06.20.2015- Misc thoughts.

carimiller7391

Good morning ladies and gents!!!

Hope this finds everyone doing great and enjoying their weekend. I'm currently at work. (BOOOHISS), but I only work one weekend every 3 weeks and I get off a day during the week, which helps with appointments for doctors, dentist, and just a mental health break.... Sometimes you need that day off during the week to recoupe.....This was definitely one of those weeks for me. I sent one of my best friends an email, very short of saying I needed to be in the hospital for depression. I really thought/felt I was going to end up in there for depression. I see my Dr. and therapist this coming week and am going to discuss changing or uping my meds (wondering if since I had RNY if I am not absorbing all the anti-depressant the way I should)..... all I know is I've been down/sad/depressed for about 3 weeks and that is definitely not me. Normally when I have an "episode" due to my bipolar, I go manic although I cycle every 4-5 days normally. I've learned to live with the 4-5 day cycling as normal for me.....but being down and feeling like doing nothing but crying.... not me. It's also gotten to the point that it's scaring Reggie a bit. Not that he wants to leave, he keeps asking what he can do to make me "happy again"... I wish it was that easy.

I am starting to also learn that my food choices are affecting my moods in a very negative way.. both biologically and emotionally. I've kept a mood journal since Tuesday of the foods I've eaten and the way I've felt before and after eating. Junk, processed foods, sugar, refined flour, anything processed in general is giving me a false feeling of good for about 30 minutes. After that, I don't want to say I crash, but my body rebels. I feel horrible. My joints hurt, I get an instant headache, I feel tired and lethargic, (I end up popping caffiene pills to wake up, stay awake, get thru the afternoon after the processed food).... Boy was this an eye opener for me. I am wondering how much of my depression right now is food related.... Just my body retaliating to the junk I've digested all these years.

So with all that said, yesterday I tried something foreign to me. For breakfast, I had granola..(yes higher in carbs and processed but wanted to see reaction to it) with 1/4c of fat free milk. No true reaction to it, but did find it kept me feeling full and pretty decent for most of the morning. Lunch was a couple of hotdogs (beef) with cheese.... Both processed foods... immediate headache and body ache. WOW.... mid afternoon was fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple)... I felt awesome afterwards. Bright eyed and bushy tailed....Higher in sugar and carbs than I'd like but wanted to see how I felt after having some **natural occuring sugars** Dinner was 6oz filet mignon on the grill with 1/4c green beans and 1/4c of rice a roni (only processed food at dinner)..... After dinner, I got a headache again, felt lethargic and basically did not feel like doing anything. Again, very eye opening for me.

I'm going to try each day doing something different and slowly getting anything (anything that doesn't NATURALLY come from a source) processed out of my life. I am truely starting to believe that food companies are tied into the pharmacutical companies and are using our foods to make and keep us sick. HUGE REVELATION HERE FOR ME!!!!

carimiller7391

With all the above ramblings...
what natural sweetner (agave, honey etc...) would you suggest???
yogurt (I love yogurt)? Are there any natural yogurts out there?
Any other tips/tricks you'd care to share??

GSD_Mama

Hi there, welcome to the group. First off, I'm sorry you're going through some rough times and I'm so glad that you're trying to better yourself with a right diet.
I do believe what we eat makes the whole difference in how we feel, and yes, big PHarma and Drug dealers (food companies) are in cahoots with each other to make big bucks on your health.
With that said, you're on the right track to help yourself and that's a good start.
I have not touched any CRAP for over 4 month and I can tell the difference in my well being. If nature didn't make it, don't eat it
Best of luck to you!!

carimiller7391

Thanks!!!

KarlaYP

Yes, absorption of medications is altered after RNY. You may need to call the doctor who prescribes your antidepressant to see about changing the dose. It's a whole new life with many adjustments after bariatric surgery. I'm living that myself. I love your research on processed foods! I realize too that processed food is poison for me. I don't even want to test it, but am glad your are able to realize that for yourself. Wishing you continued success!

