Full Version: carb headache?
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I have read a few posts recently that refer to a 'carb headache'. The most recent that I recall was a reply by Kim. I would like someone who knows about it to explain what this is and exactly what the headache feels like cause I think I might just be experiencing this. I can't think of any reason why I should have headaches right now unless it is a withdrawl symptom? So, those of you in the know, explain please.
Yep, carb headache's are a symptom of withdrawing from all those bad carbs that we like to sneak in and then, when we start gaining weight we stop eating and suffer through the withdrawal headache! You got it girl!
hi celadon
i have read in some post or blog or something gosh i read alot this last few days
but someone suggested energen-c for carb headaches
i have had them before and they are alot like a mild migraine.
hope this helps
i have read in some post or blog or something gosh i read alot this last few days
but someone suggested energen-c for carb headaches
i have had them before and they are alot like a mild migraine.
hope this helps
Carb headaches...carb withdrawl...same thing in my opinion. If you have not been eating carbs, then I don't think that the headache that you are experiencing is from carb withdrawl.
However, for those who have let themselves go into a big time carb consumption, breaking off from them is very much like going "cold turkey" off of coffee. When we eat things like crackers, potatoes, or candy we get a short little burst of serotonin. Serotonin is that "feel good" chemical that our brains release. There have also been studies done that indicate that our guts release this chemical as well...all because of what we are eating. So when we are depressed or tired, it is a normal thing for us to crave a "sweet". The comfort foods that we all remember...they are comfort foods because they released that wonderful serotonin. We'd eat them and then would justify the binge because it made us feel good. We'd say that food was our best friend or that food was our lover. It's not the food...it's the addiction to serotonin! Totally normal, but something that we, as obese folks, seem to mismanage.
So we find ourselves figuring out how to "cheat the pouch". We figure out just how much sugar we can take in without getting sick...a handful of crackers...one Hershey kiss...whatever...and we spend full days pacing ourselves with our carb comsumption. A slow feed of serotonin. The moment it leaves us is the very same moment that we go looking for some more. A day or two goes by and then we are pushing it even further. Needing and craving more. Now we are consuming crackers to the point where we feel a wee bit queasy. We start to think that a few moments of feeling sickly from the sugar, is worth the feeling that we get from the serotonin release. A few more days go by and then we are dumping on occasion...hanging our heads over the sink as we have the foamies...wondering why we don't have control of ourselves. The scale (if we even are stepping on it) is rising, as those carbs convert over to fat lickity split if we are not out exercising. (sidenote: exercise will give the same boost as a piece of candy...but we are not conditioned to make that choice) We are feeling bitter, disgusted and depressed at what we have let happen...so what do we do? We go for more carbs to make ourselves feel better. It is a very normal cycle that we are faced with.
Finally, we can't get our pants to zip up anymore and we've hit the highest number that we ever want to see on that scale. We do a search on Google for "weight gain after WLS" and *poof* we get directed to Kaye and her 5DPT. The answer to all of our problems!!! We see the glimmer of hope and dig our heels in to take control. Because we have gone from a HUGE amount of carbs down to a very low level on the 5DPT, we get the "headache" or...withdrawls from...I'm assuming...the lack of serotonin. We had allowed our bodies to become so conditoned to having a steady stream of it that when it disappears, we react in a way that produces a headache. The good news is that once our bodies adjust to life without large amounts of simple carbs (pretzels...crackers...cookies) then the headache passes. The withdrawl is over in just a couple of days. Ah, life is good and LOOK...the scale dropped down a few pounds! That right there makes us beam and we are NOT depressed. We are sailing with hope! Birds are singing, cats are purring...everyone is happy.
Then life kicks in again and blindsides us with something...anything...that causes us to be bored or blue. What do we do? We reach for the pretzel. The cycle begins all over again.
Now what do we do with this information? Use it!!! We all know that at some point, we are going to get depressed for a minute or two...or a week. Knowing this info about serotonin and carbs, don't you think that you can make a better decision? Dealing with depression or boredom is where the focus should be for all of us. I'm going to use JudyPetite as an example here. She has been faced with more than her share of lifes ups and downs and she is managing her weight like a champ. Why? Because she exercises...she says that she does it because she loves it...but I think that she is addicted to the "feel good chemical" that gets released when she does her workout. Instead of grabbing a cracker, she grabs her DVD and gets her groove on. She has it figured out. Totally. She does eat a few carby foods, but she is burning off those sugars as fast as they are going in. She is managing her body.
