Healing the Gut Tribe-February - Page 6

[bluets]

mum2be, the more i think about your dd's issues, the more i think it is a structural problem. indeed, firefaery (a wiser mama than i) also mentioned this last month: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...&postcount=275

i doubt that you'll find reprieve from nutritional changes until you resolve the structural issues. have you looked into the possibility that there might be a structural problem with your dd?

if you haven't done so, i'd start with craniosacral therapy though you might look at the resource firefaery mentioned in the above post as well.

[crazycat]

Originally Posted by caedmyn

crazycat--what probiotics is your DS getting (type and dose)? Can you up his oil intake if you cut out or rotate other foods? That's the easiest way I can think of to get more calories into him. I don't know anything about white tea but 8 oz of kombucha is probably way too much, at least initially--I've been drinking it for a couple of months and am still only drinking about 6 oz a day because of detox symptoms (granted I do a lot of other probiotic drinks as well so it all contributes, but the recommendation I've seen for adults & kombucha is only 12 oz a day). You can make your own kombucha very easily if you want. I think the smelly stools are very common with autism, but then from what I've read most ASD kids have gut issues so I'm sure it's related. I don't know if that specifically indicates yeast. Have you tried digestive enzymes with him? And have you tried eliminating gluten and/or casein entirely for a while (recently) to see if that makes any difference in his symptoms?

Thanks Caedmyn!

The probiotic I just picked up is P8 or something like that ... I'd have to check for sure, but it has 8 strains of bacteria and says 2 capsules per day for ages 4 and over. I try to rotate the brands when I buy them.

I will try just 4 ounces of kombucha with him to start, unless that sounds like too much for a 5-year-old still along with his probiotic supplement? I know he has to have tons of yeast and bacteria in his system, so I don't want to overwhelm him all at once with die off. I have not tried digestive enzymes yet. Unfortunately I just can't afford to buy it all at once. I really hope to try those in the next couple of months.

Also- Bluets - I am looking for that book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle. I am going to see if our library has it. Thanks!

Thanks again for everyone's help!

[APmomma]

Originally Posted by bluets

mum2be, the more i think about your dd's issues, the more i think it is a structural problem. indeed, firefaery (a wiser mama than i) also mentioned this last month: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...&postcount=275

i doubt that you'll find reprieve from nutritional changes until you resolve the structural issues. have you looked into the possibility that there might be a structural problem with your dd?

if you haven't done so, i'd start with craniosacral therapy though you might look at the resource firefaery mentioned in the above post as well.

This is VERY interesting. My ds always makes a "clicking" sound when nursing. I also have an oversupply. I wonder if this is causing some of his digestive problems. I have also noticed, that regardless of what I eat, if he gets effected, it is ONLY after his first night feeding. We co-sleep and he usually sleeps a stretch of 4-7 hours when he first goes down. After I feed him that first time, he has a really awful time sleeping comfortably, most nights. He acts as though his stomach is *cramping*, but it *only* happens under those exact circumstances. Never during the day, never when he first goes down. I wonder if my milk supply is at it's highest(due to the long sleep stretch) and he is not latching properly which is then causing digestive issues(aside from his food sensitivies-he did have blood in his stool so I know we are dealing with more than a latch issue). Also, it is the only time I feed him laying down in the side nursing position. He prefers to be rocked to sleep during the day and at bedtime so we never really feed to sleep except for this one time. Hmmm....so much to consider.

THANKS for all for your knowledge everyone.

[caedmyn]

Originally Posted by crazycat

Thanks Caedmyn!

The probiotic I just picked up is P8 or something like that ... I'd have to check for sure, but it has 8 strains of bacteria and says 2 capsules per day for ages 4 and over. I try to rotate the brands when I buy them.

I will try just 4 ounces of kombucha with him to start, unless that sounds like too much for a 5-year-old still along with his probiotic supplement? I know he has to have tons of yeast and bacteria in his system, so I don't want to overwhelm him all at once with die off. I have not tried digestive enzymes yet. Unfortunately I just can't afford to buy it all at once. I really hope to try those in the next couple of months.

