Why Do I Get Headache After Breaking The Fast. I

Posted on Mon, 20 Jan 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Why do I get headache after breaking the fast. I started fasting on Mondays couple of months back. whole day I will drink only water and at night little bit of solid food. Once I eat any solid food in the night, I am getting headache. Please let me know what is the reason for it and how to avoid it?

Thanks,
Gururaj

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can manage headache with more water

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I have reviewed your query and from your description the headache does not seem severe or migraine type.

Many causes of headache during evening of Monday fasting are possible like
- Blood circulation diverting to digestive tract after food
- Body missing caffeine (coffee/tea)
- Dehydration
- low blood sugar
- stress of work
- "detox" symptoms due to prolonged fast

I would suggest the following to deal with it.
- Fast only in your capacity. Start with fasting for a part of the day and then increase the duration as your body adapts.
- Combine fasting with enough resting, relaxation and meditation. Avoid running around during fast.
- Drink lots of water/fluids during fast.
- If working, then take fruits regularly during the day
- Take light vegetarian foods while breaking fast

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar