Going without food for 24 hours is not a major stress for the body. Dehydration, however, is what causes that sense of weakness associated with the fast. Dehydration can also cause high blood pressure. You can avoid dehydration by taking these simple precautions before the fast:
- Drink plenty of liquids during the two days before the fast.
- Avoid salty foods, alcohol, coffee and any other substances that your body needs to wash out.
- Avoid excessive consumption of heavy proteins, such as meat and cheese.
- Take an anti-inflammatory just before the fast, such as Aspirin, Advil or Aleve. (Tylenol is an analgesic but not an anti-inflammatory). If you are pregnant, nursing or taking other medications, consult a doctor about this.
- Avoid high temperatures.
If you are not feeling well, you should consult with your rabbi about how to proceed. Click here for more information on this topic.
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