![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kmwhitt on November 19, 2006, at 20:42:42
This is something that has plagued me for years now and I am hoping to find some answers in this forum. I am a 38 year old male and am a sugar junkie. In the last 6 months I have given up alcohol and the problem only seems worse. I was a heavy drinker for about 10 years as much as I hate to admit it. I am slightly overweight, have no energy, am incapable of feeling or receiving affection from others, I smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day, extremely negative about people in general (don’t trust others) and a whole host of other crap. I know that I am meant for better things.
I have tried Glutamine. In fact, I can consume 5 grams and an hour later still put away a box of chocolate covered peanuts, a king-size Peanut Butter Cup and a pack of M & M’s. Quite frankly, the only time I feel normal is when I get this huge rush of sugar in my system. The other times when I try to eat few carbs I feel miserable. I have read countless books including: Potatoes Not Prozac, Seven Weeks to Sobriety, The Rosedale Diet, etc. and I understand the basic premise behind these diets and recommendations, but I can’t seem to last more than a few days until I am once again caught up into a major sugar binge. I am really desperate at this point since it seems I have no self-control. I have tried all of the recommended supplements: Glutamine, B-Complex, Tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, Chromium, Vanadium, Fish Oil you name it and I have a pretty good understanding about how these are supposed to work, but NOTHING seems to help. I understand Insulin and Leptin’s role in regulating these cravings – the way hypoglycemia works, but nothing seems to work for me. I am literally at the end of my rope. Life is just not worth living this way.
About 5 years ago, a doctor put me on an anti-depressant named Serzone. It worked extremely well for me. During the first year, I got my weight down to what I weighed in high school. I ate very well – no artificial foods. I was able to get up every morning and work out. I didn’t drink and my social life was booming! Life was GREAT!!! Evidently, Serzone causes severe liver damage so I stopped taking it. Needless to say, I was back were I started – 100% miserable. After this experience, I decided I didn’t trust doctors and started searching for more natural solutions. I haven’t found any yet. I am pretty much a mess. I am unable to stick to anything for more than 1 week because I feel so bad. Is it possible that Serzone took away my body’s natural ability to produce Serotonin? Like I said before I have tried Tryptophan –even 5-HTP to no avail.
I am just hoping someone out there has had a similar experience and could possibly give me some suggestions. I don’t want to sound like a “know-it-all” but I have read just about everything there is on the subject of low blood sugar and diet. In fact, it is the only reading material I have read in the last 3 years. I even spend hours each day searching the web for more information. As you can probably tell by this long rant I am pretty desperate to find an answer to my problems. I don’t know how much longer I can stand this pain I’m in.
I am even willing to take suggestions on clinics that treat this type of disorder. Again, I would prefer to go the natural route. Thank you for taking the time to read this……
Posted by JLx on November 19, 2006, at 22:42:13
In reply to Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 19, 2006, at 20:42:42
Hi kmwhitt,
This is a subject I relate to.
I know you've said you've tried all the usual suspects, but has that included "The No Grains Diet" by Joseph Mercola? There's nothing that profound about the actual book except the suggestion to avoid grains altogether, and also dairy and sugar -- the idea being that these are common addictive substances that reinforce each others' cravings. I was surprised that the "no grains" seemed to make the "no sugar" easier. Something to do with inflammation perhaps. Inflammation seems to be the latest buzzword in diets, i.e. "Ultrametabolism". Which raises intriguing if ill-formed ideas in my mind about reducing inflammation through nutritional intervention to assist in controlling cravings for inflammatory substances like sugar. See this interesting thread above about prostaglandins, inflammation and depression: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061013/msgs/704435.html
Something else in Mercola's book that you don't see everywhere was his prescription to get past the addiction through EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse.htm
What is EFT? http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm The manual is free to learn how to do it yourself, or there are practitioners.
One person's experience specifically with sugar addiction: http://www.emofree.com/addictions/sugaraddiction.htm
You sound like a reader, so I would suggest these pages on the EFT site specifically if you decide to give it a whirl doing it yourself: http://www.emofree.com/articles2/faq-lindsay.htm
http://www.emofree.com/Articles2/when-not-work.htm
http://www.emofree.com/palaceof.htm
I've been doing EFT for months now and find it fascinating.
