In this article we're going to cover everything you should consider when looking for an electrolyte supplement on the ketogenic diet. Electrolyte supplements are particularly useful to those on the keto diet, or any type of low carb diet.
Electrolyte supplements for Keto are extremely important and one of the most commonly asked questions. The truth is, if you were low-carb for a long period of time, it’s easy to become deficient in certain electrolytes and minerals. This guide will go over the keto diet, keto flu, electrolytes importance, and finding the best electrolyte supplements for keto.
The keto diet (also called ketogenic diet) is a low carb, high fat diet that shares similarities to paleo, Whole30, and Atkins. Keto focuses on eating whole foods like meat, eggs, cheese, vegetables which have a lot of fiber and protein as well as healthy fats. Carbs are limited to 50 grams total per day. Since you're not eating grains, beans or legumes on the keto diet - which are high in carbs - your body has no choice but to use up all the glucose (sugar) in your system. This causes you to enter what is known as a "fat-burning state" (ketosis).
Electrolytes are electrically charged ions that carry an electric charge and are essential for many of your body's functions. Their main role is to maintain your body's fluid balance, or electrolyte levels, therefore helping to keep the body hydrated while on keto. They do this by allowing the movement of water in and out of cells to help keep the body in homeostasis.
Trying to maintain ketosis without electrolytes can be extremely dangerous. On the keto diet, you need electrolytes more than ever because they help regulate your hydration levels. This is why it's important to monitor your electrolyte intake closely.
There's at least 7 main electrolytes and over 84 minerals in total, but if you had to narrow it down to 4 main electrolytes it would include: sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These are essential for the proper functioning of our cells, particularly our muscles. When you're on a keto diet, your body is running on ketones instead of glucose. Your body requires these electrolytes to balance out your system.
Keto flu symptoms include those you experience when you suddenly cut back on carbs. The symptoms are similar to the flu and can last for 2 days to a week. The main thing to note is that keto flu symptoms are typically more severe in the first few days of cutting out carbs.
The main culprit of keto flu is a lack of electrolytes which are essential to keep your levels balanced, especially your sodium and potassium . The best way to replenish these lost electrolytes is naturally by consuming electrolyte supplements and the right kind of foods that have been shown to help eliminate keto flu symptoms!
It is really common to feel dizzy, weak, light headed or nauseous on the keto diet. This is a result of low electrolytes and dehydration. You want to supplement electrolyte or hydration products, but beware of products what work agains't your keto diet! Here's what you should look for to find the best electrolyte supplements for keto:
Are you looking for an easy way to hydrate on Keto? Try our keto-friendly, sugar-free, and low-carb Recovery Chewables supplement!
SOURCES:
1. Why Is Salt Needed in the Keto Diet?
https://wellversed.in/blogs/articles/why-is-salt-needed-in-the-keto-diet
2. 8 Common Keto Mistakes That Beginners Make, and How to Avoid Them
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ketogenic-diet/diet/common-keto-mistakes-you-may-make-avoid-them/
3. Why Do We Need More Salt on Keto?
https://ketogenic.com/why-do-we-need-more-salt-on-keto/
4. Salt on Keto Diet: 3 reasons to include more
https://kaseytrenum.com/salt-on-keto/
5. Is Himalayan Pink Salt Better For You
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-and-nutrition-quackery-you-asked/himalayan-pink-salt
