"Life Without Bread"

Don Genaro said:
Megan said:
Don Genaro said:
...Well there seems to be a sort of sick cosmic joke here in that they have managed to convince humanity to starve their hearts and brains of fat. As STS always uses the line of least resistance, what better way to get us to starve ourselves than to tell us that fats are bad for us and let us do the work on starvation?...

I can't help but think that there is a practical side to this, all joking aside. The C's mentioned the 4D STS taste for "nonsmoking vegetarians." I wonder if oxidative stress and/or other side effects of a high-carb diet make people "tastier." After all, our CAFOs use forced feeding of grain (carbs!) to fatten livestock for slaughter.

It might be a literal taste thing or it might simply be the fact that skewed blood sugar levels from excessive carb consumption leads to disease and hence, suffering (which is after all apparently a favourite food of 4dSTS) not to mention the negative emotions from people who are emotionally out of balance and prone to rage, for example when the blood sugar dips.

It is also a interesting connection between the 'bitter' truth and 'sweet' lies. All does appear to be connected. Too the saying, 'fat' chance is worth considering it's others meanings. Don't know what exactly but it is something worth pondering.

I personally find I have much more energy without carbs, better skin, way less joint pain, I eat less and have zero problems with my teeth and gums. Also I swear my muscles are bigger (a little) or they seem to be easily growing with very little effort, any exercise I do, I think I have noticed greater results as compaired to before I was on bread and carbs etc.
 
Harold said:
I eat less and have zero problems with my teeth and gums.

Yeah, I know a lot of people talk about bad breath whilst in ketosis. I've found the opposite to be true but maybe I've misunderstood- maybe it's just a transitory thing. I've found that I have to remind myself to brush my teeth because my breath has improved- there's no bad taste reminding me I need to brush my teeth. I guess, the bad breath I had was from gut fermentation. I hope it doesn't come back but if it's a necessary part of ketosis, then so be it!
 
Don Genaro said:
Harold said:
I eat less and have zero problems with my teeth and gums.

Yeah, I know a lot of people talk about bad breath whilst in ketosis. I've found the opposite to be true but maybe I've misunderstood- maybe it's just a transitory thing. I've found that I have to remind myself to brush my teeth because my breath has improved- there's no bad taste reminding me I need to brush my teeth. I guess, the bad breath I had was from gut fermentation. I hope it doesn't come back but if it's a necessary part of ketosis, then so be it!

I was just thinking yesterday that my gums are hardly bleeding anymore since I restarted low carbing. I'm glad you all brought it up, just more verification of the benefits eating this way.
 
Don Genaro said:
Megan said:
Don Genaro said:
...Well there seems to be a sort of sick cosmic joke here in that they have managed to convince humanity to starve their hearts and brains of fat. As STS always uses the line of least resistance, what better way to get us to starve ourselves than to tell us that fats are bad for us and let us do the work on starvation?...

I can't help but think that there is a practical side to this, all joking aside. The C's mentioned the 4D STS taste for "nonsmoking vegetarians." I wonder if oxidative stress and/or other side effects of a high-carb diet make people "tastier." After all, our CAFOs use forced feeding of grain (carbs!) to fatten livestock for slaughter.

It might be a literal taste thing or it might simply be the fact that skewed blood sugar levels from excessive carb consumption leads to disease and hence, suffering (which is after all apparently a favourite food of 4dSTS) not to mention the negative emotions from people who are emotionally out of balance and prone to rage, for example when the blood sugar dips.

Even more important, perhaps, is the reduced awareness and ability to think. That makes people much more 'edible' in many ways.
 
Don Genaro said:
Harold said:
I eat less and have zero problems with my teeth and gums.

Yeah, I know a lot of people talk about bad breath whilst in ketosis. I've found the opposite to be true but maybe I've misunderstood- maybe it's just a transitory thing. I've found that I have to remind myself to brush my teeth because my breath has improved- there's no bad taste reminding me I need to brush my teeth. I guess, the bad breath I had was from gut fermentation. I hope it doesn't come back but if it's a necessary part of ketosis, then so be it!

