What is keto flu? Why does it occur? How can you overcome it? These are among the questions that arise after feeling the unusual effects of a keto diet.
A keto flu happens a few days after starting out a ketogenic diet. Most, if not all of those on a keto diet suffer from it. Thankfully, it can be beaten quite easily. Like a normal flu, its symptoms include:
The reason it happens is because the body needs time to adjust to its new source of fuel. What was supposed to be glucose from carbohydrates is now being replaced by fat. The flu occurs while the blood and other organs in the body transition to the new energy source.
Tips to Beat the Keto Flu
So, how do you overcome this condition? Some of the natural methods are explained below:
Eat more fatty foods
Letting in more of something that caused your condition might be a strange suggestion, but it needs to be done in this case. More fats are needed as your body adjusts to getting energy from its new source. Choose from your keto-friendly food list and savor them as much as you like. Your body will eventually desire less food over time.
Water is your friend
Keeping yourself hydrated is very important no matter what your diet plan is. While in a state of ketosis, your body will dump wastes more frequently. Be sure to drink water more often as well so that you do not get dehydrated.
Take in salt too
Salty food is often associated with processed and unhealthy food items. However, your body also requires some amount of salt in order to function effectively, and to avoid electrolyte imbalance. Along with drinking lots of water, consume some salty food too. You can add salt to water and drink them altogether.
Take plenty of rest
Having keto flu is a bad time to take on demanding activities. Take a break for a couple of weeks so that the body has the space it needs to adjust. You can still do some light exercises during this time, such as yoga. You'll be more dynamic than ever when you have fully recovered.
Use ketone strips
Credit: Caipira [CC BY-SA]
Keto testing strips are used to measure your ketone levels. They are equivalent to a blood pressure monitor, except that they are disposable and inexpensive. You can use a strip during one of your bathroom breaks. The results will tell you whether you are still in ketosis, or what food you need to eat more of.
There's nothing to be worried about if you catch the keto flu. It's a natural phenomenon, and you can definitely beat it without taking medicines. Simply go through recommendations above, have some patience, and keep the faith. You'll be rewarded substantially in the end.