Kitnthecat

I don't know where to begin here and want to offer you support, but will try to keep it simple for now.

I used to suffer from depression, anxiety and panic attacks. My Dr had me trying various anti-depressants, and I also took an anti-anxiety drug nightly to bump up the effects of the sleeping pill I took, and I also had a med for the panic attacks that almost knocked me out when I took it. It's been a long road for me, but I have reached the best health I have had in probably 10 years, and I think it is because I took an increasingly active role in my own health.

I no longer take those drugs. I know that it is natural to want to follow the advice of our Doctor who is supposed to provide the best care for us and make everything better. We are so trusting as a society and want to believe that if we take a drug it will solve our problems, we will feel better and everything will fall into place. It just didn't happen for me. The therapy with the psychologist didn't work for me either. I felt crappy on all counts. What else did I have to turn to but food ? Good old comfort food. Yes, we trust that the food and drug companies have our best interests at heart, but we shouldn't IMO be so trusting. These are money making companies remember and marketing is a huge ploy to get us to part with our money. Everyone wants a quick fix, but they also want to be able to indulge in everything the western world has to offer in terms of goods and food. We might figure that it is coming to us, that we deserve it, that we need a treat, whatever the motivation or the product is, we want it now. So after believing so much advice that it thrown at us from conventional, trusted sources, we don't understand why we don't feel better, why we don't lose weight, etc, etc.

I figured that for me the conventional stuff was not working, so I turned to other alternatives, a more natural way of doing things I guess. I needed to get back to basics and see what would happen if I took away lot of the stuff I used to do in favour of more natural ways to improve the health of my body and mind. It had taken me almost 5 years to reach this point, so don't get discouraged if you are just starting out and everything is hard to do at once. Little by little your awareness of how what you do affects your body. Every action has a reaction, and it can be confusing at first, but will also give you control.

My chiropractor advised me to give up eating grains and sugar, which was hard to do at first, but it is part of our life now. I also cleaned out all the processed foods out of my house and have not brought them back into the house. There is nothing better than home cooked food, as close to nature as you can get it. If I do buy some prepared foods like cheese, I read all the ingredient labels and will not buy a product if it contains wheat, various forms of sugar, sometimes multiple forms of sugar in one product, MSG, artificial sweeteners, bad fats like vegetable oils, hydrogenated anything...margarine yuck, and a host of other additives designed to improve food texture or shelf life. I don't care how much the food companies say they have tested these products, I don't want to eat anything unnatural. Your body does not recognize these as food and will continue to make you hungry in it's quest to nourish itself. Try researching the effects that these ingredients can have on your health for more info.

Don't eat the junk food ! It is not good for your body or your mind ! Listen to your body, it is telling you something. I found that the negative effects of eating the processed foods made most of those foods very undesirable to me. I don't get pleasure from them anymore. They are not worth it to me.

I changed my diet at the same time I started weaning myself off the drugs ( under my doctor and chiropractor's guidance). I started taking an Omega 3 fish oil supplement the same time I upped my fat intake. The brain needs fat to be able to feel it's best. I am sure that by eliminating sugar ( even most fruit except berries), wheat and starchy foods, and by upping my fat intake of healthy fats, my body felt better, but my emotions calmed and I felt a greater sense of emotional well being.

Your statement about not being sure how much of your depression is food related struck a chord with me. I now wonder if I would have "needed" the anti-depressants at all if I had been nourishing my body back then. I'm no expert, but I can tell you that I feel completely different ( well) and I'm sure that what I am eating is largely why.

I think you would feel so much better if you did not give in to cravings for the junk food, and sugar. There is so much crap in the processed food that could be affecting the way you feel. Try eating plain real food and see how you feel. I don't know if you are aiming for in terms of carbs, but watermelon, and pineapple are very high in sugar. Try any berries instead. Try eating meat that is not processed and see how you feel. Replace the rice aroni with riced cauliflower.

