endocrinology, metabolism and NO CARDIO~!!!!

[lwdinsf]

Hi! Though an avid Cathe exerciser (and runner/biker, etc), I've not been able to lose weight for the last 5 years despite TONS of intense and "smart" exercise.

Well, yesterday I got results back from an endocrinology test I had done on my insulin and adrenaline and cortisol levels. (from Dr. Schwarzbein of the Schwarzbein Principle) It shows that my adrenaline glands are not producing, and my cortisol levels are abnormal. The tests suggested that my adrenal glands are "burned out" due either to stress/over exercising and/or under eating. With me, it's probably all three.

The doctor who did the test proscribed NO CARDIO (no problem for conditioning, huh?) BUT also advocates a much lower carbohydrate intake (and greater amounts of "good" fats) than, say, a body-building diet... She says I will not get into homonal balance until I start eating properly (according to her) and less cardio. In the meantime, my cortisol and adrenalin non-functions are preventing me from losing any weight.

So, now I am REALLY confused. I wonder if any one is or knows an endocrinologist, or what they think about this?

CHEERS !
Laura

 

[icklemoley]

Why are you confussed? Dr Schwarzbein is amazing and her eating plan is common sense. If she is telling you to reduce your carbs then its for a reason. Cardio is realy overrated and without a weight training program only adds to us being over fat (cardio does not build muscle and without weight training leads to muscle loss). I really hope you follow her advice, i haven't heard of anyone that has anything bad to say about her diet. Please....do as she says and heal...

 

[LizN]

Hi Laura,

I think the take home message on carbohydrates lately has been rather confusing. However I can recommend some good reading about the subject. You could try having a look at Jennie Brand Miller's " The New Glucose Revolution" - it has some great info in it about choosing carbohydrates and good fats in one's dietary intake and she also includes some very easy and quite delicious recipes. It is also very easy for the lay person to interpret.

As an exercise physiologist/pharmacist, I wouldn't necessary drop cardio out of your workout, but rather limit yourself to 30 minutes of low intensity cardio, such as a run-walk, until your hormone levels come back to normal. This type of scenario isn't uncommon in athletes who have exposure to ever increasing amounts of high level competition. This is why we recommend six weeks of recovery training per year, preferably all together. A key element of recovery training is low intensity cardio with a focus on health/enjoyment rather than performance.

It sounds like you are requiring an extended period of recovery. If you really tackle eating according to a plan like Miller's, taking portion size into account, and back off the intensive exercise, you may surprise yourself with pleasing results.

Another issue - did your doc check your testosterone, FSH, LH, DHEA , prolactin, T3, T4 levels - you could have Polycystic ovarian syndrome or a thyroid imbalance? Worth checking out!

good luck with your plans,
Liz N