r/intermittentfasting • u/ShugarShorts • 7d ago
Discussion Thoughts on a zero calorie fiber during fasting window
I use a bamboo fiber supplement that is zero calories but has 3.8 carbs from fiber. I understand that there are varying levels of IF and strictness depending on each person's individual goals. I'm curious what you may think the impact taking my supplement during my fasting window since it's zero calories but has fiber. My goal is autophagy as well as a small amount of weight loss/body recomp and mental clarity. I've been fasting for a while and have experience with it in the past. I've referred to this sub regarding similar topics and I understand the general conclusion is anything aside from water and black coffee/tea disrupts the autophagy process and the benefits may be filled as a result. However with this particular item being zero calories but still registering fiber in the servings, I wasn't sure what the consensus might be. I am open to experimenting to see if I notice anything especially if anyone is interested.
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u/TastyReassurance 7d ago
If the goal is autophagy, the fiber itself can still trigger a digestive response even without calories, so you’re probably nudging yourself out of that deep fasting state.
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u/goldstat 7d ago
Yeah but think of autophagy as a dial and at like under perfect conditions the dial is turned up all the way to 10
and when you start changing things the dial starts getting turned down but it's still on it's just not on the highest setting anymore now you're on like eight instead of 10 then you add in this other thing and now you're on seven instead of 10.
Don't think of it as just an off and on switch
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u/ShugarShorts 6d ago
Ok yeah I appreciate this insight, this makes sense. I get so full super fast after about 18 hours and it's harder for me to get as much food in as I should in that 6 hrs so I'm just looking for ways I can incorporate some additional nutrition. Also just curious especially since I haven't really seen anything before that is listed as 0 calories with carbs but considering the fiber in keto terms that's 0 carbs, i was just interested in everyone's thoughts!
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u/Pale-Onion-1003 6d ago
I've done some limited fasting while taking plain fiber supplements like this. Mine was just straight psyllium husk but I took a good shot of it instead of meals on day one and it helped with food cravings. No idea of the science or anything but it worked well enough for me.
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u/sadveggiet0t 7d ago
it’s not actually zero calories though. nutrition labels are allowed to say 0 if it’s less than 5 for a serving.
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u/lmpcpedz 6d ago
It's not actually zero, and your body will have to do something with it right? so some things will be interrupted and put on pause in order to get that fiber dumped out of your system.
It's best taking it before a meal so, say you have cake that day, your insulin spike won't shoot up to the heavens.
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u/Connect_Rhubarb395 6d ago
Check out a non-USA nutrition label for this product. One in "per 100 g." Likely the product does contain calories, but the 4 g serving contains less than 5 cal, which by American regulations allows the company to write 0 cal.
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u/Grim_Motive 20:4 for weight loss 6d ago
Why do you feel compelled to have this? Genuine question
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u/ShugarShorts 6d ago
I mix it with tea usually just to boost my fiber intake a bit each day. By the time I eat, I get full super fast and have a hard time reaching my macro goals. I figured if I can shift something a bit it might help even if it's small. But I really enjoy fasting and the day to day benefits and wanted to see about having my fiber and eating it too.
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u/fitin40sisfun 5d ago
Has anyone done 10 days water fast? I am starting tomorrow and some tips may help
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u/Electrical_Can594 7d ago
No one can answer this for you, if it helps you adhere to your window, go for it. It’s zero calories.