So, you’ve ditched the bread basket, sworn off pasta, and embraced avocados like they’re your new BFF (even if the avocado on toast trend is off the table). Keto can feel like the perfect solution at first: quick weight loss, steady energy, and a clearer head thanks to skipping that initial “keto flu” stage.. But then… something feels off.
Maybe you’re bloated. Maybe your digestion’s sluggish. Or maybe your gut is just sending mixed signals that make you question if bacon and butter were really the dream diet after all. Don’t worry, you’re not broken. Your gut’s just adjusting, and here’s why.
The Gut Isn’t Always a Fan of Change
Your digestive system is like that friend who hates surprises. Suddenly cutting carbs and loading up on fat forces your gut bacteria to adapt overnight. Some of those little microbes thrive on fibre (which you’ve just cut way back), while others enjoy fats and proteins. So when you change the menu on them so suddenly, chaos can ensue - think bloating, gas, constipation, or even the opposite.
Constipation: The Awkward Sidekick of Keto
One of the top complaints people have about keto is constipation. Less fiber, less water retention (thanks to dropping carbs), and dehydration all hit your gut hard. Suddenly, you’re spending half of your new “low-carb lifestyle” with your legs going numb as you sit staring at the bathroom door.
A few small tweaks can help:
- Drink more water (yes, it’s cliché advice, but it works).
- Add more low-carb fibre (leafy greens, chia seeds, flax).
- Support your gut lining so it can actually function at its best.
Your Gut Lining Takes a Hit
When your gut’s under stress, whether from diet changes, inflammation, or just plain overdoing the cheese platter, your intestinal lining can become more sensitive. This is when you might notice food sensitivities popping up or that heavy, sluggish feeling after meals.
Giving your gut a little extra support makes a huge difference here. Something like SoluSticks Gut - our daily glutamine-based supplement blended with botanicals - can help repair and strengthen the gut lining. Think of it like patching up the walls so your gut can handle the keto shake-up without making you suffer for the first few weeks.
It’s Not Just Your Stomach Talking
When your gut’s struggling, the rest of your body feels it too. Your energy dips, your skin can flare up, your mood takes a hit. The gut-brain connection is real, and keto can either help or hinder depending on how well you support your digestive system through the change.
So… Should You Quit Keto?
Not necessarily. Keto works wonders for some people, but for others it’s just not the right fit - and that’s okay. However, if you do love how you feel on low-carb eating (minus the digestive hiccups), don’t throw in the towel too soon. It’s definitely worth tweaking your approach to see if you can make it work for you.
Stay hydrated, eat more non-starchy veggies, don’t skip on electrolytes, and consider giving your gut lining an extra bit of lovin’ lovin’. That way, you can keep enjoying the benefits of keto without constantly feeling “off.”
It’s A Balancing Act
Keto can feel amazing once your body adjusts, but your gut needs just as much attention as your macros. If you’re feeling bloated, backed up, or just not yourself, it’s usually not a sign to quit - it’s simply a sign your digestion needs more support. Small tweaks, more fiber, and gut-friendly supplements like SoluSticks Gut can make all the difference.
Because let’s face it, no one signs up for keto dreaming about constipation.
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