Keto Flu Specifics

1 min

A new study from Australia looked into the “keto flu” – symptoms of illness that can occur when beginning a ketogenic diet – and how they evolve over time. Researchers from the University of Tasmania found that the flu-like symptoms peak in the first seven days on the diet and fade after about four weeks. They include “flu fatigue,” nausea, dizziness, diminished energy, feeling faint and changes in heartbeat. The investigators identified 43 online forums referring to “keto flu” and gathered the personal experiences of 101 people who described their symptoms as well as the severity and duration of this “flu.” In addition to the flu-like symptoms, study participants reported headache, trouble concentrating and gastrointestinal discomfort after beginning the diet. Many experienced more than one symptom with varying degrees of severity. The study showed that the symptoms come on suddenly and are the most intense in the first week, but that most resolve within about two weeks.

Source:
Emmanuelle Bostok et al, “Consumer Reports of ‘Keto Flu’ Associated With the Ketogenic Diet,” frontiers in Nutrition, March 13, 2020, doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.00020

More from this week’s bulletin: