Low Carb & Migranes - Any one else have this problem?

[GreatBiscuit]

Hello all. I think the last time I posted on this board it was the Inspiration Board.

Anyway, I'm trying to shed some inches and thought I'd try a low carb approach. The only problem was that 2 days into it, I got hit with a monster migrane. I had quit drinking soda (one of my main staples) as part of the low-carb approach. It was only after a combo of migrane medication, Dr. Pepper, and lots of sleep that the thing finally went away. Is this common or coincidence? I've been nervous about trying low carb again.

Any info would be appreciated.


Thanks!

 

[nativetxn]

I had severe migraines before I went through menopause (sorry if that is TMI) but I don't have them now and didn't have them during induction. It could have been caffeine withdrawal that triggered them.

My husband did not give up his Diet Dr. Pepper when he started induction and it did not seem to hinder him. I did not give up caffeinated coffee, either and it didn't seem to slow me down.

You could begin induction again and not eliminate your Diet Dr. Pepper and see if you get a headache again.

I know that a lot of people on induction experience headaches the first few days but not migraines. We both know there is a huge difference between a headache (tylenol would control that) and a migraine. Once you have eliminated all vestiges of refined carbohydrates from your system, though, the withdrawal symptoms go away.

I didn't have withdrawal but my husband did. It was gone by day 4.

 

[tinkerbell flying]

Before Atkins, I had Migraines all the time. When I cut out my caffenine, I also had some. Now, as an added benefit to weight-loss, I have very few headaches or migraines.


Lisa

 

[mrsltg]

Also, you "spill" ketones on Atkins. This will (most likely) give you a headache until your body adjusts. Mine lasted the better part of a day, and then that was it!

13 pounds and counting after 3 weeks on Atkins!

Erin

 

[Rhonda]

It's pretty common to get a headache during the first few days of low-carbing. It's withdrawl symptoms from not having the sugars and caffeine. Grit your teeth for the next few days, and you will start feeling much better! Good luck!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback. Maybe I'll try again without giving up caffine right away, and see if it helps.

 

[Otto's Doll]

I find that if I eat "off plan" (someone suggested not calling it cheating, just eating off plan. I like that, because this is the rest of my life, not just a short term thing.) and then go back to Atkins, I will still get a headache.

I am finding that I feel so much better eating Low Carb that I don't really care so much about the foods I should avoid. I even look forward to my 1/2 hour walk everyday!

Jeanne

 

[Baileymouse]

Whenever I followed a low-carb plan in the past, I would lose weight but I did have headaches. I'm sure it was the caffeine and the lack of water. I drink at least 64 oz. a day now, and I haven't had but 3 cups of coffee since June - and no headaches unless I forget to load up on water. They weren't regular headaches - they were migraines complete with aura, throbbing temple and slight nausea.

Hope this helps,
Adele

 

[webray]

Migranes aren't associated with lo carb eating. It was probably a stress induced migrane from you trying this way of eating.

You can have headaches from the withdrawal of sugar/caffiene etc in your body...but that will only last a few days and then you will feel great.

Take it from someone who knows migranes...I haven't had one since I have been on Atkins, no pms either...it is excellent!