Overcoming Keto Flu – What Helped Me Feel Normal Again

When I first started keto, I thought I was doing something wrong. By Day 3, I was tired, cranky, dizzy, and craving rice like crazy. It felt like I was sick—but it wasn’t the flu. It was the keto flu—a totally normal (but frustrating) phase as your body switches from burning carbs to burning fat. Much like "carb-withdrawal".

Here’s what I learned—and what helped me push through.

Why It Happens:

When you cut carbs, your body loses water and electrolytes fast. That drop in sodium, potassium, and magnesium? It can make you feel weak, foggy, and achy—especially if you have PCOS and your body’s already working harder to rebalance hormones.

What Helped Me Feel Better:

1. Salt water first thing in the morning → I mixed ¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt in warm water to replenish lost minerals.

2. More fat, more fluids → I added coconut oil to my food and drank lots of water with lemon or apple cider vinegar.

3. Bone broth or tinola soup (minus the rice) → Comforting, hydrating, and full of nutrients.

4. Sleep and short walks → I gave my body rest and light movement instead of pushing myself to “power through.”

5. Reminding myself it’s temporary → Mine lasted 4 days. Once it passed, I felt lighter, clearer, and more stable—no more sugar crashes.

If you’re going through it now, hang in there. Keto flu isn’t fun, but it’s a sign your body is adjusting to a better fuel source. Listen to your body, rest when you need to, and support your hormones with real food and minerals.

You’ve got this—your future self (and ovaries) will thank you.