posted
I saw my new LLMD on Tuesday. He is recommending the Body Ecology Diet as one way to deal with the severe GI issues I've been having.
I went to the website (www.bodyecology.com) and read what was available there, and I ordered the book. I can't really get started till I have the book and know what it's all about.
I understand that it emphasizes things like fermented foods to replace healthy bacteria in the GI tract and aid digestion, and healthy fats like coconut oil.
Has anyone tried it, or have any info to pass on to me while I wait for the book to arrive?
Thanks. Peggy
Posts: 143 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
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clairenotes
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posted
Here is a link to a discussion about it not too long ago (December).
posted
Thanks, Claire. I did a search under Body Ecology Diet and some variations of that, but this didn't come up. It'll give me something to go on till the book arrives.
Peggy
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Jill E.
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I have the book but haven't followed it, except to try to eat some fermented foods.
However, quite a few people in the celiac email lists I subscribe to sing its praises, saying it really helped symptoms that the gluten-free diet did not fully resolve.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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clairenotes
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I would really like to incorporate some of these foods into my life, too. From what I have read superficially, it makes sense.
But some of us may not be able to tolerate them. Might depend on where we are at with LD treatment. For instance, I can sometimes eat organic unsalted sauerkraut on days when my GI health is stronger. Other times, the vinegar can irritate a little. And fermented foods may not be good for everyone, here.
Claire
Edit: Just wanted to say that is really interesting that the diet helped some of the celiac people.
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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I've read that not everyone can tolerate fermented foods. But since my LLMD recommended the diet, I figure I'll give it a shot so I can at least tell him whether it helped or not.
Yesterday I ordered the book, some culture starter to make kefir from coconut water, as my LLMD recommended that instead of dairy, and some cultured vegetables.
The website I ordered it from is in Maryland, and they actually make and sell cultured vegetables. It's a husband-wife team. She's a Body Ecology consultant, and he's a chef. So he makes the vegetables, and in a number of varieties with an amazing array of ingredients, everything organic.
He just called to tell me that the vegetables shipped and should arrive tomorrow. If anybody's interested, I can play guinea pig and report how it goes.
Peggy
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clairenotes
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Peggy said:
"If anybody's interested, I can play guinea pig and report how it goes."
Yes, please!!
Claire Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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Jill E.
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Yes, Peggy, please post when you try the foods. I know fermented foods are supposed to be easy to make but I never get around to it. I buy natural sauerkraut at the health food store but it's very expensive.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
Okay, guinea pig it is. My order of cultured vegetables is supposed to arrive tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to trying them. Expensive? Yes.
I ordered from a www.getintobalance.com in Baltimore, because I figured it would get here faster. A quart is $23, but if you're interested, take a look at the website and see the varieties and what's in each one. I ordered the California Blend.
I talked to the guy who makes it, and he said on the diet you don't eat a ton of it. You eat a couple of tablespoons with each meal. So we'll see how long that quart lasts. And whether it helps or hinders my digestion.
I'll try to remember to report back. If I forget, remind me, please. I'll be happy to share the results of my experiment.
Peggy
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beachcomber
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Peggy:
I incorporate fermented foods into my diet regularly. I eat a mostly macrobiotic diet, with the exception of some animal protein, which my MD and ND feel I really need for now. (That was a leap for me).
I don't eat dairy, other than Bio-K and an ocassional cheese when it is in the dish I am being served.
Fermented foods are loaded with enzymes that I feel we need. JMO, based on research. The ones I eat are suaerkraut (Bubbies), miso, tamari, and vinegar free kim-chee. These all help with digestion.
If you can tolerate kefir, that would be good too. I am not good with dairy. And, it is not part of the macrobiotic diet.
Start slowly and keep track of how you feel. This will take a little work and experimentation. Good luck and enjoy.
posted
Hi BC--I was also a vegetarian until I got so sick I was advised I need animal protein for strength. So I took the plunge, too.
I don't eat dairy, either, since I don't seem to be able to tolerate it anymore. Did you know that Bio-K has a dairy-free version? And the kefir my doctor recommended is made with coconut water, not milk.
I've been eating 2 tbsp of kim chee with each meal since Wednesday. So far so good--I don't notice anything one way or the other. It's not bad, but I'm not crazy about it--the chunks of vegetables are huge.
Today my order of cultured vegetables should arrive. It's a blend of cabbage, carrot, parsley, ginger, Granny Smith apple, zucchini, yellow pepper, orange pepper, celery brine, and starter. That sounds like a big improvement over the kim chee.
Once I get it I'll continue with the 2 tbsp with each meal, and I'll try to remember to post whatever results I get, if any.
Peggy
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beachcomber
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Peggy:
Yup, I do like the dairy free Bio-K. Sometimes my grocer only has the dairy one. I mix it up because the non-dairy one has sugar, another food that I don't generally eat.
As for the kim-chee, you can chop it up. I agree that the veggies are a bit chunky.
My store sometimes carries pickled carrots (no vinegar) which are really tasty.
posted
The fermented foods make me really dizzy. so start slow and dont gulf down a bunch of it. My friend has had great success on the diet and love's it. I tried to buy the culture and make my own fermented food with out success, but I eat my friends stuff in small dosages with my food. I really really like the Lakanto sugar substitute..expensive but worth every penny in my opinion.
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Hoosiers51
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Where can I buy vinegar free kin-chee?
I will be moving to Los Angeles soon, so if it's at a specialty store that they would have out there, please feel free to list a specific store or chain by name.
I have seen the Bubbie's sauerkraut in most health food stores.
I think I'll try to start with those as a little experiment before I order a lot.
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MariaA
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Kimchee shouldn't have vinegar in it. The acidity comes from lactic acid that's a side benefit of the probiotic bacteria that reproduce in the veggies and brine. It's not vinegar.
For instructions on the EASIEST way to make it or kraut, see my 'homemade probiotics' link in my signature.
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