Initially I had bad smell for couple of days from constipatiion and later from teeth. Once I started brushing frequently, that smell also gone. I think this is usual teeth maintenance.
 
Data said:
Kniall said:
As it came to the boil, I added in a whole minced fresh garlic, one chopped carrot, lots of black pepper to spice it up and lots of pink salt to strengthen the broth.

If you don't add salt until the broth is done, the water will pull out more nutrients because of osmosis. If the salt is added before, the water is already more saturated.

Data, thanks for a very good to know tip. I am starting up a fresh batch of 72-hour broth and will wait to put in the salt due to your advice. :)
 
anart said:
Ah, well getting all that stuff balanced is important. Don't know where I'd be without magnesium! Blood tests might show something that will help.

Did a urine test today and the result for ketones was 100.00 MG/DL (5.5 mmol/l).

PH Urine was 5, which sounds too acidic. Hope it's ok. Was curious enough to take a closer look at my urine and saw small flakes in it. :shock: My uric acid was also above the norm (6.60 MG/DL) so wonder what's up with that. But it can be also due to the fact that on the evening prior to the test took Vit C time release tablets. And apparently Vit C increases uric acid levels. Other kidney functions were ok.

But I was also on the lowest border of sodium serum (134.00 MMOL/L) . And apparently, low sodium may be due to ketonuria. Also dehydration. So it probably means that I am in ketosis.

Beside that, cholesterol levels were ok. For some reason HDL was lower than last time (6 months ago).

Now will see if my doctor will ask me how is my diet. ;) If I am starving myself or something. :)
 
Keit said:
PH Urine was 5, which sounds too acidic. Hope it's ok. Was curious enough to take a closer look at my urine and saw small flakes in it. :shock: My uric acid was also above the norm (6.60 MG/DL) so wonder what's up with that. But it can be also due to the fact that on the evening prior to the test took Vit C time release tablets. And apparently Vit C increases uric acid levels. Other kidney functions were ok.

But I was also on the lowest border of sodium serum (134.00 MMOL/L) . And apparently, low sodium may be due to ketonuria. Also dehydration. So it probably means that I am in ketosis.

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and if you are on really low/zero carbs get Lots of sea salt/potassium (please read the thread in its entirety if you have not done so as it has already been mentioned the importance of salt etc). Also if uric acid is very high, make sure you aren't eating too much protein in proportion to fat.
 
RedFox said:
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and if you are on really low/zero carbs get Lots of sea salt/potassium (please read the thread in its entirety if you have not done so as it has already been mentioned the importance of salt etc). Also if uric acid is very high, make sure you aren't eating too much protein in proportion to fat.

Yes, I make sure to drink a lot of water, also because it's very hot here right now. Don't know if it's enough, but I visit the bathroom on an hourly basis, if not more often sometimes. :/ Also take potassium and add a lot of salt to my food, but apparently not enough, so will increase it. As for fat/protein ratio, pretty sure that my fat intake is at least on the same level as protein, if not more than this. So don't know really what's up with all that and if I am heading in the right direction. :huh: Still need to read the pdf Laura shared.

My general energy levels are good, and the head is clear and focused. Still have muscle fatigue when going uphill or climbing three stories, though. But maybe it's because I don't move around too much right now, or because it's really hot outside. One other thing, also probably related to the heat (unless there is another reason for it), my legs and ankles got really swollen two days ago. It's the second time in my life, while the first one was last year during the similar time. Most of it subsided during the night, but they are still a bit swollen. What's for sure, will be so glad to leave this climate!

Thanks for the feedback, RedFox!

ps. Adding more stuff after looking for a reason of swollen legs in case others will experience it as well.