We need to manage our bodies. For some, the depression is so deep that perhaps medication is in order. Prozac and the others release serotonin. No surprise that many people lose weight when they go on these meds! Of course, this is something that should be discussed with your doctor. Really though, I think that exercise is the solution when we are feeling down. The 5DPT is the solution for breaking the carb cycle.
Okay...this was a very long winded answer to your simple question. I hope that I shed some light for you Celadon!
However, for those who have let themselves go into a big time carb consumption, breaking off from them is very much like going "cold turkey" off of coffee. When we eat things like crackers, potatoes, or candy we get a short little burst of serotonin. Serotonin is that "feel good" chemical that our brains release. There have also been studies done that indicate that our guts release this chemical as well...all because of what we are eating. So when we are depressed or tired, it is a normal thing for us to crave a "sweet". The comfort foods that we all remember...they are comfort foods because they released that wonderful serotonin. We'd eat them and then would justify the binge because it made us feel good. We'd say that food was our best friend or that food was our lover. It's not the food...it's the addiction to serotonin! Totally normal, but something that we, as obese folks, seem to mismanage.
So we find ourselves figuring out how to "cheat the pouch". We figure out just how much sugar we can take in without getting sick...a handful of crackers...one Hershey kiss...whatever...and we spend full days pacing ourselves with our carb comsumption. A slow feed of serotonin. The moment it leaves us is the very same moment that we go looking for some more. A day or two goes by and then we are pushing it even further. Needing and craving more. Now we are consuming crackers to the point where we feel a wee bit queasy. We start to think that a few moments of feeling sickly from the sugar, is worth the feeling that we get from the serotonin release. A few more days go by and then we are dumping on occasion...hanging our heads over the sink as we have the foamies...wondering why we don't have control of ourselves. The scale (if we even are stepping on it) is rising, as those carbs convert over to fat lickity split if we are not out exercising. (sidenote: exercise will give the same boost as a piece of candy...but we are not conditioned to make that choice) We are feeling bitter, disgusted and depressed at what we have let happen...so what do we do? We go for more carbs to make ourselves feel better. It is a very normal cycle that we are faced with.
Finally, we can't get our pants to zip up anymore and we've hit the highest number that we ever want to see on that scale. We do a search on Google for "weight gain after WLS" and *poof* we get directed to Kaye and her 5DPT. The answer to all of our problems!!! We see the glimmer of hope and dig our heels in to take control. Because we have gone from a HUGE amount of carbs down to a very low level on the 5DPT, we get the "headache" or...withdrawls from...I'm assuming...the lack of serotonin. We had allowed our bodies to become so conditoned to having a steady stream of it that when it disappears, we react in a way that produces a headache. The good news is that once our bodies adjust to life without large amounts of simple carbs (pretzels...crackers...cookies) then the headache passes. The withdrawl is over in just a couple of days. Ah, life is good and LOOK...the scale dropped down a few pounds! That right there makes us beam and we are NOT depressed. We are sailing with hope! Birds are singing, cats are purring...everyone is happy.
Then life kicks in again and blindsides us with something...anything...that causes us to be bored or blue. What do we do? We reach for the pretzel. The cycle begins all over again.
Now what do we do with this information? Use it!!! We all know that at some point, we are going to get depressed for a minute or two...or a week. Knowing this info about serotonin and carbs, don't you think that you can make a better decision? Dealing with depression or boredom is where the focus should be for all of us. I'm going to use JudyPetite as an example here. She has been faced with more than her share of lifes ups and downs and she is managing her weight like a champ. Why? Because she exercises...she says that she does it because she loves it...but I think that she is addicted to the "feel good chemical" that gets released when she does her workout. Instead of grabbing a cracker, she grabs her DVD and gets her groove on. She has it figured out. Totally. She does eat a few carby foods, but she is burning off those sugars as fast as they are going in. She is managing her body.
We need to manage our bodies. For some, the depression is so deep that perhaps medication is in order. Prozac and the others release serotonin. No surprise that many people lose weight when they go on these meds! Of course, this is something that should be discussed with your doctor. Really though, I think that exercise is the solution when we are feeling down. The 5DPT is the solution for breaking the carb cycle.
Okay...this was a very long winded answer to your simple question. I hope that I shed some light for you Celadon!
Good answers, ladies!
