How to Take Your Medicine While Fasting | women over 50

Addressing Medication Concerns During Fasting

A common concern among those practicing intermittent fasting is how to manage medications that need to be taken with food. This issue is particularly relevant if the medication is crucial and cannot be skipped. Typically, doctors recommend taking such medications in the morning primarily to help patients remember to take them. However, this timing can conflict with a fasting schedule.

Rethinking Medication Timing

If your medication is prescribed for morning intake merely for convenience or habit, it might be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of taking it at a different time. For instance, if you're an experienced faster like myself, who comfortably fasts for about 20 hours a day, you might find it beneficial to schedule medication intake towards the end of your fasting period or right before you begin your next fast. This adjustment ensures that your fasting routine is less disrupted.

What to Eat When You Must Take Medication

If your medication needs to be taken with food for effectiveness, and adjusting the timing is not an option, choosing the right type of food to accompany your medication is crucial. Here are some suggestions:

• Avocado: A healthy source of fats and very gentle on an empty stomach.
• Eggs: Provide good protein and are filling without being too heavy.
• Almond milk or plain yogurt: These can coat the stomach without requiring a large intake.

It's important to consult with your doctor about the specific types of food that should be taken with your medication. This ensures that the food's properties do not interfere with the medication's effectiveness.

Tailoring Your Food Choices

When integrating medication into a fasting lifestyle, it's beneficial to avoid traditional breakfast foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bagels or toast. Instead, opt for foods that align more closely with your fasting goals, such as those high in fats and proteins but low in carbohydrates. This approach helps maintain more of a fasted state, even when you need to eat something with your medication.

The Bigger Picture: Fasting and Medication

It's crucial to remember that while medicine manages symptoms, practices like intermittent fasting can potentially heal underlying issues. This perspective is not only empowering but also encourages a proactive approach to health management.

Discussing Changes with Your Doctor

If you are on a lifestyle medication for conditions like blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, and you find that fasting is improving your health, it might be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of reducing or even stopping the medication. Although many doctors might be skeptical, there are cases where improved lifestyle choices significantly impact health, reducing the need for medication.

Making It Work for You

For those who must take lifelong medication, the key is to integrate it seamlessly into your fasting lifestyle without aiming for perfection. It's about making adjustments that fit your life and health needs, rather than strictly adhering to an ideal fasting schedule. In my upcoming course, Life Beyond the Fast, we explore the flexibility in fasting approaches. The goal is to heal the body and reset hunger hormones without being overly rigid about the fasting window.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially when dealing with medications. It's essential to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider and to be well-informed about how different foods and timings can affect both your medication and your fasting regimen. By understanding and adapting, you can find a balance that supports both your health needs and your lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

Navigating the intersection of intermittent fasting and medication requires thoughtful consideration and often, a flexible approach. Whether adjusting the timing of your medication, choosing the right foods to accompany it, or discussing potential changes in your medication with your doctor, the goal is to maintain a fasting lifestyle that supports your overall health and well-being. Remember, the journey to health is not about perfection but about making informed choices that best suit your individual needs.

For more insights and support on integrating intermittent fasting into your life, especially during the aging process, feel free to explore the resources available in our courses. And as always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Your health journey is uniquely yours, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.