Supplements like medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and omega-3 fatty acids can increase the effectiveness of the keto diet and help you optimize your diet.
Since keto diet limits or eliminates many foods, you might need supplements to fill in any nutritional gaps. Electrolytes and fiber may be especially important.
Adjusting to extreme carbohydrate restriction can cause uncomfortable side effects because the body takes time to get used to making ketones and using this new source of energy.
The body usually burns carbohydrates for energy, but when you limit your carb consumption, your body must get its energy from other sources. So, the body burns fat and turns it into ketones, which it can then use for energy. This process is called ketosis.
You have heard the term “keto flu.” If you are just starting the keto diet, you may experience:
- headaches
- fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- problems with concentration
- constipation
- nausea
- dizziness
- stomach cramps or aches
Certain supplements, such as electrolytes, digestive enzymes, and L-theanine, may help minimize these symptoms.