Also- Bluets - I am looking for that book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle. I am going to see if our library has it. Thanks!

Thanks again for everyone's help!

You might want to start with an ounce a day of kombucha. Four ounces might be okay for him, but if it's not, he could get really sick from too much too soon (speaking from personal experience here!). If he seems fine with an ounce after a week or so, then you could go to two ounces, etc.

The cheapest high potency enzymes I've found are at www.throppsnutrition.com. www.houstonni.com has some that are specifically for ASD kids but they are much more expensive.

Good luck!

[APmomma]

mum2b,

I just wanted to offer you some sympathy. I don't have much advice, i am new to this as well, but it seems like you are going through an awful time with your baby. This is just my opinion, so take it as you want, but it sounds like a lot of your baby's behavior is directly related to sleep or lack there of. Maybe it's not all food related. I think the fact that she never had blood in her stool is a really good sign. I find myself attributing every single thing my ds does to what i have eaten when the truth is, that's not true. Sleep deprivation can cause many, if not all, of the symptoms you described. Maybe it's a combo of both and the food issue isn't as big as you are thinking.

Of course, just an idea to throw out to you. I would hate for you to quit breastfeeding for the *wrong* reason. I have read so much about people who use neocate and it doesnt' even end up helping.

Anyway, my ds just woke up, good luck with everything. Hang in there.

[mum2be]

Originally Posted by bluets

mum2be, the more i think about your dd's issues, the more i think it is a structural problem. indeed, firefaery (a wiser mama than i) also mentioned this last month: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...&postcount=275

i doubt that you'll find reprieve from nutritional changes until you resolve the structural issues. have you looked into the possibility that there might be a structural problem with your dd?

if you haven't done so, i'd start with craniosacral therapy though you might look at the resource firefaery mentioned in the above post as well.

I don't really understand the structural thing, but she did have some clicking when she was younger while nursing. it has since gone away though. We did CST, as well as osteopathic adustment, etc. and both people we saw were at a loss when she just kept getting worse week after week.

This is VERY interesting. My ds always makes a "clicking" sound when nursing. I also have an oversupply. I wonder if this is causing some of his digestive problems. I have also noticed, that regardless of what I eat, if he gets effected, it is ONLY after his first night feeding. We co-sleep and he usually sleeps a stretch of 4-7 hours when he first goes down. After I feed him that first time, he has a really awful time sleeping comfortably, most nights. He acts as though his stomach is *cramping*, but it *only* happens under those exact circumstances. Never during the day, never when he first goes down. I wonder if my milk supply is at it's highest(due to the long sleep stretch) and he is not latching properly which is then causing digestive issues(aside from his food sensitivies-he did have blood in his stool so I know we are dealing with more than a latch issue). Also, it is the only time I feed him laying down in the side nursing position. He prefers to be rocked to sleep during the day and at bedtime so we never really feed to sleep except for this one time. Hmmm....so much to consider.

Yes! This is exactly my dd, however she has many other signs of food allergies as well. Aside from not sleeping during the day, she only sleeps for one long stretch at night (about 3-4 hours) and after that she is up with some sort of discomfort, then usually up for a good 2-3 hour stretch in the early a.m. It's odd and I have really been trying to think about what the heck is doing it to her (I thought maybe my dinner?). I think I have under supply issues so I don't think she is "gulping" much and getting too much or anything. But I find it interesting that we are both dealing with the same night time problems...

I just wanted to offer you some sympathy. I don't have much advice, i am new to this as well, but it seems like you are going through an awful time with your baby. This is just my opinion, so take it as you want, but it sounds like a lot of your baby's behavior is directly related to sleep or lack there of. Maybe it's not all food related. I think the fact that she never had blood in her stool is a really good sign. I find myself attributing every single thing my ds does to what i have eaten when the truth is, that's not true. Sleep deprivation can cause many, if not all, of the symptoms you described. Maybe it's a combo of both and the food issue isn't as big as you are thinking.

