Keto Dehydration: What it is, why it happens, what to do about it?
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Dry mouth, increased thirst, less puffiness around the eyes and belly. If you’ve just started eating keto and are working toward reaching ketosis, dehydration will be one of the first symptoms you notice. Dehydration usually occurs after three or four days, when your body enters ketosis.
To learn why this is, here’s a quick keto chemistry lesson: The simple science behind the keto diet, is this: On a standard mainstream diet, carbohydrates are used to produce energy in the body. When you drastically reduce the amount of carbs you eat, your body begins looking for other sources of energy to fuel its daily functions. In the absence of carbs, your body’s own fat is one of its easiest go-to sources of energy. The process of burning the body’s fat for fuel is called ketosis, and this process is the basis of the ketogenic diet plan.
Generally speaking, carbs encourage your body to store water. (For every gram of carbohydrates stored in the body, three grams of water are also stored.) When you switch your energy source from carbohydrates to fat, your body sheds its water stores. With this initial water weight drop, you might notice more frequent urination and less bloating. You may also experience a loss of electrolytes or important minerals.
While this is natural and nothing to be worried about, you do not want to allow yourself to get overly-dehydrated, or allow dehydration to go on too long. Mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired and cause headaches. Severe or prolonged dehydration can cause organ failure and shock.
To prevent dehydration, here are some tips and tools:
- Drink at least a liter of water a day. Preferably two. It can help to purchase several large water bottles and place one in your bag, one at your desk, one near your bed and one anywhere else you spend time. These will remind you to drink water throughout the day.
- A keto hydration supplement. To counteract potential mineral loss, talk to your doctor about taking a hydration supplement. These typically contain a blend of minerals to help balance the body’s electrolytes.
- Electrolyte drinks. These are usually powders that are mixed with water and work to balance electrolytes in the body, which in turn keeps you hydrated.
- Try a homemade Himalayan Pink Salt electrolyte drink. Here’s an easy one: Take 8 ounces of water and stir in 1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt. Keep stirring until salt is dissolved. Drink immediately.
Visit the Website: https://theketokitonline.com/ and you’ll find every single bit of information and support you need to begin your keto journey.
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