I know it's hard but sticking to the plan should improve the way you feel in every regard. I myself feel much better eating keto, and right now, trying to zero carb. Hoping you're feeling better.

totaloblivia

Great post @Kitnthecat

Kitnthecat

Thanks @totaloblivia

carimiller7391

@kitnthecat- thanks for the support and validating my feelings with your own feelings. Other then my psychiatrist and therapist, I'm not one to trust docs and the meds that they prescribe. I feel most of the time they are receiving a kick back of some sort from the drug companies for prescribing their particular drug.

I have been on my med cocktail for 12 years now, with very few true episodes. Even though my "norm" is cycling every 4-5 days, my full blown depressive or manic episodes have been very few. (LUCKILY)

I am slowly weaning myself off of the processed foods. Making better choices and truly thinking about the choices I am making before I make them... Do I really want/need this food? etc...

This has definitely been a long process as with almost all weight loss programs out there, they PUSH "Their healthy foods" which are processed. I've done almost every commercial program out there. Losing weight yes, but feeling like total crap.

I appreciate the support.. THANK YOU!!!!

Kitnthecat

You're welcome Cari. I am truly convinced that paying attention to how you feel when eating, and paying attention to what you are eating and how that makes you feel is very important, not only for general health, but also for emotional and mental well being. I have to wonder how many mental or emotional issues are a direct result of bad food choices, or I also wonder how these issues can be either negatively or positively affected depending on what we feed our bodies.

Start slowly in terms of eliminating the processed foods. Also, if you don't like to cook, start out by trying a few recipes at a time. Look for healthier ways to make your favorite comfort foods. There are tons of recipes online. Gradually your confidence will grow and your tastebuds will change. Your body will start to feel better and you won't be as easily tempted by the bad stuff. Keep healthy low carb real food snacks ready to go in the fridge. Eating less carbs and sweet tasting foods will help eliminate cravings for more food. Make your own convenience type foods, foods that you enjoy and feel like you are eating a treat. Eat when hungry then stop eating when full and pay attention to when emotions may be trying to trick you. We've got to get a handle on how to handle our emotions without eating, but that's another story. For now, just pay attention. Most importantly, don't bring "danger" foods into the house.

I lost 100 pounds years ago eating SAD low fat foods, then gained it all back plus more. It simply doesn't work, makes you feel crappy and the food cravings never really go away. The mood boosting benefits of a LCHF way of eating are such a bonus to feeling great physically. Once you get into a routine and start to have positive results, it gets easier. You don't feel deprived. Just think all those low fat processed weight loss products are just gimmicks to make you spend your money, with little evidence of lasting results for people trying to lose weight. How many of them gain it all back ? If we don't change our way of eating so that it benefits us, and not the weightloss companies, we will never learn how to live our most productive and healthy ( and happy ) lives.

It would be interesting to see how you feel once you get a comfortable with this woe. I have read that many mental health symptoms can be better managed through diet. I have high hopes for you !

canadjineh

There's a lot of information out there on legit studies published in Neurology and Psychology journals about how our gut biome affects our brains. I'll see if I can find the latest article that I read on Medscape on this (a few weeks ago now) and post what I can here. It is a closed member-only continuing ed site for medical professionals otherwise I would just post a link.
Here we go, it's from March (sorry more than a few weeks ago ):
The Microbiome and Brain Health: What's the Connection?
Sarah R. Dash
Doctoral candidate, Faculty of Health, Deakin University School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
Disclosure: Sarah R. Dash has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
March 24, 2015

"Researchers are now beginning to understand the ways in which bacteria living in the human gut—the gut microbiota—communicate with and influence brain health. The concept of a faulty "gut/brain axis" has been associated with various neurologic and psychiatric outcomes and is thought to be explained, at least in part, by immune dysfunction and inflammation triggered by poor gut health.[1]

The gut microbiota has emerged as an important focus in the understanding of noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as disorders of the brain. Brain-related conditions place a great burden on society, and the limitations of current interventions reflects the need for ongoing investigations into understanding and treating brain disorders, in part by exploring the close relationship between our biome and our brain.

