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In 1999, after a brief trip to the doctor and 8 months after the birth of my first child, I left the doctors office extremely frustrated and angry after hearing I was depressed and needed Prozac. The doctor asked me a few questions and in 2 mins. determined I needed Prozac. I began a search on my own and stumbled onto a book "Potatoes Not Prozac". After reading the entire book, I discovered I was addicted to sugar and used it in many ways to deal with specific issues. Funny thing is I am a personal trainer and aerobic instructor so to look at me one would not think I had an issue with sugar simply because people relate being unhealthy to having a weight problem. How do you explain to someone that sugar makes you depressed, irritable, easliy frustrated and out of control? Most people would think you were crazy. However, I am a firm believer that one must evaluate there diet, activity levels, sleep patterns etc. before running to the doctor and jumping on Prozac. Which brings me to my question.... I have a 3 yr. old and a 3 month old baby boy which of course is not sleeping through the night. I am exhausted and my sugar cravings are terrible as well as caffine cravings to keep me going! I have battled back and forth with coming to grips I have a problem with sugar and I have recently discovered I can't have sugar and it not effect me in a bad way. Does anyone have suggestion on what I can do to continue to battle this problem since the lack of sleep makes it much worse?
In Reply to: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 16, 2001 at 15:46:34:
Sugar craving is one of the signs of candida. Check out the archives and post by S.H.A.P.E. for more info on this
In Reply to: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 16, 2001 at 15:46:34:
DeAnna,
I was heavily addicted to sugar once upon the time, so you have all my sympathy. Well done not taking prozac and getting a book instead. What you maybe didn't realise then was that it was only a beginning. So you might have to learn more in order to deal with it.
I am sorry to hear that you are in a situation where you can't get enough time to search and learn and where you can't get enough rest. But you are bound to do it, because it is the only solution…
As for what underlying causes might have contributed to your sugar cravings, you have not mentioned why you went to see the doctor, so it is hard to tell whether you have Candida or some other related condition. The most common explanation for sugar craving is undernourishment, craving for energy. Maybe you were undernourished, or if you eat well and good quality food, you don't get enough energy from it. Oh, yes, you just had a baby, pregnancy could of course have weakened your nutritional reserves.
I suggest you need two things: get more knowledge on kinds of conditions one can get from overeating sugar/ or craving sugar, and you need help with the baby.
Maybe you should try to find a holistic/ alternative practitioner who could help you diagnose your problem(s), instead of doing this alone.
Whatever you can manage to do, fine, just please don't go back to eating sugar. I consider it a drug, because that explains why withdrawal is so hard.
Hope you can make it.
Sonja
In Reply to: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 16, 2001 at 15:46:34:
Are you following the "Potatoes Not Prozac" plan faithfully?? Are you regularly eating a potato with no protein 3 hours before going to bed? I know the more refined carbs/sugar I eat the more I crave. Are you eating enough protein??? I use to get really tired every afternoon around 2:30 but if I have my Shaklee Instant Protein drink (altho now I'm hearing soy protein is not good for you so maybe try a whey protein powder???)it gives me energy. Also if you are dehydrated that can increase fatique. Are you drinking enough water? If you are married are you getting enough help with the children from your husband? If not you will have to ask him for more help concerning the children. Odd as it may seem to us women, men need to be asked directly for help. (Read Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus) They always don't see the need unless you tell them point blank. Seems like some women think they have to do it all and don't ask their hubby for more help. Your problem is probably many faceted and you will have to try different approuches to solve your dilemma! Good Luck!
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Sonja on May 17, 2001 at 02:18:05:
Thanks Sonja for the advice. It is good to know that someone can survive the sugar addiciton. My symptoms were all related to life style. 2 yrs. ago when I could get a full night of sleep I wasn't resting at all, teaching 5am aerobics didn't help, eating when I could, mother, full time work very stressful job, headaches, tension, irritability, weak at times, easily teary eyed, and depressed. I turned to sugar for energy and comfort. Typical sugar addict. I have detoxed a number of times and I think I have just now come to grips that this is a problem forever and I can't have just one piece of cake and it not effect me. I think you go through a grieving phase. I feel now I look at it in reality and know I can break this cycle. My out look now is.... I could have sugar but I choose not to because of the lasting effect it has on my body and mind. That is empowering in itself to feel you have the choice. Another piece of advice you gave was not doing it alone which is exactly what I had been doing! I feel very confident my problems are all related to sugar, because, when I am not "ON" sugar I am a completely different person. Confident, high energy, positive outlook on life, rest well, etc. Where are some other places you would suggest I could go for support? Help with the baby is a great idea because I know the constant waking has made this that much more difficult. Thanks again, any support greatly appreciated!
