~Healing the Gut AUGUST MAMAS~ - Page 5

[sparkletruck]

Cademyn,
Thank you. I did just manage to finish (almost) the treatment page on the candidasupport site, which answered a lot of my questions. Thanks for pointing me there. I have to say, its a bit of a relief that you think some of her tips are a little out there. The first day I started reading I thought, well, hmm...

Mostly Ive been eating a lot of eggs, meat, and nuts. I know she says that nuts need to b soaked, but I dont know if that's gonna happen. I also eat some veggies, but have not had much time for prep this week (my first week on the diet). I cant imagine that IM getting much for nutrients without fruit and much veggies. Dont know.

Have you ever taken a prescription med? It was interesting to find at the bottom of her article that she had used them. Obviously it depends when we ttc, but if we want to do it sooner than later (we do), I wont take a precrip med, or even some of the stronger antifungals. Do I need to be "healed" or can getting and being preg be incorporated into this lifestyle? Is that a stupid question - yeah ......

oh, and thanks for the coconut oil link. Can you post it again? (the $28 gallon source)

[caedmyn]

Originally Posted by saskiasmom

Cademyn,
Thank you. I did just manage to finish (almost) the treatment page on the candidasupport site, which answered a lot of my questions. Thanks for pointing me there. I have to say, its a bit of a relief that you think some of her tips are a little out there. The first day I started reading I thought, well, hmm...

Mostly Ive been eating a lot of eggs, meat, and nuts. I know she says that nuts need to b soaked, but I dont know if that's gonna happen. I also eat some veggies, but have not had much time for prep this week (my first week on the diet). I cant imagine that IM getting much for nutrients without fruit and much veggies. Dont know.

Have you ever taken a prescription med? It was interesting to find at the bottom of her article that she had used them. Obviously it depends when we ttc, but if we want to do it sooner than later (we do), I wont take a precrip med, or even some of the stronger antifungals. Do I need to be "healed" or can getting and being preg be incorporated into this lifestyle? Is that a stupid question - yeah ......

oh, and thanks for the coconut oil link. Can you post it again? (the $28 gallon source)

Nuts are really hard to digest (speaking from personal experience)...nut butters are the easiest if you're going to do them. It is super easy to soak nuts, though--just get raw nuts, cover them with water and add about 1-2 tsp/sea salt per quart of water, and let them sit overnight. In the morning drain the water and dry the nuts either in an oven set on warm or in a dehydrator. Peanuts don't have to be soaked, just dry roasted, but they are supposed to be very prone to being moldy (bad for candida sufferers).

Animal products are actually more nutrient-dense than veggies and fruits. Hard to accept, I know, since we all get ingrained with "eat your veggies".

I haven't taken any prescription meds and won't. If I was super sick and nothing else worked I might consider Nystatin, though. If you want to do some of the stronger antifungals, go for it--you can always stop if you get a BFP, or even switch to something else during the two-week wait.. I can only do raw garlic since the rest are bad for BF'ing.

Theoretically you can do the diet while pregnant, but how well it would work in practice, once you factor in cravings, exhaustation, and/or morning sickness...you know how it goes.

CO--www.mountainroseherbs.com

[Annikate]

Originally Posted by bluets
just let me carry around my medical records on an encrypted USB key or a smartcard or something...

no kidding. From now on I'm requesting copies right then and there. No exceptions.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by moonshine

Jane, did I not read you dissing Rubin at some point? I guess you have changed your mind?

Yes, I'm publically taking back *some* of my issues with him. I still think he is too high on marketing and too light on science... but the book "Patient Heal Thyself" is much better from a scientific reasoning basis than Maker's Diet.

(Why he had to have two books ... but I'll stop that rant right there b/c he is coming out with more one topic volumes soon: diabetes, cancer, etc. )

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by Spencersmom

JaneS - I don't post often but read every post so I have been following your ds' progress. Here's a little background on me. I have been on SCD x 7 weeks but it has only been helping a little bit. I have been looking into other options for HTG and caedmyn referred me to the yahoo group candidasupport. It is really fascinating stuff and I am currently transitioning over to this program vs SCD. While on SCD, I noticed that we (ds and I) started getting worse (or feeling more like pre-SCD) when we added in fruit. The more fruit we added, the worse we felt, slept, etc.

When I read your post above, all I could think was that maybe ds has a yeast problem going on and that adding the fruit is feeding the candida, releasing the candida toxins and he is feeling worse. And I have been thinking the same thing when I read some of the other posts saying that the SCD is not helping or not improving people as much as they would have hoped, or that something is missing with their current program.

