Sugar withdrawal is horrible. It's something you just have to endure and generally stops around the 4th or 5th day. People refer to it as Induction Flu since it feels so similar in symptoms. It DOES get better, I promise.

I did not give up my coffee until after induction and then went to the "1/2 caff" - it probably helped ease the headaches for me.

If you were consuming a lot of caffeine and then stopped cold turkey, that headache could last for up to five days. The following is from Coffee and Caffeine's FAQ:

My caffeine withdrawal headaches usually last 4-5 days.

I wasn't drinking caffeine before I started this WOL and I still got terrible headaches. I was however consuming mountains of carbs so I attributed the headaches to carb withdrawal. And I know they are real bad, but just persevere 'cause they will be gone in a day or two Gallons of water helped

Hang in there and good luck

Linda

Withdrawl symptoms....it does get better so hang in there!

Thanks so much for the help. I did have such a severe headache on day 2 that I actually felt nauseaous (sp) and also felt like I was going to fall asleep during the day twice. Today I actually feel better. I did not wake up with that dull ache behind by eyes so I think I may be okay!!! Thanks for the support!!!

Hi Steph,

When I first started Atkins, not only did I suffer headaches, but also heart palpitations, general lethargy, insomnia, and constant body heat dissipation. These conditions persisted for 3 months. Suffice it to say, those were 3 of the most miserable months I've ever spent not being "officially" diagnosed with some kind of illness.

There were many moments where I was right on the cusp of deciding that the "experts" were right on low carb just not being for me.

Then, one day, 3 months later, it all went away. No more headaches, no more general listlessness, no more body heat issues, no more insomnia, and only a feeling of extreme well being. It was very strange. I had gone from feeling sick, to feeling fully of energy and vibrant almost overnight.

Now, after several years, I can run faster and longer than I ever have. I looke better than I ever have. I can workout longer than I ever have. Ironically, now if I eat more carbs, I'll get the headache, heart palpitation, etc....LOL

So, just hang in there. If you stay the course long eough, your body will be on the precipice of wonderful physical changes acclimating to eating low carb.

Best of luck!

PS - Another thing that kept me on Atkins was the promise of eating all sorts of fatty meats liberally.

Hi Frederick,
Let me say you have made great progress. Thanks for the information. I was beginning to think something was wrong with me!! I have an ache in my side that came from nowhere. I have constant drymouth....I hope it wont take 3 months but the promise of an end in sight is wonderful. I have lost 7 pounds this first week so I am really excited about my progress so far.
And yes.....FATTY MEATS ARE THE BEST!!!!!

Your constant dry mouth is a definite sign that you are in lipolysis/ketosis. Drink plenty of water............You are doing very well................The "induction flu" as others have said are withdrawal symptoms and your body is detoxing. I concur; It does get better!

Keep up the good work

Sandra

I had a dull headache for approximately 10 days after starting Atkins and also felt really tired, and a bit confused. Drinking lots of water helped alleviate the headache symptom.

Hang in there, most people report feeling better in no time!

Well sorry to hear about these headaches and all I seem to remember having that the last time i was on atkins but so far I haven't had them (day 1..hehehe so knock on wood) I am having a little problem with having to pee pee constantly does this sound normal to you all? I just dont remember this before.

I do have that problem Tiff but I just thought it was from drinking more water.

I started a strict Atkins diet for the first time a week ago and I have been having the worst headaches in my life. I don’t drink any caffeine, so I know it’s not that. I’m trying to increase my fluids but maybe I’m still dehydrated. I’m trying to research what on earth it could be, because I really don’t like taking a lot of ibuprofen. Yikes. But, I must say this diet rocks. I’ve lost 6 lbs in 6 days!!

Ditto on the drinking lots of water (I think around 2Litres or 1/2 Gallon a day is an average recommendation).

Headaches could be coming from dehydration, or from toxins that need to be flushed out. When you break down body fat, toxins and hormones are released - fat stores toxins & hormones - so it needs water to flush it out.