In Reply to: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 16, 2001 at 15:46:34:
Hi DeAnna,
I empathize with you. I was in a similar situation. I
taught kickboxing 6 weeks after my 3rd child (my other 2
were 2 and 5 at the time) and was using coffee and sugar
related products (coffee sweeteners, high yeast breads &
pastas) to get me through each day. Then one day during a kb
class, I almost passed out. Another kb instructor said to
me, "Let me guess...You didn't have breakfast this morning,
you only had coffee and the baby didn't let you sleep last
night, right?" He was right. So, he sent me home saying,
"What are you doing here? Go home and get some rest...for
you and your new baby?"
I suggest you drink plenty of water, take naps with your
baby (if you can) and get off the sugar ASAP. It will
relieve your symptoms of depression and frustration. You'll
have more energy and patience to deal with your family and
teach your aerobics classes. I had to learn the hard
way...because I was so drained and fatigued, during another
class I strained a ligament in my groin/inner thigh that
took over 2 years to heal (making it impossible for me to
teach kickboxing again).
Good luck and let us know how you d
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 17, 2001 at 09:09:13:
Oh, don't mention it. Glad to support, because it means a lot when you need it.
It is really interesting what you said about being a different personality when on sugar and off sugar. One of the first things I noticed after I tested sugar (about 2 years after I quit) was that it changed my mood. It made me irritated, agitated, impatient etc. It was like meeting my old 'me'….almost a shocking revelation. I am still pondering a great deal about this - why physical symptoms get interpreted like mental traits (or even character traits). I find your input valuable. (btw I am still off it!)
Unfortunately I have no suggestions of 'places' to go, since I was always a do-it-yourself type. My way was to search the Internet, buy all the books on the topic, and read critically. This worked for me. And...it was really helpful to read people's experiences here on Dr. Stoll's board.
About getting help...I was always the proud type who could 'always' manage...until I hit the brick wall. I hope you have some folk around you, and I guess they will respond if you approach them. When I managed to do that, I got wonderful support from people at work, my husband and friends AND from some unknown people. It all meant a lot and it taught me a lot. It feels only right to give something in return now.
About your symptoms - they correspond well to stress-related sugar addiction, and I don't know if you had something else that commonly goes with that (leaky gut or candida infection). However, if you haven't done so yet, you might change your eating habits, in order to provide yourself with optimum nutrition. Have you thought of buying Beth Loiselle's book on Whole Food Diet? (See my response to Ali on 'Whole foods' a little further down here).
From what I read, it seems that you have come a long way in understanding the connection between food, lifestyle, stress and illness, and that's in my opinion very important. For some people it is hard to change the habits because they don't understand, on a deep enough level, how this works. You seem to have reached that understanding and now you only have to apply what you know...the rest will almost follow by itself.
keep up the good work
Sonja
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Sonja on May 17, 2001 at 10:57:43:
Beth's book should be on my door step today as a matter of fact. I struggle so with my eating habits only because I allow my moods to determine what I eat! If the kids our challenging I grab chocolate. I am doing better at recoginizing my patterns. What is really crazy is when I completely detox I will be doing great for about a week and a half (Feeling Great)and then I think oh I can have a Reese's peanut butter cup it won't hurt, Right? I mean I am feeling so good so just one won't hurt. Before you know it I am bouncing off the walls and in 2 hours I am aggitated and frustrated and I have hit the downward spiral. Only to start the process all over again. I started another detox phase and I my hope is with the support on this sight and my family I can learn conquer it once and for all. I am tired of the merry go round. Day three is the hardest but if I can make it through day three I am a new person by days four and five. Thank you for the support! By the way, did you use supplements like protein bars and shakes to help you. I find that makes it easier. Of course you have to look at the sugar content. There are very few bars that don't have high amounts of sugar. There is a new one on the market by EAS called I think Low carb bar. 28 gm. of protein and 2 gm. carbs. However, I would hate to be eating something that sets me up for failure.
