Keto Stomach Flu

(Davis Smith ) #1

Has anybody else got a stomach virus or bad intestinal pain from the first couple weeks of keto. I am on week 3, and I go to the bathroom every 5 minutes…after 2 weeks of not going barely any.

this diet is interesting

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #2

It may be an actual virus, so if it doesn’t clear up within 24 hours, see your doctor, in case supportive treatment is necessary. Stay hydrated (i.e., drink to thirst), and keep your salt intake up. Hydration is especially important if you’re experiencing diarrhea, but it can’t hurt in any case, and might even help.

What they call keto or Atkins “flu” is actually sodium deficiency, and the symptoms are dizziness, headache, lack of energy, that sort of thing. What you are describing sounds a lot more like a real illness, and not the result of cutting out carbohydrate.

#3

I don’t think that sounds normal. You shouldn’t be suffering from bad intestinal pain. Hunger at times perhaps and diarrhea periodically (every 2-3 days, and for some loose stool is common every day) is common because of the high fat but not bad intestinal pain lasting for hours. You might want to check if any of your foods contain nitrites and sulphites. Hot dogs, bacon and any other pre-prepared or “cured” meats contain this 9 times out of 10 unless you specifically check for labels or brands that don’t have these. I don’t have any food allergies but I do know that when I consume those preservatives I am running to the bathroom and have bad stomach pains.

(Michelle isaacson) #4

Following to ask another question! I know I either have a stomach virus or Food Poisoning which started on Friday Night, Fever, Stomach Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea. I was in bed for 2 days. I had EXTREME cramping of my thigh, calves and feet (STUCK) which is super pleasant while being nauseated and diarrhea. I sipped on Ketoaide with Magnesium as I didn’t know which electrolyte was angry and it didn’t matter. I also drank 32 oz of chicken broth. I have had minimal to eat as I just can’t stomach much and when I do I have profuse diarrhea. Today I am home from work and have not had any food and 8 episodes of diarrhea. The cramping has resolved so sipping Ketoaide without the Magnesium. Super Thirsty. I have had some decaf coffee with HWC as well. Since I am 7 weeks in…this is the time I am craving crackers (saltines) and chicken noodle soup (obviously I am more stubborn than to give in).

What else can we try for a stomach upset which is KETO friendly?

Thanks in Advance!

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #5

Fasting?

I know, right? All of my mother’s favorite remedies when we were kids involved carbohydrate. (Her theory was that even if the saltines, etc., didn’t actually help, they at least wouldn’t taste too bad, coming back up!)

Try some seltzer or club soda. I find that the fizziness actually helps settle my stomach. Unfortunately, the thought of any of my favorite keto foods doesn’t! But seriously, if it really is food poisoning, better to let the body finish purging itself before trying to eat again. Get those bacteria out of there! This is a good opportunity to rely on your fat stores until you feel better again. It’s not for nothing that the old adage is “Feed a cold, starve a fever.”

Sorry I didn’t pick up on this post sooner. I hope that unpleasant episode is now just a distant memory, and that you are back to ketoing on.

#6

I’m new to this diet (about 5 days in) but thanks to the podcasts, Dr. Fung’s books and this forum, I knew to expect the Keto flu. The night before last in my journal I wrote “I wonder if I’m in ketosis yet?” Then yesterday - BAM! diarrhea (at the movie theater no less!) I also had stomach cramps as you did. I came home and DH got me some lightly salted filtered water, a magnesium tablet, some chicken broth, and 1/2 an avocado heated with butter. Tried to hit all the electrolytes! Felt much better within a few minutes of drinking some of the water. I feel better today, but not sure it’s over. I’ll let my doc know what’s going on if it doesn’t clear up in a day or so. Your OP was a while ago, so hopefully you’re past this. Maybe this will help another newbie.

(Michelle isaacson) #7

@PaulL Thanks for responding! It turned out it was a stomach virus…lasted 10 days for me and attacked 4/6 of my family members. Then 3 days later my Asthma decided to have a go!!! Ended up with a lung infection to boot! So just Finished a 5 day course of Prednisone. 3 days of antibiotics left! I am feeling great now!

Just disappointed the steroids threw me out of Ketosis. I hope my body jumps right back on track!

KCKO!