Die-Off vs. Food Intolerance

This has become one of the BIGGEST questions I have asked myself, and tried to answer for others. When you are trying to heal your gut lining through GAPS, they say be prepared for die-off reactions. In addition, you are also coming to know your body more and recognizing which foods your body can't tolerate at this moment. This is one thing that Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride says about the difference:

How can you tell the difference between die-off and food intolerance?  For example, how do you know if flatulence is caused by the meal you just ate or from the meal prior to that one?

The die-off symptoms can be new symptoms or can be your usual symptoms getting worse, when you introduce new diet, probiotics or anti-parasitic, anti-fungal/anti-bacterial remedies.  Food intolerance symptoms appear when you introduce new foods into your diet.  If you have been eating a particular food routinely, which you suspect as causing food intolerances, remove it for 3-4 weeks, then try to eat it again.  Your body will let you know if you are intolerant to it.  Production of gas takes time; it is the pathogens in the gut (usually fungi) that convert food into gas.  So, it is your previous meals that produced the gas.  Every meal sends a propulsion reflex down the digestive system, so that gas in the bowel may be released when you are eating your next meal.

So from my previous post you can see that I had been going through some not so fun arthritic pain for the past two weeks. I thought it was die-off. I have come to learn, that nope, it was a food intolerance manifesting itself BIG TIME! Once I figured it out, and took it out, the arthritic pain went away! So I think right now I will have to cross off beef, pork and possibly chicken from my list. I am experimenting with turkey. So far so good. Luckily there is a Sprout's an hour away from me, near my sister, where they sell also some wild game (Elk, deer, bison....). I will have to check that out, and see if I can alternate. I heard this can be resolved, just need to have it out for a bit. I also tried adding cauliflower back in my diet, and it seemed to cause brain fog. I am LOVING not having brain fog right now. I wish I knew this during mid-terms!

So you may be asking, are these new food intolerances, or did I just not recognize them? This is what Dr. Natasha said in her FAQ:

I am mostly doing GAPS because of multiple food intolerances in my kids and a history of the same for myself. It seems that it really is only getting worse. I need to understand the ‘science’ of why that is.There is a so-called masking phenomenon in food allergies. When the person keeps eating offending foods, reactions to them overlap with each other and it is impossible to know what exactly the person is reacting to. When you start removing foods hidden allergies get unmasked, which is often a nasty surprise. In GAPS people their gut is damaged and porous, so they may react to most foods, if not all of them. As we cannot starve ourselves, we need to ignore those reactions and get on with healing the gut lining. If a particular food is causing an unacceptably severe reaction, then keep it out for a while. But if the reactions are not too drastic, just live with them, while working on your GAPS Introduction diet. In the meantime bio-resonance therapy, medical neutralisation, homeopathy, NES and other vibrational forms of medicine can help you to reduce the severity of reactions.

Some things I am noticing now with my food intolerances are change of thoughts (sometimes emotions as well), increase heart rate, fatigue, joint pain, headaches, foggy thinking, abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, problems sleeping, craving that food, not feeling satisfied after eating, etc. So what do I do? I try to decide which symptoms I can deal with, and which one's I don't want (no joint pain!). I'll due my best to limit the one's I know I react to, and then try them back in, after some time and see if I am stronger. I have seen so many testimonials that people's food intolerances have been fixed through this. Need to keep having hope!

Going Gluten Free

With my recent post about food allergies, I have had some questions asking me what it means to go without gluten. So here is some advice on how to take gluten out of your diet. A lot of this information has come from the book "Food Allergy Field Guide: A Lifestyle Manual for Families" by Theresa Willingham:

Gluten and wheat has become a staple in food products for the USA. It's in nearly all baked goods, used as a thickener in sauces, puddings and soups, dusted on candy, and used in colorings and flavorings. It can hide in additives such as mono and diglycerides, in dextrins and hydrolyzed vegetable protein.