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Isabella on May 17, 2001 at 09:24:10:
You got it! You just described me. I am on the same path. What is crazy is why is it I know what to do and I know the importants of water and eating habits. People pay me money to hear me tell them what to do. Maybe that is why I chose this profession with the hope it would help me. I really fuss at client that drink alcohol and yet I think that I am a saint because I only eat sugar all day and nothing else. I had a really good day yesterday and it was the first day of detox. I have no sugar in the house at all. It forces me to work through those moments of weakness. I need encouragement to keep up the process. Today has started well I had a weak moment after I taught my class this morning but I managed through it. I guess if you can prepare in advance for those times you know are hard you won't fall into the trap again. Thanks again!
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by QT on May 17, 2001 at 09:00:29:
QT, You caught me I have not been doing the potatoes before bed and I know the book talks about the importants of that one step. I will do it from now on. I have no excuse! Believe it or not I have a wonderful husband that would help with anything and begs to do so he will go above the call of duty and eat whatever I put in front of him with no complaints. He has suffered with each emotional rollercoaster with me and has tried every way to encourage me. All I can say is I am a perfectionist and a control freak and want to do it myself. That is why I have the problems I do. I can't do it all so I have always turned to sugar to get me through it. It is catching up with me and if you have children you know the challenges just trying to find a quiet time to go to the bathroom can actually be. I am trying really hard to change those things and allow other to reach out and help me and that includes my family! I get caught up in guilt. Thanks again and I would love any further advice!! I know the person I can be when sugar is not driving the cart!
In Reply to: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 16, 2001 at 15:46:34:
DeAnna, see my reply to Jonathan.
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Sonja on May 17, 2001 at 13:33:20:
For a moment I wondered if I send my message twice, but then I realised you've used my name instead of yours :)
Just a short answer to your question. I quit 'cold turkey' style. Not only did I stop sugar, but all refined carbohydrates at the same time. Actually, I did not feel any cravings or temptations. But my story is probably very different from yours, since I was very ill at this point, but like you, very motivated to recover. What I didn't know at the time was that I had long-standing fungus and parasite infestations in the gut. They started immediately to die (and release toxins) and I had an extreme die-off reaction. (Thought I was going to die at times). Looking back, I don't think I was brave at all, it was more like 'make it or break it' situation.
It took me three years to recover, and the last thing I am now dealing with is my liver and gallbladder.
In my case illness was a motivation in itself. I had a terrible hypoglycemia and I knew that the only way to reverse it was to stop ALL refined carbohydrates.
I honestly hope that your case is not as bad as mine, and that you will get on the right track a lot sooner than I did. Oh, yeah, I just remembered: in the beginning I took chromium supplement first, then liquorice capsules for about a year, as they help regulating blood sugar. It worked for me, but I am anxious to give this kind of advice as you might have a different metabolism, or need some additional support. So that's why I hope you can afford an alternative practitioner, preferably someone who is a good nutritionist. That would be your best bet.
Oh, dear. Long mail again...Just one more thought. I don't have children and I only have my mother left. When I explained to her my condition, she was extremely sorry. Together we reconstructed my childhood and found out I was ill right from the start. If she knew what we know today, she would never have given me sugar, no matter what, she said.
Now you have two kids, and tough as this is for you at the moment, just think of the benefit it will give your children. Making the educated choice will affect not only your future, but also theirs. I didn't mean to get pathetic, but just trying to give you some good points to think of when going gets tough...
All the best,
Sonja
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 17, 2001 at 13:39:19:
What I have heard is that if you can keep off the sugar for
10-14 days, by the end of that time the craving for sweets
will be gone (or almost at least). In fact, at my nephew's
birthday party last week, I took bite of birthday cake and
almost threw it up-it was so sweet. Now, I pretty much stay
away from all refined sugar, but I must admit I do have a
weakness for red wine. What I learned from Gary Null in his
book "Get Healty Now" is that, "Unless people get the clue
that there is a connection between alcoholism and sugar
adiction, they will go from one to another and will not feel
any better. The phrase "dry drunks' refers to what happens
to alcoholics that start switching to sugar instead of
getting on a diet in which all the simple sugars are
eliminated." I read somewhere else (I can't remember where,
maybe on this BB) that people who crave alcohol are really
craving the sugar...I suppose it's the craving (addiction)
of choice isn't it...should we go for the candy bar or the
glass of wine?
All these things: coffee, alcohol, sugar rob us of the
nutrients are body needs to function properly. I recently
cut back on coffee (2 cups a week) and switched to herbal
teas (primarily green tea and ginger) because I realized the
caffeine was dehydrating me and in "our" professions
(fitness and exercise) we especially need to keep our bodies
hydrated.
