Fasting and intermittent fasting have gained popularity in recent years for their numerous potential health benefits. As a practice commonly talked about in wellness spaces, some people claim that taking CBD while fasting enhances the benefits of both.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at intermittent fasting and CBD, as well as discuss how they may work together and if CBD can break a fast. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Fasting?
In this blog post, we will be referring to the practice known as intermittent fasting or IF. This involves alternating between fasting and eating within specific time windows, which many IF participants claim helps them lower their caloric intake and encourages their bodies to burn more fat and enter ketosis, among other benefits.
This practice has been around for centuries as part of religious traditions and was common in times when food was not as readily available as it is today. In our modern understanding of IF, we now know that it has many potential benefits, including weight loss, memory improvement, improved insulin sensitivity, and better heart health.
What Does CBD Do When We Fast?
There is still needed research on this topic, but based on what we know we can gather a few possible effects you may experience from the two combined.
CBD is said to regulate and even decrease one’s appetite in some cases. With that, CBD may help with hunger during the more difficult phases of fasting by decreasing your hunger.
Just like taking any supplement on an empty stomach, taking CBD without eating can amplify the effects. With that being said, it’s important to start with low doses if you’re taking CBD on an empty stomach for the first time. You can also avoid this by taking CBD sublingually, topically, or inhaling it, avoiding involving your digestive system through a product like an edible.
CBD also has been said to help regulate our mood and hormone levels. This can help you keep a positive attitude during your fast and feel a bit more at ease if you’re struggling.
Combining CBD and IF, it’s possible that you may have a better experience during your fast than without CBD. CBD may help balance out the less-desirable effects of fasting like hunger and a poor mood, which can in turn help you lose weight and maintain a positive attitude during your fast.
Will CBD Break my Fast?
As a general rule in the IF community, anything under 40-50 calories will not kick your body out of ketosis, or your body’s fasting state. During a fast, water, tea, and black coffee are commonly consumed by IF enthusiasts for their little to no caloric content.
Some CBD products contain more calories than others. As a best practice to avoid breaking your fast, we recommend taking tinctures sublingually or using an inhalable product like a cartridge, flower, or concentrate. This limits the caloric content of the CBD product you’re using, and both of these options do not take long to take effect.
Typically, an oil-based tincture contains about 120 calories per tablespoon. Since CBD oil is usually measured in drops, it’s unlikely you’ll be taking a tablespoon worth at a time, so you’re looking at about 10 calories per full dropper of the oil, give or take. This means using a recommended dose of a CBD tincture will most likely not break your fast, even if swallowed.
Edible products, like gummies or baked goods, can be consumed during your fast. However, you’ll need to pay attention to the calories in the product to ensure you stay below the 40-50 calorie mark.
In general, there are different options for using CBD during fasting that won’t break your fast.
Is Using CBD While Fasting Right for Me?
Everyone is different, which means some people may benefit in different ways from others when using CBD while fasting.
If you enjoy CBD or IF and want to incorporate the two into your wellness routine, you can start with a low dose of CBD and a less intense IF schedule to see you it makes you feel. As always, start low and slow, don’t overdo it!
IF is popular for weight loss and other health concerns, but it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels while fasting. When making any dietary changes, you should always consult a doctor first, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medication. The same applies to using CBD in your IF routine.
If at any point you find that IF, CBD, or the two combined are giving you adverse side effects, you should stop immediately and consult a doctor for further advice.
Conclusion
Using CBD while fasting may improve your fasting experience and help you manage your hunger and mood. CBD’s possible balancing effects may make fasting easier for you.
When making any big changes in your diet, lifestyle, or CBD routine, it’s important to listen to your body and take your time. If you notice any negative effects from either, it’s always best to consult a doctor.
If you are curious about trying CBD while intermittent fasting, start low and go slow! You can slowly modify your routine to find what works best for you.
For questions about CBD while fasting or CBD in general, you can always visit a CBD Pros near you or learn more about CBD on our education page. Browse our products and lab results for more information. And if you have any questions, ask us!
