New and have questions about my brain!!

[slanderousprincess]

Hi, This is my first time on Atkins. I'm excited to be a part of this group. I have just spent the worst 3 days ever. Migrane, nausea, tired, bathroom issues.... This was not a flu bug, it was the eating change.....Anyhow, I've lost 4.5lbs in 3 days and I'm starting to feel better so it all was worth it! I wasn't sure I was gonna make it there for awhile!

I was warned today by a friend about my brain on Atkins. She said that the brain needs carbs to function. Approx 150 grams or somewhere in there. She said that induction can cause cognitive issues and depression if I stay on it too long. I have alot of weight to lose so I wanted to stay on induction for awhile if I can do it. I've also suffered from severe depression and anxiety so I was really hoping for positive effects in that area. I know that most "warnings" about Atkins have been pure speculation hopefully this one is too. Can anyone recommend any reading info on this topic?

Thanks for reading, Laura

[atkinsgal08]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Welcome to ADBB.

Sadly, your friend is misinformed.

" The specious claim that the brain needs a minimum of 130 grams of carbs a day for normal function is at best based on research looking at carbs, fats and proteins in a high carb setting. Research focused on a controlled carb diet paints a very different picture and has long shown that every cell in the body, including the brain, is capable of using ketones as energy. In fact, in an interview Dr. Richard Veech, a retired N.I.H. researcher and one of the world's experts on ketones, claims that the heart and the brain run 25 percent more efficiently on ketones than on blood sugar."

>>Can anyone recommend any reading info on this topic?>>

Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (2002).

[slanderousprincess]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Thank you for responding Atkinsgirl08, I feel much better. I will re read New Diet Revolution, it is a relief to have a positive answer!

[ziggy]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Ketosis Myths and Facts on the Low-Carbohydrate Diet.

heres more info too

basically your brain only needs was it 50 grams of glucose? to fuel while in ketosis cause its feeding off ketones

and 50 grams of glucose is soo easy to get with 58% of protein able to be converted to glucose

but don't go eating tons of protein atkins is high fat, medium protein, low carb

and ya a while back i read that brain thing on MSN it really irritates me the lies people come up with and then spread them to other people

[Minerva]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Oh, I hear you.
I have questions about my brain, too.

No seriously, this is my first time on Atkins but not my first time on a low carb eating plan. I ate low carb for about a year and a half awhile back. I required less sleep and felt much more alert and sharp. (I swore I'd never go back, but some "issues" came up and I fell off the wagon. Getting back on now-- in part because sleeping 9 or 10 hrs a night is a huge time-waster.)

[liv]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Could you repeat the question. I have already forgotten it. I have been doing this for two years so bear with me.

But seriously yes. Lots of myths and stories out there about low carbing that are weird. Being from Canada you should know that people in the north would have lived very long periods of their year on mainly protein and fat. Body is fully capable of using that fuel for all its functions,

Good luck

[slanderousprincess]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Ha ha, I did think it sounded like a fishy thing to say. Why would we be created to get brain damage because of eating only meat?! I do know of Inuits who live off seal and other tribes that have lived off only caribou! I appreciate the reassurance though. I am just starting to feel "balanced" after a 5 year roller-coaster so I'm a little gun shy about trying new things.

I also love the reading in that link Ziggy. I started in last night am going to look more today.

I do have another question if I may. I created a ticker in a recommended site and attempted to cut and paste it to my signature. It keeps reading "invalid form" when I go to preview signature or save signature. Can anyone please tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'm also new to forums. Thanks all, Laura

[Georgiana]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

I created a ticker in a recommended site and attempted to cut and paste it to my signature. It keeps reading "invalid form" when I go to preview signature or save signature.

You need to copy the BB code. Right now you have some HTML code there.

[slanderousprincess]

Re: New and have questions about my brain!!

Thank you