Brett, question about article.

[humilispuer]

Brett,

First and foremost, excellent article. What do you consider adaquete carb intake? In the patients you have diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion, how much vegatable/fruit matter did they consume? I personally eat 2+ lbs of veggies a day. You said that less than 2% of the individuals can maintain the liftstyle without stimulants - is it possible that the stimulants are leading to the burnout rather than the diet? I have an extremely high level of energy despite eating nothing other than meat, eggs, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil. I've added a bit of fruit as of late. Sorry for the barrage of questions; the article was quite thought provoking.

-Jonathon

[James Boelter]

Perhaps we need to distinguish between 'carbs' vs 'starches' in this matter of 'adrenal exhaustion'. Anyone eating 2+ pounds of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis can hardly (IMO) be considered to be strictly on a 'low carb diet.

Anyway, I was really happy that someone with some qualifications actually commented on "Lights Out", even if they didnt agree with it. The book seemed to sink without a trace after being published and I wasn't sure if anyone besides myself ever read it.

And Brett - from reading the book, I was under the impression that Wiley and Formby did allow some serious (at least adequate) carb consumption during the 'mating season' (Mid April through end of September). Wouldn't that be sufficient to off set the problems with a 'prolonged' low carb diet if the reader followed recommendations? Also the supplements they recommend also seem as though this would offset most of the system stress you discussed (not to mention 9-11 hours of sleep at night!).

Anyway, thanks for at least giving the ideas in the book a wider exposure, along with a balanced, supplemental counterpoint.

[Connie Brown]

And what are the signs of adrenal exhaustion?

[Brett Jacques]

Connie
The classic signs of adrenal fatigue are
difficulty getting up in the morning
fatigue not relieved by sleep
craving for salty foods
perceived level of effort for activities of daily living is increased
low sex drive
poor ability to handle stress
increased recovery or healing time
slight vertigo up standing up quickly
mild depression
lack of interest in life
everything seems worse when you skip a meal
poor mental focus
increase in PMS symptoms

James, I think the best of Lights Out and anything else by TS Wiley. She and Bent have done some interesting research on Progesterone.

Jonathon, adequate carbs for a healthy person is between 100-175 grams, total not accounting for fiber. You are absolutely correct that stimulants may be the sole cause for adrenal burnout by why are low carb dieters needing caffeine any way?

[humilispuer]

Brett,

Why does the high carb crowd need it? Why does the moderate carb crowd need it? Etc. It's an addiction. Most people don't go into low carb and suddenly start drinking coffee, it's a habit that they take with them. A good deal of Americans will quickly tell you that they cannot make it through their day with coffee. This is not a restricted phenomenon.

-Jonathon

[Brett Jacques]

Jonathon,

I agree with the direction of your points. High carbs need it due to blood sugar fluctuations, most of the non-caffeine addicts I know are moderate carb eaters who eat mainly whole foods. My observation is that low carbers tend to consume much more than other dieters.

[humilispuer]

Brett,

Interesting observation. Honestly, I think the majority of low carb dieters do not consume enough fat. Going into a low carb diet with a fat phobic mindset is a recipe for disaster. You're trying to get your body to burn fat instead of carbs, you have to eat fat! Many try to go on a low fat low carb high protein diet and wind up feeling and looking like crap. I've felt the best when I was eating about 25% protein and 75% fat. As I've said though, I'm also not the average low carb dieter. Most don't eat 2-3 lbs of veggies a day.

-Jonathon

[Cilian McHugh]

Jonathon,

Which veggies do you eat by and large?

[sin_goodfellow]

Jonathon,

I too would like to hear what vegetables you consume!

Sin

[humilispuer]

I usually have a salad or two each day. A romaine heart, tomato, sometimes an onion and olive oil. Other than the salad veggies, I eat broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, summer squash, carrots, etc. I always buy big bags of broccoli and mixed veggies from Costco. I just throw em' in the steamer and when they're done, top em' with olive oil. I would really like to add more variety; financial situation does not permit right now. I've also added an apple or two a day and I'll eat a sweet potatoe with my protein post workout.

-Jonathon

[Cilian McHugh]

Would this not contribute to your Carb intake though?

[humilispuer]

Oh yeah, it does. I'm not worried about carbs in they're coming from fruits and veggies; especially the latter. 3 lbs of broccoli only has 32 grams of carbs :)

[Cilian McHugh]

Ahhh, I was under the mistaken impression that you were a zero carber.

Agree with you about the veggies BTW, excellent source of carbs rather than processed carbs and the like.

[humilispuer]

I did the zero carb thing a while back. Felt really amazing. However, I couldnt afford free range meat and eating only farm raised meat didnt sit well with me. If I could find a cheap source for free range pasture fed meat, I'd give zero carbs a go again. Then again, I'd do a lot of things if I had the money :)

-Jonathon