Bipolar disorder/ADD and a raw diet

Hello everyone,

I have been a member here for quite a while, and last year I went completely raw (mostly fruit) for a bit over two months, but unfortunately despite eating a lot of fruit, I had a consistently "empty" feeling around the 2 month mark (similar to the feeling that you get when you drink too much water on an empty stomach). I've heard that this is because I wasn't eating enough fruit, but I found that despite eating a large variety (I mostly did mono meals every two hours or so), I felt "empty". I'm going to try this again because of how lethargic I have been feeling this last year on my unhealthy processed diet, and I was wondering about tips/suggestions anyone has regarding that empty feeling. I looked through the forum, and many people have said to "wait it out", but after a few days it became unbearable! Was I doing something wrong?

Also, I have bipolar disorder and ADD; I am taking ambien and adderall to function in classes and at work, and I'm wondering if anyone with ADD has had success with a raw diet, and doesn't need to take meds anymore. I noticed that my mood swings disappeared after only about a week last year after transitioning, and I believe that the same may happen with attention deficits. Because I am really broke, I'm considering water fasting for a few days until I can afford to buy enough fruit to ensure that I will be full during the transition.

Thanks for reading!

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Permalink Reply by Rawbert on January 5, 2012 at 4:30am

'but unfortunately despite eating a lot of fruit'

-this is not going to cut it lol.. until you get familiar with the amount of food you have to eat you MUST weigh your food on a kitchen scale (edible part) and plug it into cronometer to find out how many calories you're really getting

-if you're feeling empty I'm pretty sure you're not getting enough fruit cals..

-the only disorder you have is a 'lifestyle disorder' and no meds are going to fix that.. so get off them ASAP

-get a membership at a wholesale club like Costco, BJ's, Sam's Club so you can buy cheap bananas around 40 cents/pound; buy at least 40-50 pounds each week

-order dates from the Bautista's

_______

You're not going to make it on this lifestyle on a budget without bananas and dates as staples.

Also make sure to take care of your other needs too like water, sleep, sunshine, stress reduction.

Read the damn book, you promised!!!:)

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Permalink Reply by Nicole on January 5, 2012 at 4:34am

Haha, thank you! Yes, I do have that book still; I did read some of it and will look to it as a guide. You're right, I didn't eat dates at all last year because of their price and relied mostly on bananas

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Permalink Reply by mathyou on January 15, 2012 at 1:21am

this is kind of a long story, but i have attention problems as well, and ooo a butterfly! jk.

i have noticed a slight downgrade in my mind-wandering, but 1. i have cheated some since starting (working on it) 2. i'm not getting enough sleep! when i don't sleep enough, i day dream. can't focus. once i fix these two problems, i'm certain my add will dissipate.

also, i've heard flashing screens can cause a.d.d. so if you like playing crazy video games or watching action films and stuff, consider weaning off them.

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Permalink Reply by Rozalind Sue on January 15, 2012 at 2:24am

You don't just quit taking meds asap. Please do not do this. Especially if you have been taking them for a while. This can be dangerous for yourself and those around you. Please read this harm reduction guide to coming off psych drugs. It will make the transition a lot easier. Take it slowly.

http://theicarusproject.net/downloads/ComingOffPsychDrugsHarmReduct...

Also if you are "bipolar" do you feel that it is something more, something spiritual? There is a social network where you will find A LOT of support on this. It's helped me tremendously in my healing.

Check out: http://www.bipolarorwakingup.com

I hope you start feeling better. Those meds are probably part of why you are feeling bad. But make the transition slowly.

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Permalink Reply by Lorra Fae on January 15, 2012 at 3:13am

Transition off of meds slowly! But get off of them. If your doctor says you can't, find another doctor, one who will work with you to heal your issues via nutrition. At least this way you can get off the meds safely - otherwise just look online on how to wean yourself off of those particular drugs.

I had to tell me workplace when I was withdrawing from meds (this was in 2004) because I was a wreck. You may need to take time off. Luckily that's what "sick" days are for.

I was bipolar and have had tremendous success in beating it. I started off just raw in general, and am now doing it low-fat, but maybe you should just eat raw for a little while and transition into low-fat? Also, if you are broke, you can do what some other people on here do - make cheap cooked carbs your staple - potatoes, rice, etc, at least until you have more access to sweet fruits.

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Permalink Reply by Ayllx Kalen on January 15, 2012 at 3:16am

I juiced some oranges at home and just had some juice around for when ever I felt that "empty" feeling. Waiting it out may be best.

I have ADD and haven't taken pills in a couple of years. I'd say ADD is better now, but I still have to really try and focus... and usually don't, but more so. I'm doing better in class. ADD isn't so easily pushed aside, sadly. B