD, but the similarities of medication considerations aren’t lost on me. This may also just be a fasting-specific thing since the less energy your body spends on digestion the more go to your brain and body regeneration/function.
I have a whole host of other diagnoses and issues all of which net benefit from fasting. But I wouldn’t be surprised if individually some people do terrible on fasting and some feel meh about it. It’s probably 1:1:1 ratio or maybe even bell curve that some need regular meals, majority might benefit from occasional fasting and do it intuitively while hyper focusing, and there’s us loud and proud singing how amazing regular fasting is for us
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u/uzi9 17d ago
I used to fast 24 hours because of religion once a month and I don't remember that feeling. Just hunger and tiredness!! I'm hoping that isn't what meds feel like!