Other suggestions from my own experience are Overeaters Anonymous and the book "Feeling Good" by David Burns, which is cognitive behavior therapy.
Re OA, a 12-step program is not everyone's cup of tea, but it definitely addresses the hard core addiction issues such as the need to eat away uncomfortable feelings.
Cognitive therapy is something I thought I already knew something about until I actually read that book and tried it and found I wasn't so smart after all. ;) The idea there is that our feelings are the result of our thoughts -- change the thoughts and feel better. Since I read that book, it's hard to take my own bad feelings nearly so seriously, as I remind myself that "feelings are not facts".
JL
Posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 4:28:23
In reply to Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 19, 2006, at 20:42:42
Have you ever thought PErhaps you have adult ADHD? Sounds like you might be bingeing on sugar to keep the brain stimulated - (cigarettes also). You have been hyperconcentrating on a subject for years - I would wager it has taken a toll on other areas of your life?
I say this because I believe I have adhd inattentive type (not bipolar II as I was diagnosed) and I absolutely CRAVE stimulants. If I can't get any others I will do what you do and binge on sugar and cigarettes and coffee. Luckily I cannot ever put on weight for some reason no matter how many packs of sweets and chocolate bars I consume!
Anyways just a thought. You can check out a slightly different view of ADHD here: www.amenclinic.com. He lists six types and has some pretty solid science using spect imaging if you care to get the books. You can even take a test that tells you whether you are likely to have it and the type you are: I am Limbic ADHD I reckon. BTW no doctor takes this stuff seriously that I have found, they are extremely reluctant to diagnose adult adhd in Australia anyway - they think you're just after amphetamoines. I find myself having to make up elaborate personas to get approximations of what I need - got Parnate that way which is damn hard to get here.
I wish I could get properly diagnosed and get some dexedrine though - I am sure it would solve all my worst problems in relation to work and life in general. I can combat the depression but without stiimulants ADHD is extrmely hard beast to beat.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 20, 2006, at 5:38:12
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 4:28:23
chromium polynicotinate.
I'd give this mineral supplement a go. Its very inexpensive. And I would also take a good (not too cheap) all round multi/vit combo. Your body needs other co-factor to make best use of the chromium.
Another thing might be to avoid all refined carbs. Sugar is supposed to more addictive than heroin apparently.
And have you checked yourself out for atypical depression??
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 7:41:54
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings » kmwhitt, posted by JLx on November 19, 2006, at 22:42:13
Thanks for the input, JL. I have tried to abstain from grains - wheat atleast. I have allowed myself to eat corn usually in the form of tortillas. If I don't have them, I don't feel satisfied (full enough).
I own the EFT CD's. To be honest I haven't found them helpful. Perhaps, because I find it difficult to stick with anything for too long.
Thank you for the article on prostaglandins. I am going to take the day off from work and shop for the items to try this protocol. Have you had any success with it?
I have the book "Feeling Good". Here again I can't seem to discipline myself long enough to actually work the program. Perhaps, I do have some form of ADHD.
Thanks again for all of your advice. I haven't paid much attention to prostaglandins in the past - so I'll check it out.
> Hi kmwhitt,
>
> This is a subject I relate to.
>
> I know you've said you've tried all the usual suspects, but has that included "The No Grains Diet" by Joseph Mercola? There's nothing that profound about the actual book except the suggestion to avoid grains altogether, and also dairy and sugar -- the idea being that these are common addictive substances that reinforce each others' cravings. I was surprised that the "no grains" seemed to make the "no sugar" easier. Something to do with inflammation perhaps. Inflammation seems to be the latest buzzword in diets, i.e. "Ultrametabolism". Which raises intriguing if ill-formed ideas in my mind about reducing inflammation through nutritional intervention to assist in controlling cravings for inflammatory substances like sugar. See this interesting thread above about prostaglandins, inflammation and depression: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061013/msgs/704435.html
>
> Something else in Mercola's book that you don't see everywhere was his prescription to get past the addiction through EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse.htm
>
> What is EFT? http://www.emofree.com/newcomer.htm The manual is free to learn how to do it yourself, or there are practitioners.
