One-day fasts do not seem to cause any significant muscle loss, so they can
be an effective way to lose weight. Do not fast more than one day per week.
Longer fasts cause the body to lose muscle mass in addition to fat, although
they may have a therapeutic value. If you are eating high-carb prior to the
fast, you may lose a lot of water and potassium, thus causing muscle cramps,
particularly where the muscles are tight already (e.g. hamstrings). To
prevent this, drink a lot of water and perhaps supplement potassium during
the fast. I use NoSalt from the grocery store.
Arthur McConnachie
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