Struggling with Keto Flu

(savaneb) #1

Hello

I recently started my keto journey & within the first few days; I began experiencing headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog. From what I’ve read, this seems to be the dreaded “keto flu.” However; I’m unsure how long it typically lasts and what I can do to speed up the transition.

I’ve been drinking plenty of water and trying to add more salt and electrolytes to my diet; but I still feel sluggish. Are there any specific foods or supplements that helped you get through this phase? Also; does the severity of keto flu vary depending on previous diet and metabolism? I checked https://www.ketogenicforums.com/c/newbies/getting-started-Java resources, and found it quite informative.

Would love to hear your experiences and any tips for making this transition smoother. Any insight on how long keto flu typically lasts would also be appreciated!

Thank you !!

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

Keto “flu” is nothing more nor less than a lack of sodium. Eat more salt with your food, and the symptoms will go away. If they don’t, then you may have some problem worthy of medical attention.

Sluggishness is a different matter. The skeletal muscles prefer to metabolise fatty acids, but years of excessive glucose (i.e., carbohydrate) in the diet have deactivated their ability to metabolise fats effectively. It takes time to re-activate the necessary metabolic pathways, usually six to eight weeks. Your energy will return, if you stick with a keto diet, I promise.

#3

Possibly, I don’t know, maybe it’s all individual sensitivity but maybe the previous diet matters too…? I never had keto flu but I ate low-carb before keto and I never needed to supplement sodium in my life - except maybe on my 5 day fast but I had no idea about electrolytes back then so I didn’t and it wasn’t bad. Many people are way more sensitive to sodium but you say you added salt…

(B Creighton) #4

Cook with sea salt. I supplement with magnesium glycinate, a touch of calcium as calcium bisglycinate, a little zinc and boron bisglycinate. Never got “keto flu” which is really just a mineral depletion as the water leaves your body with the loss of glycogen.

(KM) #5

You didn’t mention it, but if you are a coffee drinker, now is not the moment to quit. A lot of people get gung ho about a total dietary overhaul, but quitting caffeine will also make you feel like crap for a few days, combining that with keto flu is rough.