Keto Diet Supplements
Keto diet supplements are very important when you are on a keto diet. For me, the keto diet has been a miracle. There are so many health problems that the keto diet has helped me solve. I have been on the keto diet for about five years and one of the most important things to do is to make sure that you get your daily electrolytes.
The keto diet is a diuretic diet which means that you lose a lot of fluid. When you lose fluids, you will also lose electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, and sodium.
Many of the “so-called” bad effects of the keto diet are due to electrolyte imbalance. These side effects are known as the “keto flu”. Some of these side effects are:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Magnesium Benefits For Keto
Where should I start with magnesium! Magnesium is so important in all processes of the body. Is estimated that 75% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is needed to:
-
- Regulate your heart rhythm
-
- Joints and muscles require magnesium
-
- Regulate your blood pressure
-
- Magnesium prevents cramps
- Magnesium helps keep your bowels regular
The cramps that people get on keto diet are most likely due to magnesium deficiency. It is somewhat difficult to get the required daily amount of magnesium because of the way the food is processed. The soil and the foods are processed, therefore the magnesium is depleted from the food sources.
The average daily dose is 320mg per day of magnesium.
Potassium Benefits for Keto
Potassium is another very important mineral for the heart. Often times people abandon the keto diet because they start feeling sluggish, tired, sleepy, and they start having heart palpitations.
These symptoms are concerning, and they made the individual think that there is something wrong.
Well, there is something wrong but it’s not with the diet. The problem is you have not been getting your required daily potassium requirements. The daily potassium requirements are 4700 mg. This can be challenging to meet daily.
You see, potassium is required for the heart to function. Potassium has many health benefits:
- Regulation of blood pressure
- Prevention of stroke
- Prevention of heart and kidney disorders
- Regulate water balance
- Regulate the nervous system
- Enhance muscle strength
- Regulate electrolytes
Many of the foods very high in potassium are not allowed on the keto diet such as potatoes, cantaloupes, and raisins. However, there are many low carb foods that are high in potassium. These foods are high in potassium:
- Avocado
- Portabello mushrooms
- Kale
- Fresh Pork
- Salmon
- Swish chard
- French beans
- Artichokes
- Mustard greens
- Spinach
It is not recommended to take potassium supplements unless you are under the care of a doctor. Especially if you have a kidney disorder. For someone with normal kidney function, foods high in potassium are good. The kidneys will just expel what you don’t need.
Remember you need 4700mg of potassium per day! Keto diet supplements are important especially if you do not get enough vegetables into your diet.
Sodium Benefits for Keto Diet
Sodium or salt is extreme,y important in the keto diet. When people complain of dizziness, lightheaded, excess urination, sodium deficit is probably the culprit.
Sodium is necessary for the nerve and muscle systems to work. I know you have probably all of your life heard that we must decrease sodium.
However, this is not the case for the keto diet. The keto diet is a diet that expels excess water. Along with that water, the kidneys expel excess sodium. This especially happens at the beginning of the diet when it is not uncommon for someone to lose 10 pounds a week.
You can get extra salt by adding Himalayan salt to your food or drinks. Also, bone broth is excellent for all electrolytes.
Caution: If you have a heart condition such as congestive heart failure, make sure you consult with your doctor before taking extra salt.
Calcium Benefits On the Keto Diet
Calcium is important but it does not need to be supplemented. This is because if you eat green vegetables in the keto diet, you will get plenty of calcium. Calcium is important for building healthy bones and teeth.
MCT Oil For the Keto Diet
Medium-chain triglycerides or MCT is a type of fat that the body uses for energy right away. These oils are not stored as fat. MCT’s help your body produce ketones. MCTs are found in coconut oil, butter, and cheese.
Omega 3 for the Heart and Brain
Omega 3 is crucial for the brain and heart health in a multitude of ways. Keto foods have more Omega-6 than Omega -3. Omega-3 fights inflammation, depression, and lowers cholesterol.
Foods containing high amounts of Omega 3 are;
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Mackeral
- Grass-fed beef
Conclusion
The keto diet has taken the nation by storm, and it has proven its strength! Anybody on the keto diet needs to pay close attention to their electrolytes. Keto diet supplements are important.
My name is Phyllis Robinson MSN, RN. I have been a Registered Nurse for 27 years in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. I am passionate about cardiac care and heart disease. I also want this blog to be an educational tool that people can refer to for traditional and alternative treatment. I will blog on heart disorders such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and high cholesterol.
I received my Nursing degree from Baltimore Community College.
I went on to receive my Masters in Nursing from Walden University
I have worked for almost 30 years in Critical Care with a focus on heart health. I am an advocate of preventive healthcare.
