Aches and Pains during induction

[CAlotto]

Today is day 7 of induction; I've lost 9 lbs. I've had headaches for 4 consecutive days. I also have muscle aches, in my arms and legs (that I don't attribute to excercise).

Is that normal?

[not2late]

This could be the "Induction Flu", or the carb withdrawal symptoms Dr. Atkins discussed in Chapter 11 (see the book for more info).

However, if you develop a fever, rash, etc. see your doctor as it might not be due to Atkins, but due to an infection.

[Laurenfra]

Not getting enough water can cause all those symptoms. Are you drinking youe 64 + 8 for every 25 pounds you want to loose?

[FightingTheFight]

hmm...muscle anches and leg cramps can be contributed to lack of a certain nutrient, but headaches eh? not sure.

What is your water intake like?
Have you started any medication?
Have you had problems with headaches or migraines in the past?

[CAlotto]

I'm drinking close to a gallon and a half of water per day. I can't get enough of the stuff, I'm always thirsty.

I'll check out chapter 11.

As for headaches in the past. I've had headaches before, but never for this long/consecutively.

[cleochatra]

Induction flu is the pits!

Headache, tiredness, some nausea. Drinking water like you are makes a biggy diff! Still, when you feel ucky it's hard to imagine that in a few short days you're on the road to skinny junction and feeling GREAT!

{{{CA}}} Here's to feeling better uber-soon!

[Effie]

When I had the Induction Flu, the thing that made me feel better was eating cheese, or sometimes veggies. I REALLY didn't feel like eating, but just 1 oz. of cheese would make me feel better. This might not work for you, but give it a shot. I wondered if this was psychosomatic, like my body felt like it was losing weight too fast so just the simple act of eating would "trick" it into feeling better. This could be the actual physiological reason why it works too, though.

I didn't get the Induction Flu this time around (this is my second attempt on Atkins), but I'm also losing much more slowly, so that's the trade off I guess.

[Kelani]

muscle cramps

Hi there,

Yeah you definitely should read Chapter 11 in 2002 DANDR. During induction, you lose a lot of calcium in your urine among other nutrients. I bet if you ate more cheese as suggested by one of the members or take a calcium supplement until you decide to go to OWL your leg and arm cramps would dissappear. Try it and let us know what happens :wave

[cajunthunder]

Have you given up anything else during this time, like caffeine? If so, caffeine withdrawal usually causes a gawd awful headache that can last for a week or two.