Keto Diet is a popular diet that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. Many people have claimed that this diet has helped them lose weight and improve their overall health. But some people are asking if Keto Diet can cause diarrhea. However, some potential side effects are associated with the keto diet, including diarrhea, digestive and kidney diseases.
Diarrhea is a common problem in the elderly, and certain medications can also cause it. Other causes for diarrhea can be a stomach infection or upset stomach that results from anything consumed recently or food poisoning.
Keto Diet works like a charm. But it can also make you sick. Here’s what to do when you’re trying to lose weight without a solid diet plan, and the results are causing bloating, diarrhea, and general discomfort. Many people have succeeded with this diet, but some have experienced unpleasant side effects like chronic diarrhea. This article will explore the causes and solutions for diarrhea while on the Keto Diet.
What Is The Keto Diet?
The Keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It’s a popular weight-loss method that has recently gained popularity. The Keto diet forces your body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
When carbohydrate intake is restricted, the body must rely on stored fat for energy. This process is called ketosis. When you’re in ketosis, your body produces ketones, acids for energy. When your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates, it will start breaking down stored fat for energy. This can lead to weight reduction.
In addition to treating epilepsy, the Keto diet has been shown to be effective in managing other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, it can also cause some side effects, such as diarrhea. The keto diet is not for everyone, and it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new diet.
How Does Keto Diet Work?
Your body produces glucose and insulin when you eat a diet rich in carbs. Glucose is the easiest molecule for your body to convert and use as energy, so that is preferred over other options, like fats. Insulin is produced to process the glucose in your bloodstream by carrying it around the body. Since glucose is used as a primary energy, your fats are not needed and therefore stored.
Typically on an average, higher-carb diet, your body will use glucose as the primary form of energy and store fats as a backup. By lowering your intake of carbs, you are forcing your body to look for another energy source: fats. When this happens, your liver produces ketones from fats. These ketones then serve as a fuel source throughout your body, especially for your brain.
When you eat fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day, your body will enter a state of ketosis. In this state, your body will start to burn saturated fats for energy instead of carbohydrates. This process can have a variety of benefits for your health, including weight reduction and improved mental clarity.
Pros And Cons Of The Keto Diet
Proponents of the Keto diet say that it has many benefits, including reduced weight, improved mental clarity, and decreased inflammation. However, you should be aware of some drawbacks to the Keto diet before starting.
Pros
Weight Loss
One of the main reasons people try the Keto diet is for losing weight. And there are many success stories of people who have lost a lot of weight on the Keto diet. The Keto diet may be a good option if you are trying to lose weight.
Mental Clarity
Another benefit of the Keto diet is that it can improve your mental clarity. When your body is in ketosis, it produces ketones, a source of energy for your brain cells. Some people report feeling more alert and clearheaded when they are in ketosis.
Decreased Inflammation
Inflammation has been linked to many diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, and cancer, digestive and kidney diseases. The Keto diet’s anti-inflammatory properties may help decrease your risk of these diseases.
Cons
High-Fat Content
One downside of the Keto diet is that it is high in fat. This may not be ideal for people who have heart health concerns. Before starting the Keto diet, you should speak with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
Low Carbohydrate Content
Another downside to the Keto diet is its very low in carbohydrates. This can cause fatigue, headaches, and constipation in some people. If you decide to try the Keto diet, drink plenty of water and get enough electrolytes to avoid these side effects.
Difficult To Sustain Long Term
The Keto diet can be challenging to stick to long term because it is restrictive and requires careful planning. If you decide to try the Keto diet, be sure to do your research and meal plan ahead of time to stick with it long term.
The keto diet has become popular recently, but it’s not for everyone. You should be aware of some serious potential side effects before starting this diet. However, there are also some potential benefits, such as weight reduction and decreased inflammation. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new diet plan.
Can Ketogenic Diet Cause Diarrhea?
