Changes when cutting out carbs

[JaX]

on the days I go very low carb, when I avoid fruit and eat mostly meat/coconut/avocado, I have notice some changes, for example a faster/stronger resting heart rate. Also I get a lot more energy and feel restless. I don't have problems falling asleep but my sleep is more restless (I turn around more) and I always have nightmares that seem extremely real (when I wake up it takes me some time to realize where I am). This happens exactly on those days that I cut out carbs.

Do any of you guys feel any changes when you lower carbs?

How long time does it take being low carb for these effects to go away?

After several weeks of low carb, if you suddenly have a day with high carbs, do you have to go back through this adaption phase when switching to low carb again?

[boxcarguy07]

Hmm this is interesting because for the last week I've gone zero carb (except for a small amount in spinach)
and I've noticed no such things.
It actually seems like my heartbeat has been more normal.
My sleep is fine and recuperative.

The only thing I've noticed since going no-carb is that my recovery from working out is dramatically slower.
But I feel really great, so I don't know...

My tongue has turned rather white and furry since cutting out carbs... I hear that that's a sure sign of candida?
But it's not nearly as bad as the pictures that show up when I search for something like "white tongue candida" on google images.

[JaX]

Hmm this is interesting because for the last week I've gone zero carb (except for a small amount in spinach)
and I've noticed no such things.
It actually seems like my heartbeat has been more normal.
My sleep is fine and recuperative.

The only thing I've noticed since going no-carb is that my recovery from working out is dramatically slower.
But I feel really great, so I don't know...

My tongue has turned rather white and furry since cutting out carbs... I hear that that's a sure sign of candida?
But it's not nearly as bad as the pictures that show up when I search for something like "white tongue candida" on google images.

boxcarguy07 I don't know maybe it depends on how bad it is. After I read your post I just checked my own tongue and forced some of my friend's to show me theirs, it looks like we all have SOME white layer especially at the back of the tongue. But its only visible under strong light and doesn't compare with those pics I recently saw online under candida tongue. I think it would be more serious and you would have more symptoms if you had candida overgrowth on your tongue. Also aren't you low on carbs. That should have starved out any overgrowth of yeast/candida (although I've read it's natural to have very low levels of yeast in the body)

But about the carbohydrates: Especially in the evening if I haven't had some carbs I get restless and while my senses are clearer, high energy, I can't really focus on one thing. I can describe it like an adrenalin rush.

That's a point where I crave carbs a lot and end up having some fruit or honey. If I eat fat/protein it doesn't satisfy me and it only feels like I'm stuffing myself to not want carbs. And, even if I do stuff myself with fats, the desire for carbs remains.

Seriously has no one tried feeling like this when they cut out carbs? The adrenalin rush feeling, restlessness and vivid dreams while sleeping? Maybe its a sign I do need some carbs?

[goodsamaritan]

My limited experience with low carb is I don't get hungry... I feel full longer.

[JaX]

anyone else? There have to be others that have some experience with going low carb! I'm interested in hearing the changes you noticed when you lowered carbs and how long they lasted..

[Raw Kyle]

I've never really gone super low or no carb more than a day or two in a row so I can't say I've noticed much. I can say that in general I eat fairly low carb, ideally 4 TBSP of honey or less a day as my only source of carbs, and can say that after a few days of that (added to fat/muscle/organs) I get bored with what I'm eating and don't feel fulfilled. It could be carb cravings or cravings for something other than raw paleo fare. It seems I end up craving what I am not allowing myself, when I do meat without honey I end up thinking how nice a big juicy piece of fruit would be, when I'm allowing myself honey or other raw paleo carbs I'm thinking about how good some cooked meat or other paleo food would be, and when I'm allowing myself that then I'm thinking how good pure junk would be. I often wonder what it would feel like to get the monkey off my back with this stuff, to just be able to be thankful for the food I'm eating and not be worrying about my next food fix. Most people probably don't realize how much they are just going from food fix to food fix like drugs, that terrible feeling they get if they skip a meal, contrary to their claim, is not that they are "starving" but rather that they missed their drugs for that time of day.

[Michael]

It's interesting how carbs seems to be such an issue for many people .  I can certainly relate to some of the comments here but am glad to say that I don't particularly crave carbs anymore.  I'm not zero-carb and do eat some low carb veggies (herbs, garlic, onion, pepper, courgette, tomatoes), very occasionally a piece of fruit and a few nuts here and there but I do not crave those things.

I recall how I used to feel the same as Raw Kyle described but, thankfully, those days are long behind me.  I, too, believe candida has been a long-time problem (maybe still is to a degree) but certainly don't have a tongue like the ones I just saw on Google images!! (thanks for the tip boxcar).

Raw Kyle, I seem to remember reading you mentioning your occasional junk food binges, beer etc for social reasons.  If you really want to solve the issues you described then I think you really need to cut out those things.  I'm not suggesting you move into the monastery just yet but, even if only indulged in infrequently, beer, junk food ( potentially laden with sugar) and even raw honey, in my opinion and experience, will all just keep you on that wagon.  As someone who spent most of their life on the same trip - let me tell you it's incredible to get off of it and well worth the perceived sacrifice.

