Cures For The Low Carb Flu

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  • dtothemoney
    dtothemoney Posts: 1 Member
    This was frustrating for me to read through--remember, for some of you posters, that low-carb is not necessarily a "fad diet." For some of us, it is a mandatory lifestyle adjustment, if you have certain types of diabetes, or in my case, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It's not about, "Why would you choose a diet that makes you feel bad?" "Why are you doing fad diets?" "Why are you being so silly as to cut out carbs like that?" "Don't you know that you NEED to have carbs in your diet?"

    It's fine, because I used to be one of those people. I have some friends who used to be that way, until I was diagnosed. Then they realized that this isn't about joining the fad or just trying to lose weight, it's about avoiding diabetes and cancer issues that lurk around the corner for me for the rest of my life.

    So, OP, I get it, and I know it can be hard. Realizing that the carb flu and some of the really, REALLY unpleasant parts about giving up carbs (including bodily side effects) are both normal and temporary has helped me push through. I personally increased my intake of B12 (If you're on Metformin, remember that it depletes you of B12, so you need to make up for it with supplements) and continued taking 2 cinnamon supplements a day--they help regulate blood sugar and overall helps with the nausea. Lots of water, avoid alcohol for the time being, continue powering through. You'll get past the wall soon enough--good luck to you!
  • valeriejohnston1884
    valeriejohnston1884 Posts: 3
    So I've started cutting back on the carbs quite a bit and feel absolutely lousy, achey everything, and just want to sleep. Thought I was going nuts or something. Can't wait for this crappy feeling to go away. How long will it be? Been 2 weeks now, and I'm drained to the bone. You've never seen anyone walk to so slow!
  • klaff411
    klaff411 Posts: 169 Member
    Hi everyone. I am starting induction again today. This is my 4th time. Each time I am unable to sustain low levels (below 50g) because I get "the low carb flu". Boy do I get it. Achy limbs, dizziness, blurry vision, you name it. Each time it is so awful I can't last for more than 3 days. At the 3 day mark I am literally so ill that I tear into anything with carbs to make the limb pain stop. Scary huh?!?

    Nevertheless, I am trying it again. This time I am drinking WATER like it's the only beverage on earth (6 glasses so far today). I'm feeling okay, but I am afraid the flu could be lurking. Does anyone who gets the "flu" have any other things besides the water I can do to ward off the symptoms?

    Your advice would be much appreciated.

    Seeing as low carb diets have no metabolic advantage, why not just eat carbs to cure your low carb flu? Unless you have a medical disorder that would make low carb a more optimal dietary choice

    That's not true. LCHF diets have been proven to help people with binging and addictive tendencies. Someone like myself who needs the stability. Refined carbs have a detrimental effect on some people's bodies. This tends to be more common with women (my unscientific observation). A blood sugar spike is the LAST thing you want when your trying to reduce intake.

    http://authoritynutrition.com/10-benefits-of-low-carb-ketogenic-diets/
  • klaff411
    klaff411 Posts: 169 Member
    Hi everyone. I am starting induction again today. This is my 4th time. Each time I am unable to sustain low levels (below 50g) because I get "the low carb flu". Boy do I get it. Achy limbs, dizziness, blurry vision, you name it. Each time it is so awful I can't last for more than 3 days. At the 3 day mark I am literally so ill that I tear into anything with carbs to make the limb pain stop. Scary huh?!?

    Nevertheless, I am trying it again. This time I am drinking WATER like it's the only beverage on earth (6 glasses so far today). I'm feeling okay, but I am afraid the flu could be lurking. Does anyone who gets the "flu" have any other things besides the water I can do to ward off the symptoms?

    Your advice would be much appreciated.

    Seeing as low carb diets have no metabolic advantage, why not just eat carbs to cure your low carb flu? Unless you have a medical disorder that would make low carb a more optimal dietary choice
    I agree. No need to go low carb. If you are doing low carb like no bread or pasta, no need to limit it, just make smarter carb choices. I have never seen anyone go as low as 50g a day for carbs, not even IFBB pros.
    Since this thread is back from late 2012, I hope you increased your carb intake by then and are feeling better.

    I eat less than 30 carbs a day. I did go though a few days where it was "hard" but once I adjusted I feel just fine. Most people on this forum are less than informed about the Keto lifestyle. I've been doing this for about 2 years. It works for me. I don't think its a good regime for everyone. But it helps me control my ED (binging/purging/sugar addiction). The kind of carbs which are "smart" mostly come from fibrous sources such as veggies. One does not require any sort of grain or refined carb to live. That's poppycock. In a ketogenic regime your main source of energy comes from fats - not carbs. The rest is filled with protein, the amount is dictated by how active you are, your goals, etc.

    When you eat carbs derived from refined sources all it does is spike your insulin and make you hunger - faster. A meal which contains high levels of fats and protein will keep your insulin/BS stable and you will stay fuller for longer. Fat is not the enemy. Its by best buddy and its delicious. I haven't had breads, grains, rice, pasta, or twinkies for 2 years and I don't miss them. I do however like that I've lost nearly 90 lbs (started at 250lbs). If you would like to know more I suggest a quick google.

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