Headaches on Low-Carb Diet?

e_v_v
e_v_v Posts: 131 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I've been eating a low-carb diet for a couple weeks now, and I have been experiencing an abnormal amount of headaches. I drink a gallon of water a day and sleep 9 hours per night. Is this a common side effect of eating fewer carbs?

Replies

  • MeiannaLee
    MeiannaLee Posts: 338 Member
    Maybe your carb detoxing?
  • Stella3838
    Stella3838 Posts: 439 Member
    Is there a specific reason your doing low carb?
  • Chillycatmum
    Chillycatmum Posts: 188 Member
    You are low in electrolytes- increase your intake of salt, it's one of the common side effects when you first start low carb diets
  • ms_smartypants
    ms_smartypants Posts: 8,278 Member
    most of us low carbers or keto'ers have our sodium up to 5000mg ....dill pickles, broth etc. help
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    Is there evidence that it's safe to eat that much salt?
  • Sieden76
    Sieden76 Posts: 127 Member
    I wouldn't eat that much, get your sodium up to 3000mg and see how you feel, if you need to increase it then do so after that. Make sure that you are also getting plenty of potassium which is in a wide variety of foods so as long as you're eating then you should be getting plenty but you can still take a supplement. Then there's magnesium, make sure that you get enough of that too, it's not just about salt. For magnesium, I like a product called Naturally Calm and I buy it from Amazon.

    If you are also having other ill feeling symptoms then it could be the keto flu which the sodium, potassium, magnesium will help with but you could also be suffering from carb withdrawals. I know that sounds dumb but carbs are addictive, sugar is addictive and with any addiction there are bound to be some withdrawals when you quit. Hope you feel better soon.
  • jjalbertt
    jjalbertt Posts: 98 Member
    You should see your doctor. It is possible this diet is not for you, or that a vitamin or mineral is low. Carbs are also essitial for body function so it could also be your body reacting to the sudden drop in energy.
  • Mtakid5
    Mtakid5 Posts: 29 Member
    ebrass73 wrote: »
    I've been eating a low-carb diet for a couple weeks now, and I have been experiencing an abnormal amount of headaches. I drink a gallon of water a day and sleep 9 hours per night. Is this a common side effect of eating fewer carbs?

    Yes this a side effect of low carb because carbs are used for energy and your brain and body need carbs for energy so the lack of carbs=less energy=headaches so you may want to start carb cycling instead.. Just a suggestion ✌️

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