I'm also a very hyper person...I do everything fast...think,
talk, move, etc. I have learned quite a bit from this BB.
I've been trying to practice some SR and learn to relax
more. Yoga has helped me tremendously also. Unfortunately,
we have come to think of relaxation as something that is
done only at specific times. Work is demanding and we feel
we need to set aside periods for relaxation. What I
observed from a former yoga instructor (who is 50ish and in
better shape than most 20 year olds) was that he was always
sooooo calm. To him, relaxation is a continual way of life.
His energy (aura) was amazing! He says he always breathes
deep from his abdomen. My goal is to learn to be relaxed
24-7.
Thanks for listening...You're story sounded so similar to
mine...it was
In Reply to: To DeAnna/Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Isabella on May 17, 2001 at 16:45:35:
How I long to think a piece of cake is too sweet! Right now I am so exhausted from lack of sleep a piece of cake would perk me right.:) How sick is that? What did you tell people while you were conquering the sugar roller coaster? If I said I was diabetic I would get support. You are right on about the alcohol. Alcoholism ran in my family on both sides. So does addictive tendancies, smoking, obesity, and cancer. I always claimed I would be different and change the trend. My family is emotionally draining and dangerous to be around if you are working on an eating disorder. Any suggestions there?
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Sonja on May 17, 2001 at 15:30:15:
Sorry I am not sure how I did that.....Bless your heart, mine situation is not near as bad. I come from a family history of alcoholism, obesity and cancer. All the keys to set me up for a sugar addiction. If I had a life threating illness people would be more supportive. Funny thing is sugar is life threating just a slower process. Sugar plays with your mind and body. I don't know a lot about Candida but I guess I should look into it. Regardless, no sugar is the answer, especially if yeast is in question. Sugar just feeds it. I am one that likes to do it all at once as well. It seems all or nothing is what works! Thanks again!
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 17, 2001 at 19:15:25:
Hi DeAnna,
My ex-husband doesn't drink, but he's addicted to $
(gambling, sex and his church). Anything can be a propensity
towards addictive behaviour. Most of my cohorts at the gym
are compulsive. They look like they're in great shape, but
they have "fat mentalities." They're so afraid of gaining
weight. I believe what you battle, you give power to. A lot
of fitness buffs know nothing of proper nutrition. So many
of us work so hard at trying to be perfect, seeking
acceptance and approval. And when we think we fail at it, we
give in to that which makes us feel worse. I'm convinced
we're all walking dichotomies.
A friend of mine once told me that I constantly beat myself
up. She said, "STOP terrorizing yourself!! You're better
that the Middle Eastern Terrorists. They have nothing over
you!!!" She told me I have to stop the judgements of
myself." She said, "You hurt because you beat up on
yourself. You eat sugar, then you feel guilty (bad) and you
take it out on them (kids, husband)." She says my "need to
control hits me when I'm in fear (afraid)." That was back in
1996. I had to look at what I was afraid of...which for me
meant delving into my childhood and resolving family issues.
My family is also "emotionally draining and dangerous to be
around" (alcoholism, shame, image oriented). I had to remove
myself from them for awhile until I became emotionally
stronger. "It doesn't happen over night." For a
perfectionist like me, that was hard to hear. I wanted
results right away. But the truth is, I'm still trying to
"change the trend." Hang in there...The key is balance and
keeping life simple...which is sometimes easier said than
done.
I know this BB leans more towards holistic "medicine," but I
think our minds and attitudes also greatly influence our
health. I learned I had to be BRUTALLY honest with myself
and learn to love and accept myself the way I am. Remember,
not only does sugar put us on a "roller coaster," negative
feelings and emotions drain us too.
I hope this
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 17, 2001 at 19:25:57:
DeAnna, I found that taking chromium, vitamins C and the B's really cut my sweet cravings. They were still there but not that want to kill for sugar cravings.This may help you get pass that first step towards wellness. Good luck
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Davetx on May 17, 2001 at 21:35:07:
DeAnna, Also I took capsules of adrenal gland. Your adrenals can cause a sugar craving. Good luck
In Reply to: Hi DeAnna/Re: sleep, sugar cravings and addictions posted by Isabella on May 17, 2001 at 20:24:15:
Isabella,
Thanks for thoughtful comments. It is uncanny to read how others arrived at the same discoveries as oneself, by undergoing similar processes. You are making some really good points here. Addiction has many consequences, physical, social, moral, mental...and we have to change attitudes in many areas there, in order to get healthy.
