The FastDay Forum

I have been doing the Fast Diet since the start of the year and have been experiencing the same metallic/salty taste you all describe since the start of February. What I can't understand is that I fast on a Monday/Thursday, but the taste is still there on a Sunday, after I have been eating normally for three days.

What do you eat "normally" - calories per day and breakdown into fats, protein and carbs ??

A continuing deficiency of calories will make prolonged ketosis more likely, and low carbohydrate intake doubly so.

[carorees]

Ketosis is not usually described as a metallic taste. There are several possible causes. One is a vitamin/mineral imbalance...you could try taking a multi vitamin for a while to see if it makes a difference. Another is eating pine nuts (which comes on a day or so after eating then and can last a month or more). Also certain antibiotics and blood pressure medications. Lastly pregnancy can cause this.

Any of this sound possible?

I had ketosis when I was in labour with my first baby. The midwives recognised it because of my smell-I smelled sweet. Do you? Have a sniff. I wouldn't have thought it was a good thing to have. isn't it to do with your body eating muscle?

Yesterday was my first fast day and I noticed a metallic taste in the afternoon though it went quickly. However, today my mouth has been watering loads all afternoon! Has anyone else experienced this? My workmates will be wearing raincoats if this carries on

[carorees]

@Jem: No, ketosis is a sign of burning fat, so it's good. (It's not good if you have diabetes controlled with insulin injections though because it does cause muscle wasting unlike fasting). You are right though that ketosis gives more of a fruity taste and smell than metallic.

Yeah, it's because the spoon has no food in it. Now, put it down slowly...

Ketosis is not usually described as a metallic taste.

I've heard several people describe it as metallic.

put "metallic taste diet" in a search engine

I had ketosis... I wouldn't have thought it was a good thing to have. isn't it to do with your body eating muscle?

Hi Jem, I think you are confusing ketosis with ketoacidosis. See here.

Glad I found this page - I have started to notice this problem this week, and thought I was going mad! It has started to happen on non-fast days as well, which was starting to worry me.

I had it at the back of my mind that strange tastes were linked to diabetes, but thank you all for pointing out the difference between DKA and ketosis. My mind is somewhat eased.

I also get this taste, sometimes wake up with it. I've tried to describe it to my husband (who does not fast). It makes me drink even more water on fasting days. At least now I know it is a good sign !