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body into a state of ketosis. The body breaks down stored fat for energy instead of carbohydrates in ketosis. This can lead to quick weight put-off; however, it can also cause some side effects, including diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of the keto diet because of its drastic diet change. When you switch from a high-carbohydrate to a high-fat diet, your digestive system must adjust. This can sometimes lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria, which can cause diarrhea. Additionally, because the keto diet is deficient in fiber, this can also contribute to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the potential for gastrointestinal issues on the keto diet. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods like leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. You may also consider taking a probiotic supplement to help keep your gut bacteria balanced. By following these tips, you should be able to avoid most gastrointestinal issues on the keto diet.
Main Causes Of Diarrhea On A Ketogenic Diet
There are several reasons why diarrhea may occur while on a ketogenic diet. The first reason is that the diet itself can be very hard on your digestive system. When you drastically reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body has to adjust to burning fat for fuel instead. This can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) distress, including diarrhea.
In addition, when you cut out carbohydrates, you also cut out many foods containing fiber. Fiber is vital for keeping your digestive system regular. Without enough fiber, you may experience constipation, which can also lead to diarrhea.
Another common cause of diarrhea on a ketogenic diet is food intolerances or allergies. When they start the diet, many people find they are sensitive to certain foods, especially dairy and gluten. If you are experiencing diarrhea and think it may be due to food intolerances or allergies, the best thing to do is eliminate the offending foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.
Finally, some people may experience what is known as “the keto flu” when they first start the diet. The keto flu is a collection of symptoms that include fatigue, headaches, nausea, and sometimes diarrhea. These symptoms are caused by carb withdrawal and should improve after a few days or weeks on a diet.
If you are experiencing diarrhea while on a ketogenic diet, chances are it is due to one of the reasons listed above. Fortunately, all of these causes are temporary and can be fixed with simple dietary changes or by giving your body time to adjust to the new way of eating.
Difference Between Normal Diarrhea And Keto Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of many different digestive disorders. It can also be a side effect of certain medications or a reaction to certain foods. For people on the keto diet, diarrhea is common, but it does not necessarily cause concern. Here’s a look at the difference between regular chronic diarrhea and keto diarrhea.
What Is Normal Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that occur more than three times in one day. It can be caused by various things, including infections, food allergies, and reactions to certain medications. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome. In most cases, diarrhea lasts for a few days and then goes away. However, severe cases of diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so you must see a doctor if you experience prolonged diarrhea or diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms like fever, blood in the stool, or weight loss.
What is Keto Diarrhea?
Keto diarrhea is a common side effect of the keto diet and is caused by a sudden increase in fat intake. When your body isn’t used to processing large amounts of fat, it can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea. It starts with few things like increase in bowel movements, loose stools and inflammatory bowel disease. Keto diarrhea is usually temporary and will disappear once your body adjusts to the increased fat intake. However, if you find that you are experiencing persistent keto diarrhea, it’s essential to see a doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
How Long Does Keto Diarrhea Last?
Keto diarrhea is a common side effect of the keto diet. It typically lasts for a few days to a week and usually goes away on its own. However, if you experience a severe or persistent diarrhea, you must see your doctor to rule out other causes. Keto diarrhea is often caused by a change in diet, as the body adjusts to higher levels of fat and lower levels of carbs. This can lead to an overproduction of bile, which can cause diarrhea.
However, there are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and speed up the recovery process. First, make sure you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You can also try taking over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) to help control your diarrhea.
And finally, be sure to eat moderate amounts of high-fiber foods like vegetables and fruits to help bulk up your stool and promote regularity. If your symptoms persist for more than a week or you develop severe abdominal pain, contact your doctor.
When To See A Doctor?
In most cases, Keto Diarrhea will go away on its own within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the new diet. However, there are a few red flags that warrant seeing a doctor:
- Blood in your stool
- Severe pain or cramping in your abdomen
- Fever or chills
- Signs of dehydration (such as dark urine, dizziness, or fatigue)
- Decreased Weight
- Keto Diarrhea that lasts more than two weeks
- Keto Diarrhea prevents you from performing your usual activities.
