What Happens to Your Body When You're on the Keto Diet
You've heard your friends talk about it. You've watched TikToks of people's favorite low-carb snacks. You're ready to go keto. A diet that lets you eat bacon, cheese and avocados all day sounds pretty good.
But before you hop on the oh-so-popular keto train, be aware that it's not all weight loss and roses out there. We've compiled a list of potential side effects of the keto diet to help prepare you for potential discomfort.
Related: Does a Healthy Keto Diet Plan Even Exist?
You Might Come Down with the Keto Flu
Don't worry, this isn't the real flu. It's just your body's natural response to switching over to using ketones as energy and is generally characterized by brain fog, headaches, nausea and fatigue. This under-the-weather feeling is related to plummeting electrolyte levels (like sodium, magnesium and potassium) as your kidneys flush out excess water. The good news is that this is likely temporary and can also be mitigated by increasing the fluids and electrolytes in your diet. Drink lots of homemade broths for sodium, eat nut butter for magnesium and try cooked spinach for potassium to get your electrolyte fix.
You Might Have Bad Breath
It might be best not to plan a first date when you're easing into ketosis. One of the biggest complaints from people doing keto (and their partners) is related to their embarrassingly bad breath. Some even say their mouths taste metallic. Yummy. One of the ketone bodies (compounds that are created from fatty acid metabolism) is the stinky volatile substance called acetone. Yep, that's the same chemical that gives nail polish its infamous odor. Ketones, like acetone, are released from the body through exhalation, sweating and urination, so smelling like a nail salon is actually a good indication that you're actively in a state of ketosis. The good news is that as your body adapts to running on ketones, this side effect generally will disappear. Until then, you might want to keep your toothbrush handy.
You Might Start Losing Your Hair
While hair loss isn't inevitable on the keto diet, it's also not uncommon. There are a few potential reasons for this. First, most people who do keto are not only restricting carbs, but they are also restricting calories in general and are losing weight, which are related to hair thinning and loss. Other potential reasons for hair loss are vitamin and mineral deficiencies (specifically zinc and biotin), and unfavorable shifts in the microbiome due to the restrictive and high-fat nature of the diet. Ensure you're not cutting calories or protein too much, up your probiotics and consult with your doctor about supplementing with zinc and biotin if necessary.
You Might Feel Constipated
One of the biggest health concerns with the ketogenic diet is the lack of carb-rich whole grains, pulses, fruits and starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, all of which contribute fiber to your diet. Unless you're being really diligent about supersizing your greens, there's a very good chance you're not getting your recommended 25-38 grams of fiber each day. Not surprisingly, many people who do keto experience constipation—and no one likes to feel backed up. We recommend filling your plate with the highest fiber low-carb foods, like avocado, broccoli, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, chia seeds, flaxseeds and almonds, and making sure you're getting enough water and salt.
Related: The Fastest Way to Relieve Constipation, According to a Dietitian
You Might Get Diarrhea
While constipation is more common, people who follow keto are not immune to disruptions at the other end of the digestive spectrum as well. A lot of those who do keto are big fans of adding coconut oil or straight-up MCT oil (a supplement of concentrated medium-chain triglycerides from coconut or palm kernel) to their smoothies and morning Joe. The problem is that while MCTs are a type of fat that our bodies process more quickly––providing fast fuel while also helping stave off weight gain––too much can overload your kidneys and not get processed efficiently. The result? Well, the keto crew calls it "disaster pants," and it's not as funny as it sounds. To avoid diarrhea, go easy on the MCT and other added fats, and make sure you're pairing fats with food and drinking plenty of water.
You Might Regain the Weight You Lost
Many people praise the keto approach as a way to lose weight fast, but they're often discouraged when they regain that weight once they resume a less restrictive diet. The reason why people who follow low-carb diets see such immediate results is that a lot of the initial weight loss is water since our bodies store every gram of carbs with about 4 grams of water. You can see how quickly that weight adds up. For that reason, any quick jump in carb consumption might mean a bump in the reading on the scale. If you find you experience weight gain as you attempt a more moderate carb intake, pay attention to portion sizes, focus on quality high-fiber carbs, and always pair them up with sources of protein and healthy fat.
The Bottom Line
Any major diet changes are bound to have effects on your body, and the keto diet is no exception. Nobody said keto was going to be easy, but at least you'll be a bit more prepared for what's to come. Before beginning a diet plan, it's a great idea to talk to your doctor to ensure it's right for you and that you'll be getting all the nutrients you need.
Related: Complete Keto Diet Food List: What You Can and Cannot Eat If You're on a Ketogenic Diet
