What to do about low energy on low carb?

What to do about low energy on low carb? If calorie does not matter, what happens with excess fat that we take in? And what to do if your acid reflux gets worse on low carb?

Get the answers in this week’s Q&A with Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt:

What to do about low energy on low carb?

I have been eating low carb (under 40 net grams) for a few weeks now. Recently I have been experienced a real slump in energy levels mid-afternoon… The sleepiness really kicks in if I stop moving around. I am tracking my macros so I definitely am not increasing my carb intake and am having required amounts of protein. Can you offer any explanations/advice? Thank you for your time.

Irena

 
Try adding salt and fluid, e.g. a cup of bouillon 1-2 times a day.

Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt

If calories don’t matter, what happens with excess fat that we take in?

We know that excess of carbohydrates is stored as a fat. Some experiments show that after a period of excess calories on a high-fat diet there is no significant weight gain. How does the body use the rest of energy from the extra fat?

Sebastian

 
Fat is burned for fuel. It’s hard to overeat on a low-carb diet, as the satiety effect is so strong. As long as you only eat when you’re hungry, most people tend to not want to overeat on low carb.

Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt

Every time I start LCHF, I get acid reflux!

I’m desperate to do this diet and see it through, totally on board, but every time I start, by day 5, I’m having acid reflux/burbing symptoms, which are painful.

F

 
Hi F,

Most people improve long term on LCHF, but some people may have issues like yours when starting out, in the first days or weeks.

One way to control it would be to use over-the-counter antacids, like Omeprazole, during the limited period of time that you are likely to experience this symptom.

Best,
Andreas Eenfeldt

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