Just to throw another point of view into this...and I'm sure this is not Cel's problem. I have had migraines since I was a small child. I discovered just in the last three years that carbs are what trigger my migraines. Who would have thunk it? I have been nearly migraine-free for three years now, except for a couple months when I went on some type of crazy stress-induced carbohydrate binge last year.
Just to throw another point of view into this...and I'm sure this is not Cel's problem. I have had migraines since I was a small child. I discovered just in the last three years that carbs are what trigger my migraines. Who would have thunk it? I have been nearly migraine-free for three years now, except for a couple months when I went on some type of crazy stress-induced carbohydrate binge last year.
Kim, thank you. I agree that carb withdrawl is not my problem. I eat very little carbs and what I do eat are fresh veggies and a bit of fruit. I guess I had better just bite the bullet and call my doc for an appointment. These headaches are a daily thing and if I bend over to pick something off the floor, I feel the same ache. It is exclusively on the right temple but as it worsens, the entire right side of my head is involved. I had migranes for years and cured them mostly on my own by trying too many meds to mention from debilitating prescription drugs to OTC stuff. The simple solution for me was Excedrin for migranes believe it or not. At the twinge of one coming on (these were exclusively on my LEFT side), my left eye would twitch and feel numb. I would take a couple of the Excedrin and in 15 minutes all symptoms were gone. I am just wondering if they just moved to the other side of my head. So, I guess another trip to the doc is inevitable. I thank you for the explaination Kim and this is one more thing for me to look out for when I do get to the point that I can eat pretty much what I want.
Kim, thanks for your explanation. All of this carb binging
eventually leads many of us into metabolic syndrome.
link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/metabolic...yndrome/DS00522
and insulin resistance.
link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance
This reliance on refined carbs makes our bodies like a house of cards rather
than the strong, flexible system we are meant to call home.
Also, many SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) can cause significant
weight gain. Some are more weight neutral than others. It pays to ask your
Doc or Psychopharmacologist. Changing meds is no picnic, so it helps to take
everything into consideration before you begin if such treatment is indicated
due to chronic depression or anxiety.
celedon,
I get "carb sleepies." I can remember eating the first post-op piece of bread.
I ate a whole piece and could barely make it up the stairs to lay down. I still have
this reaction with any type of ice cream and at times, even a homemade protein shake.
I'm wondering if anyone else has become lactose intollerant since their surgery.
Perhaps I have. But I can eat yogurt and cottage cheese or a slice of colby or
swiss, aged cheeses. Perhaps the fermentation in cheeses makes the milk more
easily assimilated. The post-WLS body surely works in mysterious ways!
eventually leads many of us into metabolic syndrome.
link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/metabolic...yndrome/DS00522
and insulin resistance.
link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_resistance
This reliance on refined carbs makes our bodies like a house of cards rather
than the strong, flexible system we are meant to call home.
Also, many SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) can cause significant
weight gain. Some are more weight neutral than others. It pays to ask your
Doc or Psychopharmacologist. Changing meds is no picnic, so it helps to take
everything into consideration before you begin if such treatment is indicated
due to chronic depression or anxiety.
celedon,
I get "carb sleepies." I can remember eating the first post-op piece of bread.
I ate a whole piece and could barely make it up the stairs to lay down. I still have
this reaction with any type of ice cream and at times, even a homemade protein shake.
I'm wondering if anyone else has become lactose intollerant since their surgery.
Perhaps I have. But I can eat yogurt and cottage cheese or a slice of colby or
swiss, aged cheeses. Perhaps the fermentation in cheeses makes the milk more
easily assimilated. The post-WLS body surely works in mysterious ways!
Hi everyone just cruising through today---couldn't resist this thread. 