I'm not sure how natural it is to go zero-carb but am certainly interested in the idea and the potential.  Lex seems to be trailblazing in that regard and seems to be doing well.  With matters as you described Seeker, I think you'd be better served just staying low carb whilst paying particular attention to avoiding high-carb foods such as sugar, sweet fruits etc.  I think the dietary philosophies we all apply to our lives here can be isolating enough.

[Michael]

Whoops!  Sorry Seeker.  I somehow confused your message with one on another thread.  Trying to do too many things at once!  Please ignore anything I said that didn't relate to your message!   

[Kristelle]

The "adrenaline rush" mentioned is something I've definetly experienced. Two things will cause this. Reducing or eliminating carbs. Or eating too much fat and hence not enough protein. Ultimately, I think these symptoms are caused by a deficit/change in certain minerals like too little magnesium, for example.

That's why it's best to remain constant with the level of carbs and eat plenty of protein. I've been on the fence about fat but I am beginning to share Tyler's view that one does not need so much fat.

I've been zero-carb (no "cheats") for almost 4 months. Meat and water. Nothing else.

[JaX]

The "adrenaline rush" mentioned is something I've definetly experienced. Two things will cause this. Reducing or eliminating carbs. Or eating too much fat and hence not enough protein. Ultimately, I think these symptoms are caused by a deficit/change in certain minerals like too little magnesium, for example.

That's why it's best to remain constant with the level of carbs and eat plenty of protein. I've been on the fence about fat but I am beginning to share Tyler's view that one does not need so much fat.

I've been zero-carb (no "cheats") for almost 4 months. Meat and water. Nothing else.

For real? You eat only raw meat and drink water? Isn't it difficult from a social point of view?

And I gotta ask, you really have not eaten any vegetable, any fruit, any nut or seed for 4 months? This whole idea of zero carb is pretty new to me that's why I'm surprised when I read about people who eat only meat.

How's your energy level like and how many times per day do you eat, when and how much? Oh yea and WHAT do you eat, do you just eat different organs from different animals or do you stick mostly with beef?

What's your view on chicken/pork?

Do you do some form of exercise and how much?

[Kristelle]

There are actually others like me on this board and on another one too
www.zerocarbage.com

My meat is raw on the inside, cooked on the outside. It tastes better and I'm personally not convinced that 100% raw is significantly healthier.

I tell everyone how I eat and have had no problems so far. The fact that I eat my food slightly cooked probably helps. But even then, some may comment on how raw the inside is. I don't care.

I've only eaten meat and water. Nothing else.

My energy levels fluctuate but are much better when I eat less fat and more protein. Excess fat makes me tired. I usually eat twice daily, sometimes once daily and rarely 3x or more.

I mostly eat beef. Liver, very occasionally. Muscle meat almost exclusively.

I like chicken thighs and pork but feel the best when I eat beef. It is much more satisfying.

I am mostly sedentary but when I walk, I walk for hours and walk fast. I'm 32 years old.

[Furion]

My tongue has turned rather white and furry since cutting out carbs... I hear that that's a sure sign of candida?
But it's not nearly as bad as the pictures that show up when I search for something like "white tongue candida" on google images.

Hey, can you tell me what have been eating? I am wondering what caused the white tongue.  Have you been eating raw or cooked foods? Thanks.

[DameonWolf]

Oh...so this topic is already being discussed, lol. Silly me. Must be the fruit getting to my head. I see the topic of white togue. Yes Candida can cause this problem, believe it or not white tongue is actually a strong indicator of...*GASP* detox!! I know I know a lot of people here don't like that word but I tend to believe in it. When we fast we examine our tongue, it's a good indicator of the progress. It get a solid white fuzzy coat during fasting, when the coat disappears, the fast is then over. They say the tongue turns the same color as the stomach. When you go into a DEEP juice or water fast your entire stomach gets fixed, or attempted fixing(not to mention much of the body). On my orange juice fast my tongue turned so white, but I really couldn't make it all the way too 40 days so I stopped at 14. It was funny because within 24 hours of introducing foods, my tongue's white coat was gone. Some don't react so well to fasting though.

[RawZi]

Oh...so this topic is already being discussed, lol. Silly me. Must be the fruit getting to my head. I see the topic of white togue. Yes Candida can cause this problem, believe it or not white tongue is actually a strong indicator of...*GASP* detox!! I know I know a lot of people here don't like that word but I tend to believe in it. When we fast we examine our tongue, it's a good indicator of the progress. It get a solid white fuzzy coat during fasting, when the coat disappears, the fast is then over. They say the tongue turns the same color as the stomach. When you go into a DEEP juice or water fast your entire stomach gets fixed, or attempted fixing(not to mention much of the body). On my orange juice fast my tongue turned so white, but I really couldn't make it all the way too 40 days so I stopped at 14. It was funny because within 24 hours of introducing foods, my tongue's white coat was gone. Some don't react so well to fasting though.

