popeye's journal

[PaleoPhil]

The trouble is that craig, a ZCer, did once suggest that adrenal-related issues might become a problem on ZC, as ZC might over-stress the glands.

Yes, but not all ZCers experience this. Lex isn't experiencing it and my adrenal-related issues actually improved as I cut back carbs.

[William]

This suggests that the need for carbs is not due to a lipase insufficiency, but more likely a problem with neoglucogenesis.

[popeye]

It can take a while for the body to adapt to burning fat for fuel, particularly when it has been fed carbohydrates for most of its existence.  I have heard of people taking months to fully adapt.  The best advice is probably to gradually reduce carbs to a level that you are comfortable with, and then you can eat more or less as you wish.  At this point I am not of the opinion that you have to go ridiculously low to get the benefits.

[popeye]

Here's the thyroid panel and cortisol test.  Everything appears typical as far as I can tell.  TSH is on the low end so that means the pituitary gland is not attempting to stimulate additional thyroid hormones.  This was before I had started taking thyroid extract, but after I had started adrenal extract.  I discontinued the extract for a few days before I had the test done, so it wouldn't fudge the results.

[popeye]

Wow, I don't know if this is a coincidence or what, but I got the thyroid extract and have been taking it for a couple of days along with adrenal cortex and my energy and concentration are significantly better.  I had a thyroid and adrenal blood panel right before I started taking either, and when I get it I will post.  If this is due to hypothyroidism I would expect to see some kind of abnormal reading.

By the way, does anyone think it's at all likely that one could receive subjective benefit from eating raw glands after only a day or two that is not placebo?

[TylerDurden]

By the way, does anyone think it's at all likely that one could receive subjective benefit from eating raw glands after only a day or two that is not placebo?

Anything's possible. I've, in the past had almost instant benefits from eating some raw foods like raw oysters, for example.

[popeye]

Anything's possible. I've, in the past had almost instant benefits from eating some raw foods like raw oysters, for example.

Well, I took some more thyroid and adrenals, and am experiencing a resurgence of the effect.  I've taken them 3 times and a few hours after each I notice at least subtle subjective improvement.  This seems to be amplified by waiting long stretches between meals.  Perhaps something in the glands is stimulating something in my own glandular system.  If anything I'm closer to hyperthyroid than hypothyroid, but I would think eating glands would help with a diseased gland or organ in general, whether it is over or under functioning.