[tanyalynn]

I'm trying to figure out whether DH would feel better on a low-carb diet (before actually trying it). For anyone who's tried it (whether it was helpful or not), could you help me with some of the following?

--how long did it take to see a change (or how long did you wait and you didn't see a change)?

--how low carb do you like to be (vs what was too high)?

--is it just the # of grams of carbs, or did you cut out something like gluten that you think is problematic for you separately?

--anything else that I should be thinking about (indicators low-carb will be helpful vs not helpful)?

We're transitioning from no gluten/dairy to paleo-ish right now, but I don't know how far to take the transition (right now I'm not thinking about carbs). I think DH's gut is probably leaky, and his adrenals are really, really, really worn down. I am hoping further dietary change will remove some stress on his adrenals and hasten his healing process.

Thanks again, as always.

 

[cristeen]

Well, Paleo is fairly LC by definition. You cut out all grains, sugar and dairy, limit nuts/seeds, honey, legumes and root veggies, and that's pretty low carb all on it's own. If you go paleo, you really shouldn't need to worry about counting carbs or eliminating gluten, since both of those things will be fairly automatic. The only carby thing you really need to worry about is if you're eating a lot of fruit - that can wind up feeding the carb addiction as well. Balancing any fruit with protein and fat can help prevent that.

It generally took me about a week to ten days to start feeling better after detoxing. The first week will be accompanied by "the hungries" where you feel constantly starving - and many people will have flu like symptoms for that week also (body aches, low energy). But after that week of detox, the increase in energy level is amazing.

As for whether or not it will help him feel better - personally I've met very few people who it doesn't make feel better. Does he eat lots of carb heavy meals? Does he reach for sweets or grains when he wants a snack? Does he complain of still being hungry if he eats a meal of just meat and veggies? These are all signs of carb addiction.

Honestly, I felt best on Paleo. I feel really good while being LC, but I still have trouble with grains and dairy - so paleo is really the best for my body. It can be very difficult to maintain around unsupportive family and in restaurants, but it is very much worth it, especially if you're dealing with the need to heal.

HTH

 

[tanyalynn]

Cristeen, thanks for responding, I've lurked responses from you and a few other people on the no-grain/paleo/low-carb type questions for a while, wondering about all this, and it's been helpful and inspiring.

I have a hard time figuring out DH, I _think_ mostly because his adrenals are so worn down that not a lot makes him feel better or worse. He (and all of us) have been gluten and dairy free for almost 2 years now, and it was only a couple months ago that I _think_ he had a reaction to cheating and eating some gluten. But I am very certain gluten's a problem, it's just that a lot of other stuff has been dragging him down too.

To answer your question--he doesn't crave sweets and he'll eat just about anything I make. I push the protein-containing snacks because it's best for both of us with our adrenals worn down, and he's always been willing to do that (nuts, leftover meat from a meal plus a piece of fruit, stuff like that).

This will basically eliminate eating out--we've found some gluten and dairy free places to eat, but it was either Mexican (corn tortillas) or Wendy's (chili and baked potatoes). But I'm finding tasty recipes, so this is more a matter of getting a set of snacks and quick-to-make dinners (or freezer dinners) and just figuring out the logistics.

Thanks.

 

[SandyMom]

My sil has adrenal insufficiency -(I think that's what it's called) and just recently went gluten-free. She just told me that her naturopath started her on hydrochloric acid capsules to increase stomach acid. She says it is really helping. I guess it helps her absorb her nutrients better? She has low thyroid as well though.
Food wise though, aren't folks with adrenal issues supposed to do better with good protein sources at frequent intervals?

 

[tanyalynn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandyMom My sil has adrenal insufficiency -(I think that's what it's called) and just recently went gluten-free. She just told me that her naturopath started her on hydrochloric acid capsules to increase stomach acid. She says it is really helping. I guess it helps her absorb her nutrients better? She has low thyroid as well though. Food wise though, aren't folks with adrenal issues supposed to do better with good protein sources at frequent intervals?

Yeah, and I try to do that. It's only been the past few months that I've really focused on DH (vs me and the kids) so I'm still feeling out what he needs. And paleo or LC would fit well, but I'm already trying to send protein-containing snacks for him at work. I _think_ it's helping, because it used to be that he didn't feel hungry, basically felt blah always, and now he seems to want snacks and he helps (somewhat) plan for stuff to bring in, so I think things are improving, it's just at a snail's pace. And if I can speed this up, I SO want to.

 

[crunchy_mama]

As far as how long it will take to feel better it depends on how high carb you are now and just your individual body. I went back lc/paleoish yesterday(I had slipped this last month due to pregnancy. I had a headache in the am but even by the afternoon my head felt clearer. I feel even better today. Usually though it is the first week that it is toughest for me. Although you have to make sure that you are getting in enough of everything to help w/ the hungries as Cristeen said. Lots of fat and protein and tons of good veggies.

I have never counted carbs, but never felt it was an issue as I don't do a lot of fruit because I cannot handle the sugar myself. I always just followed my body, of course it takes a bit to get tuned into what you need. Also, at first you feel like you need the carbs when really it is just the cravings getting to you.