Thank you, will join candidasupport and look around.

I'm also going to try cellulases on empty stomach again for him. I do think he has several things going on and that's possibly why the confusion and contrradictory stool tests. Today he is back to solid poo's and had these weird white strings come out... and I may have seen one of those rice things too. :

I also wonder if yeasts don't appear on stool tests when it has reached the fungal stage and is burrowed in nice and snug in the gut lining?

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by ericaz

Subbing and coming to post my comments about Garden of Life Primal Defense powder.

For me, it has always been (like since it came out on the market) the *one* supplement that I could count on to keep my gut balanced. Gave me nice, perfect poops each morning - no straining, no gas - NO WIPING!
Then, out of nowhere it stopped working as well. A friend of mine who I had recommended it to for her son with Asperger's said he had also begun seeing less positive results and she thought it was because they had begun to add some dairy to the processing.
...

I still needed a replacement probiotic and at that point (and currently) I really couldn't afford to spend $45 on Primal Defense so I bought a recommended new one on the market from NOW (less than $20 and contains similar strains/soil-based organisms like PD). I usually have good results with NOW supplements and so far I really like these probiotics.
Nothing seems to be working (and I mean nothing) during the second part of my menstrual cycles. Digestion deteriorates, IC symptoms flare and I feel generally crappy. Clearly there's a hormonal link despite my normal hormone tests. I really don't need a test to tell me my issues are related to my hormones and/or immune system.

So, that's basically what I'm trying to figure out now. Back to self-diagnosing and analyzing my health to death! Anyone else?

I also wonder if you didn't just need more probiotics to overcome the hump?

Like I said in PM, I'd love to know exactly how hormones effect gut flora and the immune system... that's gotta be a reason why women are the ones who get a lot of yi and have IC.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by Ksenia

That makes sense but I guess I should be taking Houston's No-Phenol or anti-yeast enzymes if I am concerned about yeast. Right now I am just taking Zyme Prime and AFP Peptizyde.

Yes, No Fenol and Peptizyde between meals for yeast.

Originally Posted by Ksenia

He's been taking Udo's Choice Infant Blend probiotics and the Houston digestive enzymes for the past 2.5 months already, but no obvious changes.

Yeah, another tough nut like my DS. Is probiotics between or after meals? I seem remember Udo saying with meals for his?

Originally Posted by Ksenia

That's a new one on me! What is the ASD community (autism spectrum disorder??)

Yes autism spectrum ... ASD kids have significant gut problems and yeast/bacterial overgrowth. And nutrient deficiencies. They are definitely the canaries in the mine shaft. And when it comes to behavior/diet connection, they are the best place to learn. I was able to pinpoint so much about DS's behavior.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by Annikate

no kidding. From now on I'm requesting copies right then and there. No exceptions.

Ditto. I'm getting the run around myself with Ped's office right now. They keep "losing" my request.

[ericaz]

Originally Posted by JaneS

I also wonder if you didn't just need more probiotics to overcome the hump?

Like I said in PM, I'd love to know exactly how hormones effect gut flora and the immune system... that's gotta be a reason why women are the ones who get a lot of yi and have IC.

Here's the thing, though...I do know you can have an overgrowth of beneficial flora, at least in the vagina. The key is to have a balance of good and bad, both in the gut and in the vagina, right? So, it just doesn't jive with me that more probiotics are the answer. I take supplemental probiotics and eat raw sauerkraut like it's going out of style. I should be totally in balance as a result, yet I doubt I am. This is why I think there's an immune system/hormonal component that I've been unable to treat.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by tricia80

Ok I am a newbie and here to ask questions...

First stupid question.. what is SCD?? its 11pm after an evening shift and my mind is blank...

This is my situation.. I have a beautiful dd who is 7 yrs old and has ADD.. she is on meds Concerta... and lately even without taking her pill she complains her tummy is sore... and she is losing weight.. she lost 5 lbs in 2 months and currently weighs only 44lbs and thats the 5th percentile for weight... i get her reweighed tomorrow... she has had some behavior problems and we are elminating dairy and we get the results of her gluten testing... and she has eczema which never goes away... and gets better but only by using steroid cream for over 2 wks... which causes her skin to thin...

i have been told to view this thread... and here to learn.. where do i begin.. i'm soo lost..

She is beautiful.

I firmly believe ADD is caused by other medical issues (gut related) and nutrient deficiencies. Ditto SID. ADHD. Autism. etc. etc. Like I said before I've done a lot of reading in the ASD community and this just jumps out at you. The brain needs specific building blocks to run on. If it doesn't get those, just like any machine, it breaks down or doesn't run right.

