If you follow me on facebook, you may have noticed there has been a ton of conversations around Leaky Gut, Autoimmune Attacks and Food Sensitivities. These three things have taken control of far, far too many people’s health and well being. Chances are if you are sensitive to gluten (with or without Celiac Disease) and you removed gluten and yet still feel far from 100% that you may have some Leaky Gut going on.
In my case- Leaky Gut was destroying my health. It is more than likely the reason I developed Hashimotos Disease along with all of my Food Sensitivities. Leaky gut can be the trigger the development of all kinds of autoimmune diseases (All of them infact) . If you don’t get control of this leaky gut you are likely to develop additional autoimmune diseases. No fun.
What is Leaky Gut? The official definition of Leaky Gut Syndrome is an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to luminal macromolecules, antigens, and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative and/ or atrophic mucosa or lining.
In other words- Imagine large spaces between the cells of your stomach lining. Spaces that should not be there. Spaces that allow food, toxins and bacteria to sneak into your bloodstream. When this material gets into your blood stream in comes the Immune System to attack and get it OUT.
And there you have it. An autoimmune attack. The thing that makes you feel like death. That attack will give you the symptoms of whatever organ is taking the brunt. For example: My leaky gut triggers an autoimmune attack on my thyroid. Which in turn slows down my thyroid. A slow thyroid results in fatique, exhaustion, weight gain, sore throats, a headache, cold hands and feet.. and on and on.
What causes leaky gut? Here are just a few things that may trigger destruction to the stomach lining: Candida, Dysbiosis, Alcohol, Stress, Allergies, Poor Diet, Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance, Parasites and GASP this one may surprise you – Pharmaceutical Drugs. Thank you doctors for supporting the pharmaceutical companies and drugging us up. Instead of figuring out why we were having heart burn- it was so great of you to just give us a lifetime supply of Tums. (I’m getting sidetracked here.. I must note that not all doctors are bad as I describe here. Most, have wonderful intentions. I had some not so great experiences when I first got sick. For some physician recommendations check out this post)
So- you suspect you have leaky gut. Your doctors don’t know what to do with you- or have told you its all in your head (In other words they can’t admit to not knowing how to help you).
NOW WHAT?
Here’s what. You can take the situation into your own hands- and heal your beat up stomach through food that nourishes. You have the ability to put a blanket on the autoimmune fire and allow your body to do what its supposed to do without constantly being attacked by itself.
I’m a huge fan of Datis Kharrazian. He wrote a book titled “ Why do I still have Thyroid Symptoms when my lab test’s are normal”. This book literally saved my life. If you suspect thyroid issues you need to order this book.
Below is the diet Dr. K suggests. Its the diet I have been following the past 2 months and in turn have felt DRASTICALLY Better. Eating this diet in conjunction with a number of supplements prescribed by my doctor and Armour Thyroid, I’m starting to feel like a normal healthy person. This diet has been the reason 99% of my posted recipes the past few weeks have been Gluten/Dairy/Corn/Soy/Egg/Nut/Seed/Sugar Free. Talk about a mouthful.
But here’s the thing. Healing the leaky gut is about listening to YOUR body. You may not be reactive to all of the things listed below. The only way to know for sure if you are is to remove the food for a solid 2-3 weeks. This will give your autoimmune system a break and allow it to give you a clear response when you introduce the food back. Pay close attention to the way that you feel. Sometimes the reaction happens quickly, other times it can take up to two days. If you have no physical or psychological symptoms then that food is safe to eat.
This diet is not forever. In time your gut will heal and you will be able to add many of these foods back. (Excluding gluten) There is much more information I would like to share in future post’s around the subject. For today- lets focus on the food. This list comes from Dr. K’s website. PLEASE check it out and read the page on the Autoimmune Gut Repair Diet for further explanation. Often recipes that are listed as Paleo, GAPS or the Specific Carbohydrate diet are conjunctive with the leaky gut diet.
