As a few have mentioned, starting a paleo lifestyle (I prefer to call it that instead of a "diet") can be challenging. I've already been eating relatively paleo except for rice and white potatoes. I have tried doing without those for the past few weeks but have not noticed any improvement. In fact, I am actually worse. I have been making an almond flour english muffin for breakfast using almond flour and have baked for a special occasion cookies using almond flour, maple syrup etc. I am wondering if I am not feeling well because the fat from the nuts is causing digestive distress? I seem to have trouble digesting fats but am okay with nut butters. After eating one of these high fat snacks which is usually once a day, I feel good until about an hour but then I have a couple urgent BM's with undigested materials. I have also noticed this any time I eat maple syrup. The two are unrelated, but just thought I would throw that in because a lot of these recipes call for honey or maple syrup.
I am aware that recipes for baking paleo are somewhat of a contradiction considering that ovens did not exist lol. I am also aware that honey is high FODMAP, which I avoid all fodmaps. However, maple syrup is considered low FODMAP. Does the fact that it is a disaccharide have any bearing? I just finished another round of Xifanan for SIBO. I just want to have some normalcy in my life especially because I am so very limited on what fruits and vegetables I can have due to a long list of food intolerances.
I guess my questions are:
1. Are the fats in nut flours hard to digest for us?
2. Has anyone been doing a modified Paleo diet with rice and potatoes and had good results?
3. Although considered low fodmap, is maple syrup difficult to digest because it is a disaccharide?
I know I throw a lot of different thoughts into my posts, but my brain is in overload lol. I just want to find a meal plan that works for me without all the bloating and distress. I am discouraged today. I don't want to just eat meat and veggies all day long either. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Leanne :)
Paleo struggles
Moderators: Rosie, JFR, Dee, xet, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh, mbeezie
Hi Leanne,
I'm sorry I can't remember your history i.e. your age or how long you've suffered with MC. Please note it can take months to get improvements. Don't get discouraged. The modified paleo diet is generally a safe way to go if you overcook your vegetables, eliminate nuts for awhile and eliminate the paleo baked goods for awhile. Rice and potatoes will generally be safer than the paleo baked goods.
Brandy
Yes, this is pretty much what I eat. I eat the paleo baked goods rarely.....like once every 4-6 months. I don't do that well with the paleo baked goods.. Has anyone been doing a modified Paleo diet with rice and potatoes and had good results?
I'm sorry I can't remember your history i.e. your age or how long you've suffered with MC. Please note it can take months to get improvements. Don't get discouraged. The modified paleo diet is generally a safe way to go if you overcook your vegetables, eliminate nuts for awhile and eliminate the paleo baked goods for awhile. Rice and potatoes will generally be safer than the paleo baked goods.
Brandy
Hi Leanne,
I totally agree with Brandy. IMO, when it comes to treating MC, the Achilles heel of the paleo diet lies in attempting to turn the diet into either a high-fiber diet, or a diet that includes baked goods. As far as I can tell, the paleo people ate mostly protein. Protein is what allowed their ancestors to evolve to have a large brain, and subsequently such a huge advantage over the other species. High-fiber foods were a substantial part of their diet only when they couldn't get enough protein to keep their belly full, because such foods are a better alternative than starving to death (not because they craved fiber). And of course as you pointed out, ovens were not a popular item back in those days.
When we use the paleo diet as a high-protein diet, it is generally very useful as part of an MC recovery program. But you are probably guessing correctly about the fat in almond flour. It can be a problem, as is discussed by the article at the first link below.
To my way of thinking, the main problem with trying to incorporate baked goods into the paleo diet is the limited flour choices. Basically they are almond and coconut — a very short list. As the article at the second link referenced below points out, neither of these flours should be used as a staple in one's diet. As you can see in the comparison chart in that article, almond flour is loaded with fat, and coconut flour is loaded with fiber.
5 Reasons to Avoid Almond Flour
Coconut vs Almond Flour
FWIW, when I was recovering, I couldn't eat most of the foods that are on your list, also. But I did eat a lot of potatoes and some rice. All nuts were a problem for me. For some unknown reason, maple syrup was the only sugar that I could eat in any significant amount without getting into trouble. I couldn't handle honey.
Baked goods were sort of semi-tolerable, but I eventually ended up phasing them out, because they just didn't settle well, and I usually regretted eating them a day or so later. They didn't necessarily make me sick (usually), but they almost always left me suspecting that I would be better off without them.