Have you tried cod liver oil supplements for the ADD? Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for humans. Native diets used to be 1:1 ratio with omega 6s (vegetable/nut oils). Now our food is not the same either. Grain feeding of chickens, cows, even our animal products contain way too many omega 6 fats. If they are fed their natural diet, grass, they contain more omega 3s, as much as fish in some cases!

Consistently in studies, 2 things are going wrong in people with eczema: gut flora and essential fatty acids. You might want to try probiotics, evening primrose oil in addition to the CLO. More info. in The Eczema Tribe thread.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by ericaz

Here's the thing, though...I do know you can have an overgrowth of beneficial flora, at least in the vagina. The key is to have a balance of good and bad, both in the gut and in the vagina, right? So, it just doesn't jive with me that more probiotics are the answer. I take supplemental probiotics and eat raw sauerkraut like it's going out of style. I should be totally in balance as a result, yet I doubt I am. This is why I think there's an immune system/hormonal component that I've been unable to treat.

Really re: overgrowth of beneficial? More info on that please.

The lack of improvement in myself is what led me to investigating the toxin route. And nutrient deficiencies as root cause of *that*.

One thing I haven't said recently is that it could be that I've finally healed b/c I had my amalgam fillings out one year ago.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by saskiasmom

*Jane - you say Im lucky to be here post m/c - I feel quite sad and defeated to be here (sorry). Err, why am I lucky

I'll come back for rest of your post, remind me... but wanted to answer this now.

Yes, to echo a pp, you are lucky to be doing this before you become pg with the baby you are meant to have.

When I had my m/c it was the most horrible time in my life health wise. No wonder I passed all this onto my child! I had no idea it would effect him. If only, if only...

I have a LOT of anger about how helpless and vulnerable I was to the medical field at that time and the mess they created in my life. Never again. I try very hard to look at it that I found out just in time to avert a more serious catastrophe in my family's life. This I can handle.

Plus my child gave me the chance to be healthy myself. I never would have found all this out and done all this without him. Maybe that is the case with your experience too. Who knows what an antibx would have done down the line to you and your child to be? Perhaps right before the birth if you test GBS+? Or right after labor without them telling you like what happened to me? Now you know better to refuse it and do something to prevent that possibility. You are very lucky.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by JaneS

Who knows what an antibx would have done down the line to you and your child to be? Perhaps right before the birth if you test GBS+? Or right after labor without them telling you like what happened to me? Now you know better to refuse it and do something to prevent that possibility.

And to say more on that to no one in particular ... I didn't put the Causes of Autism and Nutrition/Immunology 101 thread links in the Cheat Sheet for nothing.

Gut flora and nutrition mean everything in terms of the health of our immune system and the very ability of our babies bodies and brains to be built. As one native culture used to say about the parents of a sickly child, "Well, they only have themselves to blame."

I don't necessarily think about "blame" now, because the truth about how really to take care of our bodies and health is so buried under a mountain of misinformation today. But it's a powerful concept. That you are literally in control. An enormous burden of responsibility. Difficult to face when you have a sick child, I know all too well. But it helps to do something when one is really pissed off!

[Annikate]

Originally Posted by JaneS
Gut flora and nutrition mean everything in terms of the health of our immune system and the very ability of our babies bodies and brains to be built. As one native culture used to say about the parents of a sickly child, "Well, they only have themselves to blame."

You know, knowing what I know now about all this, that quote makes me .

But those who have no idea about the extent of how much we really do pass on to our babes may be offended by that.

I am saying this because ironically, today at our mom's club meeting we had a nutritionist speak. I went only because she's getting ready to open up a new co-op here and I wanted to find out about that.

Guess what she talked about? ALL OF THIS. The gut/brain connection, how we mamas pass on good gut flora to our babes (or don't), the ASD connection; everything. I was floored really. I didn't expect it. She didn't say so but I know she's into the Body Ecology diet 'cause I saw her materials.

I'm excited that so many seeds were planted today. Lots of mamas were talking to her afterward about ttc and what asking what they should do now to prepare.

[LovinLiviLou]

Thanks. Ok, so I'm coming out of denial : and realizing I've got to do something more than just pop some pills - mainly because at this point all I can eat that doesn't make the little one yak is sweet potatoes, squash and turkey, and I'm about to go insane with that diet. I'm on the probiotics and have started doing kefir even though it makes her yak.

So, JaneS and others who have btdt - how did you decide on SCD vs BED or any other diet? I've looked at both websites extensively though I haven't read either book yet. BED obviously looks like they are trying to sell you things, but what about the merits of each as a healing tool? I'll admit that I'm scared of SCD because of the first day diet that is listed on the website and I'm intimidated by making my own yogurt and kefir.

