Electrolytes in a keto diet

[Tryguy]

Anyone anyone having troubles balancing electrolytes? It takes all I have two lift a finger…

[park_bear]

What makes you believe it is a lack of electrolytes that is the issue? Some people do not do well on no carbs.

[kaypeeoh in reply to park_bear]

I experimented with low carbs, specifically the Atkins Diet, while training for an ultra race.

The body stores carbs in liver and muscles and requires sodium. (salt) Without carbs the excess sodium is excreted in urine. Until the body adapts the low sodium levels will cause weakness and muscle cramping.

I ran the Antelope Island 50 mile race in Salt Lake City. After 25 miles I was the last runner. By 35 miles I was reduced to a walk. If I tried to run I'd get cramps in my neck, back, thighs and calves.

I finished the race in 11.5 hours, my slowest race. After finishing I crawled into my tent and tried to sleep. But it was so cold that I was shivering and cramping at the same time. So I crawled to my truck and turned the heat on high and sat there til I warmed enough to drive. I drove to a 7:11 and bought Gatorade to sip as I drove the three hours back home.

The theory is that without carbs the body will use fat for energy. My biochemistry courses taught me that fat can enter the mitochondrial Krebs Cycle as easily as carbs do. But in practice some do better than others without carbs.

I'm one of those who don't do well without carbs. This relates to PD because many believe PD is a mitochondrial dysfunction.

[bassofspades]

What I have been doing lately is squeeze half a lemon and add a tiny pinch of salt to a litre of water. The lemon is about 1.5g carbs. There's your sodium and potassium, and a little calcium. I take a magnesium supplement as well.

[laglag]

Try Emergen C everyday. 🥊