The problem with almond flour that you are having is probably due to dosage. Can almond flour be mixed with coconut flour? Maybe the combination would strike a happy medium. My downfall was usually due to eating too much of such items (especially if they contained some form of sugar). Moderation is especially important in the case of sugar, fat, and fiber when recovering from MC.
If you crave baked goods, maybe a good GF blend of non-paleo flours would be a safer choice.
I hear you about being discouraged. Been there, done that. But if humans are anything, they are creative. You will find a way to resolve the challenges in your diet, because no one in the world knows more about what you can and cannot eat, than you.
I hope that some of these ramblings are helpful,
Tex
I totally agree with Brandy. IMO, when it comes to treating MC, the Achilles heel of the paleo diet lies in attempting to turn the diet into either a high-fiber diet, or a diet that includes baked goods. As far as I can tell, the paleo people ate mostly protein. Protein is what allowed their ancestors to evolve to have a large brain, and subsequently such a huge advantage over the other species. High-fiber foods were a substantial part of their diet only when they couldn't get enough protein to keep their belly full, because such foods are a better alternative than starving to death (not because they craved fiber). And of course as you pointed out, ovens were not a popular item back in those days.
When we use the paleo diet as a high-protein diet, it is generally very useful as part of an MC recovery program. But you are probably guessing correctly about the fat in almond flour. It can be a problem, as is discussed by the article at the first link below.
To my way of thinking, the main problem with trying to incorporate baked goods into the paleo diet is the limited flour choices. Basically they are almond and coconut — a very short list. As the article at the second link referenced below points out, neither of these flours should be used as a staple in one's diet. As you can see in the comparison chart in that article, almond flour is loaded with fat, and coconut flour is loaded with fiber.
5 Reasons to Avoid Almond Flour
Coconut vs Almond Flour
FWIW, when I was recovering, I couldn't eat most of the foods that are on your list, also. But I did eat a lot of potatoes and some rice. All nuts were a problem for me. For some unknown reason, maple syrup was the only sugar that I could eat in any significant amount without getting into trouble. I couldn't handle honey.
Baked goods were sort of semi-tolerable, but I eventually ended up phasing them out, because they just didn't settle well, and I usually regretted eating them a day or so later. They didn't necessarily make me sick (usually), but they almost always left me suspecting that I would be better off without them.
The problem with almond flour that you are having is probably due to dosage. Can almond flour be mixed with coconut flour? Maybe the combination would strike a happy medium. My downfall was usually due to eating too much of such items (especially if they contained some form of sugar). Moderation is especially important in the case of sugar, fat, and fiber when recovering from MC.
If you crave baked goods, maybe a good GF blend of non-paleo flours would be a safer choice.
I hear you about being discouraged. Been there, done that. But if humans are anything, they are creative. You will find a way to resolve the challenges in your diet, because no one in the world knows more about what you can and cannot eat, than you.
I hope that some of these ramblings are helpful,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Paleo is more of a template or a starting point anyway, but white rice and potatoes have come into favor with a lot of paleo folks in the last year or so. If you do well with them, keep them in! 
It's all about figuring out what works for healing your body. I find that kind of liberating for myself, but also frustrating because I have to do the work to figure it out! LOL.
On the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, which I've seen as one possible recommended diet for SIBO, honey is allowed but maple syrup is not (because of just what you described -- it only allows monosaccharides). So maybe that's the problem for you ... I don't know.
Kristen
It's all about figuring out what works for healing your body. I find that kind of liberating for myself, but also frustrating because I have to do the work to figure it out! LOL.On the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, which I've seen as one possible recommended diet for SIBO, honey is allowed but maple syrup is not (because of just what you described -- it only allows monosaccharides). So maybe that's the problem for you ... I don't know.
Kristen
Tex, thanks for the post on the almond flour. I occasionally make banana almond muffins but find that I don't feel too well if I eat them too many days in a row. Make a dozen, freeze them, and pull one out once in a great while.
So I just avoid baked goods. Period. It doesn't take long before you don't even crave them that much. A bit of very dark chocolate every day does the trick for me.
On the other hand, I do enjoy Suzie's rice thins (a very thin rice cake) with almond butter and homemade low-sugar jam. Not quite the same as the beloved toast that I ate all my life, but also no undesirable side effects!
