Cheeseslave is Officially Off Cheese
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It’s ironic that I named this blog Cheeseslave. I named it that because I love cheese so much.
But now I have to stop eating cheese. At least for a while.
I’ve been posting for a few months about how I’ve been sneezing. I was so stuffed up, it was keeping me up at night.
I couldn’t understand what was wrong with me — I thought maybe it was a bacterial infection. It turns out I am allergic to dairy. I think I’m also allergic to wheat. I also sneeze whenever I eat sugar, even rapadura or maple syrup.
I went back on the GAPS diet last week — just to see what would happen. Within a couple of days with no sugar, no grains, and no starches, my congestion cleared up and my sneezing was gone. Just like that!
We did the GAPS diet last April, for about 4-5 months. Ironically I was just doing it to support my husband, who really needed GAPS (I thought I was fine). But now his digestion is fine and mine still needs a lot of healing.
The GAPS diet, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, is very similar to the SCD or Specific Carbohydrates Diet. It was formulated by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride and it helps to heal the digestive tract and helps the microvilli grow back — so that the proper enzymes will be excreted and food will be properly digested. It’s a little different from SCD in how dairy products are introduced.
Also, GAPS puts a greater emphasis on things like cod liver oil, bone broth, and being sure to buy your food organic. It’s sort of like the WAPF diet meets SCD.
So I’m going back on GAPS, starting with the strict intro diet. Starting today.
I’ll be posting a daily food journal so you can see what I’m eating (and the supplements I am taking). Yeah, it’s not fun that I have to do this over the holidays. But I have no choice! I can’t go on sneezing like I was. It was horrible!
Also, I want to get pregnant again next year, so I really need to be building up my nutritional stores. Anytime you have food sensitivities or food allergies, it means that your gut needs healing. When you have a leaky gut, it means that you are not properly absorbing or digesting nutrients.
So if I want to get pregnant next year, I need to heal my gut now.
And hopefully by next year I will be eating cheese again. One can only hope!
For more information on the GAPS diet, visit the following sites:
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12/11/2008 at 3:53 pm Permalink
Hi Anne Marie,
I also have issues with dairy… even raw, cultured for more than 24 hours dairy. And it was very subtle. I finally gave it up and my sinus mucous production has decreased substantially. I’ve been doing the GAPS for a while but I’ve upped the effort recently by following the plan posted on http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com.
It’s definitely a more rigorous diet but since I’ve started (less than 1 month), I’ve already reduced my thyroid medication by a 1/3rd!
I basically eat a lot of fat, some protein, and veggies… oh, and lemons too.
Just thought I’d share in case it helps.
Here’s to healing!
Genevieve
12/11/2008 at 4:07 pm Permalink
Annie,I too am starting the strict gaps diet this week. My mom would always tell me how terribly colicky I was as a baby, and to this day don’t have very good digestion and am late in my twenties. Annie thank you for all that you pass down to us. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to address this problem with our guts and prevent the problems that can arise in the future. I was able to hear dr.mcbride speak on the diet online, but she did not mention raw apple cider vinegar. I know Donna Gates is ba big fan. D you think we should have it? thanks again annie
12/11/2008 at 4:08 pm Permalink
I cant do raw dairy either except for butter so I understand what you’re going through. Gluten, and most grains are out as well. I really need to get back into broths and CLO again though because I’ve been slacking off.
12/11/2008 at 4:09 pm Permalink
Hi, Genevieve,
I’ll have to check out that link. A lot of people talk about that site.
That is incredible that you were able to decrease your thyroid meds! I wonder if it is because you are absorbing more nutrients now — esp. iodine?
It does help to hear back from others who are doing GAPS — absolutely! Knowing that you are not alone!
That’s also why I want to post my food journal — so folks can see that it’s not really that hard.
Ann Marie
12/11/2008 at 4:18 pm Permalink
I’m so glad you’re going to be posting on this! I’ve been reading the GAPs book and I just got my mom to start on GAPS! I’m so excited to see her progress and help her stick to it and it will be great to keep up with your food log. I’m totally off wheat but have introduced some dairy back into my diet and seem to be doing well with it now but i was off if for quite some time. The GAPS book has been so amazing to read even if you’re not doing the GAPS diet, so much great info.
I started taking the bio-cult but I have a really difficult time detoxing dye off and I was getting really depressed from all the crap that wouldn’t exit my system and that was just taking .5 pill per day. I’m going to stick to really sour Kombucha for the time being and try and introduce the bio-cult next month.
12/11/2008 at 6:00 pm Permalink
Hi Anne Marie,
Bummer about the cheese. I eat cheese all the time, and would only give it up under extreme circumstances
Anyway, could you locate something for me?
