Low blood pressure and keto...

erika_307

I've always had lower blood pressure. I get lightheaded when I stand up to quickly, etc. Used to only really bother me around "that time of the month". I've been doing keto for just over a month, and I feel like it's worse. I feel lightheaded more often. I drink plenty of water, so I know it's not that. I get my recommended amount of sodium (according to MFP). Do I need more? I also take 1/4 tsp of lite salt and a magnesium supplement each day. Does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas on what to do about it?

tcunbeliever

My average blood pressure runs around 90/60, so yes, I totally get this. I have to have 3 shots of espresso to get it into 3 digit numbers so I can give blood.

More salt will probably help.

There are also herbs you can take that will raise your blood pressure...licorice root is one, I'm sure there are lots of others.

Caffeine or other stimulants will also raise your blood pressure temporarily.

kpk54

Light headedness can be a sign of an electrolyte imbalance. I was getting light headed in the beginning. I upped my salt intake. The generally recommended amount for keto is 3000 to 5000 mg though I have read it much higher. MFP uses 2300mg as a default. You can change that if you want to set a goal to try to reach. I never had real target amount for sodium but did change mine to 4000 because I hate seeing red numbers and often have over the default of 2300.

I choose to implement little of what I read day in and day out (though I always keep it under consideration) but increased sodium has been a necessity for me.

Sabine_Stroehm

Please check your BP. You may be thinking that's why you're feeling unwell, but as KPK says, it may be electrolyte imbalance.

FWIW, I was a 90/50 gal until menopause. Now it's regularly 120/80. Fascinating.

KnitOrMiss

I think that is generally called: Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension)

Check this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/comments/2cemma/i_feel_dizzy_when_i_stand_up/

Quote: "Low energy levels
Many subjects in early studies on ketosis or the PSMF noted transient lethargy and weakness. As well many studies noted a high occurrence of orthostatic hypotension which is a drop in blood pressure when individuals move from a sitting to standing position. This caused lightheadedness in many individuals. It was always taken for granted that ketosis caused this to happen.
However, later studies established that most of these symptoms could be avoided by providing enough supplemental minerals, especially sodium. Providing 4-5 grams of sodium per day (not much higher than the average American diet) prevents the majority of symptoms of weakness and low energy, possibly by maintaining normal blood pressure (26).
In most individuals fatigue should disappear within a few days to a few weeks at most. If fatigue remains after this time period, small amounts of carbohydrates can be added to the diet, as long as ketosis is maintained, or the diet should be abandoned for a more balanced diet.
Lyle McDonald in The Ketogenic Diet"

baconslave

I get this doing low-carb. The orthostatic hypotension. It's worse doing keto. Parroting the salt rec.

erika_307

Thanks everyone... I will try adding more salt. I've only been getting around 2000-2500.

Sunny_Bunny_

erika_307 wrote: »

Thanks everyone... I will try adding more salt. I've only been getting around 2000-2500.

You'll need twice, if not 3 times that sodium in keto. Especially since it was already a condition you had previously.

stylistchicky

erika_307 wrote: »

I've always had lower blood pressure. I get lightheaded when I stand up to quickly, etc. Used to only really bother me around "that time of the month". I've been doing keto for just over a month, and I feel like it's worse. I feel lightheaded more often. I drink plenty of water, so I know it's not that. I get my recommended amount of sodium (according to MFP). Do I need more? I also take 1/4 tsp of lite salt and a magnesium supplement each day. Does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas on what to do about it?

So, I had this exact problem. I went to doctor and he did some tests and said I was severly dehydrated. Despite all the water drinking and extra sodium. He told me to drink Pedialyte, which was out of the question. I was on keto for 4 weeks and hadnt had any sugar or sweetners or fruit. I went to store and got Mio drops the one with electrolytes and just put 2 drops in and upped my water. I felt waaay better in a couple of days and in another week felt normal. Just hold strong, it really took my body 5-6 weeks to adjust. I didnt read through all the replies but electrolyte it up.

GaleHawkins

I had to go wild with the salt shaker after I cut out processed drinks/foods. I did have a lot of transit things occur my first 6 months on Keto too.