Is calf/ankle cramps normal when switching to low carb ?

[fendertele]

When you make the switch to very low carb is this a common side effect ? been getting terrible cramp in my calves and ankles with restless legs when in bed at night and a lot of urination... peeing constantly.. soon as i've been to the toilet i feel like i need to go again.

 

[HSSS]

Not unusual. Add in foods rich in electrolytes (sodium, magnesium and potassium) or find a sugar free supplement/drink for the transition period. When you stop eating carbs (and processed foods) you often eat less of these. Also carbs hold water so you pee the excess out. And maybe drink more, further flushing out the electrolytes. I’ve read pickle juice (yes out the jar) helps but not tried it.

 

[ajbod]

The peeing early on in very low carb diets is the body shedding excess water which is retained to deal with carbs. This is why generally you have a short burst of rapid weight loss. Unfortunately with the pee goes elecrolytes as @HSSS says.
When i did strict Keto a few years ago i suffered cramps, and also when falling asleep i stopped breathing. VERY SCARY, straight on google and found it is not unknown, due to the loss of electrolytes, disrupting the involuntary processes in the body. The short term answer was drinking a drink containing, food grade Epsom salts (magnesium), Pink Himalayan salt (sodium), and Lo-salt (potassium).
As your diet develops all these things will iron themselves out as you eat the appropriate foods.