Was this AA or no liver glycogen?

[PurpleStix]

Excess pork sausage gave me eczema once, and as a kid I upchucked ham several times but never any other meats.

I started lc with about 100g carbs spread out through the day, with calories divided up like this 20% carbs, 60% fats, 20% proteins. In the beginning I ate bacon every day, and leading up to day 13 I ate a lot of ham and pepperoni. Also leading up to day 13, work was pretty physical, and I had a number of workouts earlier in the week.

On day 13 I had a rough time at work. It was hard to concentrate on tasks, did them in the wrong order. On day 14, I had a bacon grease soaked breakfast and went for a cardio workout. I had to drop out, unable to follow instructions (like at work the day before), had cramps in my upper and mid back, and lacked the energy to finish the workout.

I think I can rule out dehydration and electrolyte deficiencies as I was drinking plenty of water and taking electrolyte supplements. The remaining suspects:

1. sensitivity to nitrite or other additives
2. sensitivity to arichidonic acid
3. that finally after two weeks, I depleted liver glycogen reserves, so by brain ran out of glucose.

Anybody have any ideas? I've cut out processed meats, and the problem hasn't returned.

[Ellejaiem]

Are you taking any vitamins?

ljm

[PurpleStix]

I take a multi, an electrolyte formulation, and a bit of glucosamine.

[Kristine]

>>"Anybody have any ideas? I've cut out processed meats, and the problem hasn't returned."

Sounds like you found your answer, though I've never heard anyone else describe what you're describing. *shrug* You could always try having them again to see what happens. Maybe do it when you're off work. ;)

[Orang]

You gave three possible causes:

1. sensitivity to nitrite or other additives
2. sensitivity to arichidonic acid
3. that finally after two weeks, I depleted liver glycogen reserves, so my brain ran out of glucose.

If #2 were the cause, egg yolks and beef - both loaded with AA - should give you a problem.

#3 shouldn't cause a problem in a healthy person because the body is capable of converting protein or fat into glucose to meet this need - and it does in quanities that are too small to cause insulin surges and therefore nothing to concern LCers. (Research glucogenesis if you want to know more).

#1 is the most likely culprit here IMO. Have yo also experienced problems with things like Smoked fish, Corned beef, Bologna, Pastrami, Pepperoni, Canned ham
Bacon, and Frankfurters? These often contain nitrites.

Another possiblity here is a sensitivity to MSG.

Hope you will let us know if you figure this one out.