OpenHealth Q&A

I Recently Started a Diet and Experiencing Some Symptoms. Is This Normal?

Hello. At the moment, I weigh approximately 318 pounds and stand at 5 feet 10.75 inches tall. I’ve been adhering to my new diet for roughly four and a half days. Here are some pertinent health issues I’m currently facing: I have asthma, low muscle mass, ocular migraines, and experience both low blood sugar and low blood pressure. Additionally, I struggle with multiple gastrointestinal disorders and may have peripheral polyneuropathy; my general practitioner has recommended I consult with a neurologist to confirm this diagnosis. I also have suspicions about having an eating disorder that has contributed to my previous binge eating. I will soon undergo evaluations for eating disorders, and my psychiatrist will provide appropriate treatment following diagnosis. So far, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) seems the most plausible. However, my primary concern right now is related to the physical symptoms I’m encountering during this dietary change. The most noticeable issue I’m facing is an intensification of pre-existing symptoms. The new diet seems to have exacerbated them, and I’m also experiencing headaches that feel different from my usual migraines. These headaches primarily originate from the area where my skull meets my neck and radiate outward. On a pain scale, I would rate them at around a 6. The pre-existing symptoms that are now worsening include: - Visual disturbances, like seeing color patches in my vision - Unsteady vision that shakes horizontally or briefly vertically - Mild yet frequent stomachaches since starting the diet - Occasional shortness of breath - Muscle weakness - Nausea Previously, my diet consisted largely of high-calorie, high-sodium, and high-cholesterol foods. There were many days when I overindulged, often outweighing the days I ate less. During this dieting phase, my goal has been to consume roughly 1600 calories each day, which seems to align with weight loss recommendations for women of my height and weight. Unfortunately, I’m falling significantly short and only managing to consume about 1050-1100 calories daily. This isn’t intentional weight loss; rather, I’m grappling with stomach discomfort and struggle to eat foods I’m not prepared to consume. The healthier options I am ready to eat tend to be very low in calories, consisting mostly of raw fruits, raw vegetables, and fruit/veggie purées. My stomach seems to tolerate snack-sized portions rather than complete meals. As a side note, I identify as an ethical vegetarian. Once again, I intend to pursue evaluations for potential eating disorders and follow up with psychiatric care as needed, but I am quite worried about the physical health challenges cropping up during my diet. How can I differentiate between when to seek medical attention, urgent care, or emergency room services for these symptoms?

Answers (1)

7/27/2025, 8:10:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your situation involves multiple complex health factors, and it's understandable to be concerned about the physical symptoms you're experiencing during your dietary changes.

Main Points:

1. Symptom Tracking & Evaluation: It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms closely as they may be linked to dietary changes or underlying health issues.
2. Nutrition & Caloric Intake: You may need to adjust your diet to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs while managing symptoms.
3. Assessing When to Seek Help: Understanding which symptoms require immediate attention is important for your safety.

Explanation:

Dietary changes can lead to various physical symptoms, especially when transitioning from a high-calorie diet to a significantly lower intake. Your experience of headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other symptoms may be exacerbated by inadequate caloric intake and potentially not receiving essential nutrients. Given your complex medical history and potential eating disorder, these effects can compound.

You mentioned that you’re currently consuming 1050-1100 calories daily. Although there’s a weight loss goal, it’s important to ensure that you're getting a balanced diet that meets your body's nutritional needs, particularly since you're experiencing discomfort.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Nutritional Balance:

   • Aim to add more calorie-dense yet nutritious foods into your diet, even in small amounts. Consider avocados, nuts, seeds, or whole grains that are vegetarian-friendly and can help increase your caloric intake without causing significant discomfort.
   • If you're struggling with meal sizes, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

2. Monitor and Document Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their severity, frequency, and any possible food triggers. This information can be invaluable for your upcoming evaluations.

3. When to Seek Medical Attention:

   • Urgent Care: Seek help if you experience significant worsening of headaches, new visual disturbances, or if shortness of breath becomes more pronounced or persistent.
   • Emergency Room: Go to the ER if you have severe headaches (like a 9 or 10 on a pain scale), any loss of coordination, confusion, inability to speak, or if you have difficulty breathing.

4. Consult with Healthcare Providers:

   • Continue to engage with your psychiatrist and the upcoming evaluations related to eating disorders. These professionals can help tailor an approach that addresses both your mental and physical health needs.

In summary, focus on improving your nutritional intake while closely monitoring your symptoms and understanding when to seek help. Each of these steps can pave the way for improved health outcomes, and your proactive approach is important for your well-being. If you have more specific concerns or need further guidance, let me know!