Keto and dizziness

(Rebecca) #1

I started a Keto lifestyle in Feb. 2017. I suffered through the Keto Flu for a full three weeks. When I finally broke through it was magic. I am back to running (which is a major breakthrough) I am used to running, but the first three weeks on this diet, I could not run a mile without feeling drained and dizzy. I am down 13 lbs., but I am still getting light headed. It is mostly when I get up out of bed in the mornings and sometimes when I stand up. Is this normal?

#2

Disclaimer that there isn’t something like low blood pressure or some other medical condition…

My personal experience that this has always, always been low sodium. I can take enough sodium to avoid cramps, but need to take even more to avoid other symptoms such as dizziness.

I probably get about 5,000 mg of sodium which is about 10,000 mg of salt per day and I drink lots of water - anywhere in the range of 0.5 gallon to 1.0 gallon per day.

(Michelle) #3

I also get dizzy standing up too quickly, or sometimes upon awakening. I think for me it’s a drop in blood pressure. It quickly corrects itself, so I’m not too worried.

Unlike @BillJay, I’m lousy on keeping up with my sodium, electrolytes and water!!! I need to be better. I never salted my food before, so still trying to get in that habit of doing that. :grin:

(8 year Ketogenic Veteran) #4

^^^^I just came here to say what they said, so I won’t. Lol

(Rebecca) #5

Thank you everyone. I found a supplement online and started taking it this weekend - it has sodium, potassium and magnesium in it, and I think my body is finally catching up after being so far down in these nutrients I am feeling way less light headed now. Thanks for all your help…

(What The Fast?!) #6

Whoa! Can you tell me the brand of supplement and what it’s called?

(Eric Bryant) #7

I would be interested in that supplement as well.

(Rebecca) #8

I found it on Amazon - It is called Perfect Keto Base…I just did a lot of looking for dizziness and being light headed. All the articles I read suggested these nutrients. And after searching this is what I found. So far it is working for me. It does not taste very good, but the is only my opinion, so I will leave it there. Sorry I put in potassium earlier, calcium was the other nutrient. I eat a half an avocado a day for my potassium.
I hope this helps.
Sodium 648 mg
Calcium 593 mg
Magnesium 323 mg

#9

Just checking in on progress on this…
I have been Keto since last March. Just recently I have been getting light headed and dizzy. It feels like low blood pressure or my previous hypoglycemia.

This is confusing since I didn’t struggle till recently. Only two real changes in my life:

  • changed hormonal birth control to progestin method
  • increased exercise in lifting and HIIT

I take tons of electrolytes. So I doubt it is that. I even increased them with exercise.

Any ideas?

(Andi McNamara) #10

Hi! Any ideas as to how much sodium to take? I’ve been keto for about 6 weeks and did a hot yoga class Tuesday night. Wednesday night I got really dizzy. I had salty food on Wednesday and drank 1tsp of pink Himalayan salted water before bed. Woke up still very dizzy-enough that I cannot drive.
Can I have too much salt, or should I load up today?
I have slow mag that I will take today, too. Any advice? Thanks!!!
Andi

#11

i think i heard on keto connect 5 grams of sodium?

i still am struggling with dizziness since i started working out again. would love some elders in on this.
@Brenda did you experience this in your training?

(8 year Ketogenic Veteran) #12

Dizziness? No. But I did not start lifting heavy on a regular schedule until I was well fat adapted, at least a year.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #13

Dizziness can be caused by both positional hypotension (cured by electrolytes and water) and an inner ear infection (requires an antibiotic). If you’re vomiting and can’t stand up, definitely see a doctor. And even if you’re not, if the symptoms persist more than a day, see a doctor.

#14

I switched up my workout and am doing less reps/sets.

The dizziness isn’t constant. Thank goodness!

#15

I get dizzy from time to time, sometimes without explanation. Here is a short list of things that are usually the culprit: Low salt, dehydration, too much caffeine, I didn’t sleep well or enough, blood sugar drop usually from something like gum which triggers an insulin release but doesn’t actually provide calories (theory).

For me I have to be consistent on sleep, electrolytes and limiting coffee and fake sweeteners or I’ll get dizziness. I’ve learned to cope. Don’t even get me started on how hangovers since starting keto have made me feel. Let’s just say I rarely drink a drop anymore.

(Andi McNamara) #16

Had my electrolytes tested and all in normal range. Also had some other tests that look normal but high on MCV, platelets, basophils, and low monocytes. Waiting for interpretation from Dr., but appreciate if anyone familiar with this would comment.
Seems to be vertigo so I will now try the half somersault maneuver. Thanks for advice so far!!!

#17

Sometimes get dizzy for no reason, especially before Keto. Still get lightheaded when fasting but I think that is an electrolyte imbalance.

Recently got dizzy for a day or so but I think it was a virus because a few days earlier my babysitter had the same thing and she was in our house, she does not eat keto

(Linda) #18

Re the hangovers - I hear you!

Had a 2 day hangover when I drank more red wine than I should have whilst on holidays a month ago and haven’t touched a drop since! It’s just not worth it😀

(Carpe salata!) #19

I love nature’s warnings. And I agree, it’s good to heed them.

#20

I’ve heard Dr. Fuhrman talk about addictions being a symptom (e.g. Poor diet makes you feel like something’s missing and crave things like nicotine). When I was a SAD guy I craved booze and cigarettes often. I still enjoy wine and cigars from time to time but now that I’m keto I go long stretches without opening my humidor.

For me these addictions (sugar, booze, nicotine) were all forms of self medication. Sugar for a little pick-me-up, alcohol to unwind, nicotine to relax. Now that my hormones aren’t all over the place these kinds of self medications aren’t necessary.