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Kristelle

Zero-carb, estrogen and vitamin C

Hi,

I feel I've made the discovery that will forever change my life...for the better, of course. Happy

Tonight, I noticed my gums bleeding. This, in addition to my other problems like sinus congestion, blocked ears,  hives, dark circles, anemia, constipation, sunken eyes, poor immune function/healing, dry skin, etc had me increasingly worried.

Then, I did some research and quickly realized that most of my problems were similar to those experienced by individuals deficient in vitamin C (i.e. scurvy).

These symptoms mostly worsened around the time that I no longer consumed any carbs, no fruits, no veggies, hence much less vitamin C which apparently is present in small amounts in meat, raw to lightly cooked. I ate all my food raw, fat included. They also worsened around the time I increased hormones, mostly estrogen. I found out estrogen depletes the body of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Pregnant women or women taking the contraceptive pill have less. Maybe women have a tougher time with zero-carb because of estrogen?? Something to ponder about girls...

Zero-carb + high estrogen levels= perfect combo for scurvy. It is often said that raw meat prevents scurvy. Well, it sure doesn't in my case and I suspect it is because the quality of the meat sold today (grass-fed or grain-fed, I tried both for long periods of time) is inferior or that certain parts of the animal should be eaten (i.e. adrenal glands) or that the animals our ancestors or Inuits ate were a richer source of vitamin C.

In any case, this is clear, CRYSTAL clear. I'm supplementing with vitamin C, 1500mg daily (500mg every 6-8 hours) and will adjust depending on symptoms. This should be plenty and I probably need less but will start at that dose., gradually decrease over time.

Interestingly, vitamin C lowers histamine levels and I've had allergic reactions like crazy and suspected for the longest time that my levels of histamine were in excess or/and that my threshold was low due to genetics or past exposure. Vitamin C also assists in iron absorption. Too much C leads to diarrhea. Interestingly, I've had the opposite problem.

I'm really happy!  Happy  Happy  Happy  Happy  Happy  Words cannot describe it.
Sol

Wow, amazing detective work. Great job and congratulations!

I'm glad things are KRISTELLE CLEAR now. LOL

Yeah, Kristelle. Sunny
Sol

Kristelle wrote:
I'm really happy!  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D  Words cannot describe it.

Maybe a few dozen emoticons can describe it. Read Idea Thumbs Up

Congrats Wine

Grin  Wow  Sunny  Happy  Cool  Smile

Clap  Clap  Clap  Clap  Clap  Clap  Clap  Clap  Clap  

Cheer  Cheer  Cheer  Cheer  Cheer  Cheer  Cheer  Cheer  Cheer

Excellent Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent

Line Cheer

Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic  Ecstatic

Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo  Woo Hoo
Kristelle

Quote:
KRISTELLE CLEAR


Good one.  LOL
Kristelle

Took 500mg yesterday and realized hours later, that this was a little too much. Some nausea, stomach cramps, joint paint and insomnia. But, at least, it kickstarted things and restored levels.

Will be reducing to 200mg daily, split in 2 doses. I also restarted taking former dosages of hormones rectally, 8mg estradiol and 100mg progesterone.

Skin is already improving and sinuses too.

Interestingly, while estrogen depletes the body of vitamin C, the latter increases estrogen (and progesterone, if not mistaken) levels, especially at higher doses.
~mina~

I still have to take vitamin c because of my anemia. I also dont exactly trust the quality of foods we are eating.. the soil is so depleted and overused... and also dont trust what THEY are eating before I eat them  LOL

I take vitamin c, iron, prenatal, biotin and magnesium. sometimes I take potassium but I stopped when my bp was dropping and I was getting dizzy.

anyways.. I feel much better when I take them than when I dont. maybe it's psycological, maybe not.

you sound alot like my love who has severe food allergies and is sick if he eats anything outside of pork, beef or rice. I should probably get him on a vit c tab too. he wont take it though  LOL  

anyways.. good luck on your journey!
Kristelle

Thanks Mina. I'm still adjusting the dosages until I figure out what works best for me. Having also increased hormone dosages, it'll take a few day for things to settle.

It appears I need more than I thought, for now at least. Took 250mg twice today. Probably another 250mg later on tonight.
Jessica

I've found that having some vitamin C helps tremendously with carb cravings. Good luck, I hope you're on on the road to finding out what works best for your body! (((((((hugs))))))))) Jessica
Kristelle

Seems like it...more later.

I think the cravings may be our body telling us that it needs vitamin C. So, if we take some, they disappear. Body probably associates "sweet" with vitamin C because back then, sweet foods contained the most vitamin C (i.e. fruits).
Sol

Kristelle,

I have a craving for lemon in my water. Before the May contest it was kombucha -- with sugar. I don't typically crave sweet things or junk food. I wonder if my body is wanting Vitamin C.

