Before You Fast: Are You Nourishing or Depleting Your Body?

Fasting is everywhere; wellness circles, health retreats, and online spaces are filled with discussions about its benefits. While it’s often promoted as a quick reset for the body, fasting is not suitable for everyone. Done at the wrong time, it can push an already depleted system into further imbalance.

Before jumping into a fasting plan, ask yourself: Is my body ready to fast, or is it already under strain?

In this post, we will cover key factors to help you evaluate your readiness for fasting. By ensuring you have the right tools and information, you can embark on a safe and effective fasting journey.

What Is Fasting and Why Do People Do It?

Fasting means voluntarily abstaining from food and, in some cases, water for a specified period. People fast for a variety of reasons: to improve digestion, support metabolism, reset habits, or enhance mental clarity. Some use fasting as part of their spiritual practice, while others follow the latest health trend.

Done wisely, fasting may reduce inflammation, stabilise blood sugar, and support weight loss. But fasting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your current health status plays a crucial role in determining whether fasting benefits or harms you.

Think before you fast, is your body ready to cope with fasting?

Are You Ready to Fast?

Before considering any fasting protocol, it’s important to assess three key areas:

• Your Current Health: If you live with conditions such as diabetes, adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, or iron deficiency, fasting could cause more harm than good. People with a history of disordered eating should also be cautious.

• Your Nutrient Reserves: If your diet lacks key nutrients—especially iron, B12, protein, or healthy fats —fasting can further deplete your system. Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, poor sleep, and mood swings often worsen when you restrict food without proper preparation.

• Your Emotional and Mental State: Fasting under high stress may feel like control at first, but often leads to rebound eating, irritability, or hormonal disruptions. If you’re in a fragile emotional space, focus on rebuilding first.

Anaemia and Fasting: A Risky Combination

If you have low iron or have ever been told you’re anaemic, fasting can put additional strain on your body. Iron is critical for oxygen transport. Without enough, your cells are already struggling. Removing meals only makes that struggle worse.

Common signs of iron deficiency include:

• Cold extremities

• Pale lips or skin

• Cravings for ice or unusual non-foods

• Ongoing fatigue despite rest

Always test—don’t guess. Get a full iron panel before attempting any fasting regimen.

Pathology testing will determine if your body will benefit from fasting.

What Should You Test Before You Fast?

Comprehensive pathology testing can help you understand if your body is in a state to fast safely. Consider requesting:

• Full Iron Studies: Haemoglobin, Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation

• Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4

• Fasting Insulin and Glucose

• Liver Function: ALT, AST, GGT, Bilirubin

• Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium

• Vitamins & Hormones: Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Cortisol, DHEA

These markers give insight into how well your body is functioning and whether fasting would support or challenge you.

Toxin Release and Detox Capacity

Fat stores are where the body hides many toxins: pesticides, plastics, mould, and heavy metals. When you fast, your body burns fat, which can release these stored toxins into your bloodstream. If your detox organs (especially the liver, gut, kidneys, and skin) are not working efficiently, you may experience unpleasant symptoms.

These may include:

• Brain fog

• Irritability or anxiety

• Skin breakouts or rashes

• Poor sleep or vivid dreams

• Nausea or headaches

Before fasting, ensure your elimination pathways are open and supported. This means daily bowel movements, adequate hydration, gentle sweating, and liver support.

How to Prepare Your Body to Fast

If you determine that fasting could benefit you, start slow and build a foundation first:

• Focus on whole foods rich in minerals, fats, and protein.

• Support liver function with herbs such as St Mary’s Thistle and dandelion root.

• Use castor oil packs or an infrared sauna to aid toxin release.

• Prioritise hydration with clean water and herbal teas.

• Ensure you are eliminating daily—constipation during fasting increases toxic load.

Breaking your fast gently is just as important. Start with warm broth, soft cooked vegetables, and easily digestible proteins. Avoid caffeine, sugar, or processed foods.

A nutritious meal ready to support a post-fasting diet.

Quick Self-Assessment: Is Fasting Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Do I have stable energy throughout the day?

• Do I wake feeling refreshed?

• Is my digestion consistent?

• Are my blood tests within optimal range?

• Do I cope well when I delay a meal?

• Am I emotionally resilient right now?

Suppose you answered 'no' to any of the above. Pause. Your body may need rebuilding first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take supplements while fasting? Yes. Mineral supplements, binders (such as zeolite or activated charcoal), and herbal support are generally safe. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) need food and should be taken after breaking your fast.

What are the signs fasting isn’t working for me? If you feel dizzy, shaky, irritable, have poor sleep, or notice your menstrual cycle changing, your body may not be ready.

Is fasting safe with thyroid or adrenal issues? In most cases, no, not initially. Stabilise these systems before considering even short fasts.

What if I have heavy metal toxicity or mould exposure? Get tested first (e.g., HTMA, OligoScan), never fast without supporting your detox organs.

Final Thoughts

Fasting is not a shortcut. It’s a deeper layer of healing for those who are stable, nourished, and supported.

If you’re depleted, overwhelmed, or toxic, fasting can set you back. But when you’ve done the prep work, fasting can be powerful, energising, and clarifying.

Start with data. Strengthen your foundations. Then fast, if and when your body is ready.

Want Support?

If you’re unsure whether fasting is right for you, I can help assess your readiness through blood work, mineral testing, and a review of your symptoms.

👉 Book a Fasting Readiness Consult

You're perfectly imperfect. Your body knows what it needs. Let's honour that.