Day 120- Carboholic - Part 2

I received the book, Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT in the mail yesterday and while flipping through it I came across some great information that goes along with my blog topic from yesterday. In the blog, "Hello My Name is (fill in the blank) and I am a Carboholic," I talk about reducing your carbohydrate intake so that your body can initiate ketosis in order to burn fat stores. In the book, Primal Body, Primal Mind, Nora goes into some of the nutritional and physiological deficiencies that can trigger carbohydrate cravings that I wanted to share with you.

The following are some nutrients that can be beneficial in helping to decrease carbohydrate cravings as seen in the book, Primal Body, Primal Mind (these are just guidelines and should be discussed in more detail with a health care practitioner) :

• Omega-3 fatty acids- This vital nutrient often calms and eliminates carbohydrate cravings and can greatly enhance insulin sensitivity, as well as help curb inflammation and enhance mood and cognitive function.
• L-glutamine- An amino acid, which may help to stop cravings for sweets, starches, and alcohol. It also helps to regenerate the gastrointestinal mucosa.
  
• GABA- enhancing compounds (I do not recommend taking actual GABA)- for people that crave carbohydrates when under stress
• D-phenylalanine- can be helpful for people who may be addicted to carbohydrate comfort foods due to lack of adequate endorphin production, as it may help in enhancing levels and subsequently reducing cravings
• Gymnema Sylvestre- may help to eliminate cravings for sweets
• Pancreatic lipase- people that have problems managing blood sugar, may be low in this. Supplementation can improve your ability to digest and use fats instead of sugar for fuel

The following are some conditions or factors that can increase carbohydrate cravings and cause weight gain, according to the book, Primal Body, Primal Mind:

• Candida Overgrowth
• Inadequate protein intake- especially L-trytophan, which can help calm cravings and help restore healthy serotonin neurotransmitter function
• Prescription medications
• Alcohol
• Sweeteners- both alternative "natural" or artificial, with the exception of stevia
• MSG intake
• Allergic foods
• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Serotonin deficiency

Cravings for sugar, alcohol, caffeine or carbohydrates may be an indication of serotonin deficiency. It has been seen that chronic use of these substances may deplete serotonin over time and may lead to low levels of this neurotransmitter. (Schwarzbein and Deville 1999)

Another thing to make note of is that people with a simple case of "carb cravings" may have an addiction to the exorphins in grains and to hidden gluten sensitivities. A lab called Cyrex Labs (Cyrexlabs.com) provides the most extensive testing available at this time; which I will discuss in more detail in a future blog.

For more information on how to tame your carb cravings and why carbs should be reduced, check out the book, Primal Body, Primal Mind. Also note that some of the suggested supplements should be avoided with certain conditions, so please consult a health care practitioner first.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP

Primal Body, Primal Mind: Beyond the Paleo Diet for Total Health and a Longer Life, By Nora Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT

Schwarzbein D., and N. Deville. 1999. The Schwarzbein Principle. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, Inc.