It looks like the reason for it could be indeed lack of salt, especially if it's hot and lot of moisture is lost either through sweat or frequent urination. I also probably have a slight problem with blood circulation in these areas (currently make sure to take L-carnitine), and sitting in front the computer for most of the day is not helping either (luckily it's going to change soon!)

Taken from this link:

Under normal circumstances, the blood circulates around the body, reaching the legs, the periphery of our circulation via the arteries.

In order to get back to the heart having delivered its oxygen to the tissues, the blood is aided by the natural pumping action of the muscles in our legs and the one-way non-return valves that are built into our veins, allowing blood to flow only in the direction of the heart.

When we are in hot or humid climates, our peripheral circulation opens up in order to assist heat loss from the body and control temperature preventing over heating.

We also tend to perspire more heavily for the same reasons and can become salt depleted as a result.

The loss of salt from the circulation can reduce the ability of the veins to draw blood back in from the tissues, leaving the fluid in the limbs causing them to swell.

The process is not helped by the veins being dilated because of the heat.

When we remain seated for long periods of time without exercising the legs or if one becomes relatively immobile for whatever reason, the lack of muscular action may also cause swelling of the legs to occur.

Therefore a combination of a hot climate and relative inactivity makes the ideal scenario for lower limb swelling.

Exercising the legs and elevating them will help, as will ensuring an adequate salt intake.
 
Keit said:
One other thing, also probably related to the heat (unless there is another reason for it), my legs and ankles got really swollen two days ago. It's the second time in my life, while the first one was last year during the similar time. Most of it subsided during the night, but they are still a bit swollen. What's for sure, will be so glad to leave this climate!

Coincidentally, I also experienced swollen lower legs, ankle and feet which I never had before on Monday night. I am also in this Texas heat so we need to be careful.
 
Keit said:
It looks like the reason for it could be indeed lack of salt, especially if it's hot and lot of moisture is lost either through sweat or frequent urination.

OK, so what if you have had this problem all your adult life and the low carb diet is merely making it a little worse than it already was?

Is it possible to have a "small" salt wasting problem, not enough to cause dramatic symptoms but enough to cause peripheral edema? And the leg & foot cramps--I have had leg cramps going on forever too, but they worsened when I was taking a diuretic a few years ago and they have worsened again now in the same ways. I suppose this has to do with the diuretic effects of the diet, but what causes the cramps in the first place? Could it relate to low sodium? Magnesium & potassium don't help. Should I drink salt water? I don't know what to do. Some of these symptoms people are reporting are "normal" for me.

I feel like I am staring at a possible explanation if not answer to a lifelong health problem, but not quite seeing it.
 
Megan said:
OK, so what if you have had this problem all your adult life and the low carb diet is merely making it a little worse than it already was?

Quite possible, for having this problem all my adult life. Usually, when tired and stressed, have pains and slight cramps in lower legs and knees. Possibly due to disturbed circulation. Not sure if low carb diet can make it worse, though. Only perhaps if water intake and then urination rate are increased, and it causes greater electrolyte imbalance. But I am definitely not an expert on this issue.

Megan said:
Is it possible to have a "small" salt wasting problem, not enough to cause dramatic symptoms but enough to cause peripheral edema? And the leg & foot cramps--I have had leg cramps going on forever too, but they worsened when I was taking a diuretic a few years ago and they have worsened again now in the same ways. I suppose this has to do with the diuretic effects of the diet, but what causes the cramps in the first place? Could it relate to low sodium? Magnesium & potassium don't help. Should I drink salt water? I don't know what to do. Some of these symptoms people are reporting are "normal" for me.

I feel like I am staring at a possible explanation if not answer to a lifelong health problem, but not quite seeing it.

Well, after doing a search on the web, it looks like poor circulation due to dehydration (loss of sodium), not enough magnesium and potassium are the main contributors to this problem. Another cause is reduction of thyroid glandular activity (hypothyroidism). But unless you are aware that you have a thyroid problem, it is probably due to electrolytes imbalance. Another factor is not enough movement.

