How it really happened

[Keyhole]

Hi AD, welcome back to the forum :)

I then started smoking cannabis heavily. From summer of 2013 to the end of summer 2014. I usually smoked every day, multiple times a day. I quit smoking on Sep 6th 2014 and have been sober since. And yes withdrawal symptoms are real! Felt like I was losing my mind for the first two weeks, but I feel normal now.

It takes a lot of strength to cut the dependency on cannabis, so well done, you've done really well! They say it is not addictive, but IMO it is very addictive. For me it was very hard and took a long time to get completely off it. But it feels great to feel 'clean' again doesn't it?

I am happy to hear that you have cut out some of the nasties :D and are reading the books. Going keto can take a little while because fat can be a bit over powering for the gut at first. While your reading and cutting out the starches - it might be a good idea to gradually increase fat intake with meals. For instance when you have veggies drizzle some butter on top. This will get your body used to having fats and will make it easier to transition when you are ready.

How are you feeling in your body and yourself by the way?

 

[MusicMan]

Just a couple of points, AD.
If you are working twelve hour shifts, especially in a natural-light free environment, it might pay you to spend some time in the sun as part of your routine, to boost your Vitamin D levels.
I worked several years on those shifts, and found that I lost nearly five centimetres in height, through bone loss.
So now I get out into the Sun as often as I can, and shed as much clothing as I can without scaring the neighbours! Twenty minutes early morning or late afternoon is optimal.
The other point was the rice. Dr. Hulda Clark noted that white rice was better than brown rice, because the brown rice harboured moulds. Her remedy for moulds is powdered (unflavoured) vitamin C, sprinkled over the food. Can't hurt.
I'm not sure if brown rice is the same thing as wild rice, but the mould just might be the problem.

 

[herondancer]

Ah, Konstantin beat me to it. :) Beans are very in carbs and high in fiber, which is hard on your digestive tract. It's like scrubbing those delicate tissues with a steel pad. There are some good threads on the 'fiber menace' you can read, plus a lot on google. You are wise to hold off on serious detox till you get your issues sorted. Still getting yourself closer to keto will be a detox in itself. It would be best to get some medical advice regarding the state of your kidneys, rather than trying to guess.

Bone broth and fat bomb are super foods! Just make sure to introduce them gradually, to give your liver a chance to bring its bile production up enough to deal with it.

Good luck!

 

[Alada]

I also noticed a couple of days ago that my right thumb has a bit of a orangish color to it, like a stain. I think its due to all the sweet potatoes I eat or from the cigs. I doubt its anything serious, but if doesn't go away in a couple of days time. I will go see the doc.

It sounds more likely that that is some kind of stain than anything else. Have you tried shifting it? S sturdy nail brush or failing that just a regular kitchen pan scouring pad works for me on the odd occasion when I get tobacco stains build up.

 

[Hope]

Hi guys , I will be responding as soon as I have time. These 12 hour night shifts(work from 7PM to 7AM)are taking a toll on me. I have taked to my manger mutiple times, to get me swithed over to days and he said he will see what he can do. I don't want to quit because its a easy job and it pays good, so for now I will stick around and see what happens.

 

[lainey]

Hello AD and welcome back! The important thing is that you are back and haven't given up. Take things step by step, one issue at a time and I'm sure you will get there. Good luck.

 

[Hope]

Ah, Konstantin beat me to it. :) Beans are very in carbs and high in fiber, which is hard on your digestive tract. It's like scrubbing those delicate tissues with a steel pad. There are some good threads on the 'fiber menace' you can read, plus a lot on google. You are wise to hold off on serious detox till you get your issues sorted. Still getting yourself closer to keto will be a detox in itself. It would be best to get some medical advice regarding the state of your kidneys, rather than trying to guess.

Bone broth and fat bomb are super foods! Just make sure to introduce them gradually, to give your liver a chance to bring its bile production up enough to deal with it.

Good luck!

Hi herondancer and Konstanin,

I just wanted to add them to increase my calorie intake because I don't want to lose anymore weight but I do know that they are not to good for ones health. I have seen many doctors and had many tests done, especially to check my liver,kidneys, and hormones. All of the tests came back fine but they were only the blood and urinalysis ones.

