Welcome to CHEESESLAVE Q and A!
Every week, I answer your questions. I’ll answer as many questions as I can each week. If I didn’t answer your question this week, please check back next week.
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1. Question: Food Allergy Tests and Symptoms on GAPS Diet
Dear Ann Marie,
My name is Yuly and I have been on the GAPS intro diet for about 4 weeks. I have 31 food sensitivities according to an ELISA test I had done last year. Whenever I eat a food I am sensitive to I experience rapid heartbeat or sudden earache, rosacea outbreak, itching, puffy face, etc.These symptoms appear as soon as I swallow the offensive food. Since going on GAPS I have now developed a sensitivity to squash. I am also sensitive to egg whites, olive oil and a host of other foods.
My question is this: How do I avoid all the foods I am sensitive to and still stay on the GAPS diet? I do not have any true food allergies, so do I just deal with the symptoms the sensitive foods bring on and eat them anyway? Not sure how to proceed.
Can the stomach heal while consuming foods one is sensitive to? I am hoping you can give me some insight into this since you have so much experience with this yourself. I am becoming a little discouraged since I am developing new sensitivities and this happens whenever I eat the same foods constantly. Please answer when you get a chance, I would really appreciate it!
Thank you for your time.
Answer
Hi, Yuly,
According to Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, author of Gut and Psychology Syndrome, there are no food allergy tests that are reliable.
I personally would ignore the allergy test results and push through the symptoms you are experiencing. The only foods you need to avoid are the foods that are not allowed on the GAPS Diet.
2. Question: Overcoming Gluten Intolerance?
Dear Ann Marie –
I love your blog! I am a slave to cheese as well! I absolutely love cheese, high fat cream, butter (especially European butter) and BREAD! Unfortunately, there is much evidence that I am intolerant to the foods that I love most.
I would love to know how you overcame your gluten intolerance.
From one cheese lover to another, please help!
Thanks!
Tessa
Answer
I wrote all about it in my e-book, How I Reversed My Food Allergies and How You Can, Too. Click here to get a free copy.
3. Question: Taking Probiotics for 2 Years?
Hello,
I’ve been trying to heal from food intolerances, and I’ve recently started taking a total of 28 billion probiotics a day with much success! I was wondering if you took Threelac every day for those two years before you were healed?
I don’t do well with fermented foods, because of histamine intolerance. Do you think I’ll still be able to establish good bacteria or do you believe it’s all transitory? I really hope it’s not a temporary solution.
I’ve been dealing with numerous problems, especially anxiety, and finally was diagnosed with a gluten allergy last year. Although I eliminated it from my diet, I still didn’t feel well and through elimination, I found I had more intolerances. I’m ready to start living my life the way I was meant to, and I believe these probiotics have put me in the right direction. I really look forward to your insight!
Thanks so much!
– Julie
Answer
Back when I reversed my food allergies (get the e-book and you can read about it), ThreeLac did not exist and there wasn’t much on the internet yet back then. I took a similar type of probiotic (therapeutic grade) which at that time (in the mid 90s) I got from my naturopath. And yes, I did take the probiotic every day for two years.
4. Question: Removing Ear Wax?
Hi, Ann Marie.
I recently had an outer ear infection and am now suffering on and off from what seems to be a fluttering noise in my right ear. There also seems to be a hefty amount of wax in that ear and I’m wondering what you think is the best way to remove impacted ear wax?
Answer
I had this problem once. I used a storebought ear wax removal kit like this: Earwax Removal Kit
I think, for a more natural solution, you could put drops of the herbal tincture, mullein, in your ear.
5. Question: Increasing Milk Supply?
Dear Ann Marie,
I love your blog and I am hoping you can help. I am a breastfeeding mother who is having trouble with my milk supply. There is a bit of a backstory so I will try to be brief.
My son is 3 months old, however he was born 5 and a half weeks early. I was not able to breastfeed him at first and was expressing milk to feed to him via a tube. I was having trouble establishing my supply so he was supplemented with formula in the hospital. He was in hospital for about 2 weeks after which he started to get sick. He had blood in his stool and a fever. We were transferred to the major children’s hospital where it was determined he had a cows milk protein allergy (aggravated I suspect by the formula he was given as my diet is relatively low in dairy).
