“The so-called keto flu is a group of symptoms that may appear two to seven days after starting a ketogenic diet. Headache, foggy brain, fatigue, irritability, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and constipation are just some of the symptoms of this condition, which is not recognized by medicine.” Harvard Edu – What is keto flu?
Good heavens, what a stupid and ill-informed statement!!!and from a reputable source as well!
Of course it is recognised in medicine but let’s be blunt, the medical profession, on the whole, does not approve of keto diets, just as they frowned on Atkins. Although the same stage of ketosis is reached as, for example, in diabetics, they dislike the term ‘Keto Flu’.
Keto Flu Myth or Fact?
It most definitely does exist and I would suggest that there is plenty of sound evidence for what happens when the body stores have no glycogen left for energy and the body takes however long it takes to start burning fat efficiently. It is not something that magically appeared when keto or even Atkins first began. It’s an important factor when people reach this stage of malnutrition through illness of some sort It’s hard to imagine this isn’t well documented.
Keto Flu Symptoms
- Brain Fog
- Dizziness / Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache & Irritability
- Lethargy
- Muscle cramps
- Sugar / Carb Cravings
As a person that has CFS and often goes Keto, I can tell you that despite some people saying ‘it’s not at all like flu’, it really is. Maybe not a fever although it can certainly feel like it, plus you may be lucky and not get it too bad, or even not at all.
What to Do for Keto Flu
Exercise for Keto Flu- People say water helps. It doesn’t but stay well hydrated as a matter of course.
- There is no ‘go slowly’. Your body will behave as it would on any diet. It has your personal triggers for how long it continues to behave in a certain way before accepting that change has really happened.
- The quickest way to get past it is to cut carbs completely and do whatever exercise you are able to. This will deplete your glycogen stores completely. Your body will have it’s own idea how long it will go on low or empty before switch to fat-burning mode but at least you get to the starting point quickly. Likewise, once you are there, your ‘safe’ level of carb intake will be decided by your body.and all you can do is listen to what it’s telling you.
How to Avoid Keto Flu
- The internet if full of ideas but if you didn’t get it from “What to do for Keto Flu” then I will spell it out
- YOU CANNOT AVOID KETO FLU! If you are going to get it then you will get it.
- Do not increase your carbs, not even a little. If anything, go zero carb or as close as you can.
- Any form of exercise you can handle will help – see above.
- You will actually ‘feel’ better if you fill up on carb free foods. Having Keto Flu AND an empty stomach is a killer.