>
> One person's experience specifically with sugar addiction: http://www.emofree.com/addictions/sugaraddiction.htm
>
> You sound like a reader, so I would suggest these pages on the EFT site specifically if you decide to give it a whirl doing it yourself: http://www.emofree.com/articles2/faq-lindsay.htm
>
> http://www.emofree.com/Articles2/when-not-work.htm
>
> http://www.emofree.com/palaceof.htm
>
> I've been doing EFT for months now and find it fascinating.
>
> Other suggestions from my own experience are Overeaters Anonymous and the book "Feeling Good" by David Burns, which is cognitive behavior therapy.
>
> Re OA, a 12-step program is not everyone's cup of tea, but it definitely addresses the hard core addiction issues such as the need to eat away uncomfortable feelings.
>
> Cognitive therapy is something I thought I already knew something about until I actually read that book and tried it and found I wasn't so smart after all. ;) The idea there is that our feelings are the result of our thoughts -- change the thoughts and feel better. Since I read that book, it's hard to take my own bad feelings nearly so seriously, as I remind myself that "feelings are not facts".
>
> JL
>
>
>
>
Posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 7:54:13
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 4:28:23
Hi Aeon:
You might have a point. Is the test you refer to on Amen's site? I have the book somewhere around the house. I will seek it out.
BTW - How are you doing on the prostaglandins protocol?
Last year I was prescibed Hydrocodone for a torn ACL in my left knee. During that period on this drug, I never felt better in my life. Does this give any type of clue as to what it is that my body may be missing? or was I just enjoying the effects of a narcotic? I would really like to find an anwer soon.
Also, you mentioned that you were on Parnate. I have been reading about that drug today and it seems a bit dangerous. Are there any natural ways to simulate Parnate's effects?
Again, thanks for any advice you would care to share.
> Have you ever thought PErhaps you have adult ADHD? Sounds like you might be bingeing on sugar to keep the brain stimulated - (cigarettes also). You have been hyperconcentrating on a subject for years - I would wager it has taken a toll on other areas of your life?
>
> I say this because I believe I have adhd inattentive type (not bipolar II as I was diagnosed) and I absolutely CRAVE stimulants. If I can't get any others I will do what you do and binge on sugar and cigarettes and coffee. Luckily I cannot ever put on weight for some reason no matter how many packs of sweets and chocolate bars I consume!
>
> Anyways just a thought. You can check out a slightly different view of ADHD here: www.amenclinic.com. He lists six types and has some pretty solid science using spect imaging if you care to get the books. You can even take a test that tells you whether you are likely to have it and the type you are: I am Limbic ADHD I reckon. BTW no doctor takes this stuff seriously that I have found, they are extremely reluctant to diagnose adult adhd in Australia anyway - they think you're just after amphetamoines. I find myself having to make up elaborate personas to get approximations of what I need - got Parnate that way which is damn hard to get here.
>
> I wish I could get properly diagnosed and get some dexedrine though - I am sure it would solve all my worst problems in relation to work and life in general. I can combat the depression but without stiimulants ADHD is extrmely hard beast to beat.
>
>
Posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 8:26:54
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 20, 2006, at 5:38:12
Hi Meri-Tuuli:
How much Chromium picolinate per day do you suggest? Should it be taken with food? I have tried it in the past and it doesn't seem to work. I have also had it in combination with Vanadium.....
As far as supplements go, I am embarrassed by the amounts I take.
Thanks!
> chromium polynicotinate.
>
> I'd give this mineral supplement a go. Its very inexpensive. And I would also take a good (not too cheap) all round multi/vit combo. Your body needs other co-factor to make best use of the chromium.
>
> Another thing might be to avoid all refined carbs. Sugar is supposed to more addictive than heroin apparently.
>
> And have you checked yourself out for atypical depression??