Yes I am going start practice making the fat bombs and bone broths. Hopefully tonight, but I have heard that its not good to intake to much fat while eating high carb. How much is to much fat while still eating high carb? I don't think I am ready yet to start lowering the carbs and start the transition yet.

It sounds more likely that that is some kind of stain than anything else. Have you tried shifting it? S sturdy nail brush or failing that just a regular kitchen pan scouring pad works for me on the odd occasion when I get tobacco stains build up.

Hi Alada,

No I have not tried shifting it but its still there after about a week. I would think if it were a stain it be gone by now? I have decided to go see the doctor today just to be on the safe side.

It takes a lot of strength to cut the dependency on cannabis, so well done, you've done really well! They say it is not addictive, but IMO it is very addictive. For me it was very hard and took a long time to get completely off it. But it feels great to feel 'clean' again doesn't it?

I am happy to hear that you have cut out some of the nasties :D and are reading the books. Going keto can take a little while because fat can be a bit over powering for the gut at first. While your reading and cutting out the starches - it might be a good idea to gradually increase fat intake with meals. For instance when you have veggies drizzle some butter on top. This will get your body used to having fats and will make it easier to transition when you are ready.

How are you feeling in your body and yourself by the way?

Yes the cannabis does certainly mess with your brain chemistry. I have friends that have smoked for years and years and it seems like they cant just quit. Smoking their lives away.

I do have bacon with a sweet potato every morning and cook all my vegges with a lot of butter, but will try to add more fat in to my diet.

Hi AD, and welcome back!

in my experience, the first thing to do is to take care of the digestive system, that is intestines and stomach. Nora Gedgaudas and others recommended probiotics (first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach with some greasy food), after 0.5 hour you can have breakfast. between meals you can try to have 1 teaspoon of L glutamine dissolved in warm water which can regenerate the gastrointestinal mucosa and depleted secretory IgA levels (immune defense) of the intestines. L glutamine is not recommended when somebody has cancer.
If you're feeling OK, you can increase up to 3-4 grams per day, taken on empty stomach.

You said you have digestive enzymes, take it right after the main meal. Attention, I just heard there was a problem here - one manufacturer had the idea to put chilly pepper in one of this "super enzyme" brand which caused severe nasal bleeding to one of my acquaintance, so check first !!!

All serotonin is produced in the gut, so mood issues are related to gastrointestinal health. If you don't have it restored, there is useless to take the best supplements, as they will not be absorbed properly.

I hope this will be of help,
best wishes
Joy

Hi Shared Joy,

I don't not really know about L glutamine or forgot about it, will have to research it. I try to limit the supplements I take, I don't want to take something that I don't need or might cause harm. Only take them, if I really need them and are safe.

I do definitely need digestive enzymes though, I have taken them for a couple of days and have noticed a significant improvement in my stools and well being. Heck the first night I took them I felt wired, like I was high. However on the bottle of NOW foods Super Enzymes it says "Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens." Has be worried maybe there is a chance for cross contamination, what if there using the same lines?

 

[davey72]

I also noticed a couple of days ago that my right thumb has a bit of a orangish color to it, like a stain. I think its due to all the sweet potatoes I eat or from the cigs. I doubt its anything serious, but if doesn't go away in a couple of days time. I will go see the doc.

It sounds more likely that that is some kind of stain than anything else. Have you tried shifting it? S sturdy nail brush or failing that just a regular kitchen pan scouring pad works for me on the odd occasion when I get tobacco stains build up.

What does shifting it mean?
Also i have learned that orange peals work well to rid fingers of tobacco stains.fwiw.

 

[Turgon]

I do definitely need digestive enzymes though, I have taken them for a couple of days and have noticed a significant improvement in my stools and well being. Heck the first night I took them I felt wired, like I was high. However on the bottle of NOW foods Super Enzymes it says "Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens." Has be worried maybe there is a chance for cross contamination, what if there using the same lines?