Thanks I think a lot of what we are dealing with during the day is from lack of sleep...A LOT of it. But there is a reason why she can't sleep well at night and why she wakes up after 20 minutes during the day no matter how tired she was to begin with. I have tried soooooo many different "ways" to help her sleep, or get her to sleep, etc. and nothing has worked so far.

I think she never had any blood in her stool because I have never eaten any of the top 8 allergens while nursing her, and since month 6 of my pregnancy. Actually, the only time I had soy (about 1 teaspoon) she got a huge, weeping welt on her bum. BUt I'm sure if I did consume some things like dairy or wheat, she would react big time. I just haven't had the guts to try it.




Just to clarify, I am not in favor of stopping breastfeeding, but I feel like I need to do everything I can do get her healty and happy. What if a hypoallergenic formula or a donor's milk would help her...you know? It's just another option that goes into our bag to think about. When you've tried so many things and nothing is helping, sometimes doing something you don't want to do comes next. I would never just "quit" nursing or give up. I would be pumping my a$$ off the week we trialed something else, so we could go back to nursing if needed. I love nursing her. I don't want to give it up, but I just have to keep that option open incase it would be beneficial to her. I can't see how consuming toxins from my own BM is good for her...you know?

I feel like it is my responsibility as a mother to make sure my daughter is as healthy as she can be and to do what is best for her, and doing whatever is needed to keep her that way.

THanks for everything

[bluets]

Originally Posted by mum2be

I don't really understand the structural thing, but she did have some clicking when she was younger while nursing. it has since gone away though. We did CST, as well as osteopathic adustment, etc. and both people we saw were at a loss when she just kept getting worse week after week.

revisit the links firefaery posted and be sure to watch the videos, view the photos, etc. if you still don't understand, PM firefaery. maybe you need to see a lactation consultant who has helped identify/resolve structural issues. perhaps the LLL can help find someone local.

my own experience with adjustments and CST is that you have to keep going back for at least a few visits before the problem is fully resolved.

in the meantime, focus on healing yourself. if you get through a short intense detox (as one would on the first stage/intro of SCD), you would eventually get better milk as you proceed from there.

[APmomma]

Originally Posted by mum2be

night time problems...

Just to clarify, I am not in favor of stopping breastfeeding, but I feel like I need to do everything I can do get her healty and happy. What if a hypoallergenic formula or a donor's milk would help her...you know? It's just another option that goes into our bag to think about. When you've tried so many things and nothing is helping, sometimes doing something you don't want to do comes next. I would never just "quit" nursing or give up. I would be pumping my a$$ off the week we trialed something else, so we could go back to nursing if needed. I love nursing her. I don't want to give it up, but I just have to keep that option open incase it would be beneficial to her. I can't see how consuming toxins from my own BM is good for her...you know?

I feel like it is my responsibility as a mother to make sure my daughter is as healthy as she can be and to do what is best for her, and doing whatever is needed to keep her that way.

THanks for everything

No, I totally understand. I didn't mean "quitting" in a bad way. Trust me, when my ds's blood was not resolving, I had the same feelings. I felt like *I* was the reason he was hurting and bleeding. I kept thinking that maybe formula *would* be better. And you know what? For some, it may be. It is a choice that you have to make and only you know what is best for your daughter. Have you considered a trial on neocate? Maybe it would give you a better basis for making a decision.

FWIW, I have a friend who also has a baby the same age as mine(almost 4 months). She has been dealing with the SAME EXACT issues with her dd. She is fine all day, and then up all night with gassiness and uncomfortablility. She is off all dairy and is so frustrated. It seems to be a common problem unfortunetly.

I really hope you and your family can come to some peace and happiness with the decisions ahead of you and your dd's issues. It really is so hard-especially when you are sleep deprived!!!

Again, good luck!

ETA: My ds has a pediactric GI appointment on Wednesday. Not expecting too much, but curious to see what he has to say. Have you been to one?? Also, have you had your dd adjusted by a chiro? We have been working with one, just not consistantly.