I believe coming from traumatic families is almost a set up. Traumatic experiences affect blood sugar (its levels drop sharply) just as sugar or caffeine. It is hard to change these mechanisms once they are established. But it is possible! I found out that both mental attitude and food habits helped me back in balance, both were necessary. In fact, I suggested a long time ago on the board that traumatic experiences must be addressed and resolved if one is to become a healthy person. Meditating will not be so useful here initially (as it might bring forth potentially traumatic memories).
Understandably enough, most of the people would be reluctant to share personal accounts of that kind on a board, and I am not encouraging anyone to do so. But the divide between the physical and mental health seems to be an artificial one. I started at the psychological end of the continuum (had insomnia for years). If I hadn't read somewhere - accidentally - that hypoglycaemia was common posttraumatic occurrence, I'd be probably stuck with Prozac, or worse, myself and never recovered my physical and mental health.
Unfortunately I don't think we can yet speak of holistic medicine, as this (mental) end of continuum is not yet properly 'connected'. I understand the necessity of specializing in disciplines, but I am looking for more interdisciplinary co-operation. I think that would be the way to go.
Best regards
Sonja
In Reply to: Re: Hi DeAnna/Re: sleep, sugar cravings and addictions posted by Sonja on May 18, 2001 at 02:08:04:
I'm not surprised to hear that hypoglycemia is a common
"post-traumatic occurance." Can you tell me a little more
how "traumatic experiences affect blood sugar levels"...this
is very interesting to me as everyone basically in my family
has a candida/blood sugar "disorder."
My Holistic Doctor is an O.M.D. (Dr. of Oriental Medicine)
specializing in Vega Biokinesiology, Acupuncture, Herbal
Medicine, Homeopathy, Diet & Nutritional Therapy and Magnet
Therapy. I have been consulting him for the past 10 years
every time my children and I get "sick" with something. He
is the one who is responsible for teaching me about
alternative medicine. He says the majority of our illnesses
we bring about ourselves and that our minds are the key to
wellness. Let me give you an example. When I called him
complaining of varicose vein pain, this was his comment to
me over the phone: "You have a blood stagnation problem
(blood not moving thru vessels properly). The problem more
than likely developed before your pregnancies
(Spleen/Chi/Digestive).
ItŐs called, 'unfulfilled desires' (stagnation, feeling
stuck, creating desires that canŐt happen). Unreasonable
desires will set you up so you will fail. DonŐt need desires
that will knock you down. Having a desire doesnŐt mean that
itŐs good for you. Kids get their desires fulfilled until
they become adults...If you feel 'stuck'...this goes with
stagnation. You talk fast...major Chi
stagnation...hyper...overworked. There is poor nourishment
towards joints/liver (Chinese medicine)...You have abused
them. You are blood deficient...thatŐs what nourishes
tendons, ligaments."
Sonja, I'm really interested in what you said about
"interdisciplinary co-operation," but I don't know what you
mean...Could you please enlighten m
In Reply to: sleep and sugar cravings posted by DeAnna on May 16, 2001 at 15:46:34:
Hi, DeAnna.
Remember that ANY trace of a refined carbohydrate will keep your withdrawal symptoms going for at least weeks. see the home page about this.
I would NEVER try to break this addiciton without Beth Loiselle's book in hand FIRST.
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Walt Stoll on May 18, 2001 at 10:30:18:
nmi
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Walt Stoll on May 18, 2001 at 10:30:18:
I just got Beth's book yesterday afternoon and I am on a mission. If I am not sure about the Candida issue should I try to eliminate fruit along with the refined products for the first several months since that could possibly be in question? The book may answer that question for me.
In Reply to: To Dr. Stoll/Re: sleep and sugar cravings/What is the name of Beth Loiselle's book? posted by Cindy on May 18, 2001 at 10:48:37:
The Healing Power of Whole Foods.
