I didn't really think it was something I ate, since I have only eliminated foods since beginning the challenge. So, I turned to Google... and found that when some people enter ketosis, they can get a rash on their chest, clavicle, and back. Interesting....
After doing some research, here's what I've found the rash could be caused by:
1. Excess Ketone bodies in the blood, causing a rash
2. When your body begins to burn fat instead of carbs, it breaks down stored triglycerides. Since toxins are typically fat soluble, when these triglycerides break down, they release large amounts of toxins into the bloodstream, causing a rash
3. Excess Omega 6's are also stored in the fat cells -when the triglycerides break down, excess Omega 6's get into the bloodstream, causing a rash
4. When you begin a VLC diet, your protein intake typically increases, thus increasing digestive enzymes and histamine. The rash could be due to a histamine sensitivity.
So, here's my order in trying to eliminate the rash:
1. increase Omega 3 intake significantly (taking 1t/day liquid right now - will increase to 1T/day)
2. increase carbs in my diet - currently between 80g & 100g/day - will increase to 100-150g/day
Hopefully this works! On a positive note - this tells me that I am definitely in fat-burning mode, which was the whole point to this challenge!
Both me and baby are doing wonderfully. For the first time in a long time, when someone asks "how are you doing?," I say "fantastic." Seriously, fantastic.
My husband and I walk a 3-mile trail a couple of times/week with Lilah. Today was the first time in over a year that I actually felt like breaking into a jog while on this trail. I didn't, but I wanted to :)
Milk supply is still hanging in there. I haven't noticed any substantial increase or decrease since beginning the challenge outside of the supply dip fiasco about a week ago.
I also haven't noticed any temperament changes in Lilah. She's a healthy, happy little girl!
Here she is gnawing on her favorite food - bacon!