Foods to Avoid
- ALL sugars and sweeteners, even honey or agave
- High-glycemic fruits: Watermelon, mango, pineapple, raisins, grapes, canned fruits, dried fruits, etc.
- Tomatoes, potatoes, or mushrooms
- Grains: Wheat, oats, rice, barley, buckwheat, corn, quinoa, etc.
- Dairy: Milk, cream, cheese, butter, whey. Ghee is OK.
- Eggs or foods that contain eggs (such as mayonnaise)
- Soy: Soy milk, soy sauce, tofu, tempeh, soy protein, etc.
- Alcohol
- Lectins: Lectins are a major promoter of leaky gut. Avoid nuts, beans, soy, potatoes, tomato, eggplant, peppers, peanut oil, peanut butter, soy oil, etc.
- Coffee: I realize this is difficult but it’s necessary. Many people with a gluten sensitivity react to coffee as if it is gluten. It’s important to eliminate it to be sure it’s not an immune trigger.
- Processed foods
- Canned foods
Foods to eat
- Most vegetables (except tomato, potatoes, and mushrooms): Asparagus, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, carrots, celery, artichokes, garlic, onions, zucchini, squash, rhubarb, cucumbers, turnips, watercress, etc.
- Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled ginger, fermented cucumbers, coconut yogurt, kombucha, etc. You must make your own or buy one of the few brands that are genuinely fermented and free of sugars or additives.
- Meats: Fish, chicken, beef, lamb, organ meats, etc. Best choice are grass-fed and pastured meatsfrom a local farm. Second best is organic. Avoid factory-farmed meats that contain antibiotics and hormones. For a source of good meat near you, contact your local Weston A. Price chapter leader, or order using the link on the Resources page.
- Low glycemic fruits: Apricots, plums, apple, peach, pear, cherries, berries, etc.
- Coconut: Coconut oil, coconut butter, coconut milk, coconut cream.
- Herbal teas
- Olives and olive oil
Breakfast
- Breakfast Porridge
- Bacon and Sage Sweet Potato Hash
- Butternut Squash Hash Browns
- Smoothies made with coconut milk and sweetened with stevia.
- Fresh Fruit mixed with unsweetened Coconut Flakes and Coconut Milk
- Chicken or pork cooked with Stone Fruit or Pears.
- Any Variation of Baked Squash with Stevia, Cinnamon and Ginger.
- Fresh Made Juice
Snacks:
- Lunch meat
- Homemade Oven Baked Root Veggie Chips with Guacamole
- Fresh Veggies with Guacamole
- homemade applesauce sweetened with stevia.
- Fresh Fruit (Apples and Pears are my fave!)
Lunch and Dinner
- Paleo Flax Tortillas (Gluten/Grain/Starch/Egg/Corn/Soy/Nut Free)
- Mashed Root Veggies
- Roasted Veggies
- Pork and Apples made in a skillet with Stevia, Cinnamon and Sea Salt.
- Chicken Soup
- Mexican Meatball Soup. (Use Coconut Flour instead of breadcrumbs and eggs to bind the meatballs)
- Italian Turkey Meatball Soup
- Salads
- Paleo Sushi- Using Cauliflower “rice”.
- Stir Fried Cabbage, Onions with Meat of Choice. (seasoned with Cumin, Ginger and Garlic)
- Meat Loaf made with Coconut flour in place of Bread crumbs and eggs. Served with Root Veggie Mash.
- Zucchini “Pasta” with Avocado Cream Sauce. (Puree Avocado with lemon Juice, Salt, Garlic Powder and water)
- Cream of Broccoli Soup (recipe coming tomorrow)
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Applegate Organic Hot Dogs
- Sweet Potatoes or Sweet Potato Fries.
- Roasted Carrot “Fries”
- Shepherds Pie Using a Root Veggie or Cauliflower Mash on top.
