How long does the headache last?

[queenpooch]

Hi everyone. :wave

I'm a three-day newbie. I've been doing Atkins off and on since the 70s, when the book first came out, but I've never experienced such debilitating headaches! I can't remember how long they last, but I know it has to do with the carb detox process. Any suggestions for the pain? It's hard to function, and I really need to function!

I've been weaning myself off caffeine v-e-r-y gradually for about two weeks now, so I don't think that's it.

Fatigue is a problem for me right now too, but I'm headed out to get the supplements the Doc suggests for that. I'm getting plenty of high quality protein and I've been eating my allowed greens.

The headache and fatigue is discouraging, so I guess I just need to hear someone else's experience .

Thanks ya'll and good health to all of us![/b]

[not2late]

Hi.

If you've been limiting your veggies to lettuce, try adding some of the higher carb veggies to your meals instead. Dr. Atkins wrote that too low of a carb level can cause some of problems like fatigue and headaches. So, take a look through the veggie lists and pick something else.

Some folks take aspirin and drink water to help with the symptoms.

Hang in there.

[Shay]

Hi,
Headaches were my major symptom when starting this WOE as well. For me they lasted about 3-4 days (but they were constant for that time, went to bed with it and got up with it). They were so bad I gave in on the 2nd or 3rd day my first time. The good new was once they were gone I didn't get another one unless I went off plan. For me 4-5 headaches a week was normal so this is an awsome improvement.

Hang in there, maybe try Motrin or something along those lines (stay away from ones with caffiene).

[SugarFreeSheila]

For me, the nightmarish head-quakers of sugar & starch withdrawal lasted about 3 solid days. I cannot imagine how much worse they would have been had I given up caffeine cold turkey as well. (I avoid it, but have never eliminated it.)

[queenpooch]

Thanks ya'll. I have increased my carbs from 20 to 30 for induction (with good vegies) whereupon the headaches and fatigue disappeared. I'm in my sixth day, and I feel great! Like a fat-burning machine. :joy My test strips are almost the darkest purple, so I know the extra carbs aren't hurting too much. Besides, what good is a new WOE if you feel like poop all day?

Shay, do you still have 4-5 headaches a week, or was that just during induction? I started getting horrible headaches a couple of years ago for the first time in my life. Nothing would alleviate the pain. Finally my husband mentioned that it might have something to do with me "chewing rocks" all night in my sleep. Lo and behold, I got a NTI teeth splint to keep me from clenching my jaw and teeth and the headaches stopped OVERNIGHT. Changed my life.

Sheila, your website is AWESOME! Go on with your bad self!

Thanks again for the advice. I'm so glad that part is over!

[Shay]

As long as I stay away from the sugar and carbs I don't get the headaches. I am however a teeth clencher as well, especially during stressful times. I just have to make myself relax my jaw.

I am glad you are feeling better! Our bodies are so different it is great when we can find the right things.