racing heart, weakness, heartburn

[rhaazz]

Hey, I've been doing the Atkins diet for a week. While it seems to be working (I've lost 7 pounds) it also seems to be causing horrible side effects. For one thing, my legs hurt and I have extremely low energy, almost as though I have the flu but without any other flu symptoms. I just want to lie in bed and sleep. I'm taking potassium as Atkins recommends but can't really say I've noticed a difference. Second -- I have heartburn for the first time in my life. I have NEVER had heartburn before and now I have it ALL the time. It's very unpleasant (though I guess I could start taking anti-heartburn meds -- I've never even shopped for the things before). I am also constipated -- again, for the very first time in my life. I didn't even know what constipation was until trying this diet. Also my heart is pounding and often, in the middle of the night, I wake up with a racing heart. I am a vegetarian and wonder if all of these symptoms are cause by my body's inability to adjust to all the animal protein I'm suddenly consuming.

[Hbmich]

This is interesting,

I was in the ER a couple of days ago because I had some heart pain and my chest didnt feel right. They told me that i had heart palpatations. I am under a lot of stress and that is the most likely cause, and I have been low carbing for a while now. You should get it checked out because this WOL shouldnt be related to your condition. When your body doesnt feel right you need to go to the doctor, its better to be safe then sorry. I personally dont see how your body can get to the state of shock by cutting out carbs.

Well my advice is to get it checked out I know how you feel and its not fun,

Take care
H.B.

[Rosebud]

Hi Rhaaz,

How much potassium are you taking? You need about 400mg a day when starting to low carb.

Make sure you take the potassium with meals, as otherwise it can irritate your stomach. If you have been taking it on an empty tum, it may be responsible for your heartburn.

A calcium and magnesium supp will also help you to feel better. The best one to take has a 2 cal:1 mag formula. You'll need 1000:500mg daily, unless you are post menopausal, when it's 1500:750.

If you still feel as though you have heart palpitations after increasing your potassium, please do seek medical attention.

The constipation will ease when you add more fibre. Are you having plenty of vegies? Dr Atkins recommends taking psyllium husks to help constipation. One tablespoon in a full glass of water daily will help. It tastes a bit gacky, but adding a squeeze of lemon juice will help. Do make sure you are drinking plenty of water, too. At least 64 oz plus another 8 oz for every 25 pounds you need to lose.

I hope you feel better soon. :there:

:rose:Rosebud:rose:

[rhaazz]

I appreciate your help! I will definitely try those suggestions. Thank you both for your responses -- I am touched.

[Evey]

I still haven't figured out how to post a reply on here! I am computer illiterate (also, I can't spell!) I'm not sure if you'll get this but I've been wanting to thank you for your response to my question a while ago about ketones. And your right - I'm not worrying about it and the weights coming off!

Thanks again,
Evey