Although the composition of the gut microbiota remains relatively stable during our middle years, it continues to be influenced by such factors as geography, antibiotics, exercise, and diet. This is particularly important when considering possible prevention and intervention in brain disorders.

It is well known that bidirectional gut/brain communication may occur directly and indirectly via the central and enteric nervous systems, the vagus nerve, and the endocrine and immunoinflammatory systems and through the modulation of neurotransmitters.[1] Diet could also utilize these pathways, because the gut microbiota supports optimal nutritional bioavailability—for example, by maintaining normal plasma tryptophan levels, an important building block for making serotonin, a key central nervous system neurotransmitter.[1] Advances in this field have come from the development of DNA sequencing technology, which allows researchers to conduct large-scale screening of the bacteria in the gut and their associated physiologic functions. This has helped researchers to link disruption of the gut microbiota with biological markers of the communication pathways mentioned above.

(skipped sections unrelated to the main topic here such as MS, autism-spectrum-disorder, etc)

The Microbiota and Psychiatric Disorders

The notion of the gut/mental health connection has recently started to gain traction. It is now thought that various psychological disorders, depression in particular, may be inflammatory disorders, and that the gut may be an important mediator of these conditions.[25,26] In numerous animal studies, microbial manipulation produced behaviors related to anxiety or depression,[27,28] and one study demonstrated that the anxious phenotype could be transferred via the intestinal microbiota between animals.[29]

The coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress appear to be programmed in early life, so this development may set us up to deal with stress throughout our lives—with some coping mechanisms working better than others.[30] Given the amount of serotonin in the gut and the influence of the gut microbiota on serotonin's precursor, tryptophan, examining its role in mental health is worthwhile. Early correlational evidence has linked functional and structural damage in the gut with depression,[25] schizophrenia,[31] and autism.[32]

Promoting a Healthy Biome: Strategies

In both neurologic and psychiatric conditions, it is difficult to know what came first: the disorder, or the unhealthy gut. It is possible that gut dysbiosis is responsible for both disease risk and the severity of a disorder, but it is equally plausible that the stress associated with brain disorders is the principal driver of gut dysbiosis. Moreover, the same environmental risk factors (eg, unhealthy diet) may disrupt both gut and brain health.

It is clear that the causes and symptomology of some neurologic/neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders have a similar underlying pathophysiology and that an unhealthy gut influences these through several overlapping pathways. Although it is difficult to tease out the individual contribution of each of these systems, given their complexity and the difficulty of isolating them clinically, the gut appears to be a key driver of a high-risk, inflammatory state in the body and brain and may prove to be the key in unlocking a new understanding of the etiology of brain diseases that supports new clinical and public health interventions.

Although gut microbial composition appears to be quite resilient, it is also readily modified. Lifestyle factors are particularly important to the composition, diversity, and stability of the gut microbiome. Below are several strategies that research suggests could contribute to overall gut health and that, in turn, may promote the health and protection of the brain.

Diet

There is good evidence for the role of individual nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, in both physical and mental health; it is therefore useful to consume these nutrients as part of an overall healthful diet.
Three main food components are proposed to benefit gut health: living microorganisms known as "probiotics" (found in such foods as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi); nondigestible carbohydrates (eg, dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains); and secondary plant metabolites, such as flavonoids (found in brightly colored fruits, vegetables, and red wine).[33] Persons who consume a Western-style diet experience less of the protective benefits of plant foods and simultaneously provoke other metabolic disruptions through high fat and sugar consumption, which contribute to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.

