Help me figure out what's wrong

#1

I’ve been keto for just over 3 months and was feeling great but for the past couple of weeks I’ve been crashing after lunch pretty hard. The crash feels like fatigue, tired and a bit foggy but not a racing heart or ravenously hungry. Today I ate eggs with spinach and butter and then roast pork (150gms) with kale a couple of hours later. Also about 2 tablespoons of heavy cream with my drinks. I crashed about an hour after lunch and only felt OK an hour after dinner six hours later.
I feel like I’ve ruled out electrolytes. I salt everything and have an additional 2-3 teaspoons of salt in my water throughout the day. Magnesium supplement 300mg. I used to get tired like this with carbs had my blood tested back then but never found any issues.

My fear is that I’m doing some sort of damage to my metabolism by feeling this way?! Anybody else been through this?

Why might some people need more carbs?
(Dan Dan) #2

“May the Force (fat adaption) be with you”

IF/EF Keto WOE is Self-Discovery :wink:

Good luck and much success in your journey in IF/EF Keto WOE :grin:

(Lynne Hurley Perry) #3

My initial thought was electrolytes-which despite your supplementation, I would not out rule until you had a proper blood test. You did not mention potassium and you don’t know for sure if the mag supplement is getting absorbed.

My second thought is that you are having too much protein and not enough fat. Protein can cause an insulin response and you are experiencing a “crash” of sorts.

(Allie) #4

300mg of magnesium isn’t much to be honest, especially with how difficult it is for the body to absorb it from dietary sources (pill form being the worst).

Magnesium sprays for the skin are best, and Epsom salts added to baths too.

(Lynne Hurley Perry) #5

I recently switched to the magnesium sprays after reading how it is more readily absorbed by the body through the skin.

#6

Thanks for the response. My issue with electrolytes is I can’t seem to find any standard for what I should be taking. My impression was that most people just have a bit extra salt? The numbers I have come across are 5000 sodium 1000 potassium 300 magnesium. I have potassium citrate powder but have only been taking 250-500 mg as it sounds potentially harmful? How can I rule out electrolytes?

(Crow T. Robot) #7

Are you restricting calories?

(Tom) #8

I believe I understand your concerns, but I would like to reassure you that your metabolism is literally a bunch of chemical reactions that will function according to the laws of physics and chemistry, regardless of your diet. What you may be experiencing is a physiologic “snag” as it were, but your metabolism itself is merely a reflection of the materials you give your body to use, the environment you’re in, and your body’s attempt to maintain homeostasis. Thus, what people interpret as “damage” is more like the body’s reaction to the above inputs. While we can see long-term physiologic changes in the face of prolonged (and I’m talking years) stressors, that’s not really damage, but the body’s way of trying to survive. tl;dr: you’ll be ok, and you aren’t damaging anything :slight_smile:

That said, let’s try to figure out what’s going on. How is your sleep and sleep environment? What’s your water intake like? Are you restricting calories? Any caffeine or medications to consider? Recent doctor visits/yearly physicals?

#9

There are some LC advocates (ie. Dr Pompa, Dr Mercola) who believe that being in a constant state of ketosis isn’t optimal for most folks (some folks have underlying conditions that take priority). So your concern is rational.

The simplest way to test this for yourself is to increase your carbs and see how you feel. Don’t eat junk, gluten or high glycemic foods that may cause a sugar crash or trigger a sensitivity. Try some starchy veggies (ie. potatoes, peas, squash, corn).

(Lynne Hurley Perry) #10

Have them tested wt your doctor.

(Cece Blackstock) #11

You mention using heavy cream in your drinks… I wonder if the brand that you use contains carrageenan? I know that stuff has a pretty negative impact on some individuals. Just a though… :blush:

#12

Thanks for the response. I have stopped counting calories since being on keto. A possible deficit catching up to me is definitely a prime suspect. I experienced this on a low fat diet and felt worse than I do at the moment. Do you know if that calorie deficit fatigue feels different on keto?

#13

Thanks for your considered response. Recently in Australia there was this article I saw in a credible newspaper http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/nutrition/cutting-carbs-can-increase-risk-of-diabetes-and-other-diseases-experts-warn-20171206-gzzr39.html
I think The link to diabetes is taken out of context? If one remains in a true state of ketosis for an extended period without too many ill effects that individual is not doing anything to reinforce the processes involved in diabetes?

A bit of background. I’m 35, 75kg. At my heaviest was 105kg (176cms). I drank heavily throughout my 20’s. I got a liver test a few years ago and was told it was OK but get a bit freaked about the state of my liver and or kidneys with keto. One thing I did damage was my lower oesophageal sphincter. Because of this I was getting terrible reflux. The keto diet I started 3.5 months ago has helped immensely so I am heavily invested at this stage. One thing is I have to be careful with the timing of my water. I can’t drink heaps around meal times or I get reflux. Possibly dehydrated and I have read about the link to fatigue. I get an average of 6 hours 45 minutes sleep tracked with Fitbit. It hasn’t changed much in a while and doesn’t seem radically different on the days I felt great.
I was tracking calories but had a break when I started keto. I have lost 10kg during this time. I have been active throughout this period doing a hiit routine 3 days a week. Four weeks ago I started a new routine. weights 3 days a week and cardio two. I didn’t think I could possibly be at too high a deficit as it feels like I’ve been stuffing lamb and coconut fat into my gob for ages now.
However I have made the effort to eat extra today and track it. About 9000 kj 63%fat 33 protein 4 carbs. From this tracking and effort to eat extra I am guessing I have been eating anywhere between 6000-8500 for the past 3 months. I do feel better today but to confound the matter I have also doubled my electrolytes…

#14

Thanks. Never heard of this. Was concerned more about having a response to dairy in general but will be looking into it

#15

Thanks for your response. I was drinking whey protein but stopped a few weeks back as I had a couple of bad days with it. Definitely more of a low blood sugar feeling than the lethargy I am feeling recently

(Dan Dan) #16

Apple Cider Vinegar will help :smiley:

“May the Force (fat adaption) be with you”

IF/EF Keto WOE is Self-Discovery :wink:

Good luck and much success in your journey in IF/EF Keto WOE :grin:

(Crow T. Robot) #17

I don’t know if it feels different, but if you are feeling it while carrying plenty of calories in storage it probably means you aren’t accessing your stores well and you need to stay the course until you can become more fat adapted. In the meantime, KCKO, and maybe eat a bit more to feel better.

You might be able to accelerate the process with fasting.