Dietitian-Nutritionist Questions Fasting

Drinking electrolyte water but still dehydrated

I'm fasting with multivitamins and electrolyte water to make sure my body doesn't have a negative reaction like it did last time. I am concerned and wanted to know what can I do to rebalance the electrolytes in my system without breaking the fast?
Would you recommend a small cup of bone broth?

Female | 25 years old
Complaint duration: Fasting for 10 days spiritual reasons with other people. Today is the 4th day of the fast. Dry lips started occurring 2 days ago ongoing.
Medications: N/A
Conditions: Asthma, eczema, allergic to shellfish

4 Answers

Dietitian-NutritionistFasting
You're already taking a smart step by drinking electrolyte water and multivitamins. However, if you're still feeling dehydrated (e.g., dry lips, fatigue, dizziness), it suggests that either your body isn't absorbing fluids properly or the electrolyte mix may not have the right balance for your needs. Heres what you can do *without breaking your fast*: 1. *Check the electrolyte contents* Not all electrolyte waters are created equal. Some have very low levels of sodium, which is essential for hydration. Look for a mix that includes *sodium, potassium, magnesium*, and *chloride* in balanced proportionsespecially sodium, which helps your body actually retain water. 2. *Add a pinch of salt (preferably sea salt or Himalayan salt)* to your water This can help increase sodium levels subtly without breaking your fast and can significantly help with hydration. 3. *Consume water slowly and steadily throughout the day* Your body can only absorb a limited amount of water at a time. Gulping large quantities quickly can lead to poor absorption or even water loss through urine. 4. *Monitor urine color* Aim for pale yellow urine; if it's dark, you're likely dehydrated. About Bone Broth: Bone broth is *technically not fasting-safe* for a strict water-only or religious fast, as it contains proteins and calories. However, if the type of fast you're following permits minimal nourishment or is about avoiding solid food, a small amount of *salted, strained bone broth* (clear, fat skimmed) could help *restore sodium, potassium, and hydration*. You may want to check with your spiritual or fasting guide to confirm if that would be acceptable within the guidelines of your fast. Warning Signs: Dry lips can be an early dehydration symptom, but if you begin to feel: - *Lightheaded, extremely weak, or dizzy* - *Experience rapid heartbeat* - *Have trouble concentrating or feel confused* these are red flags. Break the fast safely with proper fluids and electrolytes. Your health should always come first.
You may consider an electrolyte drink that is sugar free, such as Gatorade Zero.

*** Fasting for spiritual reasons ***
Electrolytes primarily means sodium, potassium, magnesium. There are lots of electrolyte supplements that are low or no calories such as Gatorade or Powerade Zero, or liquid IV supplements. Some individuals make their own electrolyte drink by combining salt, lemon juice and coconut water (you can find recipes online). I hope this helps.
In this case I would like to see with this client, to find out if she doesn't have any leaky gut issue. I would prefer to communicate with her.