    I intended to fast on water alone for forty days, but quit before day twenty was over.  My tongue did not get white, but it did get slimmer.  It did get pinker again.  I used to digest vegetables well.  Plus my test results backed up that statement.  After that fast it changed.  I haven't been as good at digesting vegeables since.  I've never done a two week orange juice fast, but I have lived on only oranges, lots of young coconuts, grapefruit (they all grew right there no chemicals), herbs, a little salad, a few beans and daily water enemas for almost a year.  My tongue never got white that time either.  Is everyone supposed to get a white tongue with it?  I knew mine was over because all the lumps were gone, and I wasn't reactive anymore, nor feeling sickish. 

[DameonWolf]

I don't think every one is supposed to get a white tongue with it. As usual, I think it's totally different for every one. It just so happens with the Barefoot Herbalist MH he noticed that a lot of the people following his regiments would get white coated tongues. And eventually their tongues white color would disappear, so he kind of judged that at that point the stomach was done being repaired. OR he got the idea from some one else, I'm not sure. Not saying it's true or not, but that's kind of a judgment call a lot of faster's make. I my self would only ever do an OJ fast again if my weight was higher. If my weight was up at 140 and I felt I needed to fast, I would do a 40 day FOR SURE.

[RawZi]

I don't think every one is supposed to get a white tongue with it. As usual, I think it's totally different for every one. It just so happens with the Barefoot Herbalist MH he noticed that a lot of the people following his regiments would get white coated tongues. And eventually their tongues white color would disappear, so he kind of judged that at that point the stomach was done being repaired. OR he got the idea from some one else, I'm not sure. Not saying it's true or not, but that's kind of a judgment call a lot of faster's make. I my self would only ever do an OJ fast again if my weight was higher. If my weight was up at 140 and I felt I needed to fast, I would do a 40 day FOR SURE.

    I think each person's experience may be different.  People I fasted with had white tongues, especially one that was detoxing of chemotherapy for cancer she was put through.  She started the fast near death and very thin, but did really well through the fast and got better.  Maybe medications cause more white coating.  I didn't even take aspirin growng up no matter how bad headaches I had, etc.  What does MH, o, ok master herbalist.  I'm utilizing animal stuff to heal etc now anyway, and for keeping clean (and I don't mean soap fat).  How does everyone here feel about fasting?  I'm not sure I want to do it anymore.  I'll see when I get there.

[boxcarguy07]

Hey, can you tell me what have been eating? I am wondering what caused the white tongue.  Have you been eating raw or cooked foods? Thanks.

Hey there. At the time when I had the white tongue, I was eating raw zero-carb. The white tongue went away after I started eating carbs again.

But I don't think it matter whether I was eating raw or cooked, because if the white tongue was actually from candida, then I most likely had candida issues before I started eating raw in the first place

[William]

I've been eating raw ground beef and fat, mostly in the form of pemmican recently. Occasional wild blueberries. Everything is from frozen. Raw liver often.
I sprinkle dried seawater on the beef before drying.

No white on the tongue, didn't look when I started zero carb, less shitting but better since I added enough fat.

I feel better, stronger and more energy.

[Furion]

Hey there. At the time when I had the white tongue, I was eating raw zero-carb. The white tongue went away after I started eating carbs again.

But I don't think it matter whether I was eating raw or cooked, because if the white tongue was actually from candida, then I most likely had candida issues before I started eating raw in the first place

Thanks.

I have had a white tongue for over a year.

I am going to start eating completely raw primal diet within the next couple weeks.  I've sourced raw grassfed meat, honey, milk, organic fruits and vegetables, and am looking for organic cream/butter.

I did a 10 day master cleanse fast/detox where I only have lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper drinks 8 times a day.

Initially the coating on my tongue increased but after the 8th day pink patches started appearing about by the 10th and the next few days it was clear pink.  Once I started eating regular food again, the whiteness came back.  It will be interesting to see the positive changes a completely raw diet will bring about.

I've been eating raw ground beef and fat, mostly in the form of pemmican recently. Occasional wild blueberries. Everything is from frozen. Raw liver often.
I sprinkle dried seawater on the beef before drying.

No white on the tongue, didn't look when I started zero carb, less shitting but better since I added enough fat.

I feel better, stronger and more energy.

Hey William, according to Vonderplanitz, meat that has been frozen will lose a lot of their benefits.

[Sully]

     How does everyone here feel about fasting?

I think fasting is fine. 3 days seems enough for a all water fast. However I eat one meal a day, so I kinda fast every day. I eat at night.  It feels good to actually get hungry before you eat.

[Furion]

hmm I cant edit my posts

I meant to say raw milk, raw cream and raw butter and unheated honey.

[William]

Hey William, according to Vonderplanitz, meat that has been frozen will lose a lot of their benefits.

I know, but the only alternative would then be feedlot beef.

[feral]

I know, but the only alternative would then be feedlot beef.

Even then, I would wager that any grain fed beef you might be able to find was frozen on its way to the grocer.

[SilentBuddy]

Kristelle, do you take any supplements?

[goodsamaritan]

Interesting conversation.  I will try this very very low carb thing.  Avocados are back in season here.  And we've got coconuts all the time.