[Zumbachica]

Day four of induction and I just don't feel well....I'm in a fog and am having chest palps...I sort of felt this way last time I was in induction (last year) but I don't remember what I did to make this yucky feeling go away. I read on the atkins site it could mean a loss of potassium and to drink chicken broth but I hate having all that sodium, it bloats up my ankles.....I don't want to quit Atkins but I don't want to feel "sickly" either! Does anyone have any suggestions??

[BrenM]

Are you eating and drinking enough? Did you take a supplement last time to help? If it's potassium deficiency, could you take a supplement to help?

[fatmad]

there are low salt broths, and you could even make your own by boiling some chicken. then you can have no salt broth.

[luckie13luv]

I get really sick too! HATE IT! It does go away, so that helps me get through it.

I think the broth should help. Just have a real small amount, half a cup. The sodium will make a difference. I just had a few sips earlier and it did seem to help settle me.

Did you quit caffeine? That could through you off too.

[Zumbachica]

I think the broth is supposed to be salty...that's where the potassium comes from...someone also told me avocado has potassium.....I have supplements but I don't know how much to take of it. I bought them last time , I don't remember if they helped or not. I really wish I could eat a banana.

[yoyoma]

I would really suggest you consider seeing a doctor. LC may be exposing an underlying condition. Even if it is more likely to be a simple potassium deficiency, you need a prescription to get a potassium supplement that will meet the RDA. The supplements you buy in the store only have about 3% of the RDA of potassium (and I mean the potassium supplements, not the multis). Atkins recommends that you see a doctor and get a prescription supplement for potassium. He also recommends seeing a doctor and getting a blood workup before starting the diet (I'll admit I skipped these steps too).

I know about the potassium because I've had a few muscle cramps. My husband bought a bottle of the 3% potassium supplements for me (I told him to check the RDA bc I knew that might be an issue but he forgot). What has worked for me is to get a potassium-based salt substitute (butter flavored AlsoSalt). A 1/4 tsp has 9% of the RDA, which is funny because the supplements aren't allowed to have that much (as I understand it, they don't want ppl self-dosing large amounts bc of its impact on pulse rate).

There may also be other eletrolytes (sp?) that could be the source of the problem other than potassium (I know there are other possible culprits in the case of muscle cramps). In the case of palpitations, I do think it would be best to play it safe and seek medical advice.

[abluvion]

I got shakey on my first day of Atkins, but it passed quickly. I had some asparagus (good carbs), a lot of water, and rested for a bit. Your case sounds somewhat different though, and with the heart palpatations I'd be worried. The potassium/broth solution sounds like a good idea, and if that doesn't help, remove thyself to a doctor posthaste

[Zumbachica]

Thank you for your replies everyone.....the palps are gone. I really believe I was dehydrated. I drank a ton of water and that seemed to help. I also bought a very very high sodium broth and that seems to help.

[abluvion]

Glad you are feeling better!