- Variations of Asian Dishes using Cauliflower Rice, Meat of choice, Fresh Ginger , Coconut Milk and Thai Kitchens Green Curry Paste. Coconut Amino’s are a great sub for soy sauce.
- Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Nightshade free Red Sauce and ground beef.
Dessert
- Sugar Free- Carob “peanut” butter cups (using the coconut filling)
- Pumpkin Cheesecake or Pie
- “Rice” Pudding
- Homemade ice cream using an equal mixture of fresh berries and heavy coconut milk. Sweetened with Stevia + a dash of sea salt. (pictured above)
- Chocolate Orange Mousse Pie with a Toasted Coconut Crust. Directions included to make with Carob. (Sugar/Gluten/Grain/Dairy/Soy/Corn/Egg Free).
- Cinnamon & Sugar Apple Rings (grain/sugar free)
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
Beware of lunch meat as most contain gluten. Companies inject the meat w a gluten solution to maintain moistness. Boar’s Head is gluten free as well as Jennie-O turkey breast.
I’m a big fan of all of Applegates products!
I’m a big fan of Applegates too until last month when I found out they use GMO feed for some of their animals. They’re in the process of switching, but right now they don’t have a supplier who can guarantee non-GMO yet.
yeah…pretty sure that stuff can be super processed too
Any info. on safety of getting restalyne injections in the face when you are potentially dealing with an autoimmune/leaky gut issue? Want to make sure this would not cause any GI effects/inflame anything. Thank you!
I actually roast my own meat…then slice it for lunch meat. It’s a great way to make sure what you’re getting & flavor it how you like!
What a wonderfully informative post, Brittany! Thank you for expounding on what so many are confused about.
Happy healing,
xoxo
What a great list! Thanks for the meal examples. I think sometimes we feel limited by just meat, fruits, and veggies, but there are so many ways to be creative with them!
What an awesome, informative post. Thanks for making it all so clear. I am going to share this on my FB page. Thanks for the recipes and meal ideas.
Great post Brittany! I’ve been circling around Paleo for a few months, trying it here and there. I was diagnosed with Candida about three months ago and was given a similar diet to what you’ve listed, but I will confess that it is challenging, even though you’d think I’d be good at food elimination given that I’ve been GF and mostly DF for almost 8 years. But, your post gives me pause to reconsider and rededicate myself to what my nurse practitioner suggested when this first came to my attention three months ago. Thanks for the great post!
Thanks for such information and taking the time to put it together for us! I would add as some others did that cold meats as Boar’s Head even though they say they are GF, always give pain to my gut, so there must be something in there. On the other hand, Applegate seems to be ok. I avoid them no matter what.
This list changes my conception of healing, I really appreciate it and will print it, use it to LISTEN TO MY GUT and determine which of those won’t be on my regular diet anymore. Perfect timing for your article…as I realized my gut is not healing and was planning my next step.
Rosa
Thanks so much for this post, I am in the same boat as you are, it’s nice to have someone doing all the thinking for me
I really look forward to trying the recipes you posted and looking out for new ones you add to the list! Thanks for all your help and for your sweet, caring spirit!
Steph
What a truly absolutely amazing article! VERY well done. Although I have been gluten-fee & mostly dairy-free for years, as well living an organic lifestyle, a new interest in figuring out how to do low-carb in a healthy way led me to many Paleo sites, with emphasis on grain-free, organics, GMO-free, and wonderful support for pastured meats, krauts, bone soup, etc. Came across this article posted on some Paleo person’s Facebook feed (now I don’t recall whom; would love to thank them!).
I *love* what you are doing and support you wholeheartedly in sharing recipes & information promoting the grain-free, non-glycmeic sweetener, organic, GMO-free lifestyle. I look forward to following your posts!
Hello there!! I am ready to begin my gut healing…and REALLY want to know how to find or make fermented foods and altho the bone broth sounds terrible to me…I KNOW it will help me as since I have switched to eatting more meats I do notice improvements in my health…could you guide me in the right direction for the fermented foods and bone broth? Such as recipies?
