What is Keto Flu

Introduction

If you’ve given the keto diet a try, you’re probably familiar with the term “keto flu.” It refers to the set of symptoms that many people experience when they first start following this low-carb lifestyle. There are no real medical reasons why your body will experience these changes, but they can be unpleasant at times. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ease those symptoms and make sure your body adjusts as quickly as possible.

The keto flu is a set of symptoms you may experience when your body first enters ketosis.

The keto flu is a set of symptoms you may experience when your body first enters ketosis.

Keto flu symptoms include:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Lack of energy or motivation to do things (including exercise)
• Muscle soreness and joint pain, which may be worse at night than during the day

The difference between the two is simple: Ketosis occurs when your body burns fat instead of carbs as its primary fuel source; while keto flu results from the rapid switch from consuming only glucose-based energy sources (i.e., carbohydrates) to burning fats for fuel.

If you’re new to the keto diet, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the “keto flu.” It’s a term used to describe the temporary side effects of a high-fat, low-carb diet, and although it isn’t really the flu, it does share some similar symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the keto flu, including what might cause it and how you can avoid it.

The keto flu is a term used to describe the temporary side effects of a high-fat, low-carb diet. It’s not actually the flu but shares some similar symptoms.

The keto flu typically lasts about two weeks, although it can last much longer in some people and shorter for others. If you’re new to the keto lifestyle or haven’t been following it long enough to reap all of its benefits yet, this might be part of why your body isn’t feeling great: Your body isn’t used to processing so many carbs at once (and insulin will become less effective).

While there are no clear causes for what causes this problem in general—and as we’ll discuss below—there are some specific things that could potentially set off symptoms like headaches or stomach cramps:

What Causes Keto Flu?

The keto flu is a result of the body switching over to ketosis. This process can take anywhere from three days to two weeks, depending on how fast your body converts fat into energy and how much fiber you eat. Keto flu symptoms include fatigue, headaches and brain fog (which may make it difficult for you to remember things).

It’s important not to confuse these symptoms with the flu—keto flu does not cause chills or runny noses; instead, it’s characterized by low energy levels accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or pain in the abdomen area.

When you cut carbs and consume more fat, your body will eventually convert fatty acids into ketones.

When you cut carbs and consume more fat, your body will eventually convert fatty acids into ketones. This is called ketosis. Ketones are produced by the liver and used as an alternative fuel source when fasting or on a low carb diet. If you’re in ketosis, your body has switched over to using fat for energy instead of glucose (sugar).

Ketone bodies can be used for energy rather than glucose, which means they give us an energy boost without raising blood sugar levels too high—which could lead to type 2 diabetes if not controlled properly!

But this process doesn’t happen overnight; instead, it takes place over several days or even weeks. And as your body adjusts to this metabolic state, it also has to adapt to using something other than glucose for fuel. This is what many people refer to as “the switch.”

But this process doesn’t happen overnight; instead, it takes place over several days or even weeks. And as your body adapts to this metabolic state, it also has to adapt to using something other than glucose for fuel. This is what many people refer to as “the switch.”

The good news is that once you get through the initial transition period and are able to maintain ketosis on a regular basis (at least two times per day), your body will become more efficient at burning fat instead of sugar and continue improving its ability over time—and eventually stop producing excess insulin altogether!

Some signs your body is making this switch are associated with what’s known as the “keto flu.” But unlike real flu symptoms, this mostly affects your mood and energy levels. Most people report feeling drowsy or lethargic on their first few days of the keto diet while they adjust to these changes.

Once you’ve adapted to the shift in your body’s metabolism, you’ll notice a few extra symptoms. They may be associated with what’s known as the “keto flu.” But unlike real flu symptoms, this mostly affects your mood and energy levels. Most people report feeling drowsy or lethargic on their first few days of the keto diet while they adjust to these changes.

These symptoms typically subside after about a week of eating keto—but if they persist beyond three days, see a doctor immediately! You could have something more serious going on such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance; it’s always better safe than sorry when it comes to health matters like this one!

Conclusion

So what can you do if you feel like you’re in the keto flu? There’s no need to panic. As we’ve discussed, this is a normal effect of changing your diet. And although it might seem strange at first, once your body gets into ketosis, it’ll stop experiencing these symptoms and start feeling better.