most recent 30 from http://paleohacks.com 2013-05-24T08:44:04Z http://paleohacks.com/feeds/question/144404 http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo kat 2012-08-22T00:47:22Z 2012-08-23T02:24:32Z

<p>What can I experiment with to raise mood and improve focus? </p> <p>I've been doing a progressively more strict paleo diet (autoimmune protocol) for almost a month. As I read and learn more about this process and lifestyle, I've incorporated significantly fewer carbs (including starchy veg), more fats, and even mostly cut out fruit. I am completely dairy, gluten, grain, legume, nightshade, egg, processed crap, and refined sugar-free. (Exception: 2 glasses of champagne and the equivalent of a dark chocolate bar one weekend. Not to celebrate. To self-medicate. It didn't work.) </p> <p>Physically, I feel awesome. This seems to have resolved numerous problems I had assumed incurable, like joint pain and fatigue. OMG. </p> <p>Mentally, I'm not seeing the benefits other people report experiencing, and I don't know why. My mood is negative and my focus leaves much to be desired. </p> <p>I'm all over fish, fish oil, sunlight, and magnesium. I'm increasing coconut matter, especially fat, and unsweetened cocoa powder (mmm, together). I've read a bit about ketosis and mood, and the one responsive thread here on PH (searching for those 2 terms) did not answer my question. Maybe I should consider measuring portions (never done it) and testing with Ketostix (never tried em) to achieve/monitor ketosis? That seems like too much trouble for a process that my body can help me regulate with feedback. I also hesitate to do that or try intermittent fasting because I'm already lightweight, and I have stuff to do. I feel like this shouldn't be an adjustment problem, because my pre-paleo diet was pretty healthy. Any bright ideas? </p> <p>TL;DR? Edit away, Mr. Moderator Person Dude Sir. It's all in the question up top. </p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144409#144409 MattJ 2012-08-22T01:14:20Z 2012-08-22T01:14:20Z

<p>Stop the diet. You're not broken. I eat about two pints of ice cream every other day now along with more balanced meals and lift heavy. No diabeetus, no metabolic syndrome, I'm straight and no longer super depressed and going through life like I was underwater.</p> <p>All the tweaks suggested are just bullshit.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144414#144414 Jess D. 2012-08-22T01:37:56Z 2012-08-22T01:37:56Z

<p>For me, all that eating paleo does is make me feel better physically (increased energy, improved skin color, reduced acne, smoother joints, and much more)...these benefits are incredible and why I am obsessed with paleo.</p> <p>But to feel better <strong>mentally &amp; emotionally</strong>...I also <strong>REQUIRE</strong> these three things: 1) <strong>social interaction</strong>, 2) <strong>exercise</strong>, and 3) <strong>outdoors/fresh air</strong>. </p> <p>In our modern society, it is sooooo easy to lack these highly important things, especially if you live alone or have a roommate who is never around. Many people spend 40 hours a week at jobs crammed in an office/cubicle in front of a computer, without much social interaction. Then it's worse when they come home to nobody. This gives you no motivation to be happy or do anything active.</p> <p>Also, in modern society we tend to surround ourselves with goals &amp; possessions instead of people. For example, we often have the mindset of "once I have <em>_</em>(insert goal or item here)_, then I will be happy". </p> <p>The truth is that humans are active, social creatures. Without social interaction, and lots of it, we are not happy. <strong>For me, getting involved in weekly, consistent community volunteering, with lots of positive social interaction, has helped me.</strong> Just make sure to choose a volunteering opportunity that is very socially interactive (working directly with youth, elderly, or peers your age)...because some are not.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144416#144416 Lynn 2012-08-22T01:44:01Z 2012-08-22T01:44:01Z

