So what is a ketogenic / low carb diet?

A ketogenic diet is a way of eating that allows your body to enter a state of ketosis, where fat is burned and becomes the primary fuel source for the body producing ketones. Typically speaking, lowering total daily carbohydrate intake to below 50g will yield a state of ketosis, however periods of fasting can also yield similar results.

What does salt have to do with ketosis?

One of the main aspects of a low-carb diet is the lowering of insulin in the body. Insulin helps regulate the body's sodium levels, by assisting in its reabsorption in the kidneys. A higher level of Ketones will result in a greater release of Glucagon and lower levels of insulin. With low insulin comes low sodium levels, until your body can train itself to reabsorb more salt.

Typically speaking, if you are following a low-carb, ketogenic diet, your body will expel sodium faster than someone on a more standard diet, meaning, more sodium is needed to maintain optimal health. 

So why do you need more salt on a ketogenic diet?

When your body is running low on sodium, it has mechanisms in place to maintain homeostasis, however that is a life saving mechanism, not an optimal function mechanism. If you are experiencing fatigue, cramping, dizziness and constipation, chances are you're lacking the essential sodium levels your body desperately needs to function. To put it simply, the symptoms felt during the "keto flu" can be easily managed with adequate sodium and electrolyte intake.

The Salt Thermostat.

Your body has an extremely complex, interconnected set of systems at play that help your body maintain the optimal electrolyte balance, simply named, the Salt Thermostat. Your body would much rather deal too much salt, simply re-absorbing less and flushing it through kidneys, than deal with not enough salt and activate salt-retaining systems. These salt retaining systems cause your body to release the hormones renin and aldosterone, signalling to the body to go find salt from other more vulnerable parts of the body. Craving salt is part of this system, where your body is signalling you to consume more salt in order to maintain the optimal salt balance. 

How to stay salty.

Adding good pink salt to water is one way to keep your sodium levels up, however for most people, this is not sustainable or enjoyable, and straight pink salt lacks the correct amount of magnesium and potassium needed for optimal function. As we have learned, all electrolyte products are not created equal, where most lack the required electrolytes and are packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners. We formulated our Everyday Hydration Salts with ketogenic diets in mind, with specifically high levels of sodium and the adequate amounts of magnesium and potassium for everyday use.