Does Spirulina Break A Fast? (Plus, Tips To Begin Intermittent Fasting)

One of the biggest challenges of fasting is dealing with hunger. Spirulina can help with this.

Spirulina is a natural appetite suppressant that can help you feel fuller for longer. Hence, you’re less likely to feel hungry while fasting. That improves the likelihood that you’ll stick to your fasting schedule.

But, does spirulina break a fast?

Adding any calories amounts to breaking a fast. So, although you barely get any calories from this superfood, spirulina breaks a fast. That said, spirulina provides an excellent way to do so. It supplies many nutrients while keeping your food intake to a minimum.

How Does Fasting Work?

Fasting is a process where people abstain from food and drinks for a set period. There are various types of fasting, but the most common is intermittent fasting. Here, people fast for a set number of hours each day or week.

When you eat, your body releases insulin into your bloodstream to help process the sugars from the food you’ve eaten. However, if you eat too much sugar or carbohydrates, your body can become resistant to insulin. The sugar gets stored as fat instead of getting used for energy.

Fasting can help to improve your insulin sensitivity and lower weight gain.

7 Intermittent Fasting Tips

Intermittent fasting is a type of diet where you cycle between periods of fasting and eating. It’s a popular diet plan because it can help you lose weight and improve your health.

Here are seven tips to help you stick to an intermittent fasting plan while getting the best that spirulina offers.

Choose the Right Plan for You

Many intermittent fasting plans exist. Some involve fasting for 16 hours and eating for eight hours, while others are fasting for 24 hours, twice weekly. Choose a plan that you think you can stick to.

Set Reasonable Goals

Quit attempting to lose too much weight too quickly. Set a realistic goal for yourself and try to lose 1-2 pounds weekly.

Don’t Go Too Long Without Eating

If you’re going to fast for more than 12 hours, eat a small meal or snack every few hours to keep your energy levels up. Now, when is the best time to take spirulina? A good spirulina drink is a great starting point after 12 hours.

Take some spirulina before breakfast to ensure you meet your nutritional requirements before fasting. As you go to sleep, a few spirulina tablets, capsules, or some powder should do.

While it breaks your fast, does spirulina break ketosis? Although those on a keto diet should use many foods, spirulina is an excellent choice. It’s low-calorie, all-natural, and nutrient dense.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water helps you stay hydrated while fasting. Try to drink at least 90 ounces of water daily.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks like soda and juice can make you feel hungrier and can sabotage your weight loss goals. Stick to water, unsweetened black coffee, and tea.

Eat Healthy Foods

When you eat, ensure to fill up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Keep off sugar-rich and processed foods, plus those with much-saturated fat.

Break your fast with a spirulina smoothie for a powerful nutrient boost. Taking spirulina for about thirty minutes before mealtime may enhance absorption rate and percentage. Besides, spirulina has low calories (20 calories/tbsp) but is rich in fiber, protein, and many nutrients. 

Spirulina helps you feel fuller, rejuvenates your nutrients, and makes you desire less food. So, it is a great companion for your fasting schedule, especially when seeking weight loss.

Stick With It

Don’t give up if you find it difficult to stick to your intermittent fasting plan. It takes time to adjust to any new diet or lifestyle change. Just keep trying, and eventually, it becomes easier.

When Should You Not Take Spirulina?

There are a few instances where people are recommended to avoid taking spirulina. Those with an autoimmune disease, taking blood thinners, or having a bleeding disorder should avoid spirulina. 

If allergic to iodine and other spirulina ingredients, this superfood may not be the best for you.

Some may warn against using spirulina during pregnancy due to little research. However, inadequate documentation exits on its adversity while expecting. Besides, the superfood may help mothers boost their iron reserves and lower gestational anemia risk.

Does Spirulina Upset Your Stomach?

Some may experience stomach upset after consuming spirulina. It’s high in fiber, which can cause gas and bloat in some people. Spirulina is also high in protein, which can be difficult to digest for some. 

If you experience stomach upset after consuming spirulina, try taking it with food or reducing the amount.

FAQS: What Else on Spirulina and Fasting?

Is Spirulina a Ketogenic Food?

Spirulina is not a ketogenic food though it’s an excellent accompaniment for keto dieters. Ketogenic foods have super-low carbs, high fats, and moderate proteins, a profile that spirulina doesn’t meet.

Does Spirulina Make You Gain Weight?

Spirulina doesn’t make you gain weight. It supplies low fat, calories, and carbs.

Is Spirulina Good for Weight Loss?

Thanks to its numerous properties, spirulina is good for weight loss. It helps lower appetite, improves metabolism, enhances gut health, detox, and more.

Does Spirulina Interact with Anything?

Spirulina interacts with some medications. Immunosuppressants and blood thinners don’t pair well with the alga.

Can You Take a Greens Supplement While Fasting?

You cannot take greens supplements when fasting as it contains calories. Doing so breaks your fast.

Conclusion

Taking Spirulina is easy. You can take it in capsule form or add it to water or juice and drink it.

Spirulina is a healthy way to do it if you decide to break your fast.

Spirulina is packed with nutrients and a healthier option than most other foods. With spirulina, you can break your fast with healthy food without worrying about sabotaging your diet.

Sunlit Organic Spirulina is a great option for intermittent fasting. It’s a healthy way to fast and can help you stick to your fasting schedule.

Did you enjoy this piece? Great! Check out our comprehensive look at other topics about “superfood and fasting.”