[mum2be]

Originally Posted by APmomma

ETA: My ds has a pediactric GI appointment on Wednesday. Not expecting too much, but curious to see what he has to say. Have you been to one?? Also, have you had your dd adjusted by a chiro? We have been working with one, just not consistantly.

We saw someone who was supposed to be the best ped. GI in the state. He was HORRIBLE...said it was impossible for a baby to react to anything other than dairy or soy : (And it cost us over $300!!)

Dd went to an osteopath (they do manipulation but in a different way) 6 or 7 times and eventually they just said there was nothing more they could do

[mum2be]

Originally Posted by bluets

mum2be, the more i think about your dd's issues, the more i think it is a structural problem. indeed, firefaery (a wiser mama than i) also mentioned this last month: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...&postcount=275

i doubt that you'll find reprieve from nutritional changes until you resolve the structural issues. have you looked into the possibility that there might be a structural problem with your dd?

if you haven't done so, i'd start with craniosacral therapy though you might look at the resource firefaery mentioned in the above post as well.

I looked again at her post. The midwife evaluated dd's tongue and latch several times,and consulted a LC and said it appeared okay. I looked at the site w/pictures about tongue-tie and I would say that dd doesn't have it...you should see how far she can stick her tongue out! No heart shaped tongue or tight frenulum (sp?) either. I can't seem to watch the videos on latches on the breastfeeding site...they won't play on my Mac.
The CST and osteopath we saw was the best in the state, known for treating babies and was really great, but after going 6 times (an hour drive both ways...) he said there was nothing more he could do.

Should we still investigate this further?

[caedmyn]

mum2be--have you ever looked into health kinesiology? It's somewhat similar to NAET for getting rid of allergies, if you've heard of that. I probably can't explain it very well, but basically your body has several different energy systems like magnetic and electrical systems. If one of those systems is out of balance, the feedback/information throughout the whole body is messed up. One theory is that this can cause allergies, and what's called "vibrational medicine" like health kinesiology can get the magnetic and electrical system to function properly. The book "Energy Medicine" explains it all very well (but it's pretty technical--I think I understood about 10% of it!). Homeopathy is also a vibrational medicine, and after reading the book I understand why homeopathy works when you get the right remedy.

Anyhow, it's supposed to be highly effective and require relatively few sessions, at least for a baby. My DD has an appt next month so we'll see. The practitioner said it should take no more than 4 sessions ($65 each). I'm really hoping it helps her, and it might be something that would help your DD.

[crazycat]

Ok, we are now looking very seriously at the SCD diet for DS1. I have ordered Breaking the Vicious Cycle and also the cookbook, Eat Well Feel Well I think, and they should be here on Wednesday. I am so hopeful that this will provide some benefit for our son and am looking forward tremendously to having him feeling better and healthier. I am hoping to start this by next week once I have had a chance to read the books (hopefully ...sometimes the kids like to slow my reading plans down ...)

Now I also have some questions regarding our DS2 ...

DS2 was born full term just shy of 39 weeks. He was born via emergency C-section due to fetal distress. He was not breathing and had a low HR and was put in the NICU. I also had a fever (pneumonia) so both of us were given antibiotics. DS2 spent only 4 days in the NICU but also was given formula while there since I was sick and my milk was very slow to come in. We spent the first three months trying to overcome his major bottle/nipple aversion but he was finally exclusively breastfed by 12 weeks and is still nursing very frequently day and night.

He was and is a very high maintenance baby/toddler. He screamed constantly as an infant and was treated with both zantac and prevacid for silent reflux, which made an enormous difference, but he still wakes every 1-2 hours throughout the night and nap time fussing and will want to nurse, even if very briefly. He has not slept more than two hours at a stretch more than 5-6 times his entire life. He also has asthma and is treated with daily steroid nebulizer treatments to try to stabilize that. He is very petite, weighing only 24 pounds, and his appetite is extremely up and down. He also has a faint rash all over his arms and torso that has been there for a few months anyway but maybe longer, I'm not really sure. It doesn't seem to bother him but he does get extremely dry patches of skin on his arms and legs along with this rash. He is very dairy intolerant and actually refuses any dairy products offered other than ice cream. He won't touch goat milk or yogurt products either, but I have been able to cook with these and they don't seem to bother him.