I removed dairy and soy completely from my diet as recommended by the doctors and was able to start breastfeeding when Oliver was 6 weeks old. During the time he was ill he was given a special formula which is very neutral and would not aggravate his gut.
Since then I have been struggling to build up my milk supply and have been having to supplement him after each feed with the prescribed formula.
I have tried a fenugreek, fennel, goats rue and withania liquid herbal mix provided by my naturopath and additional things such as expressing after each feed to try and stimulate supply.
The results have been a minimal change in supply and I have had to try Domperidone (medication used to increase milk supply). I have been on this for over two weeks and still no change.
I am desperate. My son is growing and gradually the formula is overtaking the breastmilk in quantity. It is so important to me that he gets the best so I am hoping you can help.
If you can provide any suggestions on steps I can take to improve this situation I would be extremely grateful.
Kind regards,
Pru
Stanley, Australia
Answer
I’m sorry it took me so long to answer this question. I hope by now you have gotten help.
The only other things I know to increase supply, other than what you’re already doing, is to do what you can to improve hormone function.
You might try eating a lot of fish stock made with fish heads. See my recipe here. Traditionally, this was fed to new mothers throughout Asia. If you include the fish heads, you’ll get more iodine from the thyroids.
I’d also make sure you’re eating and drinking enough, and especially eating enough carbs. Eating lots of food, especially carbs and getting lots of rest really helped my hormone function. I’ve heard many women say that eating grains helps them to produce more milk. Getting enough rest also helps — sleep whenever the baby sleeps if you can. Try to get at least 10 hours per night and get more if you can. 12-14 hours would be ideal, plus naps. I realize you have to wake up to nurse, but it is important to stay in bed and get rest as much as possible.
Best of luck to you!
6. Question: Fermented Cod Liver Oil and Omega 3s?
Hi,
I am recently diagnosed with diabetes. Something I suspect I’ve had for a while but was managing it with GAPS. When I started adding in more carbs my body went haywire leading to a diagnosis. Anyway, my naturopath does not want me taking the Green Pastures fermented cod liver oil butter blend. He was concerned about it having more omegas than just the 3′s and that it was fermented. Surprisingly He was OK with me staying on GAPS. He thinks it’s not a good product however, I am under the impression it is far superior to other products. What is the truth?? What about the 6, 9 and 12′s in the oil??
So confused.
– Michelle
Answer
It is my opinion that the most important supplement you can take is cod liver oil. Green Pastures fermented cod liver oil is the best cod liver oil on the market. It is the only cod liver oil that is made the traditional way — fermented using just salt. Every other cod liver oil on the market is made by heating and refining the oil.
Regarding the issue of omega 3s, Dave Wetzel, founder of Green Pasture Products, says that the whole omega 3 issue is overblown:
We do not have a deep focus on the fatty acids in the FCLO because, over time and work, I have concluded that these fatty acids are not what the focal point of the product should be. The only reason EPA/DHA/Omega 3′s are discussed/pushed to the degree they are is after one completes the industrialization of these oils they have destroyed/damaged the real deal and they are left with some fatty acids. One always sells what they have. In the case of industrialized fish oils, fatty acids are about all that is left of value.
This is not to say that these fatty acids are not important. These types oils will always contain a good supply of EPA/DHA and Omega 3′s. The real story of Fermented Cod liver Oil is beyond this topic. I think the real story is the thousands of other molecular structures known and unknown.
He goes into more detail about how to calculate the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the Green Pasture cod liver oil here in this post.
There is more information here from Dave here:
7. Question: Starting a Cystic Fibrosis Blog?
Hi Ann Marie!
I love your blog and follow it regularly. I’ve been fully Weston Price since my daughter was born 14 months ago and started slowly switching over when I found out I was pregnant with her. I’m so glad for it in many many ways, but mostly because our daughter was born with Cystic Fibrosis and I feel that the WAP lifestyle has kept her extremely healthy in spite of her disease.
When she was first diagnosed at 4 weeks old, I was desperate to find a Weston Price mama blogger that had a child with CF but to no avail. I found a few helpful resources, but I’ve lately been toying with the idea of starting my own blog about our experience raising a baby with CF the WAP way. I feel that I could help many other families just like ours that are hungry for knowledge on how to keep their child healthy.
