Headaches...

[Mickkey]

Can anyone tell me why I'm having a headache every day now, and how do I stop the pain? Aspirin seems to relieve it for awhile but it comes right back.

[Elizellen]

It is most likely what we call 'induction flu' where your body is reacting to the low carb level you are feeding it with sort of 'withdrawal' symproms. Many new Atkineers experience if and find it usually dissipates in a few days.
I was one of the lucky ones who didnt really notice it, but from what I read here I was definitely one of the few.

Whatever headache pill you normally take should help you through these few days.

Here is a link to the thread in the FAQs about 'induction flu'
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6758 (What is the induction flu?)

[Jayare012]

If you stick to under 20 carbs a day it will usually pass by the end of the 3rd day. Longest its ever taken me to get through it was 4 days. After its over though ul feel great. Alot more energy and youll be on ur way to weightloss.

[Mickkey]

Thank you. I'm still experiencing them daily and right now it started about 1/2 hour ago. I'm trying to keep my carbs under 20 but found out from doing the chart thing that eggs have carbs and now I'm all messed up. Thanks for repying!

[kylie]

If you also gave up caffeine when starting Atkins, that too could account for some of your headache pain. Luckily, that will also go away within a few days. Definitely take something for it if it seems to help (but not excedrin if you are really trying to stop the caffeine) AND drink an extra glass (or three or four) of water. Being adequately hydrated can really help.

[Mickkey]

Thanks Kylie. The aspirin I've taken is excedrin...does it have caffeine? I am so messing up in every direction. No wonder I have a headache! I will drink more water. These are painful. Thanks again.

[kylie]

Hang in there! I am not certain if all excedrin has caffeine or not, but I know the regular (green bottle) does - I swear by it for "stress" headaches, but I only have one of those once a month or so, so I don't worry about the caffeine - I just wanted you to be aware of that in case you were having caffeine withdrawal headaches then taking those could prolong the detox. Ask me how I know this LOL!

Truthfully, the headaches from all these changes to your Atkins eating/drinking are short-lived. If they are not gone in a few more days I would be really surprised. It's worth it! Promise!

Yay! to upping your water!
Kylie

[Dolphin]

Yep, that is the very best thing to do: UP YOUR WATER!!!! You're definitely going through a symptom of the Induction Flu. Some people get other symptoms with it. I have a headache too and everytime I feel a throb I drink my water. Its like your brain is thirsty and in order for it not to get dried out and crazy cravings to kick in, drink plenty of water to replenish it---that's my illustration on how it makes me feel.

[Mickkey]

I'm drinking, I'm drinking. Thanks y'all.