When reading labels (it's important to read and understand ALL the labels) become informed on what the products/ chemicals are. Here are some to beware of and avoid, or one's are that ok:

Calcium caseinate or Sodium Caseinate (contains MSG) - (Calcium phosphate, calcium chloride-ok)

Dextrins - (maltodextrin made from corn- ok)

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein - (if they state the exact source it's ok)

Hydrolyzed plant protein - (if they state the exact source, it's ok)

Malt - (maltodextrin is ok)

Modified food starch - (or know the exact source, e.g., potato - ok)

Mono and di-glycerides - (if they state the exact source it's ok)

Rice malt (can contain barley or Koji) - ok to use rice or other flour without malt

Barley

Bulgar

Bran

Couscous

Durum

Einkorn

Farina

Graham

Kamut

Orzo

Rye

Semolina

Spelt

Tritcale

Wheat

Regarding Oats: most literature recommends avoiding them. More contemporary studies say the biggest problem with oats is the possibility of cross-contamination with wheat due to shared processing facilities. Studies are showing conflicting reports, and are unable to determine if this is a safe grain or not. The recommended way to consume them is to take them out, get your health back on track, then try them to see if you have a reaction. If no reaction, do not consume more than 50g or about 3 ounces a day. And when consumed to make sure that it states that it has not had any cross contamination with wheat or other gluten products.

When going out to restaurants you will want to ask for the ingredient list for the foods you are ordering. Nowadays you are able to find most ingredients online before going. Also know what questions to ask when going out:

"Are hamburgers all beef with no fillers" (gotta watch out for what they put in the fillers)

"Is flour used for seasoning or dusting French fries or any other foods?" If so what type of flours are used.

"Are foods like French fries or sweet potato chips cooked in "clean" oils, and not contaminated by recycled oils used for things like fried, breaded chicken or onion rings or fish?"

"Do you use soy in any way (if soy is a problem)?"

"What type of oils do you use? Peanut, canola, or something else?"

"Are grilled meats or poultry marinated in anything and are the marinades shared by beef, chicken, fish, etc?"

"Is the grilled cleaned between uses, or are separate grills used for different types of foods?"

Request sauces, condiments, and dressings on the side to avoid cross-contamination or allergens (or just bring your own)

Be aware of when the label states "flavorings, seasonings, or natural" ingredients. The company is able to place whatever they want in this and are not required to state specifically what is in them. This is supposed to allow them to keep their "secret sauce/recipe" secret. The problem can be though that you eat something that has a product in it that you are intolerant to. You can contact the company and ask if any have the food allergy in them.

Here is an example of ingredients listed in a product that one may not be aware of. I use to think when ordering a Grilled chicken sandwich with no bun, that it would be safe...but beware. It took me awhile to learn this. I always wondered why I felt sick after getting foods I thought were "safe"...

Burger King Tendergrill® Chicken Sandwich

Tendergrill Chicken Breast Filet [Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, Water, Seasoning (Maltodextrin, Salt, Sugar, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Garlic Powder, Spices, Natural Flavors, Onion Powder, Modified Corn Starch, Chicken Fat, Chicken Powder, Chicken Broth, Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate, Citric Acid, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Dehydrated Garlic, and Artificial Flavors.), Modified Corn Starch, Soybean Oil, Salt, Sodium Phosphates. Glazed with: Water, Seasoning [Maltodextrin, Salt, Sugar, Methylcellulose, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Partially Hydrogenated Sunflower Oil, Modified Potato Starch, Fructose, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dehydrated Garlic, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavors, Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate, Chicken Fat, Carmel Color, Grill Flavor (from Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil), Chicken Powder, Chicken Broth, Turmeric, Smoke Flavor, Annatto Extract, and Artificial Flavors], Soybean Oil], Sesame Seed Bun [Enriched Unbleached Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour Or Alpha Amylase From Aspergillus Orizae, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup Or Liquid Sucrose, Yeast, Vegetable Oil (Canola And/Or Soy) Or Soybean And/Or Cottonseed Oil, May Contain 2% Or Less Of The Following: Salt, (Vital) Wheat Gluten, Soy Flour, Corn Starch, Yeast Nutrient (May Contain One Or More Of The Following: Ammonium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate) Dough Conditioners (May Contain One Or More Of The Following: Wheat Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Stearate, Distilled Monoglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide, Mono- And Diglycerides, Ethoxylated Mono- And Diglycerides, Calcium Peroxide, Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate, Datem, L-Cysteine), Enzymes, Preservatives (Calcium Propionate And/Or Sorbic Acid), Vinegar, Sesame Seeds. Contains: Wheat and Soy], Honey Mustard Spread [Soybean Oil, Water, Dijon Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Water, Mustard Seed, Salt, White Wine, Citric Acid, Turmeric, Spices, Tartaric Acid), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Cider Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Honey, Egg Yolks, Contains Less Than 2% of Salt, Mustard Bran, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Spice, Garlic, Onion, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzonate and Potassium Sorbate (as Preservatives), Artificial Color, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Calcium Disodium EDTA added to protect flavor, Aquaresin Paprika, Annatto & Turmeric], Tomatoes, Lettuce

2009 - A year of many...

