A tool designed to estimate optimal hydration levels for individuals following a ketogenic diet considers factors such as body weight, activity level, and climate. For example, such a tool might recommend a higher fluid intake for a physically active individual in a warm climate compared to someone less active in a cooler environment.
Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial during dietary changes, particularly those involving carbohydrate restriction, as water plays a key role in mitigating potential side effects like fatigue, constipation, and the “keto flu.” Historically, the importance of water intake has been understood, but its specific relevance to the ketogenic diet has gained prominence more recently with the diet’s increased popularity. Proper hydration supports kidney function, crucial for processing byproducts of fat metabolism, and helps maintain electrolyte balance, often disrupted during the initial stages of ketosis.