Right now, unless advised differently, I started drinking salty water, and also will make sure to exercise the legs several times a day.
 
Megan said:
Keit said:
It looks like the reason for it could be indeed lack of salt, especially if it's hot and lot of moisture is lost either through sweat or frequent urination.

OK, so what if you have had this problem all your adult life and the low carb diet is merely making it a little worse than it already was?

Is it possible to have a "small" salt wasting problem, not enough to cause dramatic symptoms but enough to cause peripheral edema? And the leg & foot cramps--I have had leg cramps going on forever too, but they worsened when I was taking a diuretic a few years ago and they have worsened again now in the same ways. I suppose this has to do with the diuretic effects of the diet, but what causes the cramps in the first place? Could it relate to low sodium? Magnesium & potassium don't help. Should I drink salt water? I don't know what to do. Some of these symptoms people are reporting are "normal" for me.

I feel like I am staring at a possible explanation if not answer to a lifelong health problem, but not quite seeing it.

fwiw I use to get terrible cramps when I first switched to gluten/dairy free a few years ago (this appeared to be mostly resolved with magnesium). I've also had them come back switching to this new diet.
It seems to be two problems specifically in my case. The first is a lack of electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium etc) and taking electrolyte powder has really helped (I have to take it at least every other day or I'll wake up at 4am in agony with severe cramp in my leg). The second problem seems to be (from observation) is my blood is a little on the thick side, so natural blood thinners (fish oil mostly) really help the cramps. Further back in the thread it pscyhe posted something about going really low on carbs makes the blood slightly thicker, so this may well fit.
It seems to have got worse again recently, so will try adding vit D, co-q10, and evening primrose oil to the mix. If that doesn't work I'll try serrapeptase. If that doesn't work, I wonder if something I'm eating is causing my blood to become extra sticky (I've recently tried reintroducing both eggs and butter)?
 
The day before yesterday, day 18 on the low carb diet, was pretty difficult. I woke up with a minor headache which during the day developed into a big, nasty throbbing in the back of my head and neck. The usual salt, magnesium etc. didn't work. I tried a session of pipe breathing, which didn't help either. However, during the breathing I realized that probably some 'dead stuff', like candida and bacteria had accumulated in the colon. So what I did was a coffee enema and voila, I was as good as new!

So, as Laura pointed out in an earlier post, I think that getting the 'old stuff' out is very important too. Yesterday and today I've been very energetic, and the whole perspective on life and the surroundings is close to what I experienced as a child - e.g. being excited and happy about small details in nature (trees, flowers, grass), being enthusiastic curious about doing things. It's a little hard to explain, but I think you get the picture...the "veil of grayness" is lifting, at least for a moment ;)
 
RedFox said:
Aragorn said:
Yeah, I know coffee is bad, and I've been without it for over two years. But if you don't mind me asking, what is it in the coffee that you mean spikes the insulin levels? Maybe I'm missing something , but according to my sources the Finnish coffee I drank contains 0,3g of carbs/100g - so if the carbs/sugar is the concern, that isn't much. Of course there are other negative health aspects with coffee, but just thinking about the carbs here...and I was taking it black, no sugar or milk ;)

Caffeine Causes Glucose Level Spikes In Type 2 Diabetics
_http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/caffeine-causes-glucose-level-spikes-in-type-2-diabetics-397310.html

Thanks, that's serious enough information to stop experimenting with coffee :)

It's a little strange that in the "Art and science" book the authors include coffee in some of the breakfast suggestions. Somewhere in the book they say that coffee in moderation helps to burn the fat. I think I will have to look some more into this because my wife, who is also on the LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) diet, drinks two cappuccinos per day. She's not on a strict ketogenic diet since she's still nursing, but tries to keep the carbs at ca 50g/day.
 
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