(this blog contains random pictures I have from 2009, in a very random order...)

I have neglected this blog during the past year. There are many reasons for this. Some due to being too sick, no energy, unable to think, concentrate, or not having any words to remotely describe what I was going through. This past year has brought one that allowed me to gain a better understanding of my relationship with myself, my family, community and God.

(benefit concert-April)(decorating PURPLE cupcakes-May)

For those who may not be aware, 2009 was a year of great struggles for me regarding my health. I felt that I had hit rock bottom so many times, only to then say "nope," apparently I could go lower. I felt as though I had no immune system, and would catch every virus that the kids I worked with carried. My body did not have as much strength or ability to fight off the virus' that well. Which would leave these nasty bugs to linger for weeks on end. During this time though I was granted much time to read, learn, study, observe, ponder, and pray. I began to see things in different ways, and learn how to listen understand a bit more how my body communicated. I began to hear the part of me where my instincts were trying communicate regarding what was going on within me. Things that I had sensed were not right within me, yet had been told by countless people that this was not the case, was soon to show that it was a part of the problem.

(Christmas 2009)(My sister teaching me how to use my new camera:) - Dec)

In September everything seemed to just fall into place and I began to see more clearly that throughout my entire life I had been dealing with food intolerances. The more that I studied this, the more I could see what certain foods were doing to me. I began to learn that if you deal with a lot of ear infections as a child, they are generally caused by food intolerances. All those who had ear infections galore as a child, please raise your hand (*ME!!!) Some studies had shown that ear infections, and hearing loss in children could be resolved through elimination of possibly just gluten and dairy.

(Tucson Zoo-May)(Rockin with Aunt-Nov)

I began to see a naturopathic doctor who tested me for foods I was intolerant to. Through this I was placed on a diet of foods to avoid that would help strengthen my body and get rid of toxins and bacteria. In addition, he placed me on a few supplements to add in this support. It took a few months to figure out the right balance of what my body could handle and what it could not. Through this time I began to see how food intolerances manifested in me. It was in different ways that I would never had thought of... sinus problems, extreme fatigue, waking up insanely early, not being able to sleep, low immune system, foggy thinking, digestive problems, anxiety, oh the list could go on... What was a new thought for me as well was seeing how many times it would manifest a few days after consumed (like this past week: added the spice, tumeric, to my food, and couldn't sleep 2 days later). In addition, I have also been learning how my body reacts when things are eaten as certain times (i.e. it does not work well when I eat a large meal at night, especially protein).

(Attempting to make the tallest lego tower)(He let me HOLD him!!!-Dec)

Together, my naturopathic doctor and I have finally found a good combination of things for at this time in my life. It's a very limited diet (6 things, count them - 6: mung beans, asparagus, quinoa, amaranth, blanched almonds and ghee), but it has been the biggest blessing to come to me at this time. It has allowed me to lead a life once again. What's interesting is that my body didn't need any supplements - in fact it repulsed them - what it needed was ghee and blanched almonds. (*ghee is clarified butter - it's a popular with India cooking ) I will need to be on this regimen for a few months to allow myself to heal. Then slowly we will be able to add back in more foods. This won't be as difficult as some may imagine, I have been pleading in my prayers for the ability to have be made whole for many years now. This past year I feel the Lord has been teaching me things regarding what I need to do to allow this to happen, now it's time for me to implement them. Plus for me experiencing 30 seconds (if that) of having something in my mouth that some may feel is the necessity to life is not really worth it at this time.

(Christmas Lights-Dec)(raodtrip! view after Jacob's Lake - June)

Throughout all this, I have also been able to understand more what other things in my environment were doing to me. Over the summer I began to stop in my daily routine using synthetic chemicals, products and fragrances. One night, a few weeks after doing this, I suffered a horrible headache/ body-ache of a detox nature. A few months later, during one of my really low points with my health, I could began to sense more how those items had been affecting me. How it would weaken me more than I thought they could. Most people's systems could tolerate and process these things, but my body had been weakened through many things, that it didn't have the ability to do this.