So my question is, does this sound like something that also might be gut related? He has been on several courses of antibiotics and steroids prior to starting the daily nebs due to severe asthma attacks, one of which required hospitalization at about 8 months of age. Since then he has come close to being hospitalized a few times but has been able to be treated in the clinic with back-to-back breathing treatments and come home on the oral steroids and/or antibiotics depending on the reason for the attack (respiratory infection versus environmental trigger).

I am wondering if the SCD diet might be helpful for him as well? Is there something else that I should be doing since he is so young? DH thinks I'm a bit nutty to be even considering it. DS1 is tube fed so the change in his diet will not be a struggle as far as cooperation is concerned. (He is happy as long as I don't ask him to actually eat anything orally.) With DS2, though, he wants what everyone else is having, which is already hard with the dairy intolerance when DH or someone else is having something he can't have, especially at family gatherings.

Just wondering what others might think. Thanks!

[bluets]

mum2be - probably not qorth pursuing structural issues further. i'd look at milk thistle (silymarin?) for liver support. there's mntion of it for fatty liver in the nutrition 101 sticky in the vaccination forum.

crazycat - SCD shoudl at least help re-set gut flora. though i caution you that if your dc is dairy intolerant sometimes, that intolerance is actually always present and i personally would avoid dairy while trying to heal. intolerance and inflammation go hand in hand. evening primrose oil might be helpful for the skin problems, as might cod liver oil (high vitamin, that is). the asthma also suggests vitamin A, D (both in a good high vitamin CLO) but also magnesium. you probably would benefit yourself from the SCD.

as for wanting what others are having.... i made the rule that if ds and i had to go dairyfree then dh had to do so as well. i actually let dh read "Traditional Foods are the best medicine" and he got so scared about eating his old way that, for a time, he would ask me if what he was about to eat was safe. he's now totally sweetener-free (no sugar, no honey, no syrup, no stevia) for 99% of the time - this from a guy who grew up in the south on grandma's sweet iced tea.

[Pookietooth]

I just wanted to say welcome to the new mamas. Crazycat, so sorry to hear about your ds1 and ds2. Sounds like they both have gut issues. SCD could help. You can do a one month trial to see if there is improvement. Then look up on the Internet about rotary diets. There is a lot of info about them, and they don't always agree.
You could also get a stool test from direct labs (you don't need a doctor, they do it for you) to see what is in there. I've heard the OAT (organic acids test) is more accurate, but it requires collecting urine over a period of time, I think. Might be hard with a non-verbal kid, especially if he's still in diapers.
I think gluten free is supposed to be done for 6 months to figure out if it will make a difference, because that's about how long it takes gluten to get out of the system.

[LovinLiviLou]

So, I’m starting to wonder if dd and I have opposite issues, and that is why I can’t make sense out of half of what is going on. Eight long months ago, I would have never said I had any gut issues and I also thought we ate healthy. I started an egg and dairy free SCD diet for the baby, but after 6 months, I just have to laugh at that me thinking I had no issues. I feel (physically) and look so much better now, and I realize so many of the things that I just thought were normal are not. But there are still things going on that aren’t right with DD, so I keep reading and researching. And since the little one is starting to eat solids, I’m having to figure those reactions into things as well. So, after her reactions, I started thinking maybe we had an amine problem, too, so I tried the FAILsafe intro diet for 3 days, but felt awful. So, now I’m wondering if I need the SCD type diet (with sulfur in the meats and veggies), but she needs the low amine/saly/sulfur diet.

So, now I’m trying to balance all that, but I’m having such a hard time finding anything I can eat. There aren’t many foods that are both FAILsafe and SCD compliant, and even less that I can feed to an 8 mo old who can’t do any dairy and egg.

Nolansmum – I know you’ve done both before. Any ideas on good intro foods? She can eat green peas and green beans, and I’ve also done some winter squash (even though that is higher in amines, right?). I think carrots are in the “medium” category, and they are out for her, and the avocado was the one that really sent her over the edge and got me thinking it was an amine issue.