I've been wondering if, despite what some people believe - if animal foods are a complete source of vitamins and minerals or not.  Maybe some of us have more need for certain nutrients based on our personal histories and if animals today aren't "depleted" in some ways. I've also been craving bone broth. And I really like celtic sea salt in my water. These two things makes me wonder if I'm deficient in some minerals.

After the May contest I'm going to experiment with adding fermented veggies, in small amounts, and cooked leafy greens (e.g. spinach, collard greens, kale, etc.) And, I may take supplements also. For me, zero carb isn't about a belief that animal foods are the only healthy foods, it's about the problems I've had dealing with fibrous foods.

Interesting topic, even for us guys.

Thanks.

Sol
AlexF

My research has led me to Calcium Ascorbate as my current source of Vitamin C.  Here is a good breakdown of the many forms of Vit C...

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/ss01/bioavailability.html

Quote:
It is possible to find vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in many different forms with any number of claims regarding its efficacy or bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the degree to which a nutrient becomes available to the target tissue after it has been administered. Our conclusions about the various forms of vitamin C based on the available scientific evidence follow. More information and references are posted on the LPI Micronutrient Information Center.

• Natural vs. synthetic ascorbic acid: Natural and synthetic ascorbic acid are chemically identical. As assessed by at least two studies, there appears to be no clinically significant difference in the bioavailability and bioactivity of natural ascorbic acid and synthetic ascorbic acid.

• Different forms of ascorbic acid (powders, tablets, etc.): The gastrointestinal absorption of ascorbic acid occurs through an active transport process, as well as through passive diffusion.
At low gastrointestinal concentrations of ascorbic acid active transport predominates, while at high gastrointestinal concentrations active transport becomes saturated, leaving only passive diffusion. In theory, slowing down the rate of gastric emptying (e.g., by taking ascorbic acid with food or taking a slow-release form of ascorbic acid) should increase its absorption. The bioavailability of ascorbic acid appears equivalent whether it is in the form of powder, chewable tablets, or non-chewable tablets. Moreover, bioavailability of ascorbic acid from slow-release preparations has not been found to be greater than that of plain ascorbic acid.

• Mineral ascorbates: Mineral salts of ascorbic acid (mineral ascorbates) are buffered and therefore less acidic. Thus, mineral ascorbates are often recommended to people who experience gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain or diarrhea) with plain ascorbic acid. There appears to be little scientific research to support or refute the claim that mineral ascorbates are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. When mineral salts of ascorbic acid are taken, both the ascorbic acid and the mineral appear to be well-absorbed, so it is important to take into consideration the dose of the mineral accompanying the ascorbic acid when taking large doses of mineral ascorbates. For the following discussion, it should be noted that 1 gram = 1,000 milligrams (mg) and 1 milligram (mg) = 1,000 micrograms (mcg). Mineral ascorbates are available in the following forms:

     Sodium ascorbate: 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate contains 889 mg of ascorbic acid and 111 mg of sodium (there are 125 mg of sodium per 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid in sodium ascorbate). Individuals following low-sodium diets (e.g., for high blood pressure) are generally advised to keep their total dietary sodium intake to less than 2,500 mg/day. Megadoses of sodium ascorbate could significantly increase sodium intake.

     Calcium ascorbate: Pure calcium ascorbate provides 114 mg of calcium per 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid. Calcium in this form appears to be reasonably well absorbed. The recommended dietary calcium intake for adults is 1,000 to 1,200 mg/day. Total calcium intake should not exceed the tolerable upper intake level of 2,500 mg/day.

     The following mineral ascorbates are more likely to be found in combination with other mineral ascorbates, as well as other minerals. It’s a good idea to check the labels of dietary supplements for the ascorbic acid dose as well as the dose of each mineral. Recommended dietary intakes and maximum upper levels of intake (when available) are listed after the individual mineral ascorbates below:

     Potassium ascorbate: The minimal requirement for potassium is thought to be between 1.6 and 2.0 grams/day. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of potassium, so a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may provide as much as 8 to 11 grams/day. Acute and potentially fatal potassium toxicity (hyperkalemia) is thought to occur at a daily intake of about 18 grams of potassium/day in adults. Individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics and those with renal insufficiency (kidney failure) should avoid significant intake of potassium ascorbate. The purest form of commercially available potassium ascorbate contains 0.175 grams (175 mg) of potassium per gram of ascorbic acid.

     Magnesium ascorbate: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 400-420 mg/day for adult men and 310-320 mg/day for adult women. The maximum upper level of intake for magnesium from supplements is 350 mg/day.

     Zinc ascorbate: The RDA for zinc is 11 mg/day for adult men and 8 mg/day for adult women. The upper intake level of zinc for adults is 40 mg/day.

     Molybdenum ascorbate: The RDA for molybdenum is 45 micrograms (mcg)/day for adult men and women. The upper intake level of molybdenum for adults is 2,000 mcg (2 mg)/day.

