Low carb diet & effect on mood?!
Question: I am considering a "no white" diet, which basically cuts out white flours, rice, pastas, sugar, etc. Not necessarily a low vs. a good carb diet. This is basically how I eat anyway, just paying closer attention. I've read that this will help stabilize moods, and ease depression symptoms. I already exercize regularly (cardio & weights, 5x/wk), so please don't tell me to! I've been prescribed an anti-depresant but am very reluctant to take it because of the weight side effects.
My questions: For those who have begun a low/good carb diet, did you notice a change or stabilization of your mood?
Answers: I am considering a "no white" diet, which basically cuts out white flours, rice, pastas, sugar, etc. Not necessarily a low vs. a good carb diet. This is basically how I eat anyway, just paying closer attention. I've read that this will help stabilize moods, and ease depression symptoms. I already exercize regularly (cardio & weights, 5x/wk), so please don't tell me to! I've been prescribed an anti-depresant but am very reluctant to take it because of the weight side effects.
My questions: For those who have begun a low/good carb diet, did you notice a change or stabilization of your mood?
Yeah, it can. Especially after you get past that three day mark. Mainly because it helps stabilize your blood sugar. I've battled depression off an on my whole life. I've gone the drug route. And, when I was younger, and knew myself less, drugs were good crutches. I've also tweaked my diet in so many ways. Getting rid of the white stuff did help, but I think what helped most of all, was hulled hemp seed (which REALLY stabilizes blood sugar). And, most importantly, seeing a homoeopath. Depression, in many cases, is a symptom of your mind trying to get past barriers it NEEDS to pass. The best way to aid your mind through it is to eliminate as many stressors in your life as possible, to make way for what your mind needs to sort out. People trust their lungs to collect oxygen, and their hearts to pump blood, but they don't trust their minds enough to sort out what needs to be sorted. The mind is an evolved entity just like any other organ in your body. Trust it , and aid it in healing, by taking away what hurts. Hit issues dead on, and eliminate them, no matter how small they seem.
After I stopped eating any white flour I didn't really notice any real change in my moods except I had a little more energy that lasted longer
Yes, definitely. I eat a lot of veggies and fruits during the day to curb hunger and try to only eat a minimal amount of breads and pasta. I find that when I eat pasta I feel lethargic and depressed. Now, I only eat whole wheat toast when I really need a carb fix. Since I've given up white carbs, as you say, I find that I have a lot more energy and my mood has definitely been uplifted.
I do not recommend a low carb diet if you exercise regularly. Your body need carbohydrates, complex ones like fiber (on women at least 25g of dietary fiber).
Also is a good practice to drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.