Ketosis causing light-headedness

[bigdave]

I'm a second time arounder and have been pretty strict on induction since early January. I'm losing pretty consistently (down about 15 pounds since I started) - however recently I've been getting that feeling of blood rushing to the head if I kneel or bend down. I heard that ketosis might cause this so I tested myself and the ketostix turned this super dark purple with 1 drop of urine.

Is this too much ketosis going on at once? My menu is 65/30/5 f/p/c and I'm getting good amount of vegetables and taking more than enough supplements. I'm just worried that this blood rushing to the head feeling is usually associated with low heart strength.

Any thoughts/experiences?

[kylie]

Re: Ketosis causing light-headedness

Hi there! I'm not a doctor (I don't even play one on TV ) but since you mention changing position preceding the lightheadedness it could be related to your blood pressure - that is one of the ways I can always tell when mine is low. I am not sure about ketosis in and of itself causing it, but am sure someone else will chime in about that soon. I was under the impression that you were either in ketosis or not - that there weren't exactly "degrees" of ketosis - but I could be mistaken there. In any event, I hope you get this figured out.

[bigdave]

Re: Ketosis causing light-headedness

hey kylie - thanks for the tip (btw, is that a quote from Friends?) Your tip on low blood pressure helped me find a condition called orthostatic hypotension (equivalent of a head rush) which is caused for many of the reasons you mentioned. It's not as bad now as it was the last few days but I'm going to try to keep a sharp eye on it.

Would lvoe to hear anyone else's experiences with it!

[ValidRouge]

Re: Ketosis causing light-headedness

I was going to suggest dehydration (frequent problem with people in the beginning of Atkins). Did a google and found these:

Dehydration may lead to feeling of lightheadedness especially when changing positions. This dizziness symptom is due to low blood pressure.

from http://www.chemocare.com/managing/dizziness.asp

Causes of low blood pressure due to low blood volume

• Dehydration is common among patients with diarrhea who lose large amounts of water in their stool, particularly when drowsiness limits their drinking of fluids or is associated with nausea and vomiting. Dehydration also can occur with prolonged vomiting of any cause because of the loss of water in the vomitus. Other causes of dehydration include exercise, sweating, fever, and heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Individuals with mild dehydration may experience only thirst and dry mouth. Moderate to severe dehydration may cause orthostatic hypotension (manifest by light-headedness, dizziness or fainting upon standing). Protracted and severe dehydration can lead to shock, kidney failure, confusion, acidosis (too much acid in the blood), coma, and even death. For more, please read the Dehydration article.

from http://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood_pressure/page4.htm

Drink up! I had over 152 ounces today.

[Purple Sage]

Re: Ketosis causing light-headedness

Hi! I had this at the beginning of Atkins and my docs I work for told me it could be two things, either being dehydrated or low BP. I started drinking more water and it quit right away...now I sometimes feel lightheaded and dizzy and if I drink water all is better almost immediately.

Keep up the good work!

[moonwish]

Re: Ketosis causing light-headedness

I have had problems with low blood prssure for as long as I remember. And I can honestly tell - exercise helps alot!