Surviving Keto Flu Symptoms: How to Deal with It
If you are currently on a Ketogenic diet, you may have experienced what is commonly known as the Keto flu. This is a temporary situation that occurs when your body tries to adapt to the new diet, particularly when it experiences a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake. The keto flu can be unpleasant, but fortunately, there are ways to deal with the symptoms and successfully overcome this phase.
What is Keto Flu?
Keto flu is a condition that affects people who have recently started on a ketogenic diet. It can last from a few days to a few weeks, and some of the common symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, constipation, and muscle cramps. These symptoms are typically caused by the body’s adjustment to the sharp decrease in carbohydrate intake, which results in a drop in blood sugar levels.
How to Deal with Keto Flu Symptoms
Dealing with the symptoms of the keto flu requires a few simple adjustments that you can make to your diet and lifestyle. Here are some of the steps you can take to help you ease the symptoms of the keto flu:
Increase Your Salt Intake
One of the primary reasons why people experience the keto flu is because they are not getting enough electrolytes in their diet. During the early stages of the keto diet, your body can rapidly lose water, along with essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The solution to this problem is simple: increase your salt intake. You can do this by adding more salt to your food or by drinking a cup of bone broth every day.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of the keto flu. Therefore, it’s essential to stay hydrated all the time, drink plenty of water, or indulge in a ketogenic-friendly drink like coconut water. Dehydration can also cause headaches and fatigue, all common symptoms of the dreaded keto flu.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough rest is another way to deal with the keto flu symptoms. Make it a priority to get at least seven hours of quality sleep each night. When you rest, your body can repair itself and improve its overall function. Adequate sleep is also associated with reduced stress levels, which can help you better manage the symptoms of the keto flu.
Eat More Fat
Another way to manage keto flu symptoms is to up your fat intake. Consuming more healthy fats can help to alleviate the symptoms of the keto flu while providing your body with the fuel it needs for energy. Eat more fatty foods like avocado, salmon, and nuts and seed-type snacks.
Conclusion
Starting a Ketogenic Diet is a crucial step in improving your health and overall wellness. Although it can be challenging to adjust to at first, the benefits are worth every effort and every second that you spend in committing to it. By increasing your electrolyte intake, staying hydrated, and practicing healthy lifestyle habits such as adequate rest and nutrition, you can successfully overcome the symptoms of the keto flu and enjoy improved health. Don’t give up, stay strong, and keep pushing until you reach your goal.