Keto Diarrhea: Is That Really A Thing?

What Is Keto Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common side effect of the keto diet. When you switch to a high-fat, low-carb diet, your body must adjust to using fat for fuel instead of carbs.

This adjustment period may cause several different side effects, including diarrhea. Keto diarrhea is usually temporary and will go away as your body becomes used to the diet.

However, there are a few things you could do to help minimize^[1] the symptoms. Drinking plenty of water, Eating soluble fiber, and Stopping the diet if diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days.

If you experience keto diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids and take care of yourself. Within a few days, it ought to disappear on its own.

However, discontinue the diet if diarrhea lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by other serious symptoms.

Why You Might Experience Keto Diarrhea?

There are a few different reasons why you might experience keto diarrhea. First, when you switch to a ketogenic diet, your body goes through a period of adaptation as it adjusts to using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

This may sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Another reason why you might experience keto diarrhea is if you are not consuming enough electrolytes.

When you are on a ketogenic diet, you tend to urinate more frequently, which could lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods that are high in electrolytes, such as salt, potassium, and magnesium.

Lastly, certain types of food may trigger diarrhea, even on a ketogenic diet. If you notice that certain foods make your diarrhea worse, it’s best to avoid those foods. Common trigger foods include dairy etc.

Foods That May Cause Keto Diarrhea

There are a few different types of diarrhea that may occur while on the keto diet. One of the most common is known as “fatty stool”, which is caused^[2] by the body digesting too much fat.

This could lead to an upset stomach, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Other causes of diarrhea on the keto diet include eating too much protein, eating foods that are high in sugar and alcohol, and consuming unhealthy fats.

If you are experiencing diarrhea while on the keto diet, it is important to increase your intake of fluids and electrolytes. You may also want to consider removing some of the offending foods from your diet until your diarrhea subsides.

How Long Does Keto Diarrhea Last?

When someone first starts a keto diet, they may experience a short period of diarrhea as their body adjusts to the new way of eating.

This is perfectly normal and usually only lasts for a few days. However, if diarrhea persists for more than a week or two, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

If you’re experiencing keto diarrhea that lasts longer than a couple of weeks, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.

Once you get the all-clear from your doctor, there are a few things you may do to help ease the symptoms, such as drinking plenty of fluids, eating high-fiber foods, and avoiding spicy and fatty foods.

When To Worry About Keto Diarrhea?

If you’re following the ketogenic diet, you may have experienced keto diarrhea at some point. Keto diarrhea is a common side effect of the diet and is usually not cause for concern.

There are, however, a few circumstances^[3] in which you ought to visit a doctor. Keto diarrhea is usually caused by a change in diet.

When you switch to a high-fat, low-carb diet, your body may have trouble adjusting. This could result in gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea.

Keto diarrhea is usually not harmful and will go away on its own after a few days. If you experience severe keto diarrhea, it may be a sign of a more serious issue.

See a doctor if you have blood in your stool, severe abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding. These could be signs of a gastrointestinal infection or another health condition.

How To Prevent Keto Diarrhea?

The ketogenic diet is effective in treating a variety of conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

While the diet has many benefits, one of the side effects is known as “keto diarrhea.” Keto diarrhea is a condition^[1] that may cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and intestinal distress.

Fortunately, there are a few things you could do to prevent keto diarrhea. Check to see that you are getting enough water first. Second, supplement your diet with electrolytes.

And finally, make sure you are getting enough fiber. By following these simple tips, you may avoid the unpleasant symptoms of keto diarrhea and enjoy the many benefits of the several.

What Is The Ketogenic Diet?

A diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates known as the ketogenic diet has been proven to benefit health in a number of different ways.

The diet functions by requiring the body to use fat as fuel rather than carbohydrates. This process, known as ketosis, could lead to a variety of health benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, and decreased inflammation.

There are a few different ways to follow the ketogenic diet, and it is important to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before beginning any new diet.

However, with the right support, the ketogenic diet may be a healthy and effective way to improve your overall health.

What Are The Risks Of Ketogenic Diet?

There are a few potential risks associated with the ketogenic diet, though most of these are easily avoidable with a bit of planning.

The keto diet may cause dehydration, constipation, and headaches in the early stages as your body adjusts to the new way of eating. It could also lead to nutrient deficiencies if you’re not careful to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

Another potential risk is the development of ketoacidosis, a serious condition that may occur when you have too many ketones in your blood.

This is more likely to occur if you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, but it’s important to be aware of the possibility.

Overall, the ketogenic diet is safe for most people. However, it’s important to speak with your doctor before starting the diet, especially if you have any health conditions.

Final Words On Keto Diarrhea

Keto diarrhea is a common side effect of the ketogenic diet. It is caused by the body’s adjustment to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.

The best way to avoid keto diarrhea is to start the diet slowly and increase your fat intake gradually. You could also try taking a probiotic supplement or adding fermented foods to your diet.

If you experience persistent diarrhea, you should consult with a healthcare professional.

Sources/References

Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.

1. Emmanuelle C. S. Bostock, Kenneth C. Kirkby, Bruce V. Taylor, et. al. Consumer Reports of “Keto Flu” Associated With the Ketogenic Diet. Front Nutr. 2020; 7: 20. Published online 2020 Mar 13. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00020.
2. Michael S Duchowny, MD. Food for Thought: The Ketogenic Diet and Adverse Effects in Children. Epilepsy Curr. 2005 Jul; 5(4): 152–154. doi: 10.1111/j.1535-7511.2005.00044.x
3. Guglielmina Chimienti, Antonella Orlando, Angela Maria Serena Lezza, et. al. The Ketogenic Diet Reduces the Harmful Effects of Stress on Gut Mitochondrial Biogenesis in a Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr; 22(7): 3498. Published online 2021 Mar 28. doi: 10.3390/ijms22073498.