In Reply to: Hi DeAnna/Re: sleep, sugar cravings and addictions posted by Isabella on May 17, 2001 at 20:24:15:
Isabella, You are so right and I have been dealing with facing a lot of issues in my past. One of which is the fear of obesity and health. I also lost a boyfriend to an accident in the army when I was 21 we had been together for over a year and my fairy tale world came to an end. I was felt every feeling you can imagine and FEAR was the driving animal of my life for years. I was so afraid if I enjoyed my life too much I would loose it or someone in it so I would sabatoge my own happiness. My husband is awesome and supports me in so many ways it is unreal. I can remember if he was 5 mins. late I would be in hysterical tears by the time he came home. Through a lot of faith and personal work I have come a long way; however, after the loss of my boyfriend was when I realized I had a problem with sugar. I didn't become an alcoholic I became a sugar addict and chocolate was the drug of choice. Amazingly, sugar suppresses pain as well. I remember if I was alone I would buy the biggest bag of peanut M&M's and eat the whole thing to keep from feeling any pain. I didn't realize it then. Years later it showed up in other ways. I could always hide it because I was an "aerobic instructor" so I was addicted to exercise and sugar. Great combination...Right? Thank you for saying the underlining things people typically don't say. I believe your emotions and your body are connected and one can't be sick and the other one not suffer. It is a whole package. That is why you get doctors that say "It must be in your head" it is true to some degree; however, the pain is real you just have to find out what is driving it. i.e. fear, guilt, anger, etc. I believe to some degree depression is suppressed emotions. Thanks again!
In Reply to: Re: Hi DeAnna/Re: sleep, sugar cravings and addictions posted by Sonja on May 18, 2001 at 02:08:04:
Sonja, I just wrote a note to Isabella about this very thing. I think when I lost my boyfriend at 21 it started the process and I suppressed emotions that showed up later physically. I read a book call "The Four Levels of Healing" and it discussed how you have four levels with in you and inorder to be balanced you have to heal all four levels i.e. physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. If all four are congruent then you have total balance if one is left unattended that is where sickness and depression can seep into your world! Another book I read was "Womens Bodies Womens Wisdom" It also discusses how our bodies and our minds work together. For example, women tend to ignore signs in their body. You may feel hungry but the kids need to be fed, laundry needs to be done etc. so you ignore that feeling all day until in the evening you have a terrible headache and you body says "Okay I am really going to get your attention." You may be out for the rest of the evening since you ignored your signs in the beginning. Why do we do that? But I am guily!
In Reply to: Re: Hi Sonja/Re: sleep, sugar cravings and addictions posted by Isabella on May 18, 2001 at 08:51:33:
You're right, what I said sounds a bit mystical, and not very clear. To put it simply:
A traumatic experience can lower your blood sugar in the same way a stimulant does.
The symptoms vary from person to person, and from time to time.
(Huh, it's been such a long time I since I experienced this, so I really have to think hard to recall it, as I don't want to describe it inaccurately). Let's say, for instance, if my mother yelled at me or if I anticipated violence, I would immediately start to tremble or cry. Crying was one of my hypoglycaemic signs. As a child I would go out and play, then suddenly come back home, insist on lying down, then crying for no obvious reason.
(But I probably reacted to the cake I got at neighbour's.)
It is not the details from my childhood that are interesting here, but HOW I discovered the connection between trauma and hypoglycaemia. After having successfully processed the posttraumatic problems and coming to terms with my past, I still experienced these 'states'.
I was absolutely certain that it was no longer anything that had to do with my psyche. So I started to search. Searching on hypoglycaemia was productive - it was definitely my symptoms. But there was more to it. Eventually I found out about Candida/ parasites.
Back to the hypoglycaemic symptoms. A lot of information about hypoglycaemia is quite imprecise. And many of the Candida symptoms are overlapping. Unfortunately I don't have the time to go into details, but I believe everyone has to do the job of identifying their own symptoms. Symptoms vary. Know Thy Symptoms! :-)
So I started to observe my reactions and reflected on the past experiences. What I discovered was that the symptoms varied according to the RAPIDITY of the glucose level fall.
Then I found a description of this in a small booklet by Marilyn Light I bought at amazon.com. (I had bought all the books they had on hypoglycemia and read them in one go :-)).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0879833025/qid=990219540/sr=1-3/ref=sc_b_3/103-5941613-8812667
That was the most correct description I found of how it works, and I'll take the time to cite it, as it might be potentially useful to others as well:
If blood sugar levels fall RAPIDLY to a point below normal, the symptoms are based on the production of epinephrine (adrenaline). They include:
Sweating
Weakness
Hunger
Rapid beating of the heart
A feeling of fear or anxiety
Trembling (my addition)
If blood sugar levels drop SLOWLY over a period of time, the symptoms are
Headache
Blurred vision
Mental confusion
Double vision
Incoherent speech
Coma (rare)
Convulsions (rare)
If hypoglycemia PERSISTS over a period of hours, a number of possible symptoms result:
Outbursts of temper
Extreme depression
Prolonged sleepiness
Restlesness
Negativism
Personality changes
Emotional instability
Maniacal behaviour
The last group is as accurate description - of what I remember as my childhood and youth - as it can be. (As an adult I experienced also unmotivated rage attacks, after which I felt my brain was 'burning'. Remember being extremely scared of mental damage and loosing the mind.