>
> Kind regards
>
> Meri
>
>
Posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 17:30:57
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 7:54:13
Hi kmwhitt
The prostaglandins protocol is definitely a work in progress. It has worked better than anything I have tried. My only problem with it is taking the large amounts of Quercetin (I have a distinct aversion to taking pills after all these years of popping so many vitamins etc, they make me feel physically ill putting them down and they are big ones). I am currently experimenting with other anti-inflammatories.
I know of nothing that is as effective as Parnate that is natural, I am on the hunt though. I do not think parnate is "dangerous" you just have to be a little careful of what you eat - if you're into nutrition and stuff then this probably comes naturally anyway. I have not yet had even the slightest reaction to anything. I can really recommend it and it seems to curb appettite in me anyway.
The hydrocodone is an opiate and yes it should make you feel nice, but I believe that it is not just because of the opiate euphoric effect. I have used codeine before and found it to be an amazing anti-depressant, though I developed tolerance so gfast I now keep it in reserve for really bad times when I need to dig out of a hole rapidly.
There are many people who believe opiates are the best anti d's and there are some people who ONLY respond to them, though finding a doctor who will prescribe them is next to impossible.
There is a thread over on the psycho babble board that is talking about opiates and depression - very interesting.
I think your sugar cravings are not related so much to low blood sugar more that you need heaps of serotonin. Sugar is the most efficient way to push tryptophan into the brain, your body has just got used to doing it this way. Try eating heaps of turkey and chicken (like every meal - I find subway good for when I do this) and following with a banana or lots of died fruit - after a few days your body may learn a better way to get what it needs.
Cheers
aeon
Posted by tealady on November 20, 2006, at 18:28:41
In reply to Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 19, 2006, at 20:42:42
B1 injections around 20mg a day helped me.
B1 is given to alcoholics wihdrawing..it helps utilise shugar..
also given to daibetics before given sugar.
if b1 is low your body screams out for more sugar..and low carb diets work to some extent but if you are bad enough you seem to end up fatigued.. as your body isnt getting to ue enough sugar..or it seems to be telling you that.
at least I think this is my experience, but i'm not certain.
I have a LOT fo stuff on this if you care to look at this in more depth
http://tealady-health.blog.co.uk/?tag=b1%20headings
(see the B1 and carbs and glucose levels and
B1 and alcohol
in bold for links to the comments I made above. )
I think its helping me..
do you get fatigue as well as the sugar cravings?.. caus I think maybe you'd need this fatigue as well, and probably a pretty hefty dose of depression as well if B1 was maybe an area for you to be looking at.
Jan
Posted by JLx on November 20, 2006, at 18:56:38
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 17:30:57
My only problem with it is taking the large amounts of Quercetin (I have a distinct aversion to taking pills after all these years of popping so many vitamins etc, they make me feel physically ill putting them down and they are big ones).
Source Naturals brand has a liquid quercetin. You can see it here: http://www.iherb.com/store/productdetails.aspx?c=Herbs&pid=SNS-01523
JL
Posted by tealady on November 20, 2006, at 18:57:26
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 4:28:23
Hey that's the other thing with low B1.. you don't put on weight if very low.. or don't put on weight as you'd expect to when hypothyroid as well!
have a look at Brownyn's story
under
B1 and CFS/M.E. on
http://tealady-health.blog.co.uk/?tag=b1%20headingsdirect link
www.geocities.com/bron.evans/cfs/cfs.htmlalso I said in last post that you'd probably have depression too.. well I suspect its the anxiety type depression (if my own case and others are relevant at all)
Just a suggestion
Jan
Posted by tealady on November 20, 2006, at 19:02:55
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 20, 2006, at 5:38:12
> chromium polynicotinate.
>
> I'd give this mineral supplement a go. Its very inexpensive. And I would also take a good (not too cheap) all round multi/vit combo. Your body needs other co-factor to make best use of the chromium.
>
> Another thing might be to avoid all refined carbs. Sugar is supposed to more addictive than heroin apparently.
>
> And have you checked yourself out for atypical depression??
>
> Kind regards
>
> Meri
>
>Hi Meri,
Did you actually find chromium worked for you?