Exercise

Evidence suggests that exercise may increase the diversity of bacteria living in the gut. One study[34] showed increased gut bacterial diversity and fewer markers of inflammation in athletes compared with controls. However, moderate exercise may be best; one study found that persons who exercised one to 30 times per month had higher levels of brain-protecting BDNF than nonexercisers or extreme exercisers.[35] Exercise has been shown to have positive anti-inflammatory benefits, which may promote both gut and brain health.[36]

Pre- and Probiotics and Fermented Foods

There is some support for the benefits of probiotic and prebiotic supplements and fermented foods within the gut, with some groups calling for the inclusion of probiotic or fermented foods in national food guide recommendations.[37] The anti-inflammatory benefits of fiber fermentation in the colon occur naturally during digestion of healthy, fiber-rich foods, resulting in metabolic by-products that include various vitamins and antioxidants.[38] Although some studies show promising results, larger, high-quality trials are needed to fully elucidate this relationship."

This is not a full quote of the article because it is too long, but it may lead to some interesting conclusions/ideas for better health. Sorry for the technical language, but it is aimed at doctors.

Liana

Kitnthecat

Yes, Liana absolutely. This is so cool ! I didn't even read all of your post, but I know exactly what you are talking about. Everyone has had experience with or has known someone who is able to feel anxious, sick to the stomach, suffer from tummy upset, diarrhea etc....when mentally or emotionally stressed via psychological stress. What is going on in our mind affects our digestion, our gut.

And the pathway works the other way around as well. If we take care of our gut, our mind will feel better too. I always reach for a Kombucha ( probiotic fermented tea) if I am feeling stressed, to ensure I don't come down with a cold or flu, but it will also keep me happy as well.....along with my healthy fats of course.

AngInCanada

At one point I was agoraphobic. Could not leave the house without having a panic attack. Even going out into the yard produced complete panic. I went on medication and within a couple weeks the anxiety was way less but still there. I eliminated gluten and the anxiety pretty much disappeared. If I get glutened now, anxiety sets in and lasts a few days. I am now to the point where I've been able to wean way down on my medication and hope to be off of it in another couple of months. It's amazing how food affects our moods. You know yourself best and I think you know what you need to do Give yourself a good couple of months to get off of the sugar and grains and I bet you feel better.

Remember, you've got a whole group of cheerleaders here. Many of us have suffered mental health problems so you are never alone. I'm only a message away if you ever want to "chat".

carimiller7391

Liana-thanks for the wonderful info... although techy (I had to look up a few words to get the full drift), it made a world of sense to me. I truly wonder how much of the depressive episode I am in right now is due to bad food choices. What seems like "comfort food" at the moment is actually causing more depression. Definitely an interesting read and something to consider.

@kitnthecat-where can you get this tea you speak of...and what does it taste like?? I definitely agree that what goes on with our minds affects our gut. I have personally found when my mind starts racing (I call my "normal cycling" energy bouts and explain them to those who don't understand bipolar disorder as too much or too low energy) I tend to feel tummy distress and it truly affects digestion as it seems like everything I eat goes right thru me. On the opposite side, when I have too low energy like now when I am in a depressive episode or just my "normal cycling low energy" it feels like it takes forever to go potty and digest food. I know this isn't the case as with my RNY food doesn't stay in my tummy very long. It just feels like everything moves slower. If this makes any sense whatsoever.

Ang- I very much appreciate the offer to message you to chat. It means a lot to me. Many of my real life friends/family do not understand this and don't get the way that food may affect our moods and overall well being.

I know for me, I cannot jump into a new WOE for life. I have to start weaning myself off food groups a little at a time. I tried jumping in all excited to do this... EPIC fail. Today, I am creating a 10 week plan to eliminate all processed foods, root veggies, most fruits, refined sugars, anything that is not natural. I am truly hoping that with a gradual shift, I start feeling better very soon. I've told my best friend, my boyfriend and my co-workers that right now... all I feel like doing every day is cry. Getting out of bed, ready for work, getting to work and putting up the front that everything is ok takes a LOT of work. I do have one question though. In the midst of all this rambling... if it was you, what would be the thing you would try to eliminate first?????