This was, I suspect now, a combination of hypoglycaemia AND parasites.)
Light cites also a certain Dr. Phillips who registered these symptoms (review of 480 cases) that were most common among these patients:
Fatigue and exhaustion 87%
Irritability 89%
Nervousness 94%
Lack of concentration 42%
Spells of weakness, dizziness,
tremors and cold sweats 68%
palpitations and tachycardia 54%
inner trembling 57%
gastrointestinal symptoms 68%
The most interesting percentage is this one: 76% of all these people were previously told that 'it was all in their head - just nerves'.
Needless to say, I have had all of these symptoms myself, and in 1997 I was told that psychiatry was my only solution. I did not accept that and found the way out of it - all by myself. When that is said, I don't think that is how things should be!
The GP, the psychologist I saw, or the endocrinologist should have sent me to a naturopath.
OR, if I started out with alternative health therapy, they should have been able to direct me to a good therapist who could help me deal with the trauma-related problems.
That is basically my idea of interdisciplinary approach - being expert in one discipline does not prevent you to have knowledge of and access to other specialists who are better to deal with a particular problem. I believe Dr. Stoll run a place somewhat like that.
Now I just have to address the body/mind question. Boy, I'm exhausted, but I'll try.
My approach is quite introspective and intuitive. Most of the conclusions about how things work came from my observations and personal experience. One of the things I observed, after being extremely lucky and recovering, was that the same symptoms could be produced BOTH by the state of mind AND by the body. How was this possible? I became extremely intrigued by this. I guessed that somehow, these mechanisms had to share the same path…
I found an answer (if not a complete answer, still some answer) when I read Dr. Candace Pert's book 'Molecules of emotion'. She was a part of a neuroscientific team that studied opiate receptors in the seventies. Again, I don't have the energy to go into the theory properly.
Check at the library or at the Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684846349/o/qid=990218103/sr=2-1/103-5941613-8812667
Before that it was common to believe that the brain sends information to the body through neural activity only. This team discovered that information also gets transmitted chemically, via special molecules, known as peptides. To show it in a simple way, when you think something, your brain sends both a neural and a chemical message to your body, creating the necessary physiological changes. Probably not well enough explained (I should probably reread it), but the essence is that a mood can create a real change in our organism. And the other way round. This chemical path is the same path that all other substances use (hormones etc).
This explained my experiences. And I realised another thing: the mind and the body are in a continuous dialogue. If one of them is suffering, it will influence the other, and eventually the effect will start to spiral…in order to break the vicious circle it is not important where you start, as long as you realise that you will have to address BOTH. Or so I believe.
Pert was even inclined to call it our 'bodymind', and to me it sounds very logical. (And btw, her next book was titled 'your body is your subconscious mind'). Perth was welcomed by some, but by no means by all. But another interesting thing she mentioned in her book was that she regarded sugar a drug, on line with heroin. Maybe a tough claim, but I nod (and by now you got the idea about what I got through, so you'd get my nodding).
And finally about the holistic doctor and his diagnose. It is hard enough to know at all times just WHAT triggered a reaction. Was I angry? Or was my gallbladder stone making me angry? Hard to tell! It might have been either way. Personally (as a staunch DIY) I would have trouble accepting someone else's interpretation, of my mental or physical state - but this can sometimes be even irrelevant, if the diagnose is right and there is a way of correcting the problem…
I forgot one very important point. After I found out of all these things, and many more, and after I applied what I learned (most important), I experienced an amazing recovery. I don't have the moods, avoid stress, solve problems and conflicts with patience and kindness, sleep as a log, and I finally know myself. It was not all sugar, but sugar intolerance played a big deal.
This is all I'll be posting for a while as I have a ten-day exam (at home) that started today.
Hope you got something out of this.