I would love some advice on getting started, also how I can cite my sources without getting in trouble with those sources? I’m also curious how you get advertisers, and how you can potentially make money by blogging (I know this is a looong way off, but a curious none the less). Any info or advice you have would be wonderful. Thanks so much, and keep up the good work! 
Answer
I think that’s a wonderful idea!
Ideally, start with WordPress (WordPress.org, or hosted, not a wordpress.com account). That is what we all use.
If you do start the blog, please contact me at annmarie@realfoodmedia.com so you can join the Real Food Media blog network. We can hook you up with advertisers. That said, you should focus on growing your traffic and building an audience for now. But do reach out — our private blogger forum is really helpful and our bloggers will help give you support. Get it started and then email me.
8. Question: Whey Butter?
Hello!
I have a butter question that I can not find a GOOD answer to online so I am emailing a few of my favorite nourishing food blogs to see if anyone has any clue as to a real answer. I recently bought some butter that I found out was whey cream butter.
All I can find out online is that a) it is made from whey after traditional cheese making and b) it has a lower fat content than sweet cream butter. My question is – would this be a traditional food? Would the processing harm the fats in the butter? I appreciate any info you might have!
Thank you,
Steena
Answer
I have never heard of that. Maybe someone can answer in the comments?
9. Question: GAPS for Low Thyroid?
Hello,
I, as so many others, really benefit from the helpful information you share with us. I am so glad you told us that you wouldn’t recommend GAPS for those with low thyroid function.
I have diverticulosis and was planning on following GAPS until I read your valuable advice. I am also on medication for hypothyroidism.
So I would like to know if you could please recommend another plan for healing the gut that isn’t as low in carbohydrates. Thank you so much.
Patricia
Answer
I don’t believe that I said I don’t recommend GAPS for those with low thyroid function. I think it really depends on the person, and I think it also depends on how you do the GAPS Diet. I think when people do GAPS and don’t eat enough and go too low carb, that can be problematic for those who have low thyroid function. The thing that most helped me regulate my thyroid function was eating lots of food and eating lots of carbs.
I think the GAPS Diet is a very healing diet. You just need to make sure you eat enough food and especially carbs in the form of fruit, honey, squash, etc. You can also do a modified version of GAPS wherein you bring in some carbs earlier on the diet — in the form of potatoes, rice, etc. You should continue to stay off gluten if you are allergic and reacting to it.
10. Question: Healing the Gut and Overcoming Gluten Intolerance?
I saw a post of yours on Kelly the Kitchen Kop’s blog where you said that you healed your gut and in turn your gluten intolerance. How did you do this? Did you use any specific supplements such as parasite cleanses?
Thank you for your time and your help,
Jared
Answer
Hello, Jared
Please see my answer to question # 2 above. I did not use any parasite cleanses.
10. Question: Soaked Spelt Tortilla Business?
As a parent of 5 boys who almost all show signs of wheat reactions, I am starting a bakery to make soaked spelt tortillas, that will also be in the price range of the average mom. I am aiming to put together a recipe that adheres to the needs of the Nourishing Traditional family, and is still affordable and enjoyable.
And I would like some feedback from you! The current recipe has:
- soaked organic spelt flour (unbleached/unbromated white or whole spelt)
- (REAL brand) Sea salt
- Filtered water
- Non Aluminum Baking Soda
- Organic Palm Fruit Oil and/or Coconut Oil
So what do you think?
Would you change the recipe? Or buy this product as it stands? Would you rather buy them at the grocery store, or have them delivered to your home (if the price is comparable)? Any other thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Nourishing Traditional Dad
Answer
Sounds absolutely wonderful to me! I think the sprouted/soaked grain industry is really growing. I’d rather buy them at the grocery store. You may want to also produce a gluten-free rice flour version, since there’s a big market for gluten-free these days.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the soaked spelt tortilla idea! I would totally buy some.
I want some of the spelt tortillas! Please.
