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Introduction
You may have heard about the keto flu. Maybe you're even experiencing it right now. But what is it, exactly? More importantly, how can you make it go away?
First, let's start with the basics. The keto flu is a condition that some people experience when they first start a ketogenic diet. It's caused by a mineral deficiency, and symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, and nausea.
Luckily, there are ways to remedy the keto flu. In this article, we'll discuss the causes of the keto flu and how to make it go away. We'll also give you some tips for ensuring that you don't experience the keto flu in the first place.
What Is the Keto Flu?
You may have heard of the keto flu'that pesky set of symptoms that sometimes hits people in the early days of a ketogenic diet.
Basically, the keto flu is caused by a mineral deficiency. When you first go keto, your body is adjusting to a new way of eating and uses up its stores of minerals like magnesium, potassium and sodium at a rapid pace. If you're not getting enough of these minerals from your food, you can wind up with keto flu symptoms like nausea, headache, dizziness and fatigue.
How Does Mineral Deficiency Come Into Play?
You've likely heard about keto flu, but what you may not know is that it's caused by mineral deficiency. When you first switch to a ketogenic diet, your body goes through a period of adjustment as it gets used to burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. This can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, nausea and vomiting, and muscle cramps.
One of the ways that mineral deficiency comes into play is by disrupting the balance of minerals in your body. When your electrolytes are out of balance, it can cause the unpleasant symptoms of keto flu. This is why it's so important to make sure you're getting enough minerals when you're following a ketogenic diet.
What Are the Symptoms of Keto Flu That Might Be Related to Mineral Deficiency?
You may be experiencing keto flu symptoms like headache, fatigue, muscle cramps and constipation because of a mineral deficiency. When you start the keto diet, your body is adjusting to a new way of eating and uses up stored minerals to make up for the lack of carbs. If you're not getting enough minerals from your food, you may start to experience some of the symptoms of keto flu.
Some minerals that are especially important for people following the keto diet are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. You can increase your intake of these minerals by adding more salt to your food, eating potassium-rich foods like avocados and spinach, drinking magnesium-rich water and eating calcium-rich foods like yogurt and dark leafy greens.
FAQs on the Keto Flu and Mineral Deficiency
You may be wondering what this has to do with mineral deficiency. The keto diet is low in certain minerals and vitamins that are essential for general health, such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These minerals can regulate many bodily functions, from blood pressure to electrolyte balance. When you reduce your carbohydrate intake, it can lead to an imbalance of these vital minerals.
This mineral imbalance is one of the main causes of keto flu and can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, and dehydration. That’s why replenishing electrolytes is one of the most important steps you can take if you’re experiencing any keto flu symptoms. Supplements or electrolyte-fortified foods may help rebalance your electrolytes and keep the symptoms at bay.
Conclusion
Keto flu is common in the early stages of the keto diet because your body is adjusting to burning ketones for energy instead of glucose. The symptoms can be mild to severe and can last for a few days to a couple of weeks. Keto flu is caused by a mineral deficiency, most often magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
You can prevent or reduce keto flu symptoms by making sure you are getting enough minerals from your diet. supplementing with minerals can also help. drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and get plenty of rest. If your symptoms are severe, see your doctor.