I remember seeing a list of pasturized milk recalls versus raw, on your site some time ago.
I am needing to see it for a project I am working on.
Our local health org., is interested in my latest work with WAPF.
I am showing Sally’s seminar in my home and giving free cooking classes.
And now I am working towards showing it at the Community Center, and prepping for summer market booths.
Thanks in advance,
Paula
12/11/2008 at 8:31 pm Permalink
My 18 year old son has been on SCD since July and is doing great for his ulcerative colitis. But he still says he’s not 100% back to normal. Maybe 90%. He does eat legal cheese on his burgers, I was wondering what the difference is with the GAPS vs SCD?
12/11/2008 at 8:31 pm Permalink
I totally sympathize! My boys and I have been on the intro diet for almost a month. I’m feeling and sleeping so much better already. It’s taking longer for the boys, because they’re much more allergic than I am.
Do you know about the GAPShelp Yahoo group? It’s one of the nicest ones I’ve been on. You’re welcome to join us if you like.
Off to make some more soup …
Laura
13/11/2008 at 12:04 am Permalink
Hey Ann Marie,
Do you know of any good sites online that outline the GAPS intro diet? I don’t think she mentions it in the book and I haven’t come across one online…
Amara
13/11/2008 at 12:19 am Permalink
Kelly – I think ACV does help with digestion. It is legal on GAPS.
Maria – Are you juicing and/or taking epsom salt baths? That really helps with the detoxing. I’m not juicing right now but I am doing beet kvass and detox tea every morning. You can also take a smaller amount of Biokult — like 1/10 of a capsule and work your way up slowly.
Paula – I know!!!! These are extreme circumstances. I have been sneezing constantly and I was so stuffed up I could not breathe at night. Otherwise I would never give up cheese. That is great about all that you are doing!! How awesome! I will look and see if I can find that for you and post below.
Kay – I should write a whole post about this… GAPS has you go off all dairy products for a few weeks — then you slowly introduce one at a time — waiting a few days (and up to a few months — checking for reactions) between each one — starting with ghee, then butter, then kefir/yogurt, then aged cheeses, then soft cheeses, then milk and finally cream.
GAPS also puts a lot of emphasis on bone broth. We are supposed to drink it with every meal in the beginning. It is very healing to the intestinal lining. We are also supposed to take cod liver oil to help boost immunity.
Also, Dr. C-McB stresses all organic foods and pastured meats. There are some other differences but those are the main ones I think.
Laura – How come you are staying on the intro diet for so long? Do you still have diarrhea. My diarrhea just started today. Woo hoo! I know that means that the good bugs are starting to go to work and the bad bugs are on their way out.
I am on the GAPS Help Yahoo group. I do like it. I wasn’t on as much before since we finished GAPS but I am back now!
Ann Marie
13/11/2008 at 12:22 am Permalink
Paula -
Is this the list you are looking for?
http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/01/09/drinking-pasteurized-milk-is-dangerous/
13/11/2008 at 12:24 am Permalink
Amara,
I found it on the GAPS Help Yahoo group — in their files.
Just join this group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GAPShelp/
And you will find it in the Files section under Getting Started.
Here is the link:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GAPShelp/files/Getting%20Started/
13/11/2008 at 12:27 am Permalink
Kay -
Here is what Dr. Campbell-McBride recommends for introing dairy:
In a presentation, Dr. Natasha had the following dairy
recommendations:
INTRODUCING DAIRY
Avoid all dairy products for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Step 1 – Introduce organic unsalted ghee (recipe available in Gut and
Psychology Syndrome)
Step 2 – Introduce organic unsalted butter
Step 3 – Introduce homemade kefir, yogurt and fermented cream
Step 4 – Introduce homemade cheese (the cheese you make from yogurt or raw milk when you separate the curds and whey)
Step 5 – Introduce mature traditional cheese
Step 6 – Introduce double cream and clotted cream
Avoid all milk and milk substitutes.
She said it will take most GAPS patients 18 months to complete all
the steps.
13/11/2008 at 12:31 am Permalink
The thing I don’t understand about GAPS is, if Dr N-McB has you wean off of all supplements, has you avoiding dairy and a host of other foods, where are all your essential minerals and vitamins going to come from??
13/11/2008 at 12:58 am Permalink
Bone broth is loaded with vitamins and minerals. So is meat and fish. She of course highly recommends liver and other organ meats and shellfish — which are the most nutrient-dense.
Animal fats too are packed with nutrients. I had duck and bacon fat today, plus pork sausage which has a lot of fat.
