If you’re starting a Keto Diet you may be wondering, What Is The Keto Flu? It seems like everyone’s talking about it these days.
What Is The Keto Flu?
I’m here to help you figure out what this thing is and how to beat it!
Sad Off SAD
If you’re moving from a high-carbohydrate way of eating such as the Standard American Diet (SAD), your adjustment to keto might be somewhat challenging.
From Carb Burner -> Fat Burner
That’s because your body’s working overtime as you move from burning carbohydrates for fuel, to burning fat.
Transitioning To The Low-Carb Lifestyle
This is when the dreaded Keto Flu happens, and while it doesn’t happen to everyone, even moving from a low-carb lifestyle to high-fat can sometimes be downright uncomfortable.
What Causes The Keto Flu?
According to world renowned ketogenic expert Beth Zupec Kania of the Charlie Foundation, the Keto Flu is caused by:
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Reduced blood sugar (glucose) and loss of fluid and minerals while adapting to using ketones as fuel. Consuming sufficient fluid and minerals can minimize these symptoms.
Are You Sodium Deficient?
I scrutinized my sodium levels in my routine bloodwork and found that I was Sodium Deficient, and I wanted to understand why and how to fix it.
What Are Symptoms Of Keto Flu?
While your body adapts to ketosis you may experience some uncomfortable, albeit temporary symptoms referred to as Keto Flu, including: headaches, brain fog, irritability, fatigue, dehydration, and constipation.
How Long Does Keto Flu Last?
Unfortunately, the Keto Flu can last from a few days to two weeks. However, there are lots of ways to lessen symptoms like hydration, electrolytes, and more.
Have You Had Keto Flu?
When you went on the Keto Diet did you get the Keto Flu? Do you have any questions for me about it? Leave a comment and let’s talk about low-carb high-fat (LCHF) living!
Lilian says
Candida die off yes !and remember the changeover means worms and other parasites are dying off too .they will fight you to eat the carbs by pumping you full of chemicals to make you crave what THEY need to eat to survive. Look it up it’s really a big part of withdrawing symptoms and the reason many fall back to feeding worms for the resulting comfort. Also bread and cheese combo is food for addiction as it feeds opioid receptors in the brain. Xx
Elana says
Lilian, I totally agree! Went through this myself when I went grain-free 20 years ago :-)
Karen Tresser says
I find it curious that no one talking about the Keto Flu mentions the inevitable die of of Candida for most people when transitioning to Keto. Candida die off is brutal, yet no one mentions it. To me, it feels like the elephant in the room. Keto from Paleo was easy and I never experienced the ‘flu’, but SAD to Paleo was vicious. IMO, more because of the shift in gut biome than electrolytes. I’m certain electrolytes would likely have helped me had I known what I do now, but there is still a die off that makes people feel crummy.
Elana says
Thanks Karen!
Kati says
When I started Paleo 7 years ago, I felt that way…headaches and exhaustion but it improved as I learned how to eat more healthy foods. Elana’s cookbooks helped so much. I started feeling full and having more energy!
Elana says
Kati, thanks for your wonderful comment and for sharing your experience here :-)
Sheila Perl says
Is there a Paleo flu? I am having a hard time trying to ditch the carbs, I feel tired, irritable and foggy headed.
Elana says
Sheila, that is such a fantastic and interesting question. I imagine one could become a bit sluggish in reducing carbs and going through withdrawal. I hope you’ll keep me posted on how you’re doing :-)