? thank you!!!!
Soooo glad that I ran across this post
I’m pretty sure I have a leaky gut problem because I have become sensitive to so many foods! I also have some health issues that no one in my local medical field can figure out. So, in a little over a week I’m off to CA to a health clinic where I’m hoping to get some help and direction on healing my gut and feeling much better! Thanks for all the posts and information!
So interesting about the coffee. I don’t drink it myself, but I had no idea it can react like gluten. I’ll definitely be sure to continue to stay away from it. Very interesting post! –S
Thank you for a very interesting and helpful article. I have known for years that I gain weight rapidly whenever I have taken Advil. I had minor surgery recently and used one dose of Advil for the pain and sure enough the pounds started pilling on. I mentioned this to my doctor on my last visit and he said the reason for that is because Advil (and generics for it) reduce inflammation in the joints but cause inflammation in the gut. That causes leaky gut and for me weight gain, among other problems. I do have fibromyalgia that started after an auto accident in ’87 and I had used Advil, not knowing the problems it would cause. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us.
Thank you so much for sharing. What an interesting article. I have been suffering from so many problems that I have attributed to food intolerances. Although I follow the diet you listed almost to a ‘T’, I do eat nuts, seeds, and eggs. I think I may try eliminating them and seeing if my health improves. I’m definitely going to try some of your recipes. The paleo tortillas sound great.
If you have a chance, check out my blog karascrumbs.wordpress.com. I just started it in October and am trying to promote it and get viewers. Thanks!
What is a vegetarian to do ????? I do not eat any form of meat, fish or fowl. Protein sources are all plant-based and typically soy and legumes, along with grains such as quinoa. Ugh.
I often wonder this myself and feel lucky that I’m ok with meat.
In your case I would try pulling grains and sugar. That’s a great starting point and you may feel a drastic difference just from that. My case is more extreme which is why I have to pull so many things. ( though not forever- soon I hope to add back nuts, seeds and eggs!)
the paleo diet is not recommended for vegetarians or vegans.
This is a great list! I’ve had much success following Dr. Kharrazian’s book and methods. In fact I’ve been feeling a bit off lately so I might go for another round next week. Now I have so many ideas to try as well – thank you!
Hey I just found your blog. I follow a very similar diet to the one you are following. I wanted to say how inspiring and creative your recipes are. I was so reliant on eggs prior when I was mainly eating paleo/gaps, am looking forward to trying the cauliflower rice pudding amongst others!!
Hi! Thank you so much for all the research you do and especially for sharing it with us! I am going to be following this diet very soon (I am researching/shopping/preparing for it this coming week- I know I need to be prepared if I am going to be successful at sticking with it!) and I was wondering if you could suggest the brand of coconut milk that your prefer? Also, do you make your own coconut yogurt or do you have a brand to suggest for that, too? Again, thank you so much! I have been corn free for years but just recently went gluten free as well. Your recipes have been such a great help in allowing me to eat healthy, flavorful foods as I make this transition!
Hi,
great info. Brittany, just a heads up. I did Dr. K’s diet too and it helped. Watch out for raw cruciferous veggies (caulif…) as they can inhibit thyroid. Also watch the pork products. I felt great on Armour (made from porcine thyroid) at first and then developed sore knees and hips. Armour can promote athritis attacks in joints if one is sensitive to the lectins in pork (which most type o blood types are). Beef thyroid anyone?
Interesting Jean! I can’t tolerate cauliflower anymore since writing this post. Though I do great with brocolli and brussel sprouts. I am proned to joint pain when I have attacks.. So maybe i’ll try another brand of thyroid hormone… Hmmm
I just found your website through Elana. I have read her blog for over a year now. I have several autoimmune diseases. Have eaten refined sugar free and mostly organic for 8 or so years. I eliminated wheat last year upon finding gluten intolerances. Soy was eliminated as well. I don’t use much dairy but need to eliminate it completely. The leaky gut problems as well as effects from thyroid hashimotos are still problematic. I guess I need to eliminate almonds and other tree nuts and see if that will make a difference. Rice too. They have been staples for me. I wish there was a medical provider closer to me so I could receive something for thyroid better than synthriod!! With several autoimmune issues it’s hard to work on all of them. But I know much begins in the gut!!! Thanks for sharing this information.
thank you so much Brit, this post has absolutely changed my life! thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!
