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Keto depression
Replies
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Teabythesea_ wrote: »I may be alone in thinking this but I would not try to “tough it out” or wait and see if it gets better, especially if you’re just doing keto to lose weight. Having depression and anxiety myself it’s certainly not a road I would want to continue down if I had the option. If a diet change solves the problem then that is fantastic. If not, then you can move on to find the actual culprit and seek help for it. The sooner you figure out the cause or get help in treating it if no cause can be found, the better.
This is the most sensible response so far. Very few people actually need to cut carbs medically. Unless you've been directed to do so by your physician, then stop. See if adding the carbs back in makes you feel better. If it does, then keto is not worth the effort for you - find another way to your deficit. If it doesn't make you feel better, then see your doctor and discuss this with him/her.15 -
I want to thank everyone for your replies. Reading your posts made me happy! It feels nice to have so much support and people who understand. I'm considering to up my intake of carbs slightly and see what happens, maybe give it another 2 weeks. You guys are the best!!! Thank you all!
I have heard of a some experiencing this. Diet change can wonk up your hormone balance.
Whether this persists is a YMMV.
If you're pursuing keto because higher carb foods are the foods that you tend or overeat, and/or you'd like to improve blood sugar levels, you can still get ample benefit by just doing low-carb (which can be anywhere from just over 50g to 120g.) I recommend 75-100g, which gives you more wiggle room but can still help you stay mindful of foods you tend to overconsume.
If adding back some carbs still does not help, weight loss still works via exercising moderation with all foods. All we need to lose weight at the base of it is to create a calorie deficit in some way.
HTH.
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hippysprout wrote: »Teabythesea_ wrote: »I may be alone in thinking this but I would not try to “tough it out” or wait and see if it gets better, especially if you’re just doing keto to lose weight. Having depression and anxiety myself it’s certainly not a road I would want to continue down if I had the option. If a diet change solves the problem then that is fantastic. If not, then you can move on to find the actual culprit and seek help for it. The sooner you figure out the cause or get help in treating it if no cause can be found, the better.
This is the most sensible response so far. Very few people actually need to cut carbs medically. Unless you've been directed to do so by your physician, then stop. See if adding the carbs back in makes you feel better. If it does, then keto is not worth the effort for you - find another way to your deficit. If it doesn't make you feel better, then see your doctor and discuss this with him/her.
I’m really not sure why your post got woo’ed... I have a feeling the individuals encouraging OP to put this way of eating above their mental health despite its lack of health benefits for the average, healthy individual have not endured the effects of ignoring signs of declining mental wellness. Why anyone would want to commit to a way of eating that results in such side effects when it’s not necessary to lose weight is beyond me.13 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
Would I be correct in 'assuming' you have not done Keto yet?
https://gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/about-gut-microbiota-info/
When we move to the Keto WOE we are feeding our gut microbiota differently so the shift in population can lead to a die off of the more health negative microbiota leading to a pronounced short term detoxing for some of us for a few weeks.
Gut microbiome adaptation can happen with some kinds of significant changes in food intake, and isn't always Big Fun, but this is not "detox", it's "gut microbiome adaptation".
Research on the gut microbiome is still in its infancy, far from the point where a diverse population of gut bugs can be neatly herded into "health negative" and "health positive".
I have nothing against keto, for those it suits. That said, it would seem very odd to me, evolutionarily speaking, if the macronutrient composition of the diet common in the blue zones - where reportedly people reportedly thrive to longevity eating lots of carbs - results in "health negative microbiota".
The link you posted in no way supports a "health negative gut microbiome die-off" thesis, BTW. I'm a little surprised there isn't such a site: I think the alt-health sites are desperate to find a quasi-scientific hook to hang their "detox" nonsense on.13 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
Would I be correct in 'assuming' you have not done Keto yet?
https://gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/about-gut-microbiota-info/
When we move to the Keto WOE we are feeding our gut microbiota differently so the shift in population can lead to a die off of the more health negative microbiota leading to a pronounced short term detoxing for some of us for a few weeks.
Your gut microbiome likely will change, especially if you eat very different foods. (When I tried keto I ate largely the same foods, just without the potatoes, oats, fruit, and legumes I usually eat, and I ate more of other foods as a result).
Your mistake is in thinking that the microbiome needed to digest those foods are somehow health negative.
Here's an interesting piece: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/magazine/say-hello-to-the-100-trillion-bacteria-that-make-up-your-microbiome.html
If anything, it seems likely that the microbiome would become less diverse, which is probably not good. But there are huge differences between how people can eat on keto, some might prioritize lots of vegetables and fish, some might eat tons of McD's, but without the bun.
I generally think the microbiome is something worth considering, but as a possible corrective, I think this is also worth reading: https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/10/microbiome-health-gut-bacteria/8 -
Here is a Q&A on how dieting/ changing macronutrient ratios can lead to increased depression through modification of serotonin levels.
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-intake-and-depression-qa.html/6 -
Lillymoo01 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
Would I be correct in 'assuming' you have not done Keto yet?
https://gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/about-gut-microbiota-info/
When we move to the Keto WOE we are feeding our gut microbiota differently so the shift in population can lead to a die off of the more health negative microbiota leading to a pronounced short term detoxing for some of us for a few weeks.
