hi Patti, and everybody,

For the record, carbs and glucose do not raise serotonin levels, they deplete it actually, by increasing uptake into the brain cells. Gives a wonderful temporary rush, but then there's a rebound slump ... triggering cravings for more ... and so on, until the supplies of serotonin are used up, and depression sets in, because circulating levels are so low. Serotonin requires amino acids (ie, protein) and cholesterol for peak production and effectiveness in the body.

Best advice, keep blood sugar levels stable with your lowcarb eating plan, and try as much as possible to distribute the carbs evenly through the day. And make sure you have some protein with every meal and snack.

Patti, I checked back through your posts, and you did mention that over Easter you had more carbs than you'd planned on, also only a week ago, your posted menu suggested you weren't getting enough calories. Then, you mentioned that you had an occasional Atkins bar, which has glycerin as the sweetener. It sounds very much like an issue of your body still getting rid of all the carbs and by-products from your system. It can take a few weeks for some folks. Do stick with it, you sound as though you've got a good plan of action; this WILL pass...

And Nicola's suggestion about the vitamins is a good one. Do make sure that you are getting at least a once-daily multiple vitamin and mineral. Best would be a formula with a minimum of 50 mg of the important B-vitamins, as she pointed out. One mineral often overlooked in mood and stress is Calcium. It would be good to get in 1000 mg a day. Try to take a dose at bedtime. Calcium with magnesium is even better, the two together have a calming effect.

Doreen