I've been using this brand of digestive enzymes for years and never found any issues with them. The possibility exists that it may be contaminated, but I think the chances are unlikely that they are and you have much to worry about on that front.

I just wanted to add them to increase my calorie intake because I don't want to lose anymore weight but I do know that they are not to good for ones health.

Yes I am going start practice making the fat bombs and bone broths. Hopefully tonight, but I have heard that its not good to intake to much fat while eating high carb. How much is to much fat while still eating high carb? I don't think I am ready yet to start lowering the carbs and start the transition yet.

I have lost quite a bit weight since getting my new job and making these new dietary changes, down to 118lbs/height 5'10

I had the same issues a few years back. I didn't do my research well enough and wasn't really sure how to transition properly into keto so I ended up losing a lot of weight and was around 117lbs at my lowest. I pretty much was wasting away and it took a while to really get my bearings straight as to how to eat properly on this diet and find the right ratios. Yes, you don't want to eat too much fat with carbs for too long, but also eating a lot of fat with your meals will fill you up so you can start reducing the amount of carbs you eat. And the fat bombs will definitely help you put on weight!

BTW, do you do the EE program or practice any methods of grounding yourself to help calm your mind and body and alleviate the anxiety you experience? Sometimes having to read a lot of links and incorporating so many new things into your life can seem overwhelming when you are already filled with anxiety, so definitely spending some quality time everyday doing exercises, like EE, or slow bodily movements to help get you in touch with your body and sensations can help lift some of that mental and emotional turmoil and better deal with the anxiety.

Here's a link that discusses some of that in relation to trauma Peter Levine - In An Unspoken Voice

 

[Alada]

It sounds more likely that that is some kind of stain than anything else. Have you tried shifting it? S sturdy nail brush or failing that just a regular kitchen pan scouring pad works for me on the odd occasion when I get tobacco stains build up.

What does shifting it mean?
Also i have learned that orange peals work well to rid fingers of tobacco stains.fwiw.

It's just another way of saying have you tried removing it. As in, try scrubbing real hard, that'll make shifting it easier. ;)

 

[Hope]

Turgon
"I've been using this brand of digestive enzymes for years and never found any issues with them. The possibility exists that it may be contaminated, but I think the chances are unlikely that they are and you have much to worry about on that front."

Hi Turgon,

Yea I ended up calling them and they assured me that the chances of contamination are very low, with the GMP quailty controls they use. Glad they are working for you!

I have been having small aches on my right middle side of my back for the past week or so, along with some frequent urination. Paraniod it could be my kidneys lol. Now since last night it seems like my urine output has decreased than normal. I doubt its the enzymes but just wanted to make sure there not the ones causing it, so am going to eliminate them for a couple of days. Probably my body just trying to normalize/heal after making these changes, as I use to really have to go all the time!

Turgon
I had the same issues a few years back. I didn't do my research well enough and wasn't really sure how to transition properly into keto so I ended up losing a lot of weight and was around 117lbs at my lowest. I pretty much was wasting away and it took a while to really get my bearings straight as to how to eat properly on this diet and find the right ratios. Yes, you don't want to eat too much fat with carbs for too long, but also eating a lot of fat with your meals will fill you up so you can start reducing the amount of carbs you eat. And the fat bombs will definitely help you put on weight!

BTW, do you do the EE program or practice any methods of grounding yourself to help calm your mind and body and alleviate the anxiety you experience? Sometimes having to read a lot of links and incorporating so many new things into your life can seem overwhelming when you are already filled with anxiety, so definitely spending some quality time everyday doing exercises, like EE, or slow bodily movements to help get you in touch with your body and sensations can help lift some of that mental and emotional turmoil and better deal with the anxiety.

Hate being so skinny, makes me feel weak and vulnerable, glad I am not the only one though. Need to start making them and eating it in small increments. Due to me working graves, I find it hard to do the EE. I am going to keep bugging my manger, hopefully he can switch me to days soon.
It would be hard to do Keto, while working nights I feel like. Still trying to figure out how I will plan my meals out.

Thank you all for the help, much appreciated!

