Extracts:
Each of these techniques or diets relies upon one thing – and that is a rise in catecholamines. Catecholamines collectively refer to the stimulatory adrenal hormones – mostly epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones, when released, cause a rise in body temperature, a rise in mitochondrial activity, an increase in mental acuity, cognition, and alertness (or at least the feeling of being sharper even if you really aren’t), a huge rise in physical energy, the release of fat tissue from fat cells, a drop in appetite, and weight loss while feeling not only good – but far better than normal.
That’s what I experienced on low-carb (roughly 100 grams per day, which is different from Atkins induction levels of carbohydrates which can cause lean tissue losses), along with other unmistakable facets of being in a high-catecholamine state such as being incapable of sleeping for more than six hours per night, never feeling tired or so much as yawning during the day, having true Energizer bunny vitality, seeing a disappearance of allergies/asthma, having a disappearance of aches and pains, being in an absurdly good and stable mood, and so on. It was awesome. I thought I was Superman.
from coments
- Good stuff here. When I was low carb, I was so jacked up that I barely slept 5 hours a night and could literally feel my heart beating through my chest (not by putting my hand there, but I could just feel it beating it was beating so hard). I also had my worst ever performance in school and almost became depressed by that. But hey, I had gotten down to 165 lbs (185-190 now). Oh, low carb and your devilish seduction. Scott
Matt Stone said...
Thanks Mr. Lawrence. HED definitely tends to increase peripheral circulation, and makes people feel warmer. However, the systems responsible for more efficient cooling during hot weather also perform better if you are able to improve your overall health. But it's not always so black and white. Aurora has a warmer body temperature than I do, yet she sleeps with blankets and I sleep without them. I feel much warmer than she does, even though I'm not. With sufficient carbohydrate intake, Paleo can make your dreams come true. Too low in carbs and you'll be lucky to dream at all - or sleep for that matter, if you are anything like me.
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For adrenal-related insomnia, when you CAN'T sleep, we recommend taking 300 mg PS and 50 mg zinc 2-3 hours before bed and 1-3 mg melatonin at bedtime. That works for those who CAN'T sleep.
Those who WAKE are likely having an adrenaline rush. A bedtime dose of HC helps that, taken just as you're turning lights out so it will metabolize dead slowly and carry you through to morning, along with a protein/fat snack at bedtime to avoid overnight hypoglycemia.
