Ketosis and Potassium Loss

I had to break my fast yesterday because of severe leg pain. So today I have been researching what the cause could be. My leg muscles start to hurt on day 2 of a Water Fast and its gets progressively worse on day 3 and unbearable on day 4 (which I cannot take my Water Fast beyond due to this reason).

I looked up the cause of muscle pain and there appeared to be a lot of information on potassium deficiency. So then I looked up the cause of potassium deficiency and one of them is being in ketosis. I have noticed that the darker my ketostix go, the worse my leg pain gets.

There is a lot of information on the internet about potassium deficiency as a result of being in ketosis.

One website states: "Electrolytes are micronutrients that are essential for many bodily functions. Critical to normal heart rhythm is the electrolyte potassium. But ketones also use potassium to enter the kidney for excretion. The more profound the state of ketosis the greater the depletion of potassium stores [5]. If there is a concomitant deficit of caloric intake, which leads to further depletion, a serious condition called hypokalemia (critically low levels of potassium) can result."

I'm sure that this subject has been brought up many times on this forum. Is my leg pain an indication that I am not a suitable candidate for a fast due to my lack of nutrient stores?

I'm sure someone here is an expert in this area. It's a shame that the leg pain I get is preventing me from fasting. The pain is so severe that it brings me to tears. This cannot be a good sign!

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks .... Loosie








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