I don't need to do keto to know that's not how it works. And you don't exactly have a reputation of sharing factual information, either.
While you do not understand the detox part when going keto that often occurs that is fine as long others do understand that are trying Keto for the first time.
She understands a considerable amount more about keto than you do. Our liver and kidneys do a great job of detoxing and if they don't you need an emergency room rather than keto. Those that are trying to understand keto need to be told facts rather than woo.
Yes, and she also understands that carbs are not a toxin. The idea that the whole broad category of foods containing carbs = toxin is just mind-boggling. 2019, what a year!11 -
Here is a Q&A on how dieting/ changing macronutrient ratios can lead to increased depression through modification of serotonin levels.
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-intake-and-depression-qa.html/
Which reminds me that one thing that has been found consistently with keto is that it tends to raise cortisol. I wonder if that could lead to the kinds of feelings OP reported, at least in some people? I would think it would be more likely to cause anxiety, but wouldn't rule it out.4 -
Lillymoo01 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
Would I be correct in 'assuming' you have not done Keto yet?
https://gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/about-gut-microbiota-info/
When we move to the Keto WOE we are feeding our gut microbiota differently so the shift in population can lead to a die off of the more health negative microbiota leading to a pronounced short term detoxing for some of us for a few weeks.
I don't need to do keto to know that's not how it works. And you don't exactly have a reputation of sharing factual information, either.
While you do not understand the detox part when going keto that often occurs that is fine as long others do understand that are trying Keto for the first time.
She understands a considerable amount more about keto than you do. Our liver and kidneys do a great job of detoxing and if they don't you need an emergency room rather than keto. Those that are trying to understand keto need to be told facts rather than woo.
Yes, and she also understands that carbs are not a toxin. The idea that the whole broad category of foods containing carbs = toxin is just mind-boggling. 2019, what a year!
And it’s only just begun! Before keto there was paleo, Atkins, the blood type diet, whole30.... so on and so forth. I’m scared to see what fad diet erupts in 2019 and what toxic substance I’ve been filling my body with my whole life without even knowing!
(Sarcasm)
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Teabythesea_ wrote: »Lillymoo01 wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
Would I be correct in 'assuming' you have not done Keto yet?
https://gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/about-gut-microbiota-info/
When we move to the Keto WOE we are feeding our gut microbiota differently so the shift in population can lead to a die off of the more health negative microbiota leading to a pronounced short term detoxing for some of us for a few weeks.
I don't need to do keto to know that's not how it works. And you don't exactly have a reputation of sharing factual information, either.
While you do not understand the detox part when going keto that often occurs that is fine as long others do understand that are trying Keto for the first time.
She understands a considerable amount more about keto than you do. Our liver and kidneys do a great job of detoxing and if they don't you need an emergency room rather than keto. Those that are trying to understand keto need to be told facts rather than woo.
Yes, and she also understands that carbs are not a toxin. The idea that the whole broad category of foods containing carbs = toxin is just mind-boggling. 2019, what a year!
And it’s only just begun! Before keto there was paleo, Atkins, the blood type diet, whole30.... so on and so forth. I’m scared to see what fad diet erupts in 2019 and what toxic substance I’ve been filling my body with my whole life without even knowing!
(Sarcasm)
My vote is on celery juice. It's popped up a couple times.
OP, let us know how increasing your carbs goes for you. I hope that it's as easy as that. I hate that people make things so much harder than they need to be.10 -
My guess is low electrolytes too.
When you cut carbs you lose water and electrolytes in glycogen and because insulin falls (which help control water and electrolyte retention). Most keto'ers need at least 3000-5000+ mg of sodium a day to replace what you've lost. If not, the most common symptoms are fatigue, moodiness, headaches, stomach upset, BM issues, muscle weakness and spasms.
There is 2300 mg of sodium in 1 tsp of salt. I would try half a teaspoon of salt twice a day with water, plus liberally salting your food, as soon as possible. If that is the issue, it could resolve within hours.
It is possible that keto is causing it, or it is completely unrelated, but my guess is low sodium. Get more. It can't hurt unless you have kidney disease.
Good luck.
Some people have problems with keto that are something other than just the stock answer of "your electrolytes were too low".16 -
Hi everyone, I'm on my second week of the keto diet and have lost 2.3kg so far. I don't have any sugar spikes anymore but I seem to be feeling so low (depressed, sad,empty) can it be linked to my diet? I struggle to get enough fat and fibre in..I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same? I'm not sure if it's sugar withdrawals...would appreciate if I can get some opinions! Thanks
If I couldn't eat carbs, I would feel depressed, sad, and empty too. Are you doing keto for a specific reason or just because it seems like a good way to lose weight? You can eat the things you like and still lose weight. You just have to track your calories and ensure you eating in a defecit.9 -
Here is a Q&A on how dieting/ changing macronutrient ratios can lead to increased depression through modification of serotonin levels.