Thanks again for sharing your insight Brittany. I’ve really appreciated it! Did you post the recipe from this list for Cream of Brocolli soup? If so, where might I find it?
I didn’t! Whoops.
Basically all that I did was boil some broccoli in a can of heavy coconut milk ( from Thai kitchen) and then spiced it and puréed it!
Oh this just makes me so happy to read! I just got diagnosed with hashimotos and have been searching internet sites for something to sum it all up for me in a simple way. This makes it seem less overwhelming. Where did you find nightshade free red sauce?
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-sweet-potatoes/detail.aspx
here is something I have been making every week since I was diagnosed with hashimotos…they are sooo yummy. The only change I make is I use coconut oil instead of canola…I still use the brown sugar but it isn’t very much. I bet you could cut it out too and it would still be so yummy.
May I echo everyone’s comments here and say Thank You! I’ve gotten quite frustrated and tired of searching the internet for “safe” meals as my doc has me on Dr. Kharrazian’s diet from the book as well. Thank you for all the ideas. It is wonderful!
You said that curry paste is ok to eat, but it is made with peppers… Arent those all night shade? I am hoping it is ok because I love currry paste in my butternut squash coconut milk soup.
Thai kitchen sells a green curry paste that I believe is nightshade free. It’s compromised of ginger, lime leaves and lemongrass if I remember correctly.
I’ve been following you for awhile but just found this article! I’ve followed a lot of his protocol (through several practitioners) for the last several years. I finally decided to buckle down and do the gut healing diet (this is the third one I have done but have fallen off the wagon). I am two weeks into it including using the Repairvite and other supplements specific to the diet. This post is so helpful! I have one question. I can’t find anywhere on his site or on my repairvite info if carob is allowed or not. Do you know for sure if it is? The carob cups sound so wonderful but I don’t want to compromise my healing.
Thanks!
You know.. I haven’t heard much about carob either. I would say try it and see how you feel after eating it. Generally thats what I do and it works really well for me
Hi Brittany! I just read your success story which linked to this post. Thank you so much for sharing! I think through trial and error, I’m finally where you are with your food do’s and don’ts. I kept thinking tomatoes were OK, but alas, they’re not; just tried earlier this week and nope, reacted. Finally learning to hear my body. Thanks again for sharing and keep up the great posts! I’m curious though why you use a donut? Seems a little contradictory to your story (although I’m sure it’s homemade and GAPS).
Hi! I am taking my health into my own hands as well and this article was so helpful. I just wanted to clarify one thing: when you say avoid potatoes, does that include sweet potatoes and yams? I have been testing those and can’t tell if I’m having trouble or not so I was very curious? Thanks!
I say it depends 100% on you. If you feel we’ll after eating them- then eat them
I’m curious about the coffee….I love expresso and feel like I can’t function without several cups a day…even that is barely functioning tho! Anyway I went to see a naturopath who has me starting a diet much like this and he wants me to cut all coffee (we negotiated one per day). He suggested to me to soak broccoli and cauliflower in water for 30 mins before cooking it…have you tried this? He also told me to introduce sharpe white cheddar even tho I can’t stomach dairy or cheese….tried and it hurts so any other suggestions for that? Lol this is kind of a rambling and mismatched post so sorry!! Lol oh and what’s a nightshade veggie?? Thanks!!