Jared —
Parasites DO cause food intolerances (as they contribute to leaky guts). If you suspect that you have parasites, try an herbal cleanse (I got mine through Amazon). If parasites come out…then you should see a doctor for a prescription. Although gross to think about, roughly 70-90% of all Americans have parasites. Not everyone has problems associated with them, but if you have issues such as food intolerances, bloating and gas, unexplained weight gain or loss, etc. — then it’s definitely worth checking out.
****
Cheeseslave — really, regarding your response to Yuly? I was shocked to learn a year ago, through the ALCAT test, that I have a severe food intolerance to egg yolks (something us WAPFers consume on a regular basis). Through trial and error, I learned that if I eat eggs, I will get a major acne breakout. So you’re suggesting that somehow powering through GAPS Intro will eliminate this immune response? (I’m more likely to believe that I will have awful skin during the entire 30 days!)
[Note -- I'm not trying to be snarky; I'm just trying to figure out the logic -- or biological mechanisms -- behind this advice. Also, why is the ELISA or ALCAT test less valid than Dr. Campbell's "intolerance skin test" (which I tried -- and it definitely wasn't accurate!)? I have her book, so if you know of a citation I can refer to...]
My kids had extreme egg allergies for years before GAPS intro, both to the whites and yolks. After less than a week on intro, I very cautiously introduced eggs, starting with the skin test and then adding a tiny bit of yolk to their soups. No more reactions! That was 4 years ago, and they’ve been eating eggs ever since!
Now, I do notice when we’re occasionally unable to get pastured eggs and are stuck with store-bought ones, they have a little bit of trouble, but it seems to be only because of what the hens are being fed. If you can make sure to get some really good eggs, you’re more likely to tolerate them. Also, you may need to just consume broths and veggies and things at first and delay introducing eggs until about 2 weeks in.
That is awesome!
Thank you so much for sharing!
For Pru in Stanley, Australia:
I had a breast reduction at age 19, and went on to breastfeed 4 children with varying degrees of success. Like you, I tried herbs like Fenugreek, Fennel, etc, and even took large quantities of Domperidone to increase my supply. I agree with the suggestions about your hormone function. I also wanted to give you one other suggestion: The best thing I ever did to increase my milk supply was to use an at-breast supplementer. Now, I’ll be up-front with you and say it is not the easiest thing to do (especially when you aren’t at home). But the at-breast supplementer allows you to breast-feed WHILE your baby is receiving supplement (formula), which triggers your breasts to increase supply. Your baby is sucking at the breast, but the tube from the supplementer is providing the meal, so to speak.
Here in the states, there are a few options. The two most common are the Lact-Aid: http://www.lact-aid.com/
and the Medela Supplemental Nursing System: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/51/supplemental-nursing-system-sns
I found that I liked the Medela “Starter” Supplemental Nursing System the best http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/52/starter-supplemental-nursing-system-sns I had to replace it a few times, because it isn’t really meant to be used long term. But for me it was easier to use, and by the time I’d gone through 3 of them, my supply was good enough that I no longer had to supplement.
You can also check out this website for more information on using an at-breast supplementer to boost supply: http://www.lowmilksupply.org/abs.shtml
Good luck!
Your story sounds so much like mine!! I too I tried everything (including the at breast supplementer) but didn’t have success…
The one thing that I found worked for me is to literally feed on the hour all day long. The lactation consultant suggested that I probably didn’t have a large number of milk glands, thus was unable to produce large amounts of milk at a time even if I waited 2-3 hours in between feedings. I found that by allowing my baby to “snack” I was able to continually produce small amounts of milk all day long and I was finally able to stop supplementing with formula. I nursed for a year once I figured this out!
I am soooo interested in the soaked spelt tortillas!! Nourishing Traditional Dad- is there a way to stay posted with any new info about these coming out?
Hi!
I was wondering if you know of a safe thermos or thermal carafe?
We tossed our plastic coffee maker and started making coffee manually with a Chemex coffee maker. It might be more time consuming to make coffee this way, but the coffee tastes FANTASTIC by the way! Well, the only issue now it how to safely keep the coffee warm, and I have been searching high and low for a thermos that is glass lined with a non-toxic lid. Right now I’m using a stainless steel lined thermos with a questionable cheesy plastic lid and a plastic spout. I would like to find something better. I’m wide open to ideas.
Thanks:)
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