One of the down sides to starting a low carb eating style is the "keto flu" also known as the "induction flu". This usually happens during the first few days where your body is adapting to burn ketones (an organic compound that comes from fats that are broken down for energy) instead of glucose. Some of the symptoms are typically headaches, nausea, upset stomach, lack of mental clarity, fatigue- all of which I have been suffering from. Essentially this is the transition period where your body is finding or creating new enzymes to burn the fatty cells instead of the carbs that you had been consuming. You're coming off of an addiction from carbs!
The most important thing that you should be doing every day anyway is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Lots of water intake and once your body starts getting rid of the excess water weight it's important to replenish your electrolytes (sodium, magnesium and potassium). Reading through so many websites and articles I have found so many different ways to speed up the transition and to help with the cravings.
Some suggestions for a happy keto experience that I have found:
- Supplement with 1 teaspoon of salt per day
- Gradually reduce carbs
- Eat chicken or beef broth or soups
- Kick it up on the fat intake
- Take vitamins and supplements
- Eat lots of eggs
On the bright side, I sleep through the night and am really eating better. And if these little tricks help to speed up the transition to kick the flu, then I'll try them! Day 4 down!
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