Keto: Health Problems?

trancelogix

I'm new to the diet (less than a week) and it's been frustrating so far. I had the shakes yesterday morning combined with a terrible headache, and it was suggested to up my sodium, magnesium, and potassium levels.

I took a magnesium pill, and drank some homemade gatorade with Lite Salt. I got my sodium up to 3,200 mg and my potassium up to 2,900 mg (MFP), and then started having symptoms of a sodium overdose (metallic taste in mouth, horrible headache, anxiety, heart palpitations). I called poison control and they said I may be sodium sensitive and to cut the sodium.

Today I had 1,400 mg of sodium and 1,480 mg of potassium, but my arm and chest have been numb/tingling for most of the day. I'm also not thinking very clearly and have been clumsy and my vision has been off (feels like everything is darker and I get tunnel vision.) I drink at least 90 oz of water a day, so it's not dehydration.

I've switched over to Stevia, and I'm wondering if that could cause it, or if it's the potassium/sodium thing. Also, I'm taking my blood pressure on a home machine, and it spiked yesterday to 140/88, and now is at 137/84. I've always been under 110/70.

I can't get a doctor appointment until next week, but I'm a little worried as to what's going on. Any thoughts?

GreatDepression

Going straight into keto can be quite difficult for most people. The side effects you are experiencing right now don't seem worth it to me. You should slightly lower your carbs over time to see how your body tolerates. I would also cut back on the sodium right now. You're messing up your body's balance too quickly by cutting out carbs and then consuming a bunch of salt. Few of us here are qualified to give you any medical advice other than to see your health professional.

Keto is an excellent way to eat but there are initial side effects as your body adjusts. I've been slowly lowering my carbs and noticed dropped energy levels that have fortunately stabilized a bit. I didn't want to just one day cut out all my carbs.

SoLongAndThanksForAllTheFish

Go in now if you are having arm and chest numbness and tingling, especially left arm, tunnel vision, clumsiness and unclear thinking and headaches, at least call the doctor's office and tell them the symptoms you are having, that could be something serious. Those are definitely not symptoms of "keto diets".

kellyskitties

Potassium, magnesium and sodium can affect your heart. By supplementing without being sure you may be causing dysrhythmias. I would get yourself checked out.

I don't think this sounds like a ketosis - but it could be something serious. Def dr. time for you.