Jan
Posted by JLx on November 20, 2006, at 20:02:02
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 7:41:54
I'm sorry I couldn't offer you anything "new".
> I own the EFT CD's. To be honest I haven't found them helpful. Perhaps, because I find it difficult to stick with anything for too long.
I don't have the CD's. I just read the manual and read pages on the website. I've worked through stuff on my own this way that years of therapy didn't even uncover. I'm not ready to declare it an unqualified success, but I'm still hopeful that eventually I will tap away "core issues". I'm less inclined to regard my own sugar addiction as something physical these days. I think that may be part of it, but it's the old chicken/egg dilemma. I think it's a way I avoid uncomfortable feelings and stress, and also it's a way to torment myself.
> Thank you for the article on prostaglandins. I am going to take the day off from work and shop for the items to try this protocol. Have you had any success with it?
We've talked about depression and inflammation on this board before, but no, I have not made a concerted effort in this direction. I think I may try some quercetin though. It was a lot more expensive that last time I looked into it. Dr. Andrew Weil often suggests quercetin to people for allergies.
> I have the book "Feeling Good". Here again I can't seem to discipline myself long enough to actually work the program. Perhaps, I do have some form of ADHD.
I just do bits of things off and on too, but when I do, I find it helpful.
> Thanks again for all of your advice. I haven't paid much attention to prostaglandins in the past - so I'll check it out.
The Amen Clinic self tests that someone else mentioned to you are here, btw: http://amenclinics.com/ac/tests/
JL
Posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 20:53:51
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings » kmwhitt, posted by JLx on November 20, 2006, at 20:02:02
I apologize if I came off as unappreciative. That was not my intent. It just gets a little frustrating to aquire all this knowledge and not be able to put it to good use.
Thanks for the link to Amen's tests. I will take them tonight.
Update - This morning I felt horrible. I went to a local fast food restaurant and gorged on sweet rolls, came home and slept for almost 4 hours. Disgusted with myself, I went to the local health food store and bought some Quercetin, Folic Acid, Chromium Picolinate and some other things. After returning, on an empty stomach (I hadn't eaten since this morning), I took Quercetin 1500mg, Folic Acid, and some Chromium Picolinate within an hour I felt pretty good. Not overly elated or manic, just level for a change. I ate a bowl of chili with a BLT for dinner around 6:00 and actually felt satisfied. My housemate went to the kitchen for ice cream and hot fudge just a few minutes ago - I had no interest whatsoever. I even passed up chocolote milk earlier - I love a glass with grilled sandwiches. My mood has been stable all night. I hope there really is something to this Quercetin. The way I feel now, I think I can pass on the sweets.
Also, I have been using about 3mg of Melatonin as as sleep aid every night for about 2 years. I have read recently that this can cause depression. Any validity to this and why?
I am so glad I found this forum. Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my posts.
> I'm sorry I couldn't offer you anything "new".
>
> > I own the EFT CD's. To be honest I haven't found them helpful. Perhaps, because I find it difficult to stick with anything for too long.
>
> I don't have the CD's. I just read the manual and read pages on the website. I've worked through stuff on my own this way that years of therapy didn't even uncover. I'm not ready to declare it an unqualified success, but I'm still hopeful that eventually I will tap away "core issues". I'm less inclined to regard my own sugar addiction as something physical these days. I think that may be part of it, but it's the old chicken/egg dilemma. I think it's a way I avoid uncomfortable feelings and stress, and also it's a way to torment myself.
>
> > Thank you for the article on prostaglandins. I am going to take the day off from work and shop for the items to try this protocol. Have you had any success with it?
>
> We've talked about depression and inflammation on this board before, but no, I have not made a concerted effort in this direction. I think I may try some quercetin though. It was a lot more expensive that last time I looked into it. Dr. Andrew Weil often suggests quercetin to people for allergies.
>
> > I have the book "Feeling Good". Here again I can't seem to discipline myself long enough to actually work the program. Perhaps, I do have some form of ADHD.
>
> I just do bits of things off and on too, but when I do, I find it helpful.