Hi brittany, this site is very helpful and gave me hope. I was pretty much poisoned by levaquin, a powerful antibiotic five years agp at the age of 21, i am now 26 and have been sick for five yeaes straight i can barely eat anything. I purchased the paleo solution last year and that helped alot , however i tested category 5 allergic to dairy eggs and whole wheat, and as you said it makes it very difficult to make any types of breakfast or lunch. I typically will have a handful of blueberries in the morning and grassfed beef murrays vegetable fed chicken or white wild caught fish with vegetables for dinner but i really am concerned about nutritional deficiences and lack of calcium and so forth. I cant tolerate suppelements and i just tried eating lots of almonds and making my own almond milk last week and it gave me terrible anxiety! So im taking nuts back out, have you or anyone else experienced that from nuts or foods? They tried to diagnose me wih hashimotos after this happened but i think i have central nervous system damaage from the antibiotic and severe allergies. Once you test psoitive for allergies and your body has made the anitbodies against these foods such as eggs category five will healing the gut undo those antibodies the body has made for these specific foods? Thanks again!
My doc wants me to try this diet. The only thing that I’m struggling with is finding protein snacks to keep in my purse. I’m hypoglycemic and need to eat every few hours and I always have to carry food in my purse for when I’m out or in my car and my blood sugar starts to drop. I used to eat nuts and dried fruit, but that’s out in this diet. My doc suggested meat jerky, but they all seem to be made with soy, which as wheat. Any suggestions?
Do you have a trader joes? They have jerky that is organic and gluten free!
I do, but I forgot to also add that I can’t eat soybeans because of my thyroid, and TJ’s jerky has soybeans.
you can make your own jerky or veggie chips. I have the same problem and usually have to drink juice when that happens. Carrying around a bottle of homemade juice can be a pain, though.
I have to ask did you start by healing your leaky gut first or your candida? I am dealing with the same issues. I also am storing alot of heavy metals I need to deal with also.
I started first with the leaky gut- not knowing yet that I had candida.
If I could do it all over I would have focused on the candida first as that’s really the reason I had leaky gut.
Hi,
I would like to know what was your exact diet for candida?
Thank you!
Very inspiring! I have been chasing down a diagnosis of 3 years now, still with little luck. My last doctor proclaimed it was leaky gut and insisted I eat meat, (I’ve been a veggie for 30 years). After 3 months on meat I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dr Greger’s nutritionfacts.org video says that meat proteins leak through the gut and cause RA. This is all so confusing. If I eliminate all you have and meat, which I believe i should, that leaves a handful of vegetables, kraut and olives. The only reason I haven’t given up is that I firmly believe the body can and will heal itself once set in the right direction. The question is how to stop spinning in circles. Thanx for all your info!
Hi I was wondering what you drink in place of coffee and are the above recipes and foods in your recipes? I have rheumatoid and really want to try this diet..
Fresh green juice! It gives me far more energy than coffee ever could!(and no crash)
Hi Brittany!
Ok I have tons of questions but I guess my first is where should I start? I have been working with a natural health professional and am on supplements she suggest I cut out dairy, gluten and sugar, and is treating me for parasites that she feels is causing a ton of trouble for me. I am nursing my 5 week old baby as well so my body is all sorts of crazy right now. Should I start with the leaky gut diet and see where to go or simply cut out those three suggested foods? As for the coffee question as above I only have a cup now but what if I get a headache from cutting it out? Thanks for your help…love finding this site….
I am currently allergic to almost all foods and supplements and have only eight safe foods. One doc says Leaky Gut but says darned if he knows how to treat it since I am allergic to most of the usual treatment foods. Any thoughts?
