Anyone out there doing GAPS diet for gut health?

[mls]

Have had so much trouble with IBS, bloating and bowel disfunction decided my final option was to try GAPS.

The biggest difficulty with the diet (apart from having to prepare everything from scratch) is trying to find organic produce, both meat and veg that isn't hugely expensive.

If I lived in Bangkok, it would be easier as Paleo Robbie sells a lot of what I need.

If you live in a western country there seems to be a lot of support, both from medical professionals and social media and sourcing food suppliers is so much easier too.

But... I live here in Pattaya, so I need to try and make it work.

It would be nice to know of anyone else trying this just for a bit of support and information. Be good to hear from anyone doing anything similar too.

[squatncrunch]

Organic can be found in Pattaya. Villa Market has organic veggies and grass fed beef. Tesco has various organic veggies, mixed with the regular stuff, just gotta read the labela. The Royal Thai project or something close to that name are also pesticide and herbicide free and available at all supermarkets. There is a organic farm in Sattahip that allows you to go and pick veggies for a small fee its run by the Royal Thai Navy.

[squatncrunch]

Paleo is the way to go!!

[mls]

Organic can be found in Pattaya. Villa Market has organic veggies and grass fed beef. Tesco has various organic veggies, mixed with the regular stuff, just gotta read the labela. The Royal Thai project or something close to that name are also pesticide and herbicide free and available at all supermarkets. There is a organic farm in Sattahip that allows you to go and pick veggies for a small fee its run by the Royal Thai Navy.

Thanks Suatncrunch.

I do shop at Villa and buy whatever organic veg they have along with the grass fed beef, though the cuts are limited. Need good bones to make bone broth and although Villa sell marrow bones they are Thai/French which is not organic. My food shopping usually consists of visiting Villa, Central Tops, the Royal Thai project shop there and Foodland to try and find what I need. Always a bit hit and miss of what's available though. There are brands of chicken and pork too that say they don't have antibiotic or other residues, so buy those over standard.

Useful info about the organic farm in Sattahip. Will have to see if we can find it and have a look.

[cdmtdm]

i used these paleo super herbs as part of my gut detox .... the product is called body balance,a combo of five aryuvedic herbs taken over 28 days brings your body back into balance,,,, works very well and produced using a unique freeze dry process ..www.thaiherbsonline.com

goodluck

[cdmtdm]

i also suggest you go on a juice detox diet with limited solids for 7 to 14 days ... this will allow your healthy bacteria in your gut to recover , then introduce paleo ...

[squatncrunch]

Cdmtdm thank you for the tip on the paleo super herbs!!

Mls, sounds like we are on the same page with shopping. I go to Makro and buy a huge bag of beef neck/vertibrates and make them into bone broth/gelatin or i use chicken feet which really makes superb gelatine. Unfortunately, not grass fed but, I have to make do.

[squatncrunch]

Sattahip Real Farm is the name of the place to go pick the veggies. It's where you would turn off to go to the Navy beach, by the 7-11 on your right with the bridge.

[almodeller]

I hope that this will be of benefit to you.

A Simple Pineapple - MUST Read

>
> The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family.
> It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today.
>
> It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual floweret's that grow together to form the entire fruit. Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower.
>
> Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked.
> No special way of storing them will help ripen them further.
> Colour is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness.
> Choose your pineapple by smell.If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit.
>
> The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste.
>
> After you cut off the top, you can plant it.
> It should grow much like a sweet potato will.
>
> This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical; it also offers many benefits to our health. Pineapple is a remarkable fruit.
>
> We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may also be one of the most healthful foods available today.
> If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis.
>
> The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms.
>
> Let's look at how pineapple affects other conditions.
>
> Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount.
>
> It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.
>
> Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value.
> Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.
> Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory.
>
> Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It also produces mild pain relief.
>
> In Germany , bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.
>
> Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the Bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucous in the throat.
> If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet.
> It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucous after certain sinus and throat operations.
>
> Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.
>
> Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.
>
> An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often make a difference.
>
> It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.
>

[taichiplanet]

i have been told about an organic market in Ban Amphur (haven't been there myself) at Eastern Vocational College of Agriculture (opposite the Post Office), just before Satthip Tech (Thai-Austria College). i don't know when it is, but probably on weekends.