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-intake-and-depression-qa.html/
Which reminds me that one thing that has been found consistently with keto is that it tends to raise cortisol. I wonder if that could lead to the kinds of feelings OP reported, at least in some people? I would think it would be more likely to cause anxiety, but wouldn't rule it out.
People with depression have been found to have elevated cortisol, but I don't know if they know yet if that is a potential *cause* of depression or one of the results of it. Either way, it's something to consider if you're on a diet that is known to raise cortisol levels.6 -
Here is a Q&A on how dieting/ changing macronutrient ratios can lead to increased depression through modification of serotonin levels.
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-intake-and-depression-qa.html/
Interesting read, thanks for posting.
As I was reading, I wondered if taking 5-HTP would help, and sure enough it was one of the recommendations.
The OP is only two weeks in, however, so simply doing that may not suffice - in her case not doing keto might be a better plan.6 -
kshama2001 wrote: »Here is a Q&A on how dieting/ changing macronutrient ratios can lead to increased depression through modification of serotonin levels.
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-intake-and-depression-qa.html/
Interesting read, thanks for posting.
As I was reading, I wondered if taking 5-HTP would help, and sure enough it was one of the recommendations.
The OP is only two weeks in, however, so simply doing that may not suffice - in her case not doing keto might be a better plan.
As someone who has suffered mental health issues and seen the battles of watching a loved one battle, with suicide as an end result there is no way I'd stay on a diet which affected my state of mind, especially when science has proven said diet is no more effective with weight loss than one with higher carbs.
Science has shown that carbs affect the bodies production of serotonin. Science has shown that low serotonin levels are linked to depression. Keto won't affect everyone with these low levels of serotonin but if you are one where it does then don't persevere. Increase your carbs, even if just to the point of low carb rather than keto. Your mental health has priority.
14 -
My guess is low electrolytes too.
When you cut carbs you lose water and electrolytes in glycogen and because insulin falls (which help control water and electrolyte retention). Most keto'ers need at least 3000-5000+ mg of sodium a day to replace what you've lost. If not, the most common symptoms are fatigue, moodiness, headaches, stomach upset, BM issues, muscle weakness and spasms.
There is 2300 mg of sodium in 1 tsp of salt. I would try half a teaspoon of salt twice a day with water, plus liberally salting your food, as soon as possible. If that is the issue, it could resolve within hours.
It is possible that keto is causing it, or it is completely unrelated, but my guess is low sodium. Get more. It can't hurt unless you have kidney disease.
Good luck.
Some people have problems with keto that are something other than just the stock answer of "your electrolytes were too low".
Yes. That's why I wrote:It is possible that keto is causing it, or it is completely unrelated8 -
My guess is low electrolytes too.
When you cut carbs you lose water and electrolytes in glycogen and because insulin falls (which help control water and electrolyte retention). Most keto'ers need at least 3000-5000+ mg of sodium a day to replace what you've lost. If not, the most common symptoms are fatigue, moodiness, headaches, stomach upset, BM issues, muscle weakness and spasms.
There is 2300 mg of sodium in 1 tsp of salt. I would try half a teaspoon of salt twice a day with water, plus liberally salting your food, as soon as possible. If that is the issue, it could resolve within hours.
It is possible that keto is causing it, or it is completely unrelated, but my guess is low sodium. Get more. It can't hurt unless you have kidney disease.
Good luck.
Some people have problems with keto that are something other than just the stock answer of "your electrolytes were too low".
Yes. That's why I wrote:It is possible that keto is causing it, or it is completely unrelated
It is possible that keto is causing it, or it is completely unrelated, but my guess is low sodium.
It is all about context. He's right, you know.12 -
sad and depressed? I'd go off of the diet. that's me.5
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if keto could make my health issues so bad to where I thought my body was shutting down and I was ready for hubby to take me to the ER then its possible it can cause depression.7
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karenlfarmer wrote: »Here is a good article:
https://www.self.com/story/this-is-what-eating-carbs-actually-does-to-your-body
Yeah, this article is full of untruths. While the brain does require glucose to function, as the article states, that glucose doesn't have to come from carbs you ingest. The body is capable of breaking down fats to make glucose - that's what the keto diet is about. Although many, if not most people would miss carbs if they gave them up, they are not essential for survival.6 -
QFT. Exactly this^^^Lillymoo01 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »Here is a Q&A on how dieting/ changing macronutrient ratios can lead to increased depression through modification of serotonin levels.
https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-intake-and-depression-qa.html/
Interesting read, thanks for posting.
As I was reading, I wondered if taking 5-HTP would help, and sure enough it was one of the recommendations.
The OP is only two weeks in, however, so simply doing that may not suffice - in her case not doing keto might be a better plan.
As someone who has suffered mental health issues and seen the battles of watching a loved one battle, with suicide as an end result there is no way I'd stay on a diet which affected my state of mind, especially when science has proven said diet is no more effective with weight loss than one with higher carbs.
Science has shown that carbs affect the bodies production of serotonin. Science has shown that low serotonin levels are linked to depression. Keto won't affect everyone with these low levels of serotonin but if you are one where it does then don't persevere. Increase your carbs, even if just to the point of low carb rather than keto. Your mental health has priority.
5
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