The keto flu: Yes, it’s a real thing. And it can happen when you drastically and suddenly remove carbs from your diet. Also known as the "carb flu," the keto flu is a natural reaction (almost like a feeling of withdrawal) your body undergoes when switching from burning glucose (sugar) as energy to burning Supraketo Fat Burner instead. In fact, some people say the keto flu symptoms can actually feel similar to withdrawing from an addictive substance. These symptoms are your body’s natural reaction to removing carbs from your diet, and while it may have you second guessing your keto diet decision, we promise you these keto flu symptoms will pass. Stick with it, and soon you’ll be reaping the energizing, fat-burning rewards that come with ketosis. In the meantime, there are many things you can do to reduce the symptoms of the keto flu. We’ll tell you exactly which remedies you can start using today, but first, let’s take a quick look at why the keto flu happens when you go low carb.
By default, your body burns glucose (carbs) as its primary energy source, but when you switch to an extremely low carb diet, your body will begin to burn fatty acids for energy instead. Fat is your body’s secondary or "backup" fuel source, which can only be tapped when there’s not enough glucose in your diet. This manipulation of your metabolism yields endless health benefits, and is the whole premise behind the ketogenic diet. If you’d like to learn more, we go into much more detail about ketosis and how it works in our Ketogenic Diet Mastery Guide. How Long Does the Keto Flu Last? For the average person, the keto flu lasts a week or less, and symptoms usually begin within the first day or two of removing carbs. In extreme cases, the keto flu can last up to a month, but that’s not as common. If you’re used to eating a diet high in refined sugar and processed foods, you’re more likely to experience the "withdrawal" symptoms of removing carbs.
If your diet is relatively low in processed sugars and starches, you may only encounter mild keto flu symptoms, or none at all. Not everyone experiences the keto flu, even when switching from diets high in carbs and sugar. Whether or not you experience the keto flu can depend on your genetics. Some people are naturally metabolically flexible, which means they can shift metabolic states easily without experiencing health symptoms. However, if you are experiencing the effects of the keto flu, here’s what you can do to reduce your symptoms (and how to prevent symptoms if you’re currently considering going low carb). When you switch to an extremely low carb ketogenic diet, you end up cutting out some of the richest natural sources of electrolytes, such as starchy fruit and vegetables. Not getting enough electrolytes in your diet can lead to fatigue, irritability, dizziness, Supraketo Fat Burner muscle cramping, and cognitive symptoms such as confusion (3)(4). Low electrolytes play a big role in the onset of keto flu symptoms.
One way to get more electrolytes in your diet without kicking your body out of ketosis is to take an electrolyte supplement at least once per day. If you’re active, you’ll also want to make sure you’re taking electrolytes after you work out to prevent muscle cramps and dehydration. You’ll want to make sure your electrolyte supplement is keto friendly, meaning it has no sugar or Supraketo artificial sweeteners added (zero calorie sweeteners like stevia and xylitol are fine). Look for an electrolyte supplement that contains sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. As for electrolyte sports drinks, they typically contain processed sugar in some form, like glucose syrup or high fructose corn syrup. Avoid these by making your own keto-friendly sports drink at home using 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of mineral sea salt, and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. When you have the keto flu, Supraketo Keto Weight Loss Formula it’s not only important to make sure you’re getting plenty of electrolytes, but fluids in general.
Staying hydrated will help relieve headaches and boost your energy levels when you’re feeling sluggish. If you forget to drink enough water during the day, setting an alarm on your phone can help you remember, as well as keeping a full glass or bottle of water within reach at all times. Not sure how much water you need? Take your current body weight and divide it by two to determine the minimum ounces of water you need (plus extra if you’re active). For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need at least 75 ounces of water each day. Speaking of hydration, meet the ultimate keto flu recovery remedy: bone broth. Rather than going for the carb-loaded chicken noodle soup (or store-bought chicken broth, which can be high in MSG and other additives), give bone broth a try to help alleviate your symptoms. Bone broth is an easy way to sneak more water into your diet and it also provides electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.