Thu, Feb-04-10, 05:55
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Registered Member
Posts: 40
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Plan: South Beach modified
Stats: 160/144/135
BF:
Progress: 64%
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
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I started a low carb diet because I suspect that I'm in pre-menopause and I believe the change in hormones has affected my metabolism. I never had a problem shedding pounds fifteen years ago. Now, every pound I take off is a chore.
When I first started my low carb diet, I became disheartened when my period came around. I would gain anywhere from two to four pounds. Thankfully it would come back off again a week later. So, after I recognized the pattern I stopped obsessing over it.
As for depression and lethargy, what I am going to iterate next is going to go against the grain (no pun intended) of what some believe on this site. One of the main reasons I refused to try a low carb diet is because I suffered depression for a good amount of my adult life, but my depression became way worse in 2001 to the point where I had constant suicidal ideation. I sought counseling, but also read as much as I could on the subject of severe despression.
One of the books I read described the brain blood barrier, and indicated that certain food items affect the ability of tryptophan to cross from our bodies to our brain, which is then converted to serotonin. Proteins inhibit this ability, while carbs... particularly grains... enhance the ability. This is part of the reason that pasta and bread make great comfort food. Trytophan gets through, serotonin levels increase, all is well with the world.
During menstruation, fluctuating estrogen levels also affect the brain's ability to maintain serotonin levels, so between that and the low carb diet, it is almost like a double whammy.
One thing you might do as you approach your menstrual cycle is to choose foods that are higher in tryptophan. There is a ton of info available out on the net in that regard, but here is a link: Foods High in Tryptophan
You might also consider taking a supplement such as 5HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. This is link to the book I read several years back that explained the importance of trytophan in regard to serotonin levels: 5HTP
Please recognize that these are just suggestions, and if you are experiencing excessive painful cramping and depression, you might want to talk to your M.D. After a year of horrible, painful periods, I finally discussed the issue with my doctor. Through an ultrasound, I discovered that I have fibroids.
Good luck and God speed.
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