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EventsWhat to do about low energy on low carb?
, medical content by Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, MD
in Low carb & high fat, Q&A, Weight loss 
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.
I’m at my wits end trying to switch things round every time to stop this from happening. I have had IBS in the past and know lots of dairy can be a trigger, but I’m trying not to consume that. LCHF seems to help other people’s acid – why is it making mine worse? What can I do please?
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
More
More Questions and Answers
Many more questions and answers:
Read all earlier questions and answers – and ask your own! – here:
Ask Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt about LCHF, Diabetes and Weight Loss – for members (free trial available).
1) a part won't be absorbed, because your ability to digest fat is not unlimited
2) a small part will be stored as fat
3) your metabolism will increase, which is not a very pleasant thing, particularly at night. You'll be hot and willing to move
4) it will be compensated the next time you eat as fat digestion is very slow and takes longer than a whole day. You'll just feel less hungry later and probably will eat less next time
But it's only my guess
I then want ro chew some almonds or take some small swallows of sugarless almond drink without carbs (Provamel, Alpro ...). The acid vanishes immediately (and without drugs).
It might also be the body protesting foods it does not like. Examples of LCHF foodstuffs I just cannot eat:
* I would love to eat pork. especially feet, skin etc, but my body signals its displeasure by mild TWO DAY heartburn from a single meal of pork.
* From low lactose and non lactose dairy products I get 12 hour nausea without being able to vomit. (No surprise, the removal of lactose is a heavy industrial process.)
*From coconut in any form whatsoever - both cold pressed organic oil and industrial coconut fat, coconut flakes, coconut sugar, whatever - I get a feverish feeling for a day or so plus sore throat.
*From tomato in any form I get watery diarrhea inside an hour or two; I suspect the body wants to get rid of it as soon as possible and that's the way to do it..-
And I am NOT allergic to any of these foods. Everyone is just not supposed to be able to eat everything possible.
So if anyone gets acid reflux or any other weird symptom from goin keto or LCHF, the question then is: Are you eating something you usually don't, when you go keto/LCHF?
It can take about 4-6 weeks to become fat adapted. When that transition happens, your body will be burning fat for fuel instead of glucose.
This differs from individual to individual. Read our guide on side-effects and what to do about them here: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/side-effects