<p>Kat, although I feel like I'm more clearheaded and stronger minded with this diet (especially with an increase in good fats) I have not had a dramatic improvement in my mood either on the diet alone. Not having diarrhea every day and healing my gut was a <em>huge</em> boost, but not a silver bullet for joy for me. </p> <p>Less than a month is a pretty short window of time, it might take a year or longer depending on what's going on for you. I would keep doing what you can to heal your gut for a few more months before giving up.</p> <p>Have you done any testing on hormones and nutrients? If there is an imbalance or deficiency there, it may give you more of a focused area to work on, just a thought. I discovered my fatigue was due to VERY low cortisol, and improving my energy has helped my mood a lot (apparently I'm a toddler and just get cranky when tired).</p> <p>I personally just started a regime of 2000mg of krill oil (nutrigold brand) and 100mg of B6 as P-5-P to see if that will improve my PMS, and perhaps mood overall.</p> <p>Hopefully these suggested tweaks are not bullshit. 2 pints of ice creak every other day sounds pretty good too (may I suggest chocolate peanut butter... mmmmmmmm)</p> <p>Internet hugs to you, wish I had more insight to help.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144417#144417 Jamie 2012-08-22T01:46:03Z 2012-08-22T01:52:45Z

<p>Choline for focus - Because of the no eggs, you might be getting less choline than is ideal (aids memory and focus). Theres some in meats, but if your having trouble with focus, it may help to up your intake. Liver will help with that (straight choline), also salmon or sardines (dmae containing fish), or a supplement, like dmae or cdp choline. Another good reason to eat actual salmon, rather than fish oil. I am off eggs myself ATM, so I make sure and eat salmon every week.</p> <p>Mood - Human contact (very important), human touch and empathy, sunlight, exercise will help with mood. Diet has an effect, but often less so than those first ones. </p> <p>Then again you might be missing something in your diet ATM. If your missing something, that could be the cause. Hard to know without a list of what you DO eat. </p> <p>Just to be sure, id run everything you eat through cronometer, checking for the following especially - choline, tyrosine, tryptophan, b vitamins. (Worth noting dmae will not show up. DMAE is far more bioavailable than normal choline, so a bit of salmon and sardines each week should top you up. And of course b vits are usually high in meat eaters)</p> <p>If all else fails and you want something to pick up your mood, ive two herbs to suggest - </p> <p>1) Albizzia, its a chinese herb called the happiness tree. Its effect is subtle, but its effective for depression and free of side effects. </p> <p>2) Kanna - African herb. Again, subtle but very effective for mood, although it is mildly stimulant at about the level of caffiene so take in the morning rather than at night.</p> <p>Forget about the more common ones, like 5-htp and st johns wort. They are less effective, and dont target the right parts of the brain. The other potential chinese one you could look at is a lotus extract, but thats more expensive. In the east, they eat lotus seeds and roots, but for acute depression, thats likely not enough.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144418#144418 Dave 2012-08-22T01:49:26Z 2012-08-22T01:49:26Z

<p>I just read about this earlier today and it often take3-4 weeks for your body to get used to the diet. Once it does the brain fog and mood swings usually go away.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144422#144422 monaLisa 2012-08-22T01:59:00Z 2012-08-22T01:59:00Z

<p>I have had a similar experience on low carb, where I am depressed, more than normal. I do not do well on higher fat. My body swelled up and retained water and as soon as I lowered the meat and fat and increased carbs I felt better. Every body is different and you need to listen to your body, it will tell you what you need. The cleaner your diet is, the more you will become in tune with it and the more you will be forced to listen to it. This may be why you are experiencing sadness. The sadness may have always been there, but it was masked by your previous diet. </p> <p>Finally, there is more to health and happiness than just diet. Diet is one piece, but it is not a cure all. You need to deal with your psyche, and the root of your sadness. Here are a couple of videos that deal with these subjects. Hopefully they help.</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/VIO7bD4OLCA" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/VIO7bD4OLCA</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/VIO7bD4OLCA" rel="nofollow">link text</a></p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144424#144424 Alvaro 2012-08-22T02:12:53Z 2012-08-22T02:12:53Z

<p>How is your level of activity? And how many hours of sleep do you get per night? Both exercise and Sleep are great producers of endorphins (good mood hormones). Plus knowing that you are eating healthy, should make you happy and satisfied. Keep it up!</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144426#144426 Tamara Grooom 2012-08-22T02:16:29Z 2012-08-22T02:16:29Z

