How did you feel first few days on LCHF?

[PurpleArmadillo]

So it's day 4 and I feel shocking! I know I'm doing the right thing low carbing, as my test kit arrived from Amazon yesterday, and I'm already WAY down on my reading two weeks ago that brought about the T2 diagnosis. And I'm determined to do this by diet and avoid medication completely if I can.

But despite drinking 2l of water a day I have a headache that's getting worse by the day. And I feel so tired, and quite emotional. I think combined with one of my dogs being hospitalised at the vets today it's all feeling at bit much.

Hoping I'm not alone in finding the first few days really tough

 

[librarising]

Sounds like you're experiencing what was once known as Atkins flu, following the popularity of the low-carb Atkins diet.
Bad news over. Good news - shouldn't last too much longer. It's harder for some than for others.That's how the dice roll
More details :

http://www.livestrong.com/article/381434-what-is-atkins-induction-flu/

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Geoff

 

[catinahat]

I have copied this from the diet doctor site, I hope it helps

The most common side effect on low carb is what most people experience during the first week, often during days 2-4. The “induction flu”, so called as it can mimic flu-like symptoms.

Headache is very common during this period, as is feeling tired, lethargic and unmotivated. Nausea is also common. It’s also possible to experience confusion or “brain fog” – feeling not at all smart. Finally it’s common to feel irritable – perhaps most clearly experienced by the rest of your family.

The good news is that these symptoms usually disappear by themselves within a few days. The even-better news is that these symptoms can often be avoided altogether. The main cause is usually dehydration and/or salt deficiency, caused by a temporarily increased urination.

The Cure: Water & Salt
Any problems can be minimized and sometimes entirely cured by getting enough water and salt into your system.

For example try adding half a teaspoon of regular salt to a large glass of water. Drink it. This may reduce or eliminate side effects in 15-30 minutes. If so, this may be repeated once daily if needed during the first week.