Chris
So I just avoid baked goods. Period. It doesn't take long before you don't even crave them that much. A bit of very dark chocolate every day does the trick for me.
On the other hand, I do enjoy Suzie's rice thins (a very thin rice cake) with almond butter and homemade low-sugar jam. Not quite the same as the beloved toast that I ate all my life, but also no undesirable side effects!
Chris
Chris,
I found myself doing the very same thing during my recovery. I ate fewer and fewer baked items as time went on, because I often didn't feel well after eating them.
You're most welcome,
Tex
I found myself doing the very same thing during my recovery. I ate fewer and fewer baked items as time went on, because I often didn't feel well after eating them.
You're most welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for all of the input. I think I will continue what I was doing with rice and potatoes and not worry about fitting into the perfect paleo diet. If it means anything, I am 22 years old, and was diagnosed last September but have been sick for 7 years. I have been taking Apriso for 8 months but am currently in remission and have stopped all meds. I am hoping to keep it that way for as long as possible with a good diet!!
I try not to eat too many baked goods but I am young and want to eat similar things as my friends (in moderation). I've always had a sweet tooth haha but that has lessened somewhat over time. Let's just say I'm working on it lol!
Leanne
I try not to eat too many baked goods but I am young and want to eat similar things as my friends (in moderation). I've always had a sweet tooth haha but that has lessened somewhat over time. Let's just say I'm working on it lol!
Leanne
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8330
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Leanne
one thing that works in MC world, is do what works best for you,
what ingredients settle the best, what suits the budget, what meals and cooking styles settle ok and suit your lifestyle, getting a happy, minimal stress balance.
within the diet restrictions we have to enjoy life as well..
one thing that works in MC world, is do what works best for you,
what ingredients settle the best, what suits the budget, what meals and cooking styles settle ok and suit your lifestyle, getting a happy, minimal stress balance.
within the diet restrictions we have to enjoy life as well..
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Very true. Does anyone know anything about the Body Ecology Diet? I am trying to decide which route to try...SCD, Paleo, or Body Ecology Diet. What are the differences? I have been reading so much but one diet says something is good for the body and the other says something different. It is all so confusing. With MC and recurring SIBO I need to start fresh diet wise but am so afraid to give up potatoes and treats for special occasions such as my birthday. Rice I can eliminate but potatoes would be tricky. Most of these diets say you need to follow them 100% in the beginning to fully heal so I am afraid. They also recommend foods that I cannot eat such as Kefir and lemons in the Body Ecology Diet.
I am feeling so overwhelmed. I am trying to keep a food journal. I am going back to college in 3 weeks and am desperate to get a handle on things before then. Sorry if I "over-post" if there is such a thing. I went to my GI doctor yesterday and she says she doesn't know how to help me anymore so I am feeling very much alone. No one in my family has any type of digestive diseases so I am learning all on my own besides here.
Leanne
I am feeling so overwhelmed. I am trying to keep a food journal. I am going back to college in 3 weeks and am desperate to get a handle on things before then. Sorry if I "over-post" if there is such a thing. I went to my GI doctor yesterday and she says she doesn't know how to help me anymore so I am feeling very much alone. No one in my family has any type of digestive diseases so I am learning all on my own besides here.
Leanne
-
Betsbrooks
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Apr 01, 2015 8:48 pm
- Location: Upstate New York
Hi Leanne,
I really know where you are coming from. Before I found this great forum I tried first the SCD diet, then the GAPs diet. Both of them helped some, but I was still eating dairy on those diets, and they both encourage fermented foods. I only really improved when I made my own diet from the suggestions on this forum. I was eating just turkey, rice and squash for quite a while and now have added a few more things. The section for newbies has some useful information on elimination diets. I think I'll be on this simple diet for a pretty long time, because it definitely beats sprinting for the bathroom!
Good luck finding your best diet for healing, I know you can do it.
Betsy
I really know where you are coming from. Before I found this great forum I tried first the SCD diet, then the GAPs diet. Both of them helped some, but I was still eating dairy on those diets, and they both encourage fermented foods. I only really improved when I made my own diet from the suggestions on this forum. I was eating just turkey, rice and squash for quite a while and now have added a few more things. The section for newbies has some useful information on elimination diets. I think I'll be on this simple diet for a pretty long time, because it definitely beats sprinting for the bathroom!
Good luck finding your best diet for healing, I know you can do it.
Betsy
Dx CC March 2015