Posted by Mark H. on March 27, 2000, at 20:46:29
My depression was getting so bad in late January, despite adequate medication, that I undertook something similar to the so-called Zone Diet in hopes that by concentrating on protein intake and eliminating foods I know I have sensitivities to (especially wheat and more mildly dairy), I might also improve my cognitive processes and mood. Two friends/coworkers with similar builds and metabolisms (and age) swear by the diet and say it gives them all sorts of energy and mental clarity. I should also add that my internist wanted a test that required me not to eat red meats or raw vegetables for several days, which played a factor in my food selection.
So, for a couple of weeks, I had an Ensure High Protein Vanilla Supreme for breakfast (to buffer my stomach from Effexor) and water-packed white albacore (glorified tuna) for lunch, in addition to some non-wheat grains, vegetables, and whatever else was available.
Have you ever smelled someone who eats too much meat? I can't otherwise describe the smell. It's disgusting! All through February and most of this month, my body has reeked, even though I re-broadened my diet, eliminated the tuna (which seemed way too concentrated), and cut back on the Ensure.
When I eliminated the Ensure, the smell started going away. When I started it again (logic kept insisting, "it can't be that!"), I started to smell bad again. Is it the type of protein (soy)? Are my kidneys failing? Does it have something to do with the handfuls of antidepressants and adjunctives that I take every day? It's quite disturbing.
This is not a mild thing. Even though I shower every morning, my closet stinks, our bed stinks -- even the living room smells bad if I've spent the evening on the sofa. I feel like the old guy in the fairy tale with limburger cheese in his beard, thinking the whole world smells bad.
If it's just an Ensure thing, I'll go back to eating oatmeal instead. But I'm concerned about what the heck it means. Any kidney/protein experts out there? Anyone who's experienced what I'm talking about?
Jeez, this may qualify for the most disgusting posting of the month award.
By the way, at kathy's suggestion, I have ordered "The Diet Cure" from Amazon, which should arrive next week. I'm hoping to get information on food and moods there, from an author who understands food sensitivities. However, it's not likely to answer my smelling-bad question.
poster:Mark H.
thread:28275
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/28275.html