Thank you so much for the info, the kind responses and the feeling that you are there truly cheering me on. It feels good.

SkinnyKerinny

This is a very interesting discussion. I think carbs can definitely be mood enhancers. When I cut out most carbs last week I was in a pretty awful depression for a few days. I can still feel it but I've been able to mostly pull out of it by focusing only on happy thoughts and increasing the carbs to around 40.

It just goes to show how different we all are since some people feel so great by changing their diet overnight to LC. The only common thing seems to be how toxic factory food is. I don't buy things that have more than one ingredient because at that point you literally don't know what's in it and it's likely really bad for you. Labels are a joke thanks to the FDA allowing things in that don't have to be on the label. Even one ingredient foods like olive oil aren't necessary what you think they are sadly.

We have to be so diligent just to get reasonably healthy food. It's like everything works against you and extraordinary measures are needed just to be OK.

Fish oil and probiotics (fermented veggies rock!) are excellent brain foods. Even 1 or 2 TB of raw fermented veggies daily can do a lot of good. They don't work instantly though so I would add those right away while at the same time eliminating the worst foods from your diet. That would be the processed foods and sugar IMO (and definitely don't take antibiotics).

Based on the reaction you've had it sounds like a bit higher carbs may help you as much as it has me.

Depression sucks-- it is the worst thing imaginable and my heart goes out to you. I hope you feel better very soon. Hang in there!!!!

xoxo

SkinnyKerinny

For the sweetener I love sweet tea and sweet yogurt with berries. I use the Sweet Drops liquid stevia which is in many stores and on amazon. One 4 oz bottle usually lasts a couple of months.

carimiller7391

@newmeadow- Thanks for the info. I actually see my Doc this evening. I am hoping and praying that his decision is not to put me into a day program and notices that I am functioning even though I just want to put my head under a rock. I know I can't come off my meds. Don't get me wrong... I HATE taking them, but I do understand that without them... I am a totally different person. Not a good one either.

I am actually in the process of writing down the steps I want to take to get to KETO. I am going to begin at 75 grams carbs tomorrow (once I have all the details sketched out) and work down 10g carbs per day until I reach 20g. I also understand it's a process to get there and will not be all roses on the way. @KnitOrMiss has told me about the carb flu. I am just glad that I do not have to worry about giving up drinking soda. I don't drink soda at all anymore. That was one HARD addiction to break.

Again, thank you for the info and the kind words.

Cari

KnitOrMiss

carimiller7391 wrote: »

Liana-thanks for the wonderful info... although techy (I had to look up a few words to get the full drift), it made a world of sense to me. I truly wonder how much of the depressive episode I am in right now is due to bad food choices. What seems like "comfort food" at the moment is actually causing more depression. Definitely an interesting read and something to consider.

@kitnthecat-where can you get this tea you speak of...and what does it taste like?? I definitely agree that what goes on with our minds affects our gut. I have personally found when my mind starts racing (I call my "normal cycling" energy bouts and explain them to those who don't understand bipolar disorder as too much or too low energy) I tend to feel tummy distress and it truly affects digestion as it seems like everything I eat goes right thru me. On the opposite side, when I have too low energy like now when I am in a depressive episode or just my "normal cycling low energy" it feels like it takes forever to go potty and digest food. I know this isn't the case as with my RNY food doesn't stay in my tummy very long. It just feels like everything moves slower. If this makes any sense whatsoever.

Ang- I very much appreciate the offer to message you to chat. It means a lot to me. Many of my real life friends/family do not understand this and don't get the way that food may affect our moods and overall well being.

