Seem more stressed and compelled to drink more

RandyNH · 2017-07-07 23:50:57 UTC

I have been trying to be keto for several months now. I don’t know if it is somehow related or not, but I seem to be less tolerant to stress lately and have been drinking more. Can anyone help point out what might be going wrong?

Eccemus · 2017-07-08 00:52:03 UTC

I’ll take a shot at it.

Many reason that this is why transfer addictions can be so high when altering or restricting your diet. There is a notable effect specific to carbohydrate reduction given the serotonin and dopamine response in the brain. That is, “Carbohydrate consumption–acting via insulin secretion and the “plasma tryptophan ratio”–increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect.” This is also why many people (myself included) are emotional eaters. Eating has a calming effect on the central nervous system.

I realized this early on and have sought different ways to cope/manage stress. It’s an important lesson and one I’m thankful for even if it can be a struggle. Recognizing the feelings of stress and slowing down/disrupting your responses is a great first step.

Try 5 deep breaths when you feel stressed out. Then try a short (10 minutes even) walk. See how that does.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression.

RJ Wurtman and JJ Wurtman, Obesity research, Nov 1995

Serotonin-releasing brain neurons are unique in that the amount of neurotransmitter they release is normally controlled by food intake: Carbohydrate consumption--acting via insulin secretion and the "plasma tryptophan ratio"--increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect. This ability of neurons to couple neuronal signaling properties to food consumption is a link in the feedback mechanism that normally keeps carbohydrate and protein intakes more or less constant. However, serotonin release is also involved in such functions as sleep onset, pain sensitivity, blood pressure regulation, and control of the mood. Hence many patients learn to overeat carbohydrates (particularly snack foods, like potato chips or pastries, which are rich in carbohydrates and fats) to make themselves feel better. This tendency to use certain foods as though they were drugs is a frequent cause of weight gain, and can also be seen in patients who become fat when exposed to stress, or in women with premenstrual syndrome, or in patients with "winter depression," or in people who are attempting to give up smoking. (Nicotine, like dietary carbohydrates, increases brain serotonin secretion; nicotine withdrawal has the opposite effect.) It also occurs in patients with normal-weight bulimia. Dexfenfluramine constitutes a highly effective treatment for such patients. In addition to producing its general satiety-promoting effect, it specifically reduces their overconsumption of carbohydrate-rich (or carbohydrate-and fat-rich) foods.

LaurenMak · 2017-07-08 05:03:33 UTC

Good shot!!

RandyNH · 2017-07-08 08:34:32 UTC

I have been much more susceptible to stress lately and have been drinking more than usual. Can anyone help point out what I might be doing wrong?

[merged topic - CarolT]

carolo · 2017-07-08 07:00:47 UTC

How are your magnesium/potassium levels? A lack of these can feel like your nerves are twanging…

Dude_man · 2017-07-08 10:12:36 UTC

Carbohydrates cause an opiate response in the brain. Just remember that your body is cleaning it self out and you will feel withdrawals. This to shall pass.