Keto ‘flu

[Qula]

Attempting low carb diet, not actually intended to be keto, but wondering if I could have developed ‘Keto ‘flu’, or am I in fact having a flare ?

Any suggestions or advice please ?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A bit more info would help.

Why do you think it is keto flu? How low have you gone on carbs? What are you eating? Did you drop suddenly from your previous level to low carb?

[Qula in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro

Thanks for responding.

No sudden change, have experimented gradually, mainly cut out white things, bread, rice, potatoes etc.

Have lost 5 kg since 1st July. Blood tests last week showed new inflammation and a kidney scare, so just wondering if I’ve overdone the low carbs.

symptoms of runny nose, aches, fatigue.

But feeling better in some ways, especially without hunger pangs and fitting my clothes !!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Qula]

Doesn't sound typical of keto flu to me - it really does mean a very low level of carbs - well under 20g per day and in response to a sudden change in the amount to very low.

It shouldn't lead to inflammation and it isn't an infection - so no reason to blame it for the increase on blood markers. Keto flu is typically a response within a week or so to going to a very low level of carbs and doesn't happen to everyone

health.harvard.edu/blog/wha...

Have you reduced your dose recently? Any chance it could be Covid - you mention typical symptoms of that too.

What is the kidney problem?

dietdoctor.com/low-carb/kid...

[Qula in reply to PMRpro]

thanks for the helpful links - will make time to read up !

Not covid, I’m sure. Kidney scare was probably an error, subsequent test suggests, but just caused me a weekend of worry and googling !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Qula]

It is all very well them flagging things up - but it does help to talk to the patient! If it was your eGFR it is a very misused thing, was never intended to be imparted to the patient and they were even doubtful about telling GPs!! Rightly so juding by the number of panicked questions I have come across after a practice nurse told a patient they had kidney disease - when in fact it was an error or even normal for their age!! Just being dehydrated for the blood sample having been out for a nice meal with a big steak the night before can wreak havoc with the readings!

[Qula in reply to PMRpro]

feeling reassured now - thank you.

[paleolady]

I have had keto flu. For me, heart palpitations, extreme thirst, some fatigue. I had to take a Gatorade type drink to help. Lasted over a week and then done. It is worth hanging in .