Very Low Carb and depression - how long?

castadiva · August 2014

Hi, hoping to hear from others who have experienced the symptoms of depression whilst using a very low carb diet ie. say under 100g, as an upper limit (I realise this may be pretty high for some, but not for me!). I find that within 4-5 days of starting a programme of this sort, I become lethargic, very weepy, unmotivated (in everything, not just diet), highly sensitive and generally very low in mood - 'numb' is the best description I can come up with (well, numb to anything that isn't deeply miserable, or even mildly sad, which provokes floods of tears). By day 7 or 8, I'm in a very (VERY) bad place, mentally and emotionally.

Have others encountered this side-effect and continued? If so, how long did this last for?

The last time I tried V Low Carb eating coincided with an unfortunate series of events (though I have noted the same previously), and the symptoms/side effects became too much to handle, so I conceded defeat, but would be interested to know if this is common, and if it goes away if one battles through. I have an endocrine issue - not PCOS, but similar symptoms - that suggests a low carb approach might be productive, in case anyone is wondering why I'm still keen to try it.

Jeneba · August 2014

Sorry you are feeling under the weather. I haven't tried a low carb diet - as a vegetarian, my options are limited. But I have found that if I eat too few calories and don't get a lot of sleep, I get pretty light-headed.

Feel better!

pa_jorg · August 2014

Wondering if you've discussed this with your doctor? Sounds more serious than just going low carb. Perhaps it's related to the endocrine issue or something else, but worth getting checked out before you continue this cycle.

:flowerforyou:

126siany · August 2014

If you know that this sort of meal plan makes you utterly miserable, then why do it again?:sad:

leggup · August 2014

Why are you going low carb? There really is no need, especially if you're miserable.

Mr_Bad_Example · August 2014

You'll probably be depressed as long as you are going very low carb.

caitypants86 · August 2014

I've been limiting my carbs to around 50g or so per day for about a week now, and I feel fantastic... lighter, more energetic, stomach cramps are gone, etc. I would say you should see your doctor... I know that the first few days doing low carb are supposed to be tough, but your symptoms sound a bit extreme and worrisome.

AnnaPixie · August 2014

I have the same depressing sypmptoms when I go low carb. I've tried it several times and after 3 or 4 days I'm miserable/angry/irritable. I've also got PCOS.

I understand that the best thing for PCOS is low carb too, however, it obviously doesnt suit you and I so I've decided that it's not the answer....entirely. You CAN go lowER carb and just monitor it. I've found 120/130g is okay. As you're much taller maybe you should try 140/150g?

I've not heard of anyone overcoming the issue - I dont know if your body can just get used to it. Maybe we are just predisposed to NEED a certain amount of carbs for healthy brain function?

BekShark · August 2014

Got the very same on a super low carb diet and then regular urges to binge on loads of carbs. I found that a moderate slow low GI carb diet of about 150 per day was better fo me when working out heavily. It stopped the brain drain and gave me more fuel to workout. After a hard workout, I would usually be back in ketosis.

sbarella · August 2014

If you know that this sort of meal plan makes you utterly miserable, then why do it again?:sad:

My thoughts exactly.

17ChargerGirl17 · August 2014

I'm a very low carber (20-25 a day low) and I feel great doing it. My brain function is just fine and I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. I choose to do it because it is easy for me and I feel great.
If you are that miserable, you certainly should not do it. You have to be fine with eating a lot of eggs, lean protein and veggies without eating rice, pasta or fruit.
Low carb isn't the diet for everyone, so maybe you should rethink this option.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

ladymiseryali · August 2014

That can be normal. What I suggest you doing is adding more magnesium to your diet, through supplements. That can definitely help.

VeryKatie · August 2014

If you know that this sort of meal plan makes you utterly miserable, then why do it again?:sad:

My thoughts exactly.

Read to the end of her post.

sassyjae21 · August 2014

For those of you who keep asking why she is doing it/again.

I have an endocrine issue - not PCOS, but similar symptoms - that suggests a low carb approach might be productive, in case anyone is wondering why I'm still keen to try it.

That said, you need to speak with your Doctor or Dietitian to see if the benefits outweigh the cost. I would be more inclined to deal with the endocrine issues depending on the seriousness of your problems.

y1fsm8s · August 2014

The lethargic feeling will subside. It is just your body adjusting to a new lifestyle. Give it a few days, if you still feel that way stop the diet or go talk to a doctor. I do a keto diet and only consume max 20g carbs per day. Worth a shot

126siany · August 2014

If you know that this sort of meal plan makes you utterly miserable, then why do it again?:sad:

My thoughts exactly.

Read to the end of her post.

Did before I posted. Still doesn't seem worth it.

tameko2 · August 2014

You'll probably be depressed as long as you are going very low carb.

^^ Might be this, honestly.

I feel like crap when I eat low carb. Miserable, starving, crap. Some people's bodies just don't do well with it. So - maybe stop?

If you have a condition like insulin resistance you can manage it by eating your carbs with fiber and fat - you don't need to stick below a certain number.

Russellb97 · August 2014

My friends, if your diet plan is causing you to feel depressed you need to change it up. The journey of weight loss should be exciting and enjoyable. If your miserable it's not working regardless if the scale is moving.

If you hate it you probably won't see it through and you definitely won't continue when you move into maintenance. And whats the point of losing weight if you are just going to gain it back?

I believe that reducing carbs intake does help with weight-loss but it's not a necessity. You can lose weight weight on a low cal- high carb diet. It's just easier for most if you decrease carbs to increase protein and natural fats because of hormones, TEF and satiety.

I'm sorry you feel depressed but I'm telling you from personal experience that it doesn't have to be this way.

castadiva · August 2014

Thanks to all who had helpful comments and suggestions - I'll try the magnesium and look at the fiber and fat element Tameko suggested. Useful to know you react similarly, Anna - that's really what I wanted to know: have others experienced something similar and did it go away? I shall also bring it up with my doctor next time I see her. It may be possible to get a referral to a specialist who will tackle the issue more comprehensively, as simple low-carb really doesn't seem to suit me in terms of my body chemistry.

yarwell · August 2014

It's a phase many people pass through, extra salt intake is required, avoid excessive water consumption, increase fat content of diet to replace carbs, avoid lean / low fat / diet stuff in general.

jakicooke · August 2014

I really feel for you - I did atkins many many years ago (probably not correctly I was probably eating less than 40g of carbs a day) I stayed on extremely low carbs for a good few months - I did lose a lot of weight I ended up extremely unhappy, very depressed and just generally unwell.

I know it can and does work for many many people but for me its a total no go.

changing ourselves is tough but you don't need to make yourself ill doing it - try something else please

Very Low Carb and depression - how long?

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