(UofA Grad- May)(Farewell party-July)

If someone would ask me how I would describe 2009, I would say it was a year of being humbled and learning many things. I feel that I needed to be taken to an extreme of being completely off balance in order for me to see more clearly and to hear and understand answers. Through this I have been able to see and make changes that would be necessary for me to continue towards achieving a healthy life. Do I have all the answers, of course not. But I am excited as it allows me to continually seek out, learn and understand throughout the years.

(farewell party-July)(The Sharp campout-July)(Roadtrip to Sedona-June)

I feel that I am such a different person than when I first moved to Arizona in October 2008. I see the world differently, have different goals and desires, and understand things a bit more. Knowing what I know now, would I have wished that my doctor's would have known about the food intolerances early on to have avoided all those ear infections, harsh drugs, antibiotics, digestive problems, pain and surgeries... no, because I can see, just a tip of the iceberg, wisdom in having me experience those things and learning countless things. I am though grateful for this time now with the ability to gain more understanding and the blessing of working towards becoming more whole.

(Temple open house -Utah-June)(My 2 Valentine's - 2009

In addition, the knowledge gained through my life experiences, I feel I have become a better person.

Plus this adventure has not even come close to ending.... :)

Day 144 - Sunday, August 17, 2008

Good Eats

I have been realizing lately how therapeutic running has been for me in many different ways. One thing it has done has helped me become more in touch with my body. It has also helped me learn to appreciate it and love it for what it can and is capable of doing. I think that's one reason why I love Saturday's long runs. This is the time I am able to see what I can really do and what my possibilities could be. I have also learned to talk more kindly to myself. I am constantly needing to be aware of my thoughts as I run and encourage myself and talk nicely. It's amazing how you may feel that you are exhausted and need a small walk break. But if you tell yourself, "just run to the light" then when you get to the light you realize that you are not as tired as you once thought. Before I didn't like my body as much, and thought of it more as a means to get from point A to point B. I see now that I would not talk as nicely as I should have to it. I would criticize parts that I thought were not working as well, or that didn't look the way I wanted them to. I also realized that I didn't listen to it as much, and just thought of it more of a nuisance as it would get sick a lot, and prevent me from doing things I wanted to do. But as I have been running, as I have become more aware of different feelings I may have always been experiencing, but didn't realize in the past. I have been learning this summer how our body is always trying to communicate with us. Whether or not we choose to listen is another story.

Saturday after lunch I noticed that I began to get a bad headache and experience other symptoms. I began to realize that these were the same feelings I experienced when I took my Crohn's medicine that I had taken myself off of. I began to think about this as what I ate, I generally eat everyday. I was confused and wondered if I had always felt this way after I ate and just ignored it or didn't realize what was going on. In a sense I began to realize that not everyone feels this way after they eat, and this may be one reason why I tend to struggle in the afternoons after lunch. I'm not feeling well, and don't realize it (how sad is that). I began to do some research online and discovered this is a sign of a food intolerance. I didn't realize this. To me I only looked at how my stomach reacted and whether or not I could keep the food inside of me. Perhaps my body has been trying to tell me that it doesn't like a certain thing, but I haven't been able to notice this or make the connection before. I was frustrated as I didn't know what it was that I ate that made me react this way. I also realized that I really don't know what I could or could not eat. I always went by what others told me, or from books. These have helped in the past and have helped me get to where I am today, but I wanted to know for myself. So today I started an "elimination diet." This is where you eat in a sense 'minimum food,' like vegetables, and some fruit and meats for a few weeks to cleanse your body of all the other foods and then introduce one new food every few days to see how I react with it. You are also supposed to be aware of cravings you have, as you tend to crave or eat a lot of the foods you shouldn't. (that could be a whole other discussion on why this is). I'm excited about this, as I will really be able to see how I respond to the foods and what helps or hurts me. Of course to initiate this idea I decided to get some ice cream on Saturday. Yeah, I learned that ice cream is definitely one that I can't eat as it makes me break out in mouth sores (who knew mouth sores were a sign of food intolerances).