>
> > Thanks again for all of your advice. I haven't paid much attention to prostaglandins in the past - so I'll check it out.
>
> The Amen Clinic self tests that someone else mentioned to you are here, btw: http://amenclinics.com/ac/tests/
>
> JL
Posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 21:03:26
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings » kmwhitt, posted by tealady on November 20, 2006, at 18:28:41
Hi Jan:
Thanks for the links. Yes, fatique is one of my symptoms. Although, I not sure if it is physical or just my poor mood when I have to get up and begrudingly head to the office. I will read up more on B1. Do you give yourself the injections? How does one go about getting a prescription for that? I don't think I am experiencing any withdrawal from alcohol as I haven't had a drop in over 5 months. However, I think the sugar is effecting me the same way alcohol used to. I know that if I was able to refrain from any type of sugar for about 2 weeks, the cravings would disappear. I need to be locked in a room for the duration with only protein and vegetables. If there was such a clinic, I would seriously consider a visit. Sugar has pretty much replaced my desire for alcohol.
> B1 injections around 20mg a day helped me.
> B1 is given to alcoholics wihdrawing..it helps utilise shugar..
> also given to daibetics before given sugar.
> if b1 is low your body screams out for more sugar..and low carb diets work to some extent but if you are bad enough you seem to end up fatigued.. as your body isnt getting to ue enough sugar..or it seems to be telling you that.
> at least I think this is my experience, but i'm not certain.
> I have a LOT fo stuff on this if you care to look at this in more depth
> http://tealady-health.blog.co.uk/?tag=b1%20headings
> (see the B1 and carbs and glucose levels and
> B1 and alcohol
> in bold for links to the comments I made above. )
> I think its helping me..
> do you get fatigue as well as the sugar cravings?.. caus I think maybe you'd need this fatigue as well, and probably a pretty hefty dose of depression as well if B1 was maybe an area for you to be looking at.
> Jan
>
>
Posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 21:15:19
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 17:30:57
Hi Aeon:
Thanks again for the suggestions. I have, in the past, been able to stave off these cravings by using bananas and fruit juices along with plenty of protein. However, I have read that your body doesn't differentiate between processed and natural sugars. I am beginning to believe this is not true as I never put on weight when I was eating natural foods and I felt pretty good - rarely bloated like I do with sugar and grains. I feel like I know what to do ultimately - it is just getting there and that can be really difficult in the depths of such depression. I have also read Schwarzbein (sp?) and she recommends prescpription anti-depressants to some who may need a little edge while straightening their chemistry. I am reluctant as I had such a bad experience withdrawing from Serzone.
I experimented with Quercetin today and you may have something there. Atleast, my first experience was promising. I posted something about it a little further down. Of course, I took it with a pretty high dose of Chromium Picolinate. Is is possible that Quercetin can act this quickly?
I really appreciate you taking time to respond to my posts.
Posted by JLx on November 20, 2006, at 22:26:41
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 20:53:51
> I apologize if I came off as unappreciative. That was not my intent. It just gets a little frustrating to aquire all this knowledge and not be able to put it to good use.
No need to apologize. That wasn't the intent of my comment about nothing new. I understand your frustration.
Many of us have been around and around the block on these things, but one thing I've found is that sometimes it pays to revisit some things I've tried to no avail in the past, or perhaps even with some new combination of things. For instance, tyrosine made me feel terribly mean and angry when I first tried it (as did Wellbutrin) but after I started supplementing with magnesium, it was a totally different story.
> Thanks for the link to Amen's tests. I will take them tonight.
They're interesting, especially as he has recommendations for supplements and diet at the end of the assessments.
> Update - This morning I felt horrible. I went to a local fast food restaurant and gorged on sweet rolls, came home and slept for almost 4 hours. Disgusted with myself, I went to the local health food store and bought some Quercetin, Folic Acid, Chromium Picolinate and some other things. After returning, on an empty stomach (I hadn't eaten since this morning), I took Quercetin 1500mg, Folic Acid, and some Chromium Picolinate within an hour I felt pretty good. Not overly elated or manic, just level for a change. I ate a bowl of chili with a BLT for dinner around 6:00 and actually felt satisfied. My housemate went to the kitchen for ice cream and hot fudge just a few minutes ago - I had no interest whatsoever. I even passed up chocolote milk earlier - I love a glass with grilled sandwiches. My mood has been stable all night. I hope there really is something to this Quercetin. The way I feel now, I think I can pass on the sweets.
