There are over eight flavors of the LMNT electrolyte drink, and all except one (the raw unflavored LMNT) can break your fast.
For electrolyte replenishment, I use the raw unflavored LMNT with zero calories, zero carbs, and no natural or artificial flavors because it does not seem to break my fasts.
As pure as it is, the raw unflavored LMNT has a whopping 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium.
All other flavored LMNTs have sweeteners, flavors, about 5 to 10 calories, and 1g to 2g of carbohydrates meaning they are not so fast-friendly.
Another crucial point to note is that except for the unflavored LMNT, all other flavored options have the potential to mildly stimulate insulin secretion, impede autophagy, and disrupt ketosis.
This is due to their calorie content and the presence of some grams of carbohydrates.
Any Benefit To Using LMNT While Fasting?
While fasting, you no longer get electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium from your diet, and your reserves will typically deplete within the first 24 to 48 hours.
What’s worse? Studies have established that electrolytes, specifically magnesium, can deplete up to 5 times the normal rate during prolonged fasts.
LMNT drinks are heavy on electrolytes, all flavors have a whopping 1000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium, this makes it beneficial to drink LMNT while fasting.
Without replenishing with LMNT while fasting, your electrolyte levels dip, and you may experience low electrolyte symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and headaches.
Ensuring proper electrolyte balance is crucial for maintaining hydration, supporting nerve function, and preventing these discomforting effects during your fasting periods.
All that makes it easier to stick to your fasting routine.
Best LMNT Flavor For Fasting?
When intermittent fasting, consuming a significant amount of calories can break your fast.
That means that consuming LMNT flavors with calories can break your fast.
The only LMNT flavor with zero calories and zero carbs is the raw unflavored LMNT, this makes it the best for fasting.
If for any reason you would want to use another flavor, here is a table showing the different LMNT flavors and whether or not they will break a fast:
LMNT Flavor | Calories | Carbs(g) | Breaks A Fast? |
---|---|---|---|
Raw Unflavored | 0 | 0 | No |
Lemonade Habanero | 10 | 2 | Yes |
Citrus Salt | 10 | 2 | Yes |
Watermelon Salt | 5 | 1 | Highly likely |
Orange Salt | 10 | 2 | Yes |
Raspberry Salt | 10 | 2 | Yes |
Chocolate Salt | 5 | 1 | Highly likely |
Mango Chilli | 5 | 1 | Highly likely |
Keep in mind that all flavors of LMNT except the raw unflavored LMNT have added flavors and sweeteners like stevia leaf extract which can also contribute to breaking your fast.
If you have to use any other flavor, make sure that its impact will not hinder your fasting goals.
To experience the maximum metabolic benefits of fasting, stick to the unflavored LMNT.
Will LMNT Break A Fast – Key Takeaways.
- Whether or not drinking LMNT will break a fast depends on the flavor. Only the raw unflavored LMNT does not break a fast because it has zero calories, zero carbs, and no natural or artificial flavors.
- Flavored LMNTs can slightly stimulate insulin secretion, hinder autophagy, and stop ketosis due to their calorie and carbohydrate content.
- Replenishing electrolytes with LMNT while fasting helps maintain hydration, support nerve function, and prevent symptoms of low electrolytes, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and headaches.
- The raw unflavored LMNT is the best option for fasting as it has zero calories, zero carbs, and provides necessary electrolytes.
- To maximize the metabolic benefits of fasting, it is recommended to stick to the unflavored LMNT option.