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Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 9:34 am
by mike
Jtmon wrote:Hi Mike,

I'm using the dip test strips and I am seeing a moderate amount of keytones. I am keeping my carbs under 20 grams per day. I am slo taking MCT oil - about 2 tsp daily at present. I also read that brain fog is one of the symptoms of keto flu. I had that bad yesterday. Today is better. Do you have any recommendations based on this information?
Up front, I want to say I'm not an expert in this, and I'm not familiar with clonozepam, so I would consider what JulieG said as well. That said, some folks do get "brain fog" with the Keto Flu. You seem to be approaching it correctly from what I can tell with your diet. How are you taking the MCT? It has a short life span, and if you take all at once, could cause a rebound effect - so best to micro dose throughout the day. I also don't keep track of my macros anymore, but did early on. As long as you are truly keeping to low carbs, it should work out... If the brain fog is just intermittent and seems to be getting better, than it is probably just the keto flu. If it continues past a couple of weeks, or gets worse, I would back off.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:25 am
by Robhypno
mike wrote:Can you guys describe what your macros are - percent calories from carbs, protein and fat? How are you keeping track of your keto journey? Are you testing for ketones?
I went strict keto last September and it took about 6 weeks to get keto adapted. Once adapted I felt the brain fog completely lift and huge amount of energy

I tested regularly with a meter for first 3 months and rarely now as I know when I am out of keto Once afapted you can feel it and more importantly, if you go out of ketosis you will automatically feel and know you are out.

Ratios:

10% carbs - 20g MAX

20% protein

70% fats

Quick note on testing, it took several weeks to get into ketosis and a little longer to adapt. So do not worry at first when testing but persevere.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:54 am
by Robhypno
Jtmon wrote:Hi Mike,

I'm using the dip test strips and I am seeing a moderate amount of keytones. I am keeping my carbs under 20 grams per day. I am slo taking MCT oil - about 2 tsp daily at present. I also read that brain fog is one of the symptoms of keto flu. I had that bad yesterday. Today is better. Do you have any recommendations based on this information?

Drink more water and up your salts as you urinate a lot more at the beginning of adaptation.

Persevere as it can take some time to get into ketosis and more importantly, become keto adapted. Took me 6 weeks but is just worth all the effort. You will feel and experience the huge difference that is promoted when you become keto adapted.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 5:22 am
by TheresaB
Jtmon wrote:I’ve noticed a fairly rapid decline in cognition now that I’ve transitioned to a keto diet.
GinnyJohn wrote:I have the same problem. Just started 3 weeks ago and my memory is definitely worse.
Brain fog/confusion can be a symptom of "keto flu." https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/sid ... ductionflu

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 3:29 pm
by slacker
Jtmon wrote: I'm using the dip test strips and I am seeing a moderate amount of keytones.
We have a wiki chapter on ketones and ketosis, which (among other things) discusses different ways of testing ketones. It sounds like you are using the urine strips. The blood ketone meters are considered more accurate.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:42 pm
by Jtmon
Robhypno wrote:
Jtmon wrote:Hi Mike,

I'm using the dip test strips and I am seeing a moderate amount of keytones. I am keeping my carbs under 20 grams per day. I am slo taking MCT oil - about 2 tsp daily at present. I also read that brain fog is one of the symptoms of keto flu. I had that bad yesterday. Today is better. Do you have any recommendations based on this information?

Drink more water and up your salts as you urinate a lot more at the beginning of adaptation.

Persevere as it can take some time to get into ketosis and more importantly, become keto adapted. Took me 6 weeks but is just worth all the effort. You will feel and experience the huge difference that is promoted when you become keto adapted.
Thanks for the encouragement. I think I’ve gotten over the worst of the flu. I’m losing weight and reducing my need for insulin and beta blockers.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Fri May 17, 2019 6:43 pm
by Jtmon
slacker wrote:
Jtmon wrote: I'm using the dip test strips and I am seeing a moderate amount of keytones.
We have a wiki chapter on ketones and ketosis, which (among other things) discusses different ways of testing ketones. It sounds like you are using the urine strips. The blood ketone meters are considered more accurate.
I do understand that meters are more accurate. This is one of the sucky parts of trying to do this all while poor

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Sat May 18, 2019 4:29 am
by slacker
Jtmon wrote:
I do understand that meters are more accurate. This is one of the sucky parts of trying to do this all while poor
Yes, I understand. We all do the best we can with the resources (financial, emotional...) available to us. You've had a shaky start and now seem to be making progress, which is wonderful. It's smart to start with the food aspect of our path, generally believed to be one of the biggest bangs for the buck! All the lifestyle adjustments are powerful. Hang in there.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2019 7:55 pm
by reluctantexan
Lots of people get keto flu due to the diuretic effect at the beginning which can deplete some important minerals. That said, SALT will help tremendously. If you don't want to lick it off your hand, put it in some broth or have some bullion. I use a blood ketone meter and aim for between 2-3 mmol/L.

Haven't visited here in a long time so forgive if I'm repeating info.

Re: Memory getting worse starting keto

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 1:06 pm
by ketoist
Please keep in mind that by reducing a CNS depressant, like your benzo, and doing it too fast instead of slloooowly weaning yourself off, you may create a hyperexcitable state, meaning that the excitatory neurons will work overtime, at least for some time, requiring fuel. This may explain your brain fog, at least to some extent. The other thing to ponder is that benzos, when taken long-term may result in some form of forgetfulness, or poor memory formation.

I would correlate the dietary changes to the pace of drug weaning. Meaning, lower the dose a little, adjust your diet, and wait for your cognitive function to improve. Settle for a while, then repeat. But that's just an idea.