When I read some of these threads, I think our problems are so minor in comparison to some, but I know these things can spiral out of control. However, that gives me hope that our problems are curable without moving mountains. I'm pretty sure my gut was in good shape with my first pregnancy and birth - DD#1 had/has no issues and is very healthy.

Originally Posted by JaneS

I tend to think yes, that generally means you have a problem. After all their gut flora and food is all from you and nature intended it to work. The following factors are only what I can think of off top of my head right now that damage gut flora:

1. Abx for you or babe before, during, after birth and pregnancy.
2. GBS/Yeast infection/digestive problem history.
3. Steriods, bcp's
4. Mercury fillings
5. Prophylactic abx as teenager for acne.
6. Supplementary formula
7. The Hep B shot given right after birth especially, and all vaccines are suspect.
8. Conventional meats/dairy contain antibiotics too.
9. Chlorine (pools esp.)
10. Exposure to chemicals/pesticides.

Start her on bifidus. For some reason her gut flora is off and possible her gut didn't seal up. Have you read "just one bottle" article in Cheat Sheet?

Raw foods do not have the right mix of enzymes for all food groups: proteins, fats, carbs. Digestive enzymes are much better if you are having trouble. Yes, a lot do make it thru to bloodstream, go carefully with a BF babe. That is why probiotics should be first thing you try IMO.

[Punchy Kaby]

Originally Posted by Annikate

But those who have no idea about the extent of how much we really do pass on to our babes may be offended by that.

I am saying this because ironically, today at our mom's club meeting we had a nutritionist speak. I went only because she's getting ready to open up a new co-op here and I wanted to find out about that.

Guess what she talked about? ALL OF THIS. The gut/brain connection, how we mamas pass on good gut flora to our babes (or don't), the ASD connection; everything. I was floored really. I didn't expect it. She didn't say so but I know she's into the Body Ecology diet 'cause I saw her materials.

I'm excited that so many seeds were planted today. Lots of mamas were talking to her afterward about ttc and what asking what they should do now to prepare.

Very cool!! I am passing info about healing the gut to anyone who will listen!

Little bits of progress
I know I have a long way to go but I thought I'd share how SCD has helped me...I get migraines and suffer from motion sickness esp when I go in an airplane. I had a 3 hr flight yesterday(with baby) and I felt great, not even a touch of nausea! This is the first time in my life I have not gotten sick (and did not have to drug myself up with Dramamine.) I think that my gut issues are closely related to my migraines and am glad to have some success.

Teeth-
Did someone ask about a tooth/gut relationship? I've been reading so many different threads I cannot keep them straight! Coincidence or no-DS got his first tooth 3 days ago even though he has been showing teething symptoms for 4-5 months. Could it be that my leaky gut is starting to heal and finally enabled his body to get what it needed to pop out the tooth?

[megincl]

I know that this thread, and the others, are packed with info, but sometimes it's hard to figure out what applies, so I hope it's okay if I ask a directed question:

DS is 3yo and has gut issues. He's allergic to tons of stuff, is on probiotics and L Glutamine to help his digestion (they help a lot), has too much yeast and too much anaerobic bacteria in his gut. All this being said, he's doing rather well with everything. He had reflux as a babe as well.

We're about to start TTC #2, and DW, who will carry the babe, is ready to take on healing her gut in order to provide the most healthy nurturing environment for babe #2. DW doesn't seem to have huge problems, but we do see links between her and DS. Mainly, she is gassy and often slightly constipated. She hasn't been tested for anything like yeast (never had thrush or anything). What course might she take to balance her gut before we make this next babe?

Thanks!
megin

[Kundalini-Mama]

Anyone growing their own food, raising their own animals?? Look what I found (and dig around the website, seems to have some really interesting stuff)

http://www.purehealthsystems.com/soi...robiotics.html

[Kundalini-Mama]

I'm researching cancer stuff right now (if anyone has extra internet time on their hands, feel free to look around, http://www.cancertutor.com/index.html ), but I found something that might be relevant to us gut people.....

http://www.purehealthsystems.com/beta-glucan.html

"The broad spectrum of immunopharmacological activities of glucan includes not only the modification of certain bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections, but also inhibition of tumor growth." Nicholas DiLuzio, Ph.D. Department of Physiology Tulane University School of Medicine"

[Cullens_Girl]

okay - I joined at the tail end of last month's thread...

was wondering if anyone here suffered from IBS? I'm considering getting a referral to gastroentologist(sp?)....