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About 2 days after I started eating 90% paleo (and counting), on and off through the day my eyes began to feel sort of fatigued/dry/slightly irritated (If I keep my eyes closed they feel fine but I would not say that I am tired, I've been getting 8 hours of sleep). I haven't been 100% paleo yet, I had to finish up some greek yogurts and 1/2 gallon of milk. Do you have any idea what could be causing this? The feeling is on and off today, as well.

I have been eating mostly mixed greens, eggs, bacon, beef (stew meat), avocados, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, almonds- nothing too out of the ordinary.

Any insight is appreciated, thanks!

EDIT: I am going to try adding more fruit and sweet potatoes (carbs) to my diet and see if this clears up. Will update in several days with results!

EDIT(2/6): It was definitely caused by low carbs. I ate a bunch of bananas, sweet potatoes, and apples in the following days and the problem went away! Thanks for the info all!

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5 Answers

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Are you low carb? Going too low on my carbs (under 60 g) did this to me- tears are primarily glucose. Try a day with some potatoes or rice and see if your symptoms improve.

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Thanks, this is a response I was looking for. I will try adding some sweet potato servings here and there and see if it goes away. – Dan Feb 1 2012 at 18:00
I am the same if I'm too low carb too - dry, sore, bloodshot eyes. – Efaitch Feb 1 2012 at 20:18
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Dan,

I agree with JitzGrrl. Add a small amount of starch back to your diet like 1/2 a potato or 1/2 sweet potato per day and see if your dry mouth and eyes go away.

Here is some info you might find useful.
http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/paul-jaminets-response-to-the-critics-of-his-safe-starches-concept/11920

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You are everywhere RfTx. It's like you are trying to max out your rep points or something. – Aravind Feb 1 2012 at 19:44
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Thanks to your FoS renewal post AB, I have to stay off FB and put in some time here sharing what little I know. – Wcc Kamal Stabby fan Feb 1 2012 at 19:51
thanks for the link, I noticed all of the testimonies had also reported dry eyes, so hopefully this is a quick and easy fix! – Dan Feb 1 2012 at 20:24
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Maybe you're not getting enough oils? How's your skin?

Also, if you're in a cold, dry climate, it might have nothing to do with diet.

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It is cold here, however I have lived through cold winters my whole life and this seemed to be a direct result of me switching up my diet- I would typically eat grains/beans/etc. all the time like most Americans. I am hoping it is just an "in transition" symptom that will go away within a couple days. – Dan Feb 1 2012 at 17:51
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I'm not in a cold climate but our desert wind can stir up pollen and dust so I usually assume that's the problem when my eyes get dry. I guess it could also have to do with hydration or fluctuation in what I'm eating.

In my case, it doesn't last long enough for me to log when it happens and test known variables but that's what I'd do if it lasted more than a few days.

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i have also noticed that my eyes and mouth are very dry all the time... also my nether region. this has only been since starting paleo, so i'm not sure what's going on.

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