<p>Are you exercising? Regular exercise will change your mood completely. When I stop exercising regularly first I get moody and then I get depressed. Also, realize that people have a limited amount of will power and you have to give in to temptation now and then. If you love ice cream, have a cheat day and eat ice cream. Frozen blueberries are fun too and you don't even have to feel guilty eating them. Don't stay strict if it means that it's gonna break you. Work up to it and find a balance that works for you and be happy.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144428#144428 CJ 2012-08-22T02:18:58Z 2012-08-22T02:18:58Z

<p>I read a book called "Potatoes Not Prozac" - not at all paleo. But it cited some interesting research and theory about serotonin production and insulin. I am paraphrasing here: a very tightly controlled insulin response (say, from a very low carb diet) can reduce serotonin production. The author recommends (among other things) a small amount of potato 3 hours after dinner, to produce a mild insulin rise to help shuttle tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier where it can be used to build serotonin.</p> <p>Not sure if this applies to you (or if it is strictly paleo). But might be worth experimenting? An ounce or two of sweet potato 3 hrs after dinner might help to improve mood and depression symptoms.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144437#144437 Colin 2012-08-22T04:15:26Z 2012-08-22T04:15:26Z

<p>Hey Kat you sound dialed in when it comes to your diet so I'm not sure if I'll be any help, but what works well for me is including some pastured leaf lard and with each each meal I usually have a little apple cider vinegar to stimulate good bile flow. That makes me feel really good, not boundless energy or anything but just an overall sense of calm. Best of luck!</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144453#144453 Happy Now 2012-08-22T06:50:38Z 2012-08-22T18:02:31Z

<p>When I think contentment, well-being, relaxation, calm, happiness, etc., the combination of starch and fat come to mind. You know, comfort foods (they have that name for a reason). Just to name a few (I know some of these are on not your auto-immune protocol, but the stricter the diet, even if it is solid, often the lower the mood, so it might be worth experimenting with some soul feeding foods):</p> <p>Carrots or other root veggies cooked with butter</p> <p>Sweet potato fries made with lard</p> <p>Mashed potatoes</p> <p>Plantain chips and guacamole</p> <p>Tapioca pudding</p> <p>Rice with pan drippings </p> <p><strong>EDIT</strong>: </p> <p>Another thing to consider, no matter how perfect the food you put in your mouth, if you have suffered intestinal damage, have low stomach acid, sub-optimal gallbladder function, or developed dysbiosis from your previous diet, that could be a continued source of low mood because you are unable to absorb all of the nutrients you are taking in. It takes many months or years to restore and regrow a healthy gut.</p> <p>Being low on certain minerals can also cause lack of focus and low mood, make sure you are getting enough salt, magnesium, and potassium. The salt deficiency in particular you will be able to uncover almost instantly. Put a generous pinch of natural unrefined sea salt on your tongue, and slowly drink a glass of water until all the salty taste is gone. You'll know within 5-10 minutes whether you were low because you get a sudden boost in mood quality.</p> <p>Good luck. </p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144505#144505 scottts 2012-08-22T14:37:02Z 2012-08-22T14:37:02Z

<p>FWIW, what works for me is bulletproof coffee in the morning as my only morning calories and then one meal at night with 90 gms of starch from rice or potato and 4 egg yolks and one ounce of a liverwurst with beef liver, heart, and kidney in it.</p> <p>This forms the basis of my diet, to which I add some salad veggies and varying proteins and some dark chocolate. Many would say this isn't healthy, but I track my nutrition and I do get my micronutrients.</p> <p>I have specifically experiemented over the past two years with eating to improve mood, mentality, and stability. I am hypothyroid though so my metabolism is not normal, YMMV.</p> <p>Good luck - chronic low mood bites. </p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144535#144535 Melody 2012-08-22T15:39:08Z 2012-08-22T15:39:08Z

