Fasting can happen for multiple reasons. Some fasts are for religious purposes, and others are for achieving health goals, but either way, a fast must be adhered to for optimal results.
People can set various restrictions when fasting, with different definitions of what interferes with their fast. For example, some may wonder, do vitamins break a fast? Others may be uncertain of which foods to avoid.
This article will break it down for you, providing the information you need to know.
Do Vitamins Break a Fast?
So, do vitamins break a fast? Some vitamins contain oils and water that break a fast. Additionally, fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, are more beneficial when taken with food.
Natural Healthy Concepts provides various products that can be taken when intermittent fasting, including the following:
- Dr. Mercola Organic Mushroom Coffee: Dr. Mercola provides supplements that support holistic wellness. Its Organic Mushroom Coffee will not break a fast, provided it does not contain sugar, milk, or cream. Its pure mushroom extracts will also not interfere with fasting. They boost focus and clarity.
- Organic India Tulsi Turmeric Ginger Organic Tea: Organic India specializes in organic herbal supplements. Their Ginger Tea supports fasting. Its adaptogenic herbs reduce stress while providing antioxidant and digestive benefits.
- Dynamic Health Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother: Dynamic Health products blend whole fruits and nutritional science. Its Organic Raw Apple Cider is a fast-friendly product that improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels while enhancing various recipes.
- Banyan Botanicals Organic Ghee Clarified Butter: Banyan Botanicals specializes in Ayurvedic products that support balance. Its Clarified Butter may break a fast as it contains calories, but a small amount is safe for those practicing intermittent fasting. It is a healthy substitute for butter in various culinary applications.
- Buried Treasure Coconut MCT Oil: Buried Treasure offers quality liquid vitamins and supplements. Its MCT oil contains calories that may break a fast but can support intermittent fasting. It also supports healthy brain function, metabolism, and ketone body production.
- Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Powder: Ancient Nutrition offers innovative products that support holistic wellness. Although it contains calories and protein that may break a fast, its calorie content is low, and it may promote cellular cleansing. It also supports healthy skin, nails, and joints.
- Codeage Keto Electrolytes: Codeage offers high-quality, research-based products. Its zero-calorie and carb-free electrolyte formula does not break a fast. It contains essential vitamins and minerals that support optimal health.
Which Vitamins Break a Fast?
Now that we have an overview of specific products that may or may not break a fast, this section will take a more generalized view of vitamins that are safe while fasting.
- Gummy vitamins may contain small amounts of calories, sugar, protein, and fat, which can break a fast.
- Branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may trigger an insulin response that interferes with fasting.
- Protein powder contains calories that break the body from a fasting state.
- Ingredients to look out for: Vitamins that contain sugar, fruit juice, pectin, maltodextrin, and calories can break a fast.
Which Supplements are Unlikely to Break a Fast?
These supplements are unlikely to break a fast, provided they don’t contain the ‘ingredients to look out for’:
- Multivitamins free of sugar and calories will not break a fast.
- Fish or algae oil is low in calories and does not contain digestible carbs.
- Individual micronutrients won’t break a fast, but fat-soluble varieties may be more effective when taken with food.
- Creatine is calorie-free and will not produce an insulin response.
- Probiotics and prebiotics do not contain calories or digestible carbs.
How is Intermittent Fasting Different?
Intermittent fasting is a common weight loss and health-supporting technique that requires fasting during certain hours of the day. For example, it is common for people to practice intermittent fasting for 16 hours of the day and eat within an 8-hour window. In addition to calorie restriction, intermittent fasting promotes positive hormonal changes, improved blood sugar, cellular repair, reduced inflammation, and better gut health.
Those who follow a strict intermittent fasting diet will not consume any calories while fasting. However, others may allow up to 50 calories while fasting and may not be as restrictive regarding vitamin intake.
Conclusion
So, do vitamins break a fast? They can, especially if they contain calories, vitamins, and other ingredients promoting insulin response. Those who fast must choose vitamins wisely to achieve their health or spiritual goals.
Natural Healthy Concepts offers a wide selection of vitamins to ensure you follow your fasting regimen. We partner with trusted brands that prioritize all-natural ingredients. Browse our website or schedule a consultation with one of our practitioners to determine which products best support your lifestyle.
FAQs
What are the benefits of fasting?
Fasting can promote detox and aid in weight loss. Additionally, a 2022 study revealed that fasting for 10 days can improve vitamin D levels, vitality, and quality of life compared to a traditional diet.
Does lemon water break a fast?
Plain lemon water is typically permitted during intermittent fasting, because it contains minimal sugar and calories and won’t trigger an insulin response. However, it is important not to overdo it and add too much lemon. Sugar and honey can also break the fast.
How long is it good to fast for?
Intermittent fasts of 12-16 hours are recommended for most people. 24-hour fasts can provide even more benefits. However, longer fasts of 36-72 hours can cause increased risks like dehydration and mood changes, and should be guided by professional healthcare advice.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
