Re: Passing out?

Hello Amandajane,
Chiron is referring to a contraindication to fasting in some individuals who have an enzyme defect called MCAD (medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase) deficiency, and it would be unsafe for those individuals to fast. MCAD is one of the enzymes needed for the oxidation of fatty-acids. A deficiency in this enzyme is one of the most common inborn errors of metabolism. Since fatty acid oxidation is required as an alternative energy source during fasting, this disorder may go undiagnosed until a person attempts a fast.
However, even though this condition is extremely rare, respiratory failure, extreme weakness, seizures, coma, or death may ensue if the individual continues with a prolonged fast. The disorder is recognised by............
#1. Vomiting.
#2. Extreme lethargy early in the fast.
#3. Ketones are also absent in the urine as with a normal person who goes without food.
You can buy an inexpensive testing kit or strips for urine ketones from any Pharmacy to do this.

The good news is that your symptoms of "passing out" do not qualify you for this deficiency, unless you fulfill the above symptoms as described.
However it would be necessary to monitor your Blood pressure from the beginning of the fast, as I suspect that a much lowered BP is the root cause of your passing out, and especially what is known as Orthostatic Hypotension (falling Blood Pressure upon standing).
Personally I would make sure that you rest in bed on day 3 till at least day 7 whilst still taking daily BP readings from a home monitor (they are relatively cheap nowadays), and report again as to your progress or otherwise.

Keep us informed if you follow the above plan.
I hope you do.

Chrisb1.


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