mickeefynn is correct about anti-depressantscausing weight gain not loss
but the carb headaches----this is caused by the body changing fuel sources---from burning glucose to burning ketones---which is a good thing
in low carb circles it is typicaly called induction flu---because it comes about during the induction phase of the Atkins diet---where carbs are restricted to the bare minimum
a good way to jump start ketosis thus making carb headaches lessen---use MCT oil--the natural form of this is pure coconut oil----they are even doing trial studies now using it with WLS pts---
those who read my blog have probably seen my posts about this---
as for the migraine sufferers--- look into reading the book The Brain Trust Program by Dr Larry McCleary--he speaks of how a high fat diet dan help in all types of brain disorders---migraines, mental illness, alzheimers, parkinson's ----there are also many good brain enhancing exercises in the book
celadon---you need to see what is going on---keep a diary of when these headaches happen what you were doing---what you ate etc---take it with you to the doc
mickeefynn is correct about anti-depressantscausing weight gain not loss
but the carb headaches----this is caused by the body changing fuel sources---from burning glucose to burning ketones---which is a good thing
in low carb circles it is typicaly called induction flu---because it comes about during the induction phase of the Atkins diet---where carbs are restricted to the bare minimum
a good way to jump start ketosis thus making carb headaches lessen---use MCT oil--the natural form of this is pure coconut oil----they are even doing trial studies now using it with WLS pts---
those who read my blog have probably seen my posts about this---
as for the migraine sufferers--- look into reading the book The Brain Trust Program by Dr Larry McCleary--he speaks of how a high fat diet dan help in all types of brain disorders---migraines, mental illness, alzheimers, parkinson's ----there are also many good brain enhancing exercises in the book
celadon---you need to see what is going on---keep a diary of when these headaches happen what you were doing---what you ate etc---take it with you to the doc
Celadon, looks like you got your answer! In full force! hahaha...
Mickee I wanted to address your lactose intolerance question... I have noticed that I can't tolerate milk at all, and get really bloated from most other forms of dairy. You know though, when I am really honest with myself, I think that I was probably always intolerant, but just didn't pay attention because my cravings to overeat were just so strong.
Mickee I wanted to address your lactose intolerance question... I have noticed that I can't tolerate milk at all, and get really bloated from most other forms of dairy. You know though, when I am really honest with myself, I think that I was probably always intolerant, but just didn't pay attention because my cravings to overeat were just so strong.
Bama...I knew you'd come out and post!!!! Love ya!
Celadon...go to the doc! If your little guy had these complaints, wouldn't you take his butt into the doctor PDQ? You are just as important as he is!
Mickeefynn...my WLS center told me to just assume that I'd be lactose intolerant. So I've been drinking Lactaid milk whenever I need to use it in a shake. They told me that yogurt and cheese would be fine...and they are.
Good thread!
Celadon...go to the doc! If your little guy had these complaints, wouldn't you take his butt into the doctor PDQ? You are just as important as he is!
Mickeefynn...my WLS center told me to just assume that I'd be lactose intolerant. So I've been drinking Lactaid milk whenever I need to use it in a shake. They told me that yogurt and cheese would be fine...and they are.
Good thread!
Thanks Kim... So Lactaid will help. Good to know.
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
QUOTE(Kim @ Dec 29 2007, 09:52 PM) 
Mickeefynn...my WLS center told me to just assume that I'd be lactose intolerant. So I've been drinking Lactaid milk whenever I need to use it in a shake. They told me that yogurt and cheese would be fine...and they are.
Good thread!
Good thread!
Great thread, everyone!! I read it a few days ago and now am making the time to add my little old opinion. First, I'd like to draw attention to our medical disclaimer (which you will find at the bottom of every page on all our current skins): The health content in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood is intended to inform, not prescribe, and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice and care of a qualified health-care professional.
There are many theories that have been shared here about headaches. In keeping with the medical disclaimer I'm going to offer some questions that your MD should ask about your headaches as presented in the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book page 554:
Mayo identifies 3 types of headaches:
Finally, again from Mayo:
I hope some of this information is helpful. I know that personally often my first inclination is to relate ANY health symptom to my WLS, my diet, compliance (or non-compliance with our four power tools) etc. Given my experience I know it is extremely important to step back and consider any and all things that contribute to the state of our health.
There are many theories that have been shared here about headaches. In keeping with the medical disclaimer I'm going to offer some questions that your MD should ask about your headaches as presented in the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book page 554:
QUOTE
Assessing Your Headaches
To help assess your pain, your doctor may ask several questions about your headaches, such as:
-Do certain things trigger your headaches?
-How frequently do your headaches occur?
-Do they occur at regular intervals, and if so, at what time of day or night?
-Where do you experience the first pain?
-What does the pain feel like? Is it intense?
Do your headaches begin slowly or rapidly? How soon does the pain peak?
-How long do your headaches typically last?
Do other signs and symptoms accompany your headache?
-What relieves your headaches?
-Is there a history of headaches in your family?
-How do you respond to headache medication?
-Do your headaches affect your ability to work or participate in other activities?
What thoughts do you have about your headaches?
