This is my brain. This is my brain on carbs.

September 27, 2007 5:02 AM

Three weeks ago I went on a low-carb diet. I made it about a week. Ever since then, I've felt cloudy mentally. Did my body/brain chemistry really change that much in such a short time?

I learned quickly that I absolutely hate the low-carb lifestyle - I felt gross the whole time. But after returning to a normal diet, I've since felt like I'm sleepwalking all the time - not dangerously so, I'm just kinda detached from everything. Not really paying that much attention to what is going on around me.

Did I screw up my brain by depriving it of carbs so enthusiastically for a short period, then re-introducing them? I would understand a bit of grogginess for a day or two, but after two weeks I'm starting to worry. I should also note that I get less sleep than I should owing to work, but that's been a constant for years; I'm also in the habit of having a couple of drinks in the evening, but that too has been a constant for years (and I also tried cutting that out last week, and it didn't make any difference).

posted by jbickers to health & fitness (10 comments total)

The reintroduction of carbs is probably spiking your blood sugar at each meal, and then your insulin levels are correspondingly spiking. It's not a brain problem, but rather a metabolic one.
posted by limeonaire at 5:14 AM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]

How low-carb was your diet? Are we talking Zone or Atkins? Did you eat any carbs at all? Depending on how extreme it was, I think limeonaire is right. You may want to start eating more low-glycemic stuff and see how that does you.
posted by schroedinger at 5:57 AM on September 27, 2007

You should go to a doctor and get your blood sugar tested. Discuss the results with your doctor. Ask about diabetes risks.
posted by ewkpates at 7:20 AM on September 27, 2007

Hie thee to a doctor!
posted by bilabial at 7:30 AM on September 27, 2007

People who don't tolerate gluten very well sometimes complain about feeling mentally cloudy or foggy after eating wheat. Maybe try eliminating week (but not all carbs) for a week or two and see what happens?
posted by occhiblu at 7:35 AM on September 27, 2007

Sorry, that should have been "Maybe try eliminating wheat..." And I should have also added "and barley, rye, and oats." Rice and potatoes are ok.
posted by occhiblu at 7:36 AM on September 27, 2007

Second the wheat idea. Especially if you're drinking good beer in the evenings. I had to switch to light, flavorless American canned beer after I narrowed down the fact that my system just can't handle most of the good beer out there. I cut out bread, and other wheat filled culprits, and generally feel a lot better.

Also, make sure it isn't just an accidental caffeine withdrawal. A lot of times when I change up my diet I'll inadvertently start drinking herbal tea or something instead of coffee or diet coke, and screw everything up.
posted by andrewzipp at 8:53 AM on September 27, 2007

How low-carb was your diet? Are we talking Zone or Atkins?

It was the "anabolic diet," a version of Atkins aimed at weight-lifters. Basically, no more than 30g of carbs during the week, normal eating on the weekend. I gave up after one week.
posted by jbickers at 9:19 AM on September 27, 2007

Basically, no more than 30g of carbs during the week,

Per day, that is.
posted by jbickers at 9:35 AM on September 27, 2007

It was the "anabolic diet," a version of Atkins aimed at weight-lifters. Basically, no more than 30g of carbs during the week, normal eating on the weekend. I gave up after one week.

That is pretty darn low-carb and probably a terror on your body, especially if you work out a lot. I'm currently on the Zone (40% of your calories go to carbs) and it's done right by me. But now when I eat lots of high-glycemic (sugary foods, white breads) I feel like ass afterwards. It's possible your body's going into an extreme version of that?

Like I said, I would suggest trying to restrict your carbs to low-glycemic stuff right now (lots of green vegetables, some fruits, very little breads and only hearty breads when you do eat them), cutting out junk food, and seeing how you feel. If after a half-week or so you're still feeling crappy see a doctor (or preferably a nutritionist).
posted by schroedinger at 11:23 AM on September 27, 2007