I started Atkins 8 weeks ago. I have lost 6 lbs, 7 inches overall...but my concern is this steadily increasing light-headedness and tingling in my hands (tips of fingers) and toes.

Could low carb do this? Not enough of something? Or too much of something.

I find my arms are very sensitive...any pressure along them easily causes "pins and needles" feeling.

Anyone else experience this? What did you do to help?

I generally stay around 25 grams of carb per day....

THanks!
Natascha

I think the first thing I would try is upping the carbs as Atkins outlines in his book. Sometimes people lose better at higher carb levels. So eat some fruit or bread or cereal and see how you feel.

What kind of vitamins are you taking? If you can give us an idea of your supplements, perhaps someone will be able to suggest something.

Are you taking any potassium in the form of "no salt" or lite salt substitute? Or potassium tablets?

I really think you should get checked out by your doctor or call a nurse if the extra carbs don't help. Your electrolytes may be out of balance and that SHOULD be checked out as it is very important to your well being. Please call someone ASAP.

LC adjustment can include some lightheadedness but not progressively worsening. Some B vitamin deficiencies can result in "pins & needles" in the hands, arms, & feet but so can other things. Try taking at least a mutlivitamin daily but adding a B-complex tablet could be the answer.

Please look to your own physician or hospital for help as they will be able to examine and test you. Most of us are not medical professionals and we can't see you. Hope things get better soon. Let us know.

Hi there Natascha,

I have never heard of low carbing causing the symptoms you describe. Occasional lightheadedness, yes, but not pins & needles and the sensitivity in your arms.

I think you need to see your doctor about this as soon as possible. There is certainly a possibility that the change in your diet may be involved, but I think this is for your doctor to decide.

I hope all turns out well for you. Please let us know how you get on.

Rosebud

Vit B complex deficincy seems to be a cause for quite a few people. Check out this thread:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...ins+and+needles

But I agree with the others, since we aren't medical doctors, that a quick trip to the Dr is in order.

Yes I am planning to go to my dr this week...hopefully he is in tomorrow.

I take Dr Whittaker's Forward Plus vitamins (super doses)
http://www.drwhitaker.com/c/canada_landing.asp#
There is 75 mcg of B12 in them.

I take a potassium/cal/mag electrolyte formula as well twice a day. They helped with the really bad leg cramps I had the first 2 weeks.

Today I will take 2 pkts of vitamins (which you are supposed to do and I've only been taking 1 lately)....that will give me 150 mcg of B12 (the Atkins #3 has 200 )...so I will be a little closer and see what happens.

I find I am really spacey too....can't think sometimes....

Thanks!
Natascha

I hope that everything works out for you!

Please, be sure and come back here and update us and this thread, so, the next person going through this will be able to have some idea of what is going on with their body.

I am sending good thoughts your way!

-Steph

Yes, please! Let us know how you're doing!

I went to the dr's that day..and he feels it is stress/anxiety. So he gave me Celexa (an anti-depressant).

He is quite familiar with low carb and said he does not feel this would cause this...I had been under a lot of stress before Christmas with MIL staying with us for 2 months, leaving for 3 weeks and coming back next week for 6 weeks.

I guess it was my body's way of saying "I can't take it anymore!!!"

So, it has gone away now after a week on Celexa.

Thanks for all your concern!
Natascha