Congratulations on starting the Keto diet. This diet has gained a lot of popularity as a natural way to lose weight and improve health, but you started having these side effects going on, don't worry this article is here to help you.
Starting something new is always challenging and difficult, you will need a lot of willpower and self-motivation to get through. Let's first say that this is not like the common flu, it gets the name because of the similar symptoms you would experience.
Many people experience keto flu when they first start a keto diet. You may be able to get through your keto flu symptoms sooner and with less discomfort, if you treat them properly. If you decide to try the keto diet, it's a good idea first to consult with a professional nutritionist so you would have an easier journey for the goal you are setting up. Let's just say that some people adapt to ketogenic diets easier than others.
What Is Keto Flu?
As we previously mentioned keto flu is not actually the real flu and it is not contagious. It gets the name because of the similar symptoms that the flu has. When you start doing the diet, Keto flu will vary from person to person and you may or may not experience the same symptoms like the following (Headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, sugar craving).
These symptoms are caused by the body adapting to a new diet consisting of very few carbohydrates and switching over its energy sources to fat. It takes around a week or so for these symptoms to go away, as long as the person who is doing the diet remains strict about their limited carbohydrate intake. Let's not forget to say that having symptoms of the keto flu does not always mean you are in ketosis.
Why Does Keto Flu Occur?
When our body doesn't have carbs to burn, it will instead try to burn fat, which is what results in increased ketone levels. We can say that genetics, electrolyte loss, dehydration, and carbohydrate withdrawal are believed to be the prime mover behind the keto flu.
Is Keto Flu Dangerous?
The keto diet if not properly treated can lead to dehydration and a loss of electrolytes which can also lead to constipation, nausea, headache, fatigue, irritability, cramps, and other symptoms.
Many of these symptoms are lasting a few days or a week. For most people, the adjustment period may be a little unpleasant but not dangerous to their health but still for some can cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, nutrient deficiencies, and a greater risk of heart disease.
People with kidney damage, people at risk for heart disease, pregnant or nursing women, people with type 1 diabetes, and anyone who has undergone gallbladder removal shouldn't attempt the Keto diet. The most important thing is to do your research, consult a dietitian, discuss with your doctor, and make sure you're being safe while you are on the Keto diet.
5 Keto Flu Cure Ideas
Maybe the most important thing now is how to cure once we have Keto-Flu, rather than suffering, we have pointed out 4 ideas so you can address the issue and get rid of the keto flu quickly.
Drinking More Water
When starting the keto diet it is really important to drink a lot of water. This will reduce your symptoms significantly and often eliminate them altogether. A great tip is to drink a minimum of 2.5l of water every day in the first week of Keto. Getting enough water, sodium and other electrolytes like magnesium and potassium can also help the experience in the early stages of a keto diet.
Eat More Fat
A well-balanced keto diet includes enough fat to ensure you're not hungry after a meal, so you can go several hours without eating and have enough energy. Try to increase your intake of fat at the start of your keto diet until your body is adapted to using fat and ketones for most of its energy needs.
Slow Down (exercise)
It is important at the beginning to let your body adjust to the new diet plan, avoid heavy exercise for the first week instead try yoga or stretching exercises. After you adjust to your keto plan you can gradually get back into normal exercises.
Good Night Sleep
Lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels (cortisol = stress hormone), which can increase some of the same you're trying to avoid. A good night's sleep and rest should be your priority because you are putting your body through major metabolic changes.
Meditation
Meditation has several mental, physical, and spiritual benefits, and it can assist with a range of keto flu symptoms.
In terms of weight loss, meditation has been proven to aid in the decrease of binge and emotional eating, as well as the maintenance of weight loss in obese persons. It also promises to aid with anxiety, mood, and concentration. Meditation has also been associated with improved heart health in other research, which may be due to a reduction in stress hormones in persons who meditate.
Whatever is going on with mediation, it looks to be really effective, and it's something you should look at as a potential keto flu solution.
Final Thoughts
The keto diet is very effective in helping people lose weight however it may have a few unwanted symptoms known as the keto flu. For the best possible results, it's advantageous to consult with a professional dietician that can help you devise a keto diet plan specific to your needs so you don't need to use these keto flu cure ideas. It's also advisable to contact a professional for your workout plan because that way it's much easier to get faster and more positive results.
Share this post