     Chromium ascorbate: The recommended dietary intake for chromium is 30-35 mcg/day for adult men and 20-25 mcg/day for adult women. An upper level of intake has not been determined by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board.

     Manganese ascorbate: The recommended dietary intake for manganese is 2.3 mg/day for adult men and 1.8 mg/day for adult women. The upper level of intakefor manganese is 11 mg/day. Manganese ascorbate is found in some preparations of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Following the recommended dose on the label could result in a daily intake exceeding the upper intake level for manganese.

• Ester-C®: Ester-C® contains mainly calcium ascorbate, but also contains small amounts of the vitamin C metabolites dehydroascorbic acid (oxidized ascorbic acid), calcium threonate, and trace levels of xylonate and lyxonate. In their literature, the manufacturers state that the metabolites, especially threonate, increase the bio-availability of the vitamin C in this product and that they have performed a study in humans demonstrating the increased bioavailability of vitamin C in Ester-C®. This study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. A small published study of vitamin C bioavailability in 8 women and 1 man found no difference between Ester-C® and commercially available ascorbic acid tablets with respect to the absorption and excretion of vitamin C.

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, are often rich sources of bioflavonoids as well. The effect of bioflavonoids on the bioavailability of ascorbic acid has been examined in two small published studies. In one study synthetic ascorbic acid given in a natural citrus extract containing bioflavonoids (in the ratio of bioflavonoids to ascorbic acid of 4:1), proteins, and carbohydrates, was more slowly absorbed and 35% more bioavailable than synthetic ascorbic acid alone, based on plasma levels of ascorbate over time and 24-hour urinary excretion of ascorbate. In the other study, there was no difference in the bio-availability of 500 mg of synthetic ascorbic acid and that of a commercially available vitamin C preparation with added bioflavonoids, where the ratio of bioflavonoids to ascorbic acid was 0.05:1.

• Ascorbyl palmitate: Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble antioxidant sometimes used to increase the shelf life of vegetable oils and potato chips. It is an amphipathic molecule, meaning one end is water-soluble and the other end is fat-soluble. This dual solubility allows it to be incorporated into cell membranes. When incorporated into the cell membranes of human red blood cells, ascorbyl palmitate has been found to protect them from oxidative damage and to protect vitamin E (a fat-soluble antioxidant) from oxidation by free radicals. However, the protective effects of ascorbyl palmitate on cell membranes have only been demonstrated in the test tube. Taking ascorbyl palmitate orally probably doesn’t result in any significant incorporation into cell membranes because most of it appears to be hydrolyzed (broken apart into palmitate and ascorbic acid) in the human digestive tract before it is absorbed. The ascorbic acid released by the hydrolysis of ascorbyl palmitate appears to be as bioavailable as ascorbic acid alone. The presence of ascorbyl palmitate in oral supplements contributes to the ascorbic acid content of the supplement and probably helps protect lipid-soluble antioxidants during storage. The role of vitamin C in promoting collagen synthesis and its antioxidant properties have generated interest in its use on the skin. Ascorbyl palmitate is frequently used in topical preparations because it is more stable than some aqueous (water-soluble) forms of vitamin C.



Linus Pauling was a big fan of vitamin C.

My favorite website for general info on Vitamins and minerals in The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/
Kristelle

It's been a few days and here is quick update...

My symptoms almost vanished overnight with 500mg Vitamin C, either taken as one tablet or two tablets of 250mg. But, I had cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

So, I lowered dose to 62.5mg every 4-6 hours, cutting a 250mg tablet into 4. Seems much less effective and I suspect the cut tablets lose their potency. Symptoms slowly came back.

So, instead, I chose to go the natural way. Red bell peppers contain lots of vitamin C and other good stuff as well, not much carb. I plan to eat about 2 daily. That should be more than enough. Ate a pepper last night. And within hours, felt better.

Overall though, I have seen the most change in skin and occurrence of hives. Very positive.

To be honest, I hate any kind of supplement and believe foods are much more efficient means of getting the necessary nutrients the body needs. Taking tablets is not my thing so this works out for the best.

Of course, I'm taking some estrogen and progesterone, non-orally.
jeff

Thanks for the update, Kristelle.  Wishing you continued success.
Dean

Hey, Kristelle. Heart I'm glad you are figuring out what you may need to add to your diet. It does make sense that the animal food today may need some help in giving us what we need both physically and mentally. I'm glad you are figuring out what you need. Please keep us posted. Cool
Kim

I also think and have read that it's not just that the food is lacking but we all are born for the most part with deficiencies or defects of some sort or another because of they way our mothers ate and their mothers before them.  And then you can also add to that the years of assualt on our bodies that we have done to ourselves and some of us are missing parts, etc.  It's just a host of things to overcome.

Kim
Dean

Good point, Kim. Yup

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