Headache and brain fog

#1

I’m new to keto, started almost a month ago, I’ve lost 10 lbs, but I’m struggling with headaches, brain fog and my hands feeling numb. I’m tired and cranky. What am I missing ? Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #2

Short answer: carbs.

Longer answer: When you drop carbs to sub-20 grams per day net your body essentially says “What the hell is going on here?” It will pass. To minimize the discomfort, keep your electrolytes up. That is, put lots of salt on everything. A carb-centric diet is a water-retention diet. A keto diet is a water-releasing diet. When the water goes it takes electrolytes with it. So when you start keto it’s easy to deplete electrolytes and feel some discomfort.

For more specific info search for “electrolytes” on the forum.

#3

Thank you! That sent me in the right direction. I see many other posts I can read now. I was hydrating but obviously not enough and not with sodium and all. Thanks

(Kevin Gormley) #4

Salt is bad, bad, bad on a normal “carb-rich” planet but it is good and necessary when you go very low carb. I suffered for months after I began. As a matter of fact, when I went to have my labs drawn the first time they said I was dehydrated. I just salt my food and every meal and things are much better.

#5

I would have said on a “processed food” planet, where sodium is added to almost everything that gets processed.

#6

Thank you! I’m salting and salting as we speak! I was drinking water like crazy but only a little salt on food. My tingling numb hands were drive me crazy at nights