Hi Brittany – love to hear we are not alone in all of this. I am hoping I have caught my illness soon enough but it is starting to depress me big time. I have always had a problem with yeast and believe that is why i am where i am today. Lost 50 lbs since sept/12 – was diagnosed i jan with lymphocytic colitis and treated with steriods for 1 month but got worse. Stopped those and found SCD – lost more weight and have never felt worse. Have been off sugar and gluten for 4 months now with no change. where should i turn next? I can’t eat anything anymore due to hives everywhere and have now decided to take reactin just to get by. Had to leave my job too as can’t get any sleep due to pure exhaustion from stressing over this illness that no doctor can treat. So, you mentioned you should have done the candida diet first – could you share what that would consists of? Maybe that is where I should begin. I have been on the SCD for 3 weeks and now have no more diarrhea but also nothing else happening no MB’s at all just gas in the am with some pieces of floating green stuff. I did go through die off for a week last week but now am okay. Cannot handle yogurt at all yet. How long will this take? Aren’t antibiotics faster? I went to to a NAET practioner and because of leaky gut i am no intolerant to everthing including histamine, all vitamin b’s, sugar, avacado, wheat, elastic etc. can’t go anywhere. Is this typical???
in my experience antibiotics can really upset my stomach. they may be “faster” but they can majorly screw up the balance of helpful bacteria all over your body. I am sorry you are having so many digestive problems
Hope things get better for you
Hey Brittany! Great information about this protocol. Quick question–I thought both nuts and seeds are out, so what about flax (as in your Paleo Flax Tortillas) or chia seeds?
Thanks!
I abide by the rules ” to each his own”.
Typically if a food makes me feel good I eat it, and I avoid the things that make me feel cruddy!
Thank you so much for this information. So helpful especially the recipes. I cannot have stevia but do you know if honey is an ok alternative while going on a diet to resolve leaky gut? Or is honey illegal while recovering?
My error sorry! I re-read everything and noticed sugar is illegal while recovering from leaky gut
Everyone is different so you may be ok with honey. For me I had a bad case of candida so all sugar had to go for awhile.
I stumbled upon your site last night as I was looking for candida friendly recipes. You have so many amazing tips on this post and elsewhere. Thank you so much for sharing all of this!
I’m wondering what your experience is with carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, parsnips, etc. There is a lot of conflicting info about whether starchy veggies can be included in candida diets or not. (Same with seed like grains, which I see are on your NO list.)
How did you decide that they were okay for you? I’ve been on the diet for a little over 3 weeks and since I’m still experiencing die-off, it’s hard to know. I realize we’re all different, so I’m mostly wondering how you made your decision.
Thanks again for all of the great resources here. I’m so happy I found your website!
Brittany I need your advice,
I’ve had leaky gut for a while now and was just diagnosed three months ago. I have severe heavy metal poisoning and am going through an intense detox right now. I don’t know what to eat anymore and am getting very depressed and feel hopeless. I feel like I react to everything! Right now I’m down to juicing celery and kale and eating steamed broccoli and a pea protein powder my dr have me. I’ve been a vegetarian for ten years and feel like I may need meat? I react to fish and eggs and my allergy test said I’m allergic to chicken. I recently tried beef broth yesterday and felt fine, then today I had even more and instantly my breathing became slow and wheezy and I was exhausted and crying. I get so tired I can barely move. An hour later I’m
A normal person! I’m afraid it was the broth:( what should I do? I need to get protein and fat and I thought maybe doing a GAPS type of diet may heal me. But does this mean I have a problem with beef as well? I need some serious help with this. I appreciate anything. Thank you;)
Monica, if you are detoxing now, as you may already know, you need more than the normal amount of water during this time.That will help with the flushing out. It could also make you feel better, getting the toxins traveling out as fast as possible. Also, I learned from another detox program, give your body some fiber to bind to the toxins.. I would try psyllium seed, without additives that would bother you. I’m new, but I’ve been studying the subject for myself. Good luck!
I’m so glad I found this today. I need a lot more than a supplements. I have fibromyalgia because of leaky gut. One doctor that I read said, it’s my gut than lead to the fibro. And I’m totally with him. I signed up for your feed. I thought coconut oil was good for your gut, too. I’m wondering if anyone knows for sure?
