Low-carb experts: Should I stick it out? Day 9 and feel awful. - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

wendyjcs · 11-18-2008, 03:13 PM

I started a low-carb diet, mostly as an attempt to combat a decades-long chronic reflux-related cough. (I know, sounds weird. Desperation calls for strange approaches.)

The problem is, even though I would like to stick out this diet, I'm getting some nasty symptoms. Most of what I've read indicate that carb-withdrawal is worst the first few days, and gradually gets better. I, on the other hand, was relatively OK for the first week. Now, on Day 9, I'm getting terrible fatigue, lethargy, brain fog. Right now it's all I can do to sit upright at work. An (unsolved) balance/headache problem I've had for 2 years is also worsening. I finished up a lunch of pork, spaghetti squash with olive oil, and blueberries a bit over an hour or so ago. I'm definitely NOT hungry, and I'm drinking plenty and taking in sodium. I'm using only natural foods (no Atkins bars) and am not attempting ultra-low carb.

I had this problem a year or so ago when I tried low-carb; I lasted for about 2 weeks, then gave in because of the same symptoms. It doesn't help that I'm no big fan of eating dead critter. But like I said about desperation...I'd be OK with sticking this out if I actually felt BETTER! As of today, day 9, the cough IS better, although nowhere near gone; I suspect I have a lot of healing to do. So I hate to give up, but... I feel really lousy and it's sure affecting my work.

(I might as well say up front that my health history is a long and ugly. It includes reflux, adrenal fatigue, allergies, (including, supposedly, many foods, the avoidance of which has brought no relief whatsoever), and the mysterious and undiagnosed headache/balance problem.)

I also can't say I've seen the pounds falling off, although that's not my main goal anyway. (Would sure be nice, though, to drop 10 or so.)

Do any low-carb experts out there have any advice? Does still feeling awful on Day 9 mean: 1) I should hang in there, this is typical; or 2) This isn't the right diet for me and I should let it go?

Thanks...

chooky54 · 11-18-2008, 04:48 PM

Hang in there. My doctor put me on a PSMF to lose weight for diabetes.........it is very low carb /high protein...........very restrictive...........and is supervised through a doctor /nutritionist........anyhow I know what you are feeling. I had the "low carb flu" for like 2 weeks.....it will subside.

Anyhow, I started this in the middle of August and I am down 42 lbs.......My doctor took me off my diabetic meds! I also suffer from reflux and I have to admit, since losing the weight my reflux symptoms have really declined!

JohnR41 · 11-20-2008, 10:21 AM

It's probably not the right diet for you, Wendy. A good diet should not make you feel worse. And if you're not a big fan of eating dead critters, then all the more reason to stop and try something else. You can continue on with low carbs without eating dead critters.

I assume by "low carb" you mean starchy carbs like white bread, white potatoes, white rice, white pasta (and most baked goods in general that are made with white flour and sugar). All you have to do is switch to whole grain bread, sweet potatoes, whole grain rice and whole grain pasta. Then try to get most of your protein from plant sources like beans, lentils and split peas.

wendyjcs · 12-01-2008, 04:08 PM

Thanks for the responses. Both of you have summarized my feelings exactly... hence my confusion!

I had to ease off the low-carb diet...when I came down with a cold. There's no WAY I'm going to do low-carb with a cold (I need those comfort foods).

I might try it again in the future. I will have to say the cough is definitely better than before I started the diet, despite the cold. Which is weird...but encouraging in a way.

Thanks.