That's interesting. I am going to get some quercetin myself.
> Also, I have been using about 3mg of Melatonin as as sleep aid every night for about 2 years. I have read recently that this can cause depression. Any validity to this and why?
Yes, in my experience it's absolutely true. I forgot the reason why though. I think it may have been discussed on this board before, you could try the archives.
> I am so glad I found this forum. Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my posts.
This is a great place. Welcome to the crowd. :)
JL
> > I'm sorry I couldn't offer you anything "new".
> >
> > > I own the EFT CD's. To be honest I haven't found them helpful. Perhaps, because I find it difficult to stick with anything for too long.
> >
> > I don't have the CD's. I just read the manual and read pages on the website. I've worked through stuff on my own this way that years of therapy didn't even uncover. I'm not ready to declare it an unqualified success, but I'm still hopeful that eventually I will tap away "core issues". I'm less inclined to regard my own sugar addiction as something physical these days. I think that may be part of it, but it's the old chicken/egg dilemma. I think it's a way I avoid uncomfortable feelings and stress, and also it's a way to torment myself.
> >
> > > Thank you for the article on prostaglandins. I am going to take the day off from work and shop for the items to try this protocol. Have you had any success with it?
> >
> > We've talked about depression and inflammation on this board before, but no, I have not made a concerted effort in this direction. I think I may try some quercetin though. It was a lot more expensive that last time I looked into it. Dr. Andrew Weil often suggests quercetin to people for allergies.
> >
> > > I have the book "Feeling Good". Here again I can't seem to discipline myself long enough to actually work the program. Perhaps, I do have some form of ADHD.
> >
> > I just do bits of things off and on too, but when I do, I find it helpful.
> >
> > > Thanks again for all of your advice. I haven't paid much attention to prostaglandins in the past - so I'll check it out.
> >
> > The Amen Clinic self tests that someone else mentioned to you are here, btw: http://amenclinics.com/ac/tests/
> >
> > JL
>
>
Posted by aeon on November 20, 2006, at 22:32:25
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings » kmwhitt, posted by JLx on November 20, 2006, at 22:26:41
Yes Quercetin does work quick. It is a potent cox2 inhibitor. It takes away my inflammed swollen tooth pain within about two hours.
I also suspect we consume bucket loads of sugar because our bodies are evolutionarily primed to seek out fruits when we have a need for increased antioxidants and flavanoids. Unfortunately the body cannot distinguish between sugar sources as you so rightly point out, so it keeps looking for the sweetest yummiest "fruit" it can find - candy!!!
Doesn't quite do the same thing though!!
BTW check out post below on inflammation in depression.
aeon
Posted by dessbee on November 23, 2006, at 11:38:08
In reply to Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 19, 2006, at 20:42:42
The best way to handle sugar addiction is to avoid carbs. Your cravings will vanish after two-three weeks.
A problem with carbs is the stimulation of apetite and worsening of OCD symptoms.
This results in lower impulse control and less control over food intake.A low carb diet has less than 60 gram carbs every day. The easiest way is to skip sugar, grains and sweet fruits.
If you are suffering from depression/OCD you also need to eat alot of fatty fish. Omega-3 will improve symptoms of depression/OCD
Posted by philyra on November 26, 2006, at 21:22:41
In reply to Re: Intense Sugar Cravings, posted by kmwhitt on November 20, 2006, at 21:03:26
Because you mention alcohol, I wonder if treating sugar withdrawal the way one would treat alcohol withdrawal would help? I just recommended a book called "The Diet Cure" on the Health board - I remember it has a lot to say about the similarities between treating alcohol addiction and food addictions. She may be discussing supplements you've tried already, but just in case...
take care,
philyra
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