Brittany,
I am in the military and travel a lot. Currently, I am in Texas living in a hotel (with only a small fridge)for 8 weeks. I always pack my Vitamix for smoothies, but I have a heck of a time finding restaurants that offer gluten and dairy free options. Do you have any chain restaurants that you recommend?
what can I take for pain killer,?
Thank you Brittany for sharing this, It is such a blessing to me.
Why should you not eat mushrooms if you have a leaky gut? Thanks!
Hello Brittany,
I am a 23-year-old college student who’s life has been turned upside down in the last year. I’ve been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, though I also suspect gluten intolerance, leaky gut and thyroid issues. I’m attempting the whole paleo diet and unfortunately am not seeing the results I would have liked, though it’s only been about a month and I’m sure it takes more time. Your website has been an absolute blessing, and I have been reading it religiously the last few weeks. Right now I’m following your leaky gut diet suggestions and was wondering if you think hemp/flax seeds are ok? Thanks!
Monique
My BMI is 15.1- it’s been a year since I was diagonosed and I’ve hard more bad days than good- but I am better than a year ago and hope to be better a year from now. Who knew the gut is home to our immune systems and yes, we do inherit them from our moms. I’ve taken antibiotics from time to time, but never PRObiotics and after 50 yrs, I totally crashed- I couldn’t tolerate wheat or dairy- was sick feeling and sour all the time- finally found a functional chiropractor who saved my life- severely malnourished, I was a bag of bones- he put me on the RepairVite diet and I’ve followed all the rules- there’s no cheating on this diet- which at first seemed so limited. The only packaged food I buy is rice pasta/rice bread. I generously sprinkle my own mix of sesame/sunflower seeds/lite & dark flax seed and hemp hearts on everything I prepare.Lots of olive oil and bacon- I’ve made 3 to 4 GF/CF meals everyday for the past year- and have had to give up going out to eat- the grill/oven/broiler in a restaurant is contaminated with gluten and being hyper sensitive, I can’t risk it. I make tons of rice for the week, buy lots of fish and my fav-chicken livers! Saurkraut is fermented- an absolute must for guts (Activia yogurt only works on healthy guts) Ginger is good for upset stomachs- just grate into hot water. Gluten is ubiquidous- salad dressings-shampoos-beef/ck broths-cold tablets-even on my kids hands after they make a sandwich then open the fridge- now it’s on the handle and I touch the handle then my food and BAM- contamination- they said I should live in a bubble! But I know it took me years to get this sick so it should take years to regain some semblance of gut health and a functioning immune system. Giving up gluten and casin(dairy) isn’t a quick fix for me- I can’t even have anything with potato starch in it- no potato chips or fries – GF pancake mix has potato starch in it- Glutino pretzels have it – if I eat it, I’ll never get better. Anyone who is not getting better is doing something wrong or just not giving the gut the support it needs- get probiotics- Vit D- mega vitamins- eat raw natural foods and good luck.
i am in tears right now after reading this page. i cant go into all the ups and downs of the last two years but suffice to say that even after figuring out what was wrong (same as you brittany- leaky gut, hashimotos, thyroid- now compounded by adrenal fatigue and some severe hormonal stuff) i struggled to get on this diet… i finally got the other book by the same dr you mentioned “why is my brain not working” and got on the diet for a week. i had the first 3 days in over two years where my stomach didnt hurt and then came down with an insane case of the flu- my dr said to go off the diet bc i couldnt eat and wasnt getting any better. im struggling to get back on even though every time i have sugar or gluten- really anything i feel awful- ive even had to go back on psych meds (ive been off for several years) jsut to keep out of the looney bin. thank you so much for this page- i had no idea i could have stevia, which is what i used anyway or applegate farms meats or even bacon- the list is sort of ambiguous and im working from a list that comes with a repaira-vite powder AND the book. ive never really cooked at home and im jsut at a complete loss… the week i was on the diet i spent astronomical sums of money i didnt have bc i just didnt know what to buy, how to shop anything- i really cant tell you what a relief it has been reading through this page- THANK YOU