I’m also in a quandary about bone broths. I’m torn between the gut healing properties and the higher amine content. Does the good outweigh the bad or should we stay away? I’m tempted at times to give her some soaked grains, but then I worry that I’ll be doing damage that might not show up for a while (or retarding healing, at least). She so wants to eat (she literally screams at us while we’re eating) and there’s so little I can figure out to give her. Ideas from all would be most appreciated.

[caedmyn]

Originally Posted by LovinLiviLou

So, I’m starting to wonder if dd and I have opposite issues, and that is why I can’t make sense out of half of what is going on. Eight long months ago, I would have never said I had any gut issues and I also thought we ate healthy. I started an egg and dairy free SCD diet for the baby, but after 6 months, I just have to laugh at that me thinking I had no issues. I feel (physically) and look so much better now, and I realize so many of the things that I just thought were normal are not. But there are still things going on that aren’t right with DD, so I keep reading and researching. And since the little one is starting to eat solids, I’m having to figure those reactions into things as well. So, after her reactions, I started thinking maybe we had an amine problem, too, so I tried the FAILsafe intro diet for 3 days, but felt awful. So, now I’m wondering if I need the SCD type diet (with sulfur in the meats and veggies), but she needs the low amine/saly/sulfur diet.

So, now I’m trying to balance all that, but I’m having such a hard time finding anything I can eat. There aren’t many foods that are both FAILsafe and SCD compliant, and even less that I can feed to an 8 mo old who can’t do any dairy and egg.

Nolansmum – I know you’ve done both before. Any ideas on good intro foods? She can eat green peas and green beans, and I’ve also done some winter squash (even though that is higher in amines, right?). I think carrots are in the “medium” category, and they are out for her, and the avocado was the one that really sent her over the edge and got me thinking it was an amine issue.

I’m also in a quandary about bone broths. I’m torn between the gut healing properties and the higher amine content. Does the good outweigh the bad or should we stay away? I’m tempted at times to give her some soaked grains, but then I worry that I’ll be doing damage that might not show up for a while (or retarding healing, at least). She so wants to eat (she literally screams at us while we’re eating) and there’s so little I can figure out to give her. Ideas from all would be most appreciated.

I don't have much in the way of words of wisdom, but I'm right there with you. I still need to be at least partly on the candida diet, and DD needs...well I wish I could figure out what DD needs, but it's not the candida diet. I struggle with finding things to feed her, too. After almost clearing up, her eczema started coming back a few days ago and I think it's due to either the avocado or cauliflower she's been eating. She has so few foods as it is that I hate for her to lose anything. And I'm having trouble introducing new foods slowly because her diet is so limited and she DEMANDS to eat.

Do you give your DD meats? Mine loves meat--I simmer chicken or beef or elk meat for a couple of hours until it's really tender and she does well with that (not failsafe though I don't think). I also gave her liver pate for the first time a couple of days ago and she scarfed that right down. As far as the bone broths, I've seen recommendations on failsafeNT yahoo group for only simmering the bones for an hour or two--apparently that keeps the level of amines down to a manageable level for at least some of the people in that group.

I believe winter squash is high in salicylates (higher than carrots) but low in amines. Avocados are high in both salicylates and amines. Here's a good link for salicylate and amine contents of foods http://www.zipworld.com.au/~ataraxy/Amines_list.html

[Punchy Kaby]

Originally Posted by LovinLiviLou

So, I’m starting to wonder if dd and I have opposite issues, and that is why I can’t make sense out of half of what is going on. Eight long months ago, I would have never said I had any gut issues and I also thought we ate healthy. I started an egg and dairy free SCD diet for the baby, but after 6 months, I just have to laugh at that me thinking I had no issues. I feel (physically) and look so much better now, and I realize so many of the things that I just thought were normal are not. But there are still things going on that aren’t right with DD, so I keep reading and researching. And since the little one is starting to eat solids, I’m having to figure those reactions into things as well. So, after her reactions, I started thinking maybe we had an amine problem, too, so I tried the FAILsafe intro diet for 3 days, but felt awful. So, now I’m wondering if I need the SCD type diet (with sulfur in the meats and veggies), but she needs the low amine/saly/sulfur diet.