Why are you seeking help now?
If you have frequent headaches, it may be useful to keep a headache diary, including answers to the questions listed above. Such a journal may help you and your doctor identify headache triggers to avoid in the future.
To help assess your pain, your doctor may ask several questions about your headaches, such as:
-Do certain things trigger your headaches?
-How frequently do your headaches occur?
-Do they occur at regular intervals, and if so, at what time of day or night?
-Where do you experience the first pain?
-What does the pain feel like? Is it intense?
Do your headaches begin slowly or rapidly? How soon does the pain peak?
-How long do your headaches typically last?
Do other signs and symptoms accompany your headache?
-What relieves your headaches?
-Is there a history of headaches in your family?
-How do you respond to headache medication?
-Do your headaches affect your ability to work or participate in other activities?
What thoughts do you have about your headaches?
Why are you seeking help now?
If you have frequent headaches, it may be useful to keep a headache diary, including answers to the questions listed above. Such a journal may help you and your doctor identify headache triggers to avoid in the future.
Mayo identifies 3 types of headaches:
QUOTE
The three most common types of headaches cause different types of pain. The pain of a tension-type headache is usually a dull, squeezing pain that may involve the forehead, scalp, temples or back of the neck. A migraine commonly occurs on only one side of the head. Cluster headaches usually occur on one side of the head or as a stabbing sensation in an eye.
Finally, again from Mayo:
QUOTE
WHEN A HEADACHE SPELLS TROUBLE
Headaches that signal a serious medical condition are uncommon, but a headache can accompany conditions such as a cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumor and weakened blood vessel (aneurysm).
If you have one or more of the following headache warning signs, seek urgent care:
-Abrupt, severe headache, often like a thunderclap
-Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
-Headache after a head injury, even if it's a minor fall or bump, and especiallly if it gets worse
-Chronic, progressive headache that worsens after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
-New headache pattern after age 55
You generally need not be concerned by an occasional headache. Most everyone experiences them, and they're usually related to common conditions such as stress, allergies or overuse of alcohol. If, however, your headache appears with other signs and symptoms or you have one that you might call the worst ever, seek medical help.
Headaches that signal a serious medical condition are uncommon, but a headache can accompany conditions such as a cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumor and weakened blood vessel (aneurysm).
If you have one or more of the following headache warning signs, seek urgent care:
-Abrupt, severe headache, often like a thunderclap
-Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
-Headache after a head injury, even if it's a minor fall or bump, and especiallly if it gets worse
-Chronic, progressive headache that worsens after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
-New headache pattern after age 55
You generally need not be concerned by an occasional headache. Most everyone experiences them, and they're usually related to common conditions such as stress, allergies or overuse of alcohol. If, however, your headache appears with other signs and symptoms or you have one that you might call the worst ever, seek medical help.
I hope some of this information is helpful. I know that personally often my first inclination is to relate ANY health symptom to my WLS, my diet, compliance (or non-compliance with our four power tools) etc. Given my experience I know it is extremely important to step back and consider any and all things that contribute to the state of our health.
Wow, you guys really blow me away. Such a wealth of information. Bama, as usual, you hit the nail on the head. I'll make an appt for next week with my doc and in the meantime journal what is going on.
Sandi, I agree with your take on lactose intolerance. I too think I was always intolerant due to so many digestive disorders over the years. I find that if I stay away from milk altogether, I do so much better but like you, I ignored this in my obese state because I wanted the food more than the healthy body and mind at the time.
Kaye, the Mayo Clinic is such a wealth of information. I purchased a book years ago about digestive disorders that they put out and basically cured myself of IBS and diverticulitis both just from following their guidelines. I will print out the assessment you posted and answer all the questions and take it with me when I go to my doc. He will be once again very impressed by how proactive I am about my own health!
Thanks so much friends! I feel better already!
Sandi, I agree with your take on lactose intolerance. I too think I was always intolerant due to so many digestive disorders over the years. I find that if I stay away from milk altogether, I do so much better but like you, I ignored this in my obese state because I wanted the food more than the healthy body and mind at the time.
Kaye, the Mayo Clinic is such a wealth of information. I purchased a book years ago about digestive disorders that they put out and basically cured myself of IBS and diverticulitis both just from following their guidelines. I will print out the assessment you posted and answer all the questions and take it with me when I go to my doc. He will be once again very impressed by how proactive I am about my own health!
Thanks so much friends! I feel better already!
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