13/11/2008 at 4:31 am Permalink
Yes it is! Thank you so much.
Now I can put together real numbers with the facts.
Paula
13/11/2008 at 2:46 pm Permalink
We’re on the intro diet so long because my boys can’t tolerate stuff! I posted to the GAPS group about it this morning.
13/11/2008 at 2:52 pm Permalink
I just convienced my husband to try one week dairy and grain free. He has suffered from allergies and asthma all his life but recently they have gotten much worse. I hope he continues with it and can see some improvement!
I don’t have the GAPS book, but have a question for you about potato’s? Are these okay or not?
13/11/2008 at 3:12 pm Permalink
That is GREAT!
No potatoes. Sorry.
The full list of allowed and prohibited foods is here:
http://gapsdiet.com/The_Diet.html
13/11/2008 at 4:18 pm Permalink
Yeah, that is what I thought. I’m not going to ask that of him, he all ready had a fit at lunch when he grabbed some butter to put on his beans and I told him that had dairy in it, haha. It’s a hard and expensive diet to follow 100%. He’s just going to start with the dairy and grains, hopefully we can move forward from there.
13/11/2008 at 4:41 pm Permalink
Yes well that’s a lot! At least he is willing to do that much. Good luck. Keep me posted.
13/11/2008 at 5:13 pm Permalink
Hi Ann Marie,
I know; I’m shocked that I’ve been able to reduce meds! I have been on these for 5+ years!
I think it is because I’m eating nuturitional dense foods and not feeding yeasts with high starch veggies, dairy (except butter), or suars (fruit or honey). I’m also doing a ton (5-6 TB) of coconut oil which I think speeds up the thyroid.
We’ll see; I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m also bitchy and tired which can be hard. Other moments, I feel really strong, grounded, and well.
I have tried every type of diet in my past… low fat, vegetarian (gasp!), raw, food combining, Nourishing Traditions, etc. This is the only time I feel that the foods I am eating are helping and healing me rather than harming me.
Blessings to you and thank you for being so transparent about your journey
.
G
13/11/2008 at 6:20 pm Permalink
Yes, I will! It will be baby steps that’s for sure. I can’t make him eat differently, but I hope I can influence him enough to at least attempt to make an effort from it. He thinks because he’s always eaten them, that it can’t possibly be an issue.
It’s funny, because years ago, he had allergy testing done and they told him to avoid dairy, grains, and yeasty foods (especially beer). But he never has followed that rule obviously. I am praying for some improvement that he will notice, it will give him the extra bump to keep at it!
13/11/2008 at 9:12 pm Permalink
I’m not juicing or doing the detox baths but I do use an infared sauna for 45mins every 3 days and sweat like heck so I think that is good for detox.
I think I have some liver issues so i’m really going to try and push the komucha and then move onto the bio-cult, I so want to get up to 4-6caps per day of bio-cult because I love traveling to Guatemala but I get parasites really bad when I go and I feel like if I’m filled with the good probiotics it’s really going to help keep the bad bugs at bay!
I love G.T. Daves kombucha, i make my own but get GT’s when i’m out for a treat, isn’t all kombucha made with white sug, I brew mine with white organic sug and let it get reallly, really sour. I’m really trying to push the bone broth, I just set up a crock pot so I can have it warm whenever i’m home and ready to drink right away, I luv putting 1t of coconut oil in with it when i drink it, good way to get more coconut oil in.
13/11/2008 at 10:28 pm Permalink
Erica,
My husband improved tremendously. He was only on GAPS for about 5 months — and he is much happier now, much less depression and anxiety. His digestion is a million times better too. It’s easy to avoid foods when you feel like crap when you eat them. I will pray for your husband to have success with the diet!
Ann Marie
13/11/2008 at 10:30 pm Permalink
Maria,
Do you strain your stock first, then keep it warm all day in the stock pot? I really like that idea. Kind of like the Asians keep their rice warm all day, and they have hot water heaters so they can have hot tea all day.
I also love the idea of adding coconut oil to the broth. I’m going to do that tonight with dinner!
Thanks for the good ideas.
Ann Marie
13/11/2008 at 10:37 pm Permalink
Does anyone know how Dr N-McB feels about water kefir?
All this talk about the GAPS diet has me really overwhelmed! I planned on starting it in the new year, but it seems like I need to be on the intro diet for longer than I anticipated, and I don’t know if i’m going to be able to do it at school too (I was only going to do it for 4 weeks, or the time I have at home) Also, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to afford to sustain the diet! Does anyone have any recommendations about other well-researched, scientifically legitimate gut cleansing diets?