I know for me, I cannot jump into a new WOE for life. I have to start weaning myself off food groups a little at a time. I tried jumping in all excited to do this... EPIC fail. Today, I am creating a 10 week plan to eliminate all processed foods, root veggies, most fruits, refined sugars, anything that is not natural. I am truly hoping that with a gradual shift, I start feeling better very soon. I've told my best friend, my boyfriend and my co-workers that right now... all I feel like doing every day is cry. Getting out of bed, ready for work, getting to work and putting up the front that everything is ok takes a LOT of work. I do have one question though. In the midst of all this rambling... if it was you, what would be the thing you would try to eliminate first?????

Thank you so much for the info, the kind responses and the feeling that you are there truly cheering me on. It feels good.

The easiest thing for me to drop at first was bread. I wasn't a huge eater of bread unless garlic bread or sweet bread, so it was the easiest place for me to start... I went to flatbread wraps at first, and now I've dropped those. I'm not gluten free or celiac (tested before switching WOE), but I just don't process it effectively. I don't avoid it, but I don't intentionally include it either...

Kitnthecat

Hi Cari,

Please understand that I don't suggest you go off your meds ! I suggest that you try changing what you eat and take note of any differences in the way you feel. You may not need to up them.

I have accepted your friend request, but can't see your diary so do not know how you are eating. It's hard to suggest what to do first otherwise.

I agree with @KnitOrMiss that if you do eat bread, it would be a good idea to stop, gradually if that is easier for you. Many gluten free products are just as full of junk as wheat products, so be careful, but gluten free grains might be a good transition. There are lots of bread like substitution recipes online. I have chosen to eliminate all grains and don't miss them anymore. Grains turn to sugar ( as all carbs do) in the body.

I would also watch the sugar content in all foods including fruit. Choose berries if you must have fruit. That's great that you don't drink pop. Look at the ingredient list if you eat packaged foods, and try to buy food with one ingredient, or the fewest ingredients you can find.

Starchy tubers like potatoes have a lot of carbs and basically turn into sugar in your body too, so skip the starchy stuff and choose low glycemic index veggies, like lettuce, spinach, cucumber, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. Avocados are great for healthy fat, fibre and potassium.

Are you logging the food you eat ? If not try it. It'll really help you get a sense of what you are eating. How will you know what 75 g carbs look and taste like unless you log ? That way you can gauge your next step when you go down by 10 g.

There are many ways to get healthy probiotics into you. Kombucha is a fermented tea that you can buy at health food type stores, at least in Canada that's where I have to go to buy it. You can get it in many flavours, but watch out that the kind you choose doesn't have too much fruit juice or your carb count will go up. It can really boost your immune system( of which most resides in your gut) and will help you fight infection, colds, etc. It can also help your digestion if you are having trouble staying regular. It reminds me of beer or shandy in taste. It is naturally carbonated and can be sharp tasting. I find it very refreshing. If you try some, just buy one bottle in case you don't like it, and maybe try about 1/2 cup at first. Store the rest in the fridge until the next time. Here's a brand I like.
http://www.synergydrinks.com/
But I will be brewing my own again soon, and it's way cheaper that way. I gave up on it when I started keto, but have some every once in a while.

But you can also try kefir, or raw sauerkraut or kimchi for healthy non dairy probiotics. Get the refrigerated raw kind and don't cook it, just eat it with your food. I like kimchi with a hotdog ( no bun). Incorporating a little of this with your food will go a long way in rebuilding your gut flora. Just remember if you take an anti-biotic when ill, it wipes out the infection, but also all the good ( or some of it anyway) bacteria that your body depends on to keep you healthy and ward off sickness and keep you healthy.....so afterwards rebuilding of the gut flora is necessary.