If you experience these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately for disease control, as they could indicate a more serious condition like an infection or food poisoning.
Solutions To Treat Keto Diarrhea
Keto diarrhea is a common side effect when starting a keto diet. When your body switches from burning carbs to fat for energy, a few different things can happen. One is that you may experience an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and loose stools, which is called “keto diarrhea.” While it may be annoying, it’s usually not severe and will go away on its own once your body adjusts to the new diet. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and disease control.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Ensure you’re hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fluids with electrolytes like bone broth or coconut water. This will help to replace the fluids and electrolytes you’re losing through diarrhea. Avoid drinking tap water.
Eat Low-Fiber Foods
Foods high in fiber can aggravate diarrhea, so stick to low-fiber options like cooked vegetables, protein, raw or undercooked meats and saturated fat.
Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol
These substances can worsen diarrhea by stimulating the digestive functions. So stay away from sugar alcohols an caffeine and stay healthy.
Get Enough Rest
Diarrhea can be draining, both physically and mentally. Make sure to get plenty of rest to help your body recover. Reduce stress levels with relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Try Probiotics
Probiotics contain live bacteria that can help restore the balance of gut flora, which may be helpful if you have diarrhea caused by bacterial overgrowth. Try eating fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, which contain beneficial probiotics that can help improve gut health and wellness space.
Increase Your Intake Of Soluble Fibers
Soluble fibers like psyllium husk can help bulk up stool and make it less watery. You can also take a fiber supplement like psyllium husk or glucomannan.
Eat Smaller Meals More Often
Eating several small meals throughout the day can help ease digestion and minimize the risk of diarrhea flare-ups. Make sure you’re getting enough fat by including healthy sources like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish in your diet.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Trigger foods differ for everyone, but common ones include dairy, fatty, spicy, low carb diet, and processed foods. Avoid food items containing artificial sweeteners. If you notice that certain foods worsen your diarrhea, avoid them if possible.
Exercise
Get regular exercise, which can help promote regularity and reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Medication
Taking over-the-counter medications like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can also help relieve symptoms of diarrhea., If your diarrhea is severe or persists for more than a few days, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical health conditions.
In most cases, however, diarrhea will resolve on its own with time and self-care.
Other Diseases Caused By Keto Diet
Apart from the ones already mentioned, some other diseases and disorders may be caused by a keto diet. They are:
Constipation
Constipation is a common side effect of the keto diet due to the lack of fiber. This can be alleviated by adding more high-fiber foods to your diet or by taking a fiber supplement.
Kidney Stones
The keto diet can increase the risk digestive and kidney diseases. Especially kidney stones due to increased calcium excretion. This can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting your animal protein intake.
High Cholesterol
The keto diet can raise cholesterol levels due to the increase in saturated fat. This can be controlled by monitoring your cholesterol levels and ensuring that you get enough omega-3 fatty acids and chia seeds.
Dehydration
People on a keto diet are at risk of dehydration because they lose water as they lose weight. This can lead to electrolyte imbalance and kidney problems.
Conclusion
While the keto diet has many potential benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the possible side effects. This is especially true if you have any underlying medical conditions. If you experience severe symptoms or persist for more than a few days, it’s essential to see a doctor. Otherwise, with self-care and time, most side effects will resolve on their own and stay healthy.
In this blog post, we discussed how the keto diet can sometimes cause diarrhea and what you can do to mitigate these effects. Keto diarrhea is usually caused by a change in diet or increased tap water intake. While it may be unpleasant, it is not dangerous and will typically go away on its own after a few days.
However, if you are experiencing severe or prolonged keto diarrhea, you should consult your doctor to rule out other possible causes. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help ease your symptoms, including drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough fiber, and avoiding high-fat foods and foods containing artificial sweeteners. Have you ever experienced keto diarrhea? What did you do to manage your symptoms? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out our other articles. and Follow the YouTube channel
