16:8 and fierce headaches in the morning

[justwondering72]

I've been doing 16:8 for about 10 days now, and it's going great, fits in well with my lifestyle and routine and looks to be something I can live with over the long term.

One problem I am finding is that I have a horrible headache when I wake up, and it doesn't go until I eat something or take painkillers. I presume it is dehydration? I usually finish dinner around 7pm, then have a couple of herbal teas through the evening. I try not to drink too much water as I'll be up all night peeing. I don't feel thirsty when I go to bed, and usually have a sip of water when I stir in the night. In the morning I have a couple of big glasses of water and cup or two of tea / coffee. I wake with a headache and a dry mouth, I drink, it doesn't shift until I eat at lunchtime or cave and have a painkiller before then.

Any ideas? Do I need to drink more in the evening and just resolve myself to peeing through the night?

Cheers

[BigChocFrenzy]

Hi, I've some suggestions which I hope can help

Go for clean eating, just until you are used to fasting:
. Throughout the day, before 7pm, drink extra water. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water before supper.
Any hot drinks or fizz should be extra, not instead of water.
If you've given up caffeine, bring it back - headaches may be withdrawal.
. Cut out / reduce alcohol and any added sugar or sweet treats - cake, chox, bix etc, This will avoid insulin spikes
. Replace simple starches by complex ones, e.g. swap any white bread, rice or pasta for the wholegrain versions. Most people find potato ok though.
Note: if you've switched to low carb, this can cause headaches in the first 2-3 weeks. LC is not necessary for 16:8 u less you prefer it.
. Reduce simple carbs like yoghurt or fruit to maximum one portion each per day.

General IF tips:
. First thing and mid-morning, have a teaspoon of marmite or a tablespoon of soya sauce. This often avoids headaches, possibly because of salt and B-vits.
This totals less than 50 cals, which does not count as breaking the fast (ref. Martin Berkhan of LeanGains) because too few cals to affect insulin levels
and
. Make sure your first and last meal contain plenty of protein.
and
. mfp - you may have too high a calorie deficit compared to your TDEE

[TalkinPeace]

Have a BIG glass of water before you go to sleep.
You won't need to pee in the night as you are waking up dehydrated at the moment.

[justwondering72]

Just coming back to say, the headaches seem to have passed away. I'm not consciously low carbing, but skipping breakfast means missing what is usually a carb heavy meal, and I am eating a lot less bread etc at other times. So it could well have been that. I have upped the water as well, and more herbal tea in the evening.

Cheers both!