What really causes keto flu, and how can you prevent it?

By Tarun Sai LomteReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Apr 13 2025As ketogenic diets grow in popularity, a new review sheds light on the short-term side effects of keto-induction and offers science-backed solutions to help manage the dreaded "keto flu."Symptoms during initiation of a ketogenic diet: a scoping review of occurrence rates, mechanisms and relief strategies. Image Credit:eldar nurkovic/ ShutterstockIn a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers at the University of Bergen, Norway, evaluated symptoms during the transition to a ketogenic diet (KD), i.e., keto-induction.KD is characterized by a higher intake of fats, moderate intake of proteins, and lower consumption of carbohydrates. The low dietary carbohydrate maintains the predominant oxidation of fatty acids, mimicking the state of starvation that involves ketogenesis in the liver. Ketogenesis involves the synthesis of ketone bodies, such as acetone, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate, whic...