13/11/2008 at 11:28 pm Permalink
Amara,
You only need to be on the intro diet for a short time. Just until the constipation/diarrhea clears up and your stool normalizes. It’s different for everyone. For some people, they may only need to be on the intro diet for a few days. Others may need to be on it for a month or more. But I think those people are the minority.
When I healed myself of candida when I was in my twenties, I did an “intro” elimination diet for only about 3 weeks. Then I did an anti-candida diet for about 1.5 to 2 years.
I probably could have healed faster if I had been on a full GAPS diet, but I didn’t know about it back then. I was only avoiding sugar (all kinds — I only ate things that were sweetened with fruit juice, and then only on occasion) and wheat. I still ate other grains like oats, corn, rice, etc. I ate beans and potatoes and other starches. I even drank wine in the evening and I drank Diet Cokes and used NutraSweet in my coffee (I know — ugh!). But I didn’t know any better and I did the best I could.
The point is, I still healed.
It was just wheat and sugar that I gave up — and I still healed.
So… if you can’t do full GAPS, do not despair. Just do the best you can.
Look, I’m not perfect either and I do cheat. I’m human! But I do the best I can. I think if you do some kind of modified GAPS diet, you will heal, probably faster than you expect. My husband is vastly improved after only 5 months on the GAPS diet.
I think the one thing you DO need however is STRONG probiotics. If you can’t afford Biokult, I would suggest eating kefir grains. Yes, actually eating the grains. It’s like eating flavorless gummy bears. One of the moms on the GAPS Help group has had major improvements with her son with Aspberger’s and she never used Biokult — only kefir grains. And the beautiful thing about kefir grains is they are so economical — they grow all by themselves!
Check this site out too — Genevieve posted it above:
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/
I’m reading through it — sounds a lot like what I went through in my 20s.
I think even if you do GAPS for a little while and then reintroduce some grains (the ones you are not allergic to) slowly one by one — I don’t think you necessarily have to be on GAPS for 2 years. I may end up dong this… I may end up staying on GAPS for 6 months or so and then start introducing soaked grains (if I can). I’ll stay off wheat (which I react to).
I don’t know — I’m going to play it by ear. But it is good to know that you can do this even if you don’t do it as a purist. You can still get there.
That said, the probiotics are key. Start on those, as soon as you can. Do you have kefir grains?
Ann Marie
13/11/2008 at 11:36 pm Permalink
Amara –
Check this out:
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/intro1.php
This seems like maybe it would be a more moderate (and more do-able) approach for you.
Ann Marie
14/11/2008 at 1:25 am Permalink
Yeah, I feel like I’ve read enough about candida and gut cleansing by this point that I can create my own, tailored diet. It’s just frustrating because there’s all this conflicting information–what sugars one can and can’t eat, what symptoms designate candida or not, etc. I also keep going through these phases where I feel pretty grounded one day, and then the next day I am craving chocolate or ice cream and it’s annoying not being able to eat what my body wants, since I’ve always eaten based on my cravings. I hate thinking about food so much–I just want to eat!
14/11/2008 at 1:26 am Permalink
To answer your question, AM: I do have kefir grains, water kefir ones. Could I eat those?
14/11/2008 at 1:31 am Permalink
Yes, I usually put stock on to simmer in the eve, let it simmer through the night (at least 12-14hrs) and then when i get up in the morn i strain it and jar it and then throw 4-6c in my crock pot to keep warm all day. It works great and helps me drink more and i totally luv the coconut oil in the broth although I do strain the fat off my beef broth because it sort of grosses me out to drink so much fat- i’d rather sauté veggies in it! Oh and I just started roasting my beef bones, wow that adds so much depth to the stock, luv it!
Could you pass on more info about eating the kefir grains? I have bio-cult but i’m still curious about eating the kefir grains, I wonder if it would be easier on my system for detox?
14/11/2008 at 1:44 am Permalink
Amara -
I don’t know. I would eat the dairy kefir grains. I know that is what Millie is doing with her son.
Can you tolerate dairy?
Can you get your hands on some dairy kefir grains? They grow so fast if you feed them with fresh milk each day.
Even if you can’t tolerate dairy, you can slowly-slowly-slowly introduce the dairy kefir grains starting with say a quarter of a teaspoon per day and working up to a couple of tablespoons a day.
14/11/2008 at 1:50 am Permalink
Maria,
I’m not sure if the kefir grains would be easier but you could do what I suggested to Amara above (and what Dr. CMB recommends) for introducing kefir. I think you could just start slowly and work up to a bigger dose. Drink the kefir in addtion to eating the grains. Start slow and work your way up.
I love your idea of keeping the stock warm all day. I’m going to do that!