Keto Diarrhea – How to Stop It

For someone knew to the ketogenic diet there can be some issues with the digestive system. Some people have an issue with keto diarrhea while others have the opposite problem.

One thing to note is that not everyone will deal with these issues. If you have not suffered any bouts with diarrhea during the keto diet, then that’s not any type of red flag that you are not in full ketosis.

If you are dealing with diarrhea while on the keto diet, it’s nothing to worry about. In most cases it is very temporary and easy to overcome. In many instances this is a situation where your body is simply adjusting to something new: burning fat for energy.

How Long Do the “Keto Runs” Last?

If it’s related to keto and not just an unrelated sickness the body is dealing with then it should only last a couple of days. If it goes beyond four or five days, it’s a good idea to seek a medical professional. It is something that will go along with the keto flu. If the body transitions and is now running on fat and the problem persists, that is a sign it’s time to see a doctor.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you are in ketotis, you can find out how to be for sure here.

You can start phasing certain foods out of the diet for a few days and see if that helps. If after doing this the problem is still there then it’s certainly time to see a doctor.

How to Treat Diarrhea Caused by the Keto Diet

Get some fiber in your diet

This is the obvious answer. Sure, when carbs are out of the equation it can be tricky to get carbs into the diet. That said, there are some options for getting fiber into a keto diet. Some options include broccoli and leafy greens. You can also try nuts such as almonds and walnuts. There are also chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds as options to get fiber into a keto diet.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

If you aren’t into broccoli or leafy greens, then there is the option of fiber supplementation. One example of this doctor formulated organic MCT powder. (This is an affiliate link. If you use it to make a purchase I will be paid a commission at no extra cost to you.) Many people who use this have had success becoming “regular.”

Activated Charcoal

Many people have used this for years. It does not help the root cause, but if used in moderation it can help detoxify the body and boost the digestive system. If too much of it is used it can cause constipation. You can try some here (affiliate link).

Probiotic Foods

Probiotic foods are a great way to get your digestive system rocking and rolling. Why does it work this way? Because of the fermentaiton process which makes these foods easier to digest. Some examples of these include sauerkraut and pickles. The MCT powder discussed above (affiliate link) also includes probiotics.

Things to Avoid

Coconut Products

Since coconut products, such as coconut oil, are rich in MCTs, these are digested very quickly and then used for energy. For many people this can be the whole reason diarrhea was caused.

Once you remove these from your diet, the diarrhea could cease immediately. If this happens then you can slowly start adding them back into your diet. Emphasis on slowly.

Magnesium Supplements

By taking these it draws additional water to the colon. Avoiding these is a quick thing to do that has a great chance of fixing your issue.

Avoid Certain Vegetables (onion, garlic, artichokes, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and leeks)

A high volume of green leafy vegetables can cause issues with the digestive system. In place of these opt for lettuce, cucumers, tomatoes, green peppers and zucchini, If this fixes you issue, then you can eventually start working the other vegetables back in slowly.

Conclusion

If you try all of these and it doesn’t work out, then there could be an allergy or food intolerance. Try to think of every item that is new to you since you started the keto diet and phase them out one by one.

There is a chance that the keto diet just might not be a great option for you. In order to have success with a diet and lose weight you will need to feel comfortable and not have the disaster that is diarrhea on a daily basis. Hopefully this is not the case but there is a possibility that it is.

The post Keto Diarrhea – How to Stop It appeared first on Keto HQ.