• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

My Sweet Keto logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food
  • Science
  • Resources
  • Diet
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Food
  • Science
  • Resources
  • Diet
  • Subscribe
×

Home » Resources

Understanding Keto Flu: Causes and Recovery Options

Posted: Aug 6, 2022 · Updated: Apr 2, 2023 by Luka · Leave a Comment

Are you considering a low-carb, high-fat diet but worried about experiencing the dreaded "keto flu"? You're not alone. The keto flu is a real challenge that many people face when transitioning to ketosis. Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and nausea can make it challenging to stick to the diet.

But don't worry.

There are ways to overcome it and reach your goals. In this article, we'll delve into the causes of keto flu and provide practical tips to minimize its effects and make your journey to ketosis as smooth as possible.

Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding Keto Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
  • Understanding the Science Behind Keto Flu and Its Triggers
  • Duration of Keto Flu: How Long Can You Expect It to Last?
  • Overcoming the Symptoms of Low-Carb Diet Transition: Tips and Strategies
  • Does 'Keto Flu' Mean Keto Works?
  • Effective Strategies for Successfully Navigating the Keto Diet Transition 
  • Exploring the Myth: Can You Catch Keto Flu from Others?
  • Final Thoughts: Managing and Overcoming the Keto Flu
  • TL;DR

Understanding Keto Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

The keto flu is a common experience for those who embark on a low-carb, high-fat diet. As the body transitions from burning sugar to fat for fuel, it can be a bumpy road, resulting in symptoms known as the keto flu. These symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and irritability, can make it tough to stay on track with the diet in the initial stages. However, it's essential to remember that the keto flu is a temporary phase that typically lasts a few days up to a few weeks. Then, as the body becomes more efficient at using fat for fuel, these symptoms will gradually subside.

Understanding the Science Behind Keto Flu and Its Triggers

There are a few different things that can cause the keto flu. First, when you switch to a ketogenic diet, your body has to adjust to using ketones for energy instead of glucose. This can lead to flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. Second, you may be dehydrated because you're not used to drinking enough water on the keto diet. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of salt to help combat dehydration. Finally, you may lack specific vitamins and minerals if you're not eating a well-rounded diet. Make sure you're getting enough electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium.

Duration of Keto Flu: How Long Can You Expect It to Last?

Keto flu usually starts within a few days of starting a ketogenic diet. The symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are caused by the body's adaptation to using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. The good news is that these symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks.

Suppose you're still feeling lousy after a few days. In that case, it's possible you're not eating enough fat or not getting enough calories.

Overcoming the Symptoms of Low-Carb Diet Transition: Tips and Strategies

You can do a few things to get rid of keto flu. The first is to make sure that you're drinking plenty of fluids. This will help your body to stay hydrated and will also help to flush out any toxins that may be causing the keto flu. Another thing you can do is to make sure that you're getting enough electrolytes. This can be done by eating foods high in electrolytes or taking supplements. Finally, it's essential to get plenty of rest and to reduce stress levels. This will help your body to heal and will also minimize the symptoms of keto flu.

Does 'Keto Flu' Mean Keto Works?

There's a lot of misinformation out there about the keto flu. Some people say that it's a sign that the diet is working, but that's not necessarily true. The keto flu is a real thing, and it can be caused by many things. It's usually the result of your body getting used to burning fat for fuel. It can lead to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and brain fog.

However, it doesn't necessarily mean that the diet is working. If you're experiencing the keto flu, just hang in there; it will eventually pass.

Effective Strategies for Successfully Navigating the Keto Diet Transition 

If you're feeling the keto flu symptoms, don't worry - there are ways to cure it! One of the best things you can do is drink lots of fluids. Water, bone broth, and green tea are all great options. You can also try taking supplements like electrolytes or magnesium. And make sure you're getting enough sleep! If you follow these tips, you should start feeling better in no time.

The best way to avoid the keto flu is by slowly transitioning into the keto diet. This can be done by gradually reducing carbs and increasing fats over a few weeks.

Exploring the Myth: Can You Catch Keto Flu from Others?

No.

Though called the keto flu, this group of symptoms isn't caused by a virus or other contagious illness. The term "flu" is used because these symptoms can feel very similar to the real thing: fatigue, headache, crabbiness, and difficulty concentrating. The main difference is that the keto flu is not dangerous and will eventually disappear as your body adjusts to using ketones for energy instead of glucose. You can help ease symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids and getting some extra electrolytes through bone broth or coconut water.

Final Thoughts: Managing and Overcoming the Keto Flu

Symptoms of keto flu can include muscle cramps, fatigue, and headache.

Some people who are adapting to diets with high-fat and low-carb food may suffer from nausea, constipation, headaches, or fatigue. Some may also experience sudden cravings for sugars.

To reduce the effects of keto-flu, you should stay hydrated and consume enough fat, protein, and electrolyte replacement drinks.

TL;DR

Keto flu is a group of symptoms that occur when transitioning from sugar to fat in the body, characterized by fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks.

Share

More Resources

  • Keto Baking: Learn How to Substitute Almond Flour for Coconut Flour
    Keto Baking: Can I Substitute Almond Flour for Coconut Flour?
  • The Ultimate Ketogenic Diet Guide: Master the Keto Lifestyle & Transform Your Life
    The Ultimate Ketogenic Diet Guide: Master the Keto Lifestyle & Transform Your Life
  • Get Back on Track: Restart Your Keto Journey
    Oops! I Carb-ed Again: A Witty Guide to Restarting Keto After a Detour
  • Keto Chronicles: Unraveling the Sugar Alcohol Mysteries for Low-Carb Enthusiasts

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Tisa. I'm a psychologist, a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience, and a passionate cook.

More about me →

  • Food
  • Science
  • Resources
  • Diet

Recent

  • Celebrate Easter while staying true to your keto lifestyle with these delicious and easy-to-make low-carb recipes. From deviled eggs to keto ham, our guide will show you how to enjoy an egg-cellent Easter without compromising on taste or nutrition.
    Cracking the Keto Code: How to Enjoy an Egg-cellent Easter on a Low-Carb Diet
  • Keto on a Budget: Money-Saving Strategies for Delicious, Healthy Meals
    Trimming Your Waistline and Your Grocery Bill: The Cost-Saving Guide to the Keto Diet

JOIN 20 000+ MEMBERS AND GET FREE RECIPES EVERY WEEK!

Subscribe

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Get your weekly dose of low-carb inspiration with our newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2022 My Sweet KetoÂ