Cramps on keto

[Olle111]

Can I counter those in any way? Or do I have to wait em out until I am fully in ketosis? I'm on day 6-7 of my first ever keto.

I'm eating vitas/minerals + tons of water.

[WonderPug]

It's probably due to an electrolyte imbalance.

[HealingHands8]

It's probably due to an electrolyte imbalance.

It probably isn't. More likely to be altered neuromuscular control. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/6/401.short

[dylanrpxxx]

never had cramps on keto 0_o

[sambshep]

It's probably due to an electrolyte imbalance.

This.

It probably isn't. More likely to be altered neuromuscular control. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/6/401.short

The jury is still out on that hypothesis, according to the last sentence of the abstract.

[HealingHands8]

This.
The jury is still out on that hypothesis, according to the last sentence of the abstract.

That's the problem with you abstract scientists. If you actually read the whole article, and others related to the topic, you would realise that both dehydration & electrolyte imbalance theories are backed by the least amount of scientific evidence. Although further evidence is needed for the altered neuromuscular control theory, it seems that is the most likely cause.

It has also been said that it could be down to a combination of factors http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445088/

[sambshep]

That's the problem with you abstract scientists. If you actually read the whole article, and others related to the topic, you would realise that both dehydration & electrolyte imbalance theories are backed by the least amount of scientific evidence. Although further evidence is needed for the altered neuromuscular control theory, it seems that is the most likely cause.

It has also been said that it could be down to a combination of factors http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445088/

I'm flattered, but I don't consider myself a scientist. I hold scientists in much higher regard

I was simply pointing out that the study was inconclusive. It's one thing to say that they suggest a theory and a whole other thing to say that they prove a theory. I'll read the links in greater detail when I get back from grocery shopping.

[WonderPug]

OP: Please read this for more information on how to likely resolve the cramps by ensuring proper electrolyte intake.

[HealingHands8]

I'm flattered, but I don't consider myself a scientist. I hold scientists in much higher regard

I was simply pointing out that the study was inconclusive. It's one thing to say that they suggest a theory and a whole other thing to say that they prove a theory. I'll read the links in greater detail when I get back from grocery shopping.

It isn't a study.

OP: Please read this for more information on how to likely resolve the cramps by ensuring proper electrolyte intake.

Pug, why are you ignoring the current literature & recommending he read a non-referenced piece which basically goes against current scientific literature?

[HealingHands8]

From that non-referenced article 'In general, it tends to be related to hydration and electrolyte intake'

hmmm....

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23222192
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20351595
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15273192

[WonderPug]

Pug, why are you ignoring the current literature & recommending he read a non-referenced piece which basically goes against current scientific literature?

Electrolyte imbalances and their impact are relatively well known side effects of (poorly designed) ketogenic diets, with significant documentation in the literature.

To learn more, please read The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance by Volek and Phinney.

[HealingHands8]

Electrolyte imbalances and their impact are relatively well known side effects of (poorly designed) ketogenic diets, with significant documentation in the literature.

Which specific papers are you referring to? I don't know of any that conclusively show electrolyte imbalances = cramp, whilst there are numerous well designed trials which suggest electrolyte imbalances do not result in cramp.

[Olle111]

Thx for all the replies guys.

OP: Please read this for more information on how to likely resolve the cramps by ensuring proper electrolyte intake.

Very helpful stuff. I will supplement with even more electrolytes to counter this. And Ill make sure that I piss crystal clear with the higher intake also.

[HealingHands8]

There is absolutely no evidence that dehydration causes cramp. But Lyle Mcdonald writes an non referenced article & people believe it. Jesus. He should stick to nutrition & leave muscle physiology to someone else.

[azstrengthcoach]

Do you only have the cramps while on keto?

[Olle111]

Do you only have the cramps while on keto?

Yeah I never have cramps on normal diets/bulks.

[Olle111]

There is absolutely no evidence that dehydration causes cramp. But Lyle Mcdonald writes an non referenced article & people believe it. Jesus. He should stick to nutrition & leave muscle physiology to someone else.

Well ill try it. Better then doing nothing right?

[WonderPug]

Please let us know if it resolves the issue.

[Olle111]

Please let us know if it resolves the issue.

Yeah ill be sure to come back with the results.

[alexg5775]

As a nurse i will just say 90% of my patients who cramp up is after giving mega doses of lasix/diuretics which causes them to lose water rapidly, which then they complain of severe cramps usually to the legs. I know some of the diuretics are not K sparring but most of these patients have normal K and/or electrolyte levels. Furthermore, I ask the doctors what exactly causes these cramps and I have been told several times it is the fluid leaving the cells and fluids shifts to blame. On a personal note I usually cramp mostly on first day of carb up and first-second day of back on keto. I blame it on the fluids shifts. Additionally I supp with K and Mag, plus eat plenty of green veggies, plus just went to md a few months ago to check blood and all electrolyte were WNL.

These is IMO.

Muscle cramps can have many possible causes. They include:

Poor blood circulation in the legs
Overexertion of the calf muscles while exercising
Insufficient stretching before exercise
Exercising in the heat
Muscle fatigue
Dehydration
Magnesium and/or potassium deficiency
Calcium deficiency in pregnant women
Malfunctioning nerves, which could be caused by a problem such as a spinal cord injury or pinched nerve in the neck or back

Taken from webmd
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management...-charley-horse

[Olle111]

Thx for that ^

Also I tried:
3-5 grams extra sodium hydrochloride
1 gram potassium
300 mg magnesium

Didnt change much, will smack in 2x those values and see what happens. I must admit I sweat ALOT more on keto, especially when I lift.

[alexg5775]

Thx for that ^

Also I tried:
3-5 grams extra sodium hydrochloride
1 gram potassium
300 mg magnesium

Didnt change much, will smack in 2x those values and see what happens. I must admit I sweat ALOT more on keto, especially when I lift.

I wouldnt x2 those supps. What your are taking is fine. I take 500mg of K, 300mg of mag, vit D, vit E, multi, and fish oil. I would eat more green fibrous veges and real food which contain these electrolytes.

[Olle111]

I wouldnt x2 those supps. What your are taking is fine. I take 500mg of K, 300mg of mag, vit D, vit E, multi, and fish oil. I would eat more green fibrous veges and real food which contain these electrolytes.

Alright, ima buy some more veggies tomorrow.