Low-carb Depression
Comments: 8
A nutritionist commissioned by McCain’s — the potato product company — claims that the Atkins diet can lead to winter depression.
Atkins diet link to winter gloom
Catherine Lyst, Scotsman.comThe dieters’ lack of carbohydrate intake will lead to lower levels of seratonin, the “happy” chemical in their brains, according to Lorraine Perretta, a senior nutrition consultant.
“Carbohydrates don’t make seratonin but encourage the making if it,” she said. “If people are cutting out carbohydrates they are more likely to suffer from depression.
Needless to say, for every nutritionist who says one thing, there’s another to say the opposite. Who the hell knows what to eat? I don’t follow the Atkins diet as such, but I did decrease carbohydrates and increase protein a bit and have felt better since. But all things in moderation: fanaticism causes cancer.
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Posted to General Rants • 2003.10.27 (Mon) • 15:27
Comments
Posted by ste 2003.10.27, 23:13
It’s also interesting to note that the nutritionist was consulted by a potato chip company (they have no bias toward carbohydrates, right?). Honestly, I tend to disbelieve most nutritional advice unless it comes from a diverse group of professionals in different parts of the field.
I’m also against the Atkins diet … I don’t think it has been around long enough for anyone to know the possible detrimental side effects of a diet high in protein (and potentially fat). It amazes me how most Americans would rather eat the strangest diets than just eating a normal “healthy” diet (by which I mean, well-rounded and moderate in everything) and exercising more.
Posted by Jeff 2003.10.27, 23:28
I agree that the Atkins diet is too severe. And I’m not interested in just losing weight but changing my eating habits so those strange diets don’t interest me.
I started eating a low carb/higher protein diet in January (no carbs after about 2pm, especially the simple ones) and lost 20 lbs (about 9 kg) in about 5 months. I love eating more nuts and avocados, even though they are higher in calories.
Personally, just knowing I’ve shed the weight puts me in a great mood.
Posted by richard 2003.10.28, 03:46
I saw a similar story from a nutritionist that worked for Phillip Morris that said two cigarettes per hour really increase your lung capacity.
Oh yeah, and that report from Seagrams that says a shot of vodka just before driving improves your reaction times in poor visibility conditions.
Radical diet changes don’t work well if you plan to continue to keep the weight off. You need to pay attention to what you’re eating and doing long-term.
Posted by Jerry Kindall 2003.10.28, 07:48
My experience with Atkins has been that it virtually eliminates depression, at least to the extent that the derpession arises from a feeling of powerlessness over one’s body. Which, for someone who’s on Atkins, is likely to be a fair extent. There’s nothing like your own father failing to recognize you at Christmas, due to the 75 pounds you’ve lost, to get rid of the winter blahs…
Posted by Eileen 2003.10.29, 06:37
My brother is on the Atkins diet and is losing weight. This is critical for his health, since we have a history of heart disease and depression in our family. Additionally a heavy person has a tendency toward diabetes & high blood pressure. He feels great about his prospects and it works for HIM. He assures me that some carbs are allowed following the ‘intake’ (initial) period.
On the other hand, I too, agree with the prior commentors regarding moderation. I’m glad that credible research is being done and that we don’t need to be afraid to eat ‘good’ fats. I’ve been cooking more at home and have more variety and satisfaction. I, too, feel that I have control over my well-being and not just a puppet of today’s fads, chemicals, and advertisements.
Posted by aaron wall 2003.12.10, 05:50
I tend to think using 5HTP or eating diets rich in tryptophan (along with vitamins) is a good way to loose weight.
Posted by David Prince 2003.12.17, 12:29
I can vouch for two things from experience and research. 1. An Atkins diet will help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. 2. Carbohydrates are feel good food.
There is no discrepancy between the research cited and the Atkins diet. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin that is blocked by other amino acids in the blood. When a person consumes a high carbohydrate meal, amino acids are removed from the bloodstream leaving only tryptophyan to be absorbed by the brain. This in turn causes an upsurge in serotonin production, and this in turns causes relief of stress and anxiety and a feeling of well being.
If you have discovered that a low carbohydrate diet is helpful to you, I recommend you consult with a physician to monitor your progress and look into an SSRI such as Prozac.
Here is a great summary of what goes on: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html
Posted by Atkins Diet Fans 2004.09.10, 12:35
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet? They are both “Low-Carb”, correct?
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