<p>I am hypothyroid like another commenter and been on the same protocol as you! Initially I felt much better but I also was off my meds for a bit. Now that I am back on them, I oddly am feeling a bit tired and unfocused, again, just like you describe. Isn't that odd?!</p> <p>One thing I did find in my research is that most of us with thyroid problems did better with carbs than without. (around 100g or whatever measurement they use, per day) Maybe you don't have that issue (been tested?) but your body might for whatever reason need more so I would go with that suggestion and eat some sweet potato, etc.</p> <p>I also notice that the less active I am, the more depressive and sluggish I am. Today in fact I am here in front of my computer when I should be finding something else to do! </p> <p>And thanks to the commenter who suggested plantains! I'm from S. Florida, now in Central Florida and I love those. ;-) Dipped in Guac?! OMG - heaven!</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144543#144543 hancy18 2012-08-22T16:17:46Z 2012-08-22T16:17:46Z

<p>I had the same problems. I was miserable about 3 months ago. I'd come home from school with that meaninglessness feeling drenching me. It was so bad Id go out late on fridays to corner grocery stores to plump myself with gluten free junk. It was like a vice. When I began following the advice of kresser and jaminet to add safe starches in I felt like my old self again. The dizzy confusion Id feel by the afternoon was gone. Try adding tubers like sweet potatoes, potatoes, yams. It worked like a charm for me.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144571#144571 Diane 2012-08-22T17:51:25Z 2012-08-22T17:51:25Z

<p>A lot of people try to go high fat with coconut products, avocados, fish oil, butter ("safe" or "ladylike" fats) and avoid saturated animal fat (i.e. lard, the fat on a steak, hard-core "manly" fats). I found that saturated animal fat was the key to giving me the happiness and good mood I have never had in my life before. Furthermore, I feel happier if some of that animal fat is from pork and chicken skin and not all from grassfed beef and fatty fish.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144575#144575 wildwabbit 2012-08-22T18:15:47Z 2012-08-22T18:15:47Z

<p>My answer is highly unique, N=1, to my individual characteristics but it might help give you some thought.</p> <p>Going Paleo fixed my mood in very good ways and for me it was the fish oil that was mostly responsible which I started at the same time. In fact, I discovered that it was a particular fish oil - if I tried any other fish oil, I went into depression within 2 days. If I tried going without fish oil, it happened within 5 days. Returning to "the" fish oil corrects the situation within 2 days. This is regardless of my other supplement intake including vitamin-D. This happened enough times for me that I considered it "proven" for my own personal N=1 experience.</p> <p>For me, the variables comes down to me needing higher quantities of DHA vs EPA in the fish oil - that was the one variable I isolated. If I add additional DHA supplementation I become quite cheerful and congenial. If I do DHA instead of the fish oil, I do not have depression.</p> <p>This is odd because according to papers reviewed by Emily Deans, EPA is normally needed in higher quantities alongside DHA even thought it was DHA that was shown to improve mood / depression. Again, thats why I consider this unique to me how I respond.</p> <p>The fish oil that works for me was Carlson's Cod Liver Oil, liquid. I tried green pasture fermented cod and skate liver oils with eventual bad results. I tried Arctic Naturals, and tried Source Naturals as well. Carlson's is the only one that has the DHA:EPA ratio that works for me.</p> <p>The lesson for you? Well consider fish oil, but consider the nutrition in general that has direct affect on your mood in addition to fish oil.</p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144645#144645 kat 2012-08-23T01:43:44Z 2012-08-23T01:43:44Z

<p>I wish I knew how to change the title of this post. Thanks to the hive (especially commenter Happy Now), I know it should read: Sad and unfocused on paleo? Eat more salt. </p> <p>Thx again to everyone who helped me troubleshoot. It was a pleasure paleohacking with you. </p>

http://paleohacks.com/questions/144404/the-unbearable-sadness-of-paleo/144658#144658 Renee 2012-08-23T02:24:32Z 2012-08-23T02:24:32Z

<p>Didn't read all the other comments but more starchy carbs have been key for me. They affect serotonin. Also are you eating enough, period? My mood really changed once I actually began to eat enough - and my cravings were greatly lessened as well. </p>