Date: Thu Jan 23, 2003 7:22 pm

Subject: Scott-Protein and sugars

xxxxx,

Frankly I missed the posts on Atkins, too bad, I would have enjoyed learning

more about folks reactions/responses. If you or anyone else want to enlighten

me on the subject, write to ME instead of posting since it was apparently

somewhat inflammatory here on the board.

My personal experiences with blood sugar occured while going through the last

stages of my withdrawal and basically ever since. Atkins or any other program

didn't enter into my dietary changes, simply experimentation in my eating

habits and the way I felt/feel.

Because I suffered from severe fatigue and dizziness/lightheadedness in

withdrawal in soon became quite apparent that I couldn't tolerate refined

sugars. That being anything from pastries to ice cream to beverages

containing added sugars. Not only did they make my withdrawal worse, but I

noticed a tremendous difference when I DID avoid them and ate larger

quantities of proteins. Also, eating small portions at regular intervals

seemed to help with both energy levels and avoiding digestion difficulties

such as heartburn, IBS, etc. which can be so common in benzo withdrawal.

So, I made a lot of dietary changes. More so than I have ever done in my

life. Switching from eating things like breakfast cereal to tuna for

breakfast, or chicken breast. I basically eliminated refined carbs and junk

foods from my diet.

As for weight, I've lost over 30 pounds in the last 6 months. I can't say

whether it was longterm dietary changes or my body bouncing back from benzos

(and the benzo belly) but finally my body is looking and continuing to feel

more like it's pre benzo self.

Again, I can only speak for myself, but these drugs severely altered the way

my body metabolized foods. I eat sweets periodically now, as well as a bit of

bread and what have you, but I know that my body isn't getting what it needs

from these things and I know I feel better in the long run if I avoid them.

I guess benzos teach us to listen more to our bodies and what it needs. We DO

all react a bit differently but the sugar/refined carb scenario tends to

affect a lot of us. It's one of the things we CAN easily alter and see how

much better we feel.

Primarily as I recall from a Cellular bio class was that we convert all foods

into sugars/carbs/units of energy anyway, but I think it's the way the body

converts them and utilizes them that affects the way we feel.

Shell