Dehydration

[DMD]

Been doing CBL for a week ,, amazing results I am drinking at least 4.5 litres of water (around a gallon) still dehydrated ! Is this normal ?

[Lasse Elsbak]

How do you know you are dehydrated?

[DMD]

Thirsty thirsty thirsty ! I have been low carb for the last year so I imagin the change is doing it

[RagE]

Thirst does not have to mean dehydration. If you are drinking 4-5 liters of water every day, i would say it is a symptom of something else entirely. I don't know what though.

[sckiely]

You need to look at the minerals and salts you are lacking in. This is more a symptom  of needing electrolytes and mineral deficiency rather than dehydration

[DMD]

thanks I believ you are correct as I woke up cramping in my legs .. I was using powdered gatorade with protein right after work out though and thought that would be enough I think it is the "sugar""elevated blood sugar levels cause sugar to spill into the urine and water then follows, which may cause significant dehydration. For this reason, frequent urination and excessive thirst."Thanks

[DMD]

for the record I was urinating a great deal more than beforee cbl- will alter and add electrolytes

[Russell Crosswy]

Make sure you are getting potassium and magnesium. Electrolytes are more than just sodium and chloride that you get from table salt. I've had problems in the past with lack of electrolytes and Gatorade didn't really help. Gatorade only has sodium and a little potassium in it from the last time I looked.You'll have to see if this is what the issue is for you, but for me I've had success using electrolyte drops that contain sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride to help when I feel dehydrated or extremely thirsty. I use elete drops, but you can get those electrolytes from food and don't have to supplement. Just depends on what you want to do and what works for you.The cramping leads me to think either potassium or magnesium is needed, but that is just a hunch. You'll have to see if there is something else going on.

[Intensity Junkie]

My guess is, from high fat you are getting plenty of sodium, but you are shy on potassium.

[sigma]

I had a similar problem.  I was urinating frequently and constantly thirsty.  I added overripe bananas (potassium) in post workout and I feel much better.  Interesting note, in a recent “Upgraded Self” podcast, someone new to low carb/ high fat dieting (much like myself) asked about the same thing.  The host said this was an indicater that they were in ketosis and their body was burning fat for fuel.  Something about the stored fat holding toxins that were released when fat was burned, and therefore needed to be eliminated.  I don't remember what he said caused the thirst. 

[Author]

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