Best regards,
Sonja
PS I forgot about addictions, probably because I don't yet know enough about the mechanisms (but I definitely have had an addict personality). Maybe someone on the board has done a research on that.
In Reply to: Re: sleep and sugar cravings posted by Davetx on May 17, 2001 at 21:35:07:
Do you think chromium would be safe to take while I am nursing? Or is there a supplment combination that would be safe while aiding in this process? I plan to nurse only a month longer so I could just wait.
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more posted by Sonja on May 18, 2001 at 17:17:18:
What you've explained makes such perfect sense!!! Thank
you! You have keen intuition and wonderful theories. Can I
ask, what your field of study is? Also, what is a "DIY"?
Again, thank you so much for enlightening me and I look
forward to reading your posts after you complete your e
In Reply to: Thanks Sonja/Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more/Good luck on your exam!! posted by Isabella on May 19, 2001 at 00:35:42:
You're welcome!
No wonder you did not get DIY, it's an old term. It's short for Do It Yourself (which originally referred to 'home made' furniture or magazines describing making stuff like that).
I use it to describe a type of personality who relies mostly to oneself :-)
As for my studies, I am doing a social anthropology course (master degree) and really having a good time...
Thanks for the kind words.
Off to work now
Sonja
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more posted by Sonja on May 18, 2001 at 17:17:18:
Thanks, Sonja.
Namaste`
Walt
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more posted by Sonja on May 18, 2001 at 17:17:18:
Hi, Sonja
Thank you very much for this bit of information. It's the first time that I realize that I'm NOT crazy. I've always thought that hypoglycemia was low blood sugar and that was it. I've had the following things happen to me for most of my life, and never understood what was happening. Just figured I was crazy and unable to control my outbursts.
If hypoglycemia PERSISTS over a period of hours, a number of possible symptoms result:
Outbursts of temper
Extreme depression
Prolonged sleepiness
Restlesness
Negativism
Personality changes
Emotional instability
Maniacal behaviour
Thanks again. You've helped give me a direction.
In Reply to: Nursing and supplements ? Walt Stoll posted by DeAnna on May 18, 2001 at 20:08:07:
Hi, DeAnna.
Safe. As a matter of fact I know of no supplements, taken in known safe doses for adults, that would not benefit the suckling child.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more--Sonja posted by B.B. on May 20, 2001 at 09:21:27:
So glad to hear that.
No point in 'sitting on the knowledge' and not sharing it.
Maybe you will have to re-consider most of your life, just like I had to. I know it's hard, but believe me, it is also very rewarding.
Best of luck
Sonja
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more--Sonja posted by Sonja on May 20, 2001 at 10:25:26:
Sonja,
I don't understand what you're referring to when you say, re-consider most of your life. It appears that I've wasted the percentage of my life thinking I was crazy and failed to accomplish a lot. Yeah, I've succeeded in a lot of stuff and survived, however, think of what I could've accomplished!
It makes me soooo *drn* angry that my doctor from years ago failed to advise my parents, and equally angrier that my present doctor has yet to educate me as well. Seems like a lot of wasted time, effort, sweat, tears, anxiety, etc...
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more--Sonja posted by B.B. on May 20, 2001 at 11:50:21:
Dear B.B.
What I meant was to re-consider all your memories, like what you once thought were mental symptoms and consider whether they actually were physical symptoms. This might help you to address the health problems you have today.
Sorry, it was not my intention to provoke you or upset you in any way.
And, yes, I can totally understand your anger, since I went through the same reaction. It is only natural to react like that.
But eventually I suppose you will come to terms with it, although it might take some time.
The most important thing is that you take care of yourself now, and try to deal with the past when you feel you can handle it.
Also, sorry but I won't be able to reply any more than this as I am writing an exam at the moment...
Best wishes
Sonja
In Reply to: Re: hypoglycemia, bodymind and more--Sonja posted by Sonja on May 20, 2001 at 14:01:41:
Sonja,
That's no problem with not being able to respond, as I'm in the process of studying for accounting make up test, which I missed the other day.
Yes, I'm very angry and upset over time which I can't get back. Thanks for clarifying what you meant, and BTW you did not anger me what so ever. It will be a while before I can digest everything and try to think rationally about wasted time, effort, present medical illnesses, etc...
It's strange as I've been very angry for the past 3 - 4 weeks or so without knowing why or at whom. Perhaps, I would've learned about this in a short time by myself. Who knows? Thanks again for the information you extended to everybody.
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