 

[Henchman 21]

AD, you seem to have developed a more than reasonable assessment of yourself. You seem to have squashed a number of self importance issues that most people struggle with constantly. With that always comes growth so long as you remain vigilant. I wish you the best. From what I can tell, self importance isn't nearly as big of an issue with you as it was before. This is key. I wish and hope the best for you and it seems that you are really putting in the effort. Well done!! Stay strong and stay connected.

 

[RedFox]

Hey AD - looks like you are doing quite well! :)

As a skinny who lost a lot of weight, struggled to put any on, and had trouble digesting fats (even with digestive support) I've just found that berberine in the most useful supplement I've tried out of everything for helping with that.

_http://www.findhomeremedy.com/best-herbal-remedies-for-leaky-gut/

Berberine

This is one herb that seems to be perfect for gastrointestinal disorders, especially leaky gut. It has been traditionally used in china to treat gastrointestinal problems. Clinical studies have shown that berberine is quite useful in healing leaky gut. It can repair the damage caused to the intestinal wall by the inflammatory molecules.

Slippery elm comes in a close second, but never helped me gain weight. Incidentally berberine also protects the kidneys from damage plus a whole bunch of other things (including lowering insulin resistance) _http://askdrjudi.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-incredible-health-effects-of.html

Other issues that may be related are possible thyroid problems _http://chriskresser.com/the-thyroid-gut-connection
Along those lines, as your digestion is impaired it's important to be getting extra minerals (especially boron and iodine which will help the thyroid work properly). A full spectrum mineral supplement (without iron) is a good way to go. Also avoid vit c with meals/protein as this will load your body with iron, which is not good.

I'd also add that fat bombs are a great way to gain weight (if your guts are working well). Bone broth helps with healing too.
If you find you cannot eat much, along with supporting with a digestive aid be cautious of what vegetables you are eating. Things like kale will shut down your digestion almost completely.
When you are eating something that your guts find irritating (this can include food that is not properly digested) there is a good chance you are not absorbing the energy/minerals from the rest of the food that gets eaten with that one irritant.

I couldn't handle the L-Glutamine, so be cautious of that (i.e. feeling hyper then burned out, good digestion followed by problems).
I think others have mentioned it, but L-Carnatine will help you switch to fat burning too.

 

[Hope]

Thanks Redfox for the helpful tips! I will get back to you once I start feeling better.

For the last three days my urine output has most definitely decreased and I have push to get it going. It was accompanied with some small back aches. I dont have a fever, diarrhea , or any other new and unsual symptoms. Still eating the same. Sweet potato with bacon in the morning. Wild rice with vegetable sabzi(Indian) through out the day. I will also have some nuts and fruit too through out the day as well. I stopped taking the enzymes and am not taking anyother supplements or meds.

I did go see a doc at a urgent care clinic, though he didnt really seem to listen to me. He just oredered some blood tests. I am thinking about going to the hospital because it will take some time to get the tests back and I dont have a PCP at the moment. Have read that decreased urine output could be a sign of something serious going on.

 

[Konstantin]

Thanks Redfox for the helpful tips! I will get back to you once I start feeling better.

For the last three days my urine output has most definitely decreased and I have push to get it going. It was accompanied with some small back aches. I dont have a fever, diarrhea , or any other new and unsual symptoms. Still eating the same. Sweet potato with bacon in the morning. Wild rice with vegetable sabzi(Indian) through out the day. I will also have some nuts and fruit too through out the day as well. I stopped taking the enzymes and am not taking anyother supplements or meds.

I did go see a doc at a urgent care clinic, though he didnt really seem to listen to me. He just oredered some blood tests. I am thinking about going to the hospital because it will take some time to get the tests back and I dont have a PCP at the moment. Have read that decreased urine output could be a sign of something serious going on.

Decreased urine output could mean some kidney problems. You can add here the back pain. Dont wait and go to hospital and check your kidneys. My father have similar problems but his condition is far worst. I dont mean to scare you , just be aware that it could mean kidney problems. Jut go to hospital and make some tests.

Take care