So, now I’m trying to balance all that, but I’m having such a hard time finding anything I can eat. There aren’t many foods that are both FAILsafe and SCD compliant, and even less that I can feed to an 8 mo old who can’t do any dairy and egg.

Nolansmum – I know you’ve done both before. Any ideas on good intro foods? She can eat green peas and green beans, and I’ve also done some winter squash (even though that is higher in amines, right?). I think carrots are in the “medium” category, and they are out for her, and the avocado was the one that really sent her over the edge and got me thinking it was an amine issue.

I’m also in a quandary about bone broths. I’m torn between the gut healing properties and the higher amine content. Does the good outweigh the bad or should we stay away? I’m tempted at times to give her some soaked grains, but then I worry that I’ll be doing damage that might not show up for a while (or retarding healing, at least). She so wants to eat (she literally screams at us while we’re eating) and there’s so little I can figure out to give her. Ideas from all would be most appreciated.

I agree with you, it is hard to figure out problems because each of us has our unique traits that need a specific thing to heal.

I really don't know what advice to give you about Failsafe. I would imagine if you felt badly for 3 days while doing it your body might have been detoxing. BUt 3 days is not long enough to get any results. It is not possible to do Failsafe and SCD. I felt better on SCD (than on SAD) but now that I am on Failsafe I feel a ton better, I never knew I could feel like this or that all sorts of little problems could vanish so quickly. You may be able to get results by using foods low in amines/salicylates but if you are not seeing improvements it is best to do the elimination diet. We are very sensitive here and I cannot tolerate any soaked grains (not even soaked in the fridge), I am not making any bone broths, I cook and then freeze my beans/lentils, and we never eat leftovers. We haven't reached baseline but I've been told this is the hardest time of year to do it (exercise/sweating is very good for detox and I am doing very little.)

Nolan loves beans, lentils, rice, steamed celery, steamed chayote, steamed pear, chicken, lamb, rice, rice pasta, rice muffins, green beans.

I have learned the most from the people at the Yahoo group Failsafe NT, you can see all the posts, it is not a group you have to sign up for.

[PapayaVagina]

Hey everyone. Am subscribing to this as I'm going to start working more aggressively to try and figure out what's going on with dd's gut issues.

Our story is we unfortunately had a homebirth transport that ended up in a horrible c-sec with loads and loads of antibiotics due to a uterine infection and probable meconium aspiration. Once dd was about 4 weeks old (she is almost 4 months old now) she started having several hour long episodes of hysterical crying so I cut out dairy and wheat. After about a month she was much improved but has never had "normal" BF poop. Her poops are like an orange-ish peanut butter consistency and smell horribly. I've restarted her on some acidophilus but it says that it's in a "base similar to that of breastmilk." Does anyone know what that might be? I might just go ahead and get a different brand if I can find something here locally that has no dairy in it. I'm going to start TED ASAP as well to try and figure out what else might be going on.

If anyone has any tips for a beginner trying to help heal a 4-month old's gut please LMK

[Pookietooth]

PapayaVagina, I would make sure your dd is getting a dairy free, bifidus-only probiotic. Also, take a multi strain yourself. Read the healing the gut sticky at the top of this forum, too. to you. It will get better.

[caedmyn]

Nolansmum--have you looked into the Houston enzymes at all? I was just reading the other day that their No-Fenol is specifically designed to help phenols and salicylate reactions--maybe that's something that would help increase your tolerances? I still suspect my DD has mild salicylate reactions, and if that still seems likely in a month or two, I think I'll try those enzymes for her before I try Failsafe or a low salicylate diet. I think she only has problems when she eats high salicylate foods or when her total salicylate load gets too high. We'll see, though, I've been wrong before (most of the time I am I think!).