Ketogenic diet while on lithium?

CrazyWhiskers

Hi! I don't normally post on the forums, so I'm pretty nervous.

I'm bipolar and for that I take Lithmax 600mg and Nozinan.

I just have two questions... is it safe to go on a Keto diet while on lithium (lithmax 600mg)?

If that won't work, is it safe to just low carb it?

I've tried searching the internet and asking my doctors and got mixed results both times. I really am not sure what do do. Every time in my life I've ever lost weight it's been low carb. I have 70lbs to lose.

Thank you for your time.

VintageFeline

I think I'd be concerned too, I wonder if you could get a referral to a knowledgeable dietician who is clued up on possible contraindications?

Aside from that, my main question if there are safety risks, or just generally, is why keto or low carb appeals? I know you say you have lost with that way of eating in the past but what made it unsustainable/the losses unsustainable?

CrazyWhiskers

That's a really good idea.

My psychologist says it's a bad idea with my medication, but my family doctor says it's fine...

I guess the reason I gained it all back is actually not because of medication, but I just felt so restricted on ideal protein (my last diet) that when I finally came off of it I chowed down! Then some people in my family died and I gained even more weight.

Now I'm so sick of being fat I'm looking to get this weight off.

VintageFeline

I would be more inclined to go with your psychologists advice. Lithium does have to be carefully managed and while I don't fully know the ins and outs of keto there could be implications with the required salt intake.

And I think your eating all the things due to restriction probably indicates going back to restricting an entire macro may not be appropriate for you. Just go with a regular old deficit and eating in appropriate portions. Play around with your macros to see what helps keep you satisfied physically and mentally.

I'm bipolar too (type 2) and have found capitalising on the good times to make good habits has enabled me to also keep going when it all turns to custard and in fact the control over my dietary intake and the habit of logging is a nice piece of control to have when I feel like everything is a bit all over the show.

Has it taken me longer than I'd ideally have liked? Essentially yes. But I feel like it's actually turned into a really good thing going slowly as I've found ways to manage my relationship with food in the context of my fluctuating mental health.

CrazyWhiskers

Thank you for your advice and reply. I think I'll go with what my psychologist says. Thank you