Understanding and Managing Dizziness on a Low Carb Diet

A low carb diet, such as the ketogenic diet, has gained popularity for its potential weight loss benefits and improvements in blood sugar control ¹.

However, a common side effect experienced by many when transitioning into a low carb diet is dizziness, often referred to as part of the “keto flu” ². This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the causes of this dizziness and practical ways to manage it.

Causes of Dizziness on a Low Carb Diet

Electrolyte and Fluid Imbalances

When you embark on a low carb diet, your body begins a metabolic shift from using glucose as its primary source of energy to using fat. This process, known as ketosis, involves the depletion of glycogen stores in your muscles and liver. Glycogen, a form of stored carbohydrate, is bound to water in your body, with roughly three to four grams of water attached to every gram of glycogen.

As your body depletes these glycogen stores, it also expels the associated water. This water loss carries along with it essential electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes play crucial roles in maintaining your body’s fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle control. When these electrolytes are flushed out faster than they are replaced, it can lead to an imbalance, causing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.

Low Blood Sugar Levels

Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. They are broken down into glucose, which is then used to fuel your cells. When you significantly reduce your carb intake, your blood sugar levels can drop. This is because there’s less glucose available for your body to use as energy.

Your body, particularly your brain, needs a certain level of glucose to function optimally. When blood sugar levels drop too low, you may experience hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by symptoms like dizziness, confusion, weakness, and even fainting. It’s important to note that while hypoglycemia is more common in people with diabetes, it can also occur in people who are transitioning to a low-carb diet ^3,4.

Hormonal Changes

The transition to a low-carb diet can also trigger hormonal changes that may contribute to feelings of dizziness. One of the key hormones affected is insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating your blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into your cells. When you reduce your carb intake, your body’s insulin levels also decrease ^5,6.

This decrease in insulin prompts your kidneys to excrete more sodium, which can lead to a condition known as hyponatremia, characterized by low sodium levels in the blood ^6,7. Sodium is crucial for maintaining blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Low sodium levels can therefore lead to symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fatigue ^7,8.

Moreover, your body also experiences changes in the levels of stress hormones like cortisol during the transition to a low-carb diet. These hormonal changes can affect your body’s fluid balance and blood pressure, contributing to feelings of dizziness ^8,9.

In conclusion, the causes of dizziness on a low-carb diet are multifaceted, involving electrolyte and fluid imbalances, low blood sugar levels, and hormonal changes. Understanding these factors can help you better manage this symptom and ensure a smoother transition to a low-carb lifestyle.

Managing Dizziness on a Low Carb Diet

Increase Salt and Water Intake

One of the primary reasons for experiencing dizziness during the transition into a low-carb diet is the loss of water and salt from the body. As your body burns through its glycogen stores, it also expels water and salt, leading to a potential imbalance. To counteract this, it’s crucial to increase your intake of both water and salt ¹⁰.

A practical way to do this is by drinking a glass of water with half a teaspoon of salt stirred into it. This simple solution can help restore your body’s electrolyte balance and alleviate symptoms of the keto flu, including dizziness, within 15 to 30 minutes. Additionally, consuming broths or soups, which are typically high in sodium, can also help replenish your salt levels.

Consume More Fat

A low-carb diet is, by definition, a high-fat diet. Your body needs to adjust to using fat, rather than carbs, as its primary energy source. To facilitate this transition, it’s important to ensure that you’re consuming enough fat ¹¹.

A well-balanced ketogenic diet should include enough fat so that you’re not hungry after a meal, can go for several hours without eating, and have ample energy. This can be achieved by incorporating foods like avocados, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils into your meals.

Gradual Transition

Diving headfirst into a low-carb diet can be a shock to your system and may exacerbate symptoms of the keto flu. Instead, consider easing into the diet slowly. Start by slightly reducing your carb intake and gradually lowering it over a period of weeks. This slower transition can help your body adjust to burning fat for fuel and may reduce the severity of your symptoms ¹².

Adjust Physical Activity

While a low-carb diet can eventually lead to improved energy and stamina, you might find that your energy levels dip during the initial transition period. If you’re feeling dizzy or fatigued, it might not be the best time to push yourself with intense workouts.

Instead, consider adjusting your physical activity to match your energy levels. Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga can be beneficial during this time. These activities can help maintain your fitness levels without exacerbating your symptoms.

Don’t Restrict Food Intake

When transitioning to a ketogenic diet, your primary focus should be on adapting to your new way of eating, not on restricting your food intake. Trying to limit your calories or obsessing over macronutrients can add unnecessary stress and may even worsen your keto flu symptoms.

Instead, focus on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods that align with your new dietary approach. If you’re hungry, eat. Listen to your body’s cues and nourish it accordingly.

In conclusion, while dizziness can be a common side effect when transitioning to a low-carb diet, it can be effectively managed with the right strategies. Always remember to listen to your body, make adjustments as needed, and consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. The transition to a low-carb lifestyle can be a challenge, but with patience and the right approach, it’s a hurdle that can be overcome.

Footnotes

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-try-the-keto-diet
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-and-dizziness-5115759
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
5. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1199154
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4313585/
7. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055030
8. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-keto-flu-2018101815052
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4428290/
10. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/keto-flu-symptoms
11. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto
12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/low-carb-diet/art-20045831