I know this is a lot of information. Please feel free to ask me anything. WE are here to help each other

AngInCanada

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with taking meds I remember how ashamed I felt when I first started them and it was silly. Agree with kitnthecat that you may not need to increase once you've weaned down on your carbs. But ya know, if you do end up needing to increase its all good

Kitnthecat

AngInCanada wrote: »

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with taking meds I remember how ashamed I felt when I first started them and it was silly. Agree with kitnthecat that you may not need to increase once you've weaned down on your carbs. But ya know, if you do end up needing to increase its all good

Absolutely agree. But this way of eating can go a long way towards making you feel better ina natural way, I certainly hope you give it a try ! I have never felt such energy in my body and calm in my mind and control over everything in such a long time.

kshama2001

I know for me, I cannot jump into a new WOE for life. I have to start weaning myself off food groups a little at a time. I tried jumping in all excited to do this... EPIC fail. Today, I am creating a 10 week plan to eliminate all processed foods, root veggies, most fruits, refined sugars, anything that is not natural. I am truly hoping that with a gradual shift, I start feeling better very soon. I've told my best friend, my boyfriend and my co-workers that right now... all I feel like doing every day is cry. Getting out of bed, ready for work, getting to work and putting up the front that everything is ok takes a LOT of work. I do have one question though. In the midst of all this rambling... if it was you, what would be the thing you would try to eliminate first?????

I'm not doing a formal low carb thing, but have reduced carbs over the past few months and have more energy and am sleeping better - it's been months since I've needed sleeping pills.

I love bread made from flour, and making biscuits from scratch, but recognize that my body doesn't process it well, so that was the first to go. I seem to be fine with sprouted bread, and am using Alvarado St Bakery Essential Flax Seed Bread (6.5 net carbs per slice.)

I cook from scratch, so didn't have to consider eliminating processed foods.

I did a lot of reducing rather than eliminating - instead of putting a whole banana into a smoothie, I put 2 oz. (I chop them up into approximately 1 oz sections and freeze them.) Etc.

If you open up your diary, I can take a look and make suggestions.

canadjineh

Take your time Carri... it is best to ease into it - and keep up your meds but track carefully with your doc so any necessary changes can be made. My Mom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder many years ago - I remember her 'manic' periods when she had so much energy she slept only a couple hours a night and was full of amazing ideas and projects and was so outgoing. I also remember the dark days too.
She has dementia now (no correlation) and Dad takes care of her at home with some help from me (we are 5 houses down).
I find food made a huge difference in how I felt - gluten makes my brain very foggy among other nasty symptoms.
Personally I'd start with that. If your carbs are higher than you might be aiming for make sure they are from single ingredient foods like fresh fruit (not juices) and fresh vegetables and, if possible, grass-fed dairy. Cattle are normally grass eating animals, not chopped fermented GMO corn and chopped up stale dated candy bar eaters.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/31/what-meat-eats_n_4063895.html

carimiller7391

Good morning. I'd first like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who responded and has offered support/help/advice. It's greatly appreciated.

@knitormiss with my RNY, I'm not allowed "bread" until after month 6 and even then it is toast, so I haven't had it is almost 5 months. Don't plan on it either.

@kitnthecat I didn't feel you were advocating getting off my meds. I have a notebook I carry with me right now and am taking note of how I feel on certain foods. I will open my food journal and will take any feedback. I appreciate that you would take the time to help!!! This week, starting today as I think I designed a plan that will slowly ween me off the foods that cause so many issues for me and have me eating a much healthier way. Also thanks for the info on the tea. Sounds awesome. I am very willing to give anything a try to help me feel and be better.

@Angincanada thanks for reinforcing that there is nothing wrong with taking meds. I used to think so, but now that I am older and see stable I normally am on them, I wouldn't stop them.

@kshama2001 thank you for the offer to look at my journal. I will open it up sometime today, but I am just starting this WOE today. I made a plan first to hopefully make the transition seemless.

@canadjineh I agree, I am easing into it. I tried with an EPIC FAIL about 10 days ago to jump into this. Yeah, didn't go so well.