Why Your Magnesium Supplement Isn't Cutting It on Keto
Watch the source video
You've made the switch to a ketogenic diet, diligently cutting carbs and watching the scale drop. But now, your legs are cramping, your mood is sour, and the magnesium supplements you've been taking just aren't helping. What gives? The answer lies in the often-overlooked details of the keto journey, especially when it comes to dehydration and electrolyte balance.
The Initial Weight Loss: More Than Meets the Eye
As you transition from a standard diet to one with 20 or fewer carbohydrates per day, your body undergoes significant changes. Notably, your blood sugar and insulin levels drop, triggering a cascade of effects.
The early weight loss isn't fat loss; it's water weight, indicating reduced inflammation as glycogen stores deplete, releasing water.
— from the video
This water release leads to increased urination, and with it, a loss of essential electrolytes such as magnesium. The result is often a sense of dehydration and the infamous 'keto flu'.
Magnesium Deficiency: A Common Keto Pitfall
Most Americans are already teetering on the edge of a magnesium deficiency, and the keto diet can tip them over. Symptoms like confusion, anxiety, and muscle cramps are telltale signs of low magnesium.
Grandma Lost Pounds And Dropped Dress Sizes Drinking This Each Morning
Explore the tea that could boost metabolism here
Choosing the Right Magnesium Supplement
Magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate: Great for muscle cramps, with minimal digestive issues.
Magnesium citrate: Better absorption, but still acts as a laxative.
Magnesium chloride: An affordable option for consistent supplementation.
Magnesium L-threonate: Crosses the blood-brain barrier, aiding cognition.
Beyond Supplements: Absorb Magnesium Through Your Skin
For those struggling with traditional supplement absorption, there's an alternative: your skin. Magnesium baths (Epsom salt baths) allow magnesium to be absorbed transdermally, bypassing the gut entirely.
For maximum magnesium absorption, consider using a float spa, which immerses you in highly concentrated magnesium water.
— from the video
Maintaining Electrolyte Balance
Keeping your electrolytes in balance is key to avoiding the side effects of keto. While fancy electrolyte mixes can be tempting, simple mineral salts like real rock salt offer a cost-effective solution.
As you continue your keto journey, remember that hydration and electrolyte management are crucial to feeling your best. By choosing the right magnesium supplement and exploring alternative methods like magnesium baths, you can mitigate the common pitfalls and enjoy the benefits of your dietary shift.