[neeray]

Have you ever tried probiotics? I have used probiotics for 3 decades and cured a problem that my gut specialist said there was no cure for. It also did wonders for many other intestinal concerns. Don't expect next day results. Give it a month or two. You will be amazed.

After trying many products, strengths and brands, I now exclusively use "Renew Life Ultimate Flora". It works out to about one dollar a day. Cheap considering the benefits.

And by the way; gastro intestinal doctors now recommend the use of probiotics. They didn't when I developed my problem.

[cdmtdm]

neeray great post , where do you purchase that product from ? in Thailand or abroad ?

[neeray]

On my recent 4 week visit to Thailand, I brought a 30 day supply with me from Canada. It is sold in natural nutrition stores. In Canada, I buy it from a chain called GNC. Do some Google research. I just entered "renew life ultimate flora" and there was many sources (none that I saw in Thailand on a limited search though).

The one you want is 50 billion cultures per capsule. I notice that it is now available in 200 billion. That is the way I will go for my next supply. This brand uses a "hard shell" to get it through the stomach without desolving.

Find a source, get onto it.

PS On a further search, it looks like you may have to order from Canada or the U.S.A.

[cdmtdm]

a very good gut health explanation ...worth a look ...

[bkkgooner]

You can get good quality probiotics from iherb.com, they have definitelty helped me get rid of constipation from my colitis.

I think a balanced approach to diet is the best option, eats lots of fruit and veggies, avoid pork and eat a bit of beef but allow yourself to have the other stuff as well like bread, coffee with milk some chocolate etc..The paleo diet is far too restrictive for modern life especially living in Bangkok and you will burn yourself out trying to stick to it, you have to remember the people writing these blogs have access to amazing supermarkets which sell only organic produce, grass fed meat and almond flour etc. Much better to make gradual changes to your diet and look towards the long term, I suffer from colitis so I know what you are going through but I have always found that diet tends to have a minimal affect on these conditions compared to medicine, probiotics and specific supplements. Diet is very important but I think far too many people are starting to see it as some sort of magic cure for everything, set yourself a new goal every week in regards to your diet and try your best to stick to it.

Paleo Robbie is outrageously expensive, fantastic looking service but christ those prices!

Best of luck with it though, why not forget about the organic thing first and just concentrate on increasing your veggie intake and then slowly build from there. I know from experience that changing everything at once always ends with going back to the start.

Edited February 19, 2015 by bkkgooner

[cdmtdm]

bkkgooner your post is offering bad advice and confusing at best .....

[robblok]

neeray great post , where do you purchase that product from ? in Thailand or abroad ?

Why don't you make your own probiotics.. I have done in the past with kefir. Much beter as store bought stuff. Its all quite easy

But maybe I am already healthy as I never experienced super benefits from anything. Juicing excluded that was something that I did feel a bit (energy wise). But never major changes. Probably hard to change things if your already in good health.

[robblok]

bkkgooner your post is offering bad advice and confusing at best .....

Actually I agree with him Paloe is real restrictive.. and flawed too.

People think cavemen had good health and varied foods.. nope they did not.

They did not have that much food and what they had was not that varied. Also what one group ate was not the same as what an other group ate. It really depended where they were. So how is it that people give health advice based on this while in the past it would never be so varied as it is now while still acting like the past was so great when it was not.

Just eat loads of veggies and nuts and even whole grains (unprocessed) and meats and fish and you will be ok. Just avoid processed foods.

Sorry mate here we don't see eye to eye.

[balancedgrub]

Hi mls, my friend sent me a link to your post. I'm a specialist in nutrition for IBS living in Bangkok. I suffer with IBS my self along with other digestive health issues so I understand your frustration I run a website focusing on recipes and articles related to IBS. My recipes are more targeted to a low FODMAP diet which is also very good for IBS, have you tried it? I create many recipes where the ingredients are easy to find within Thailand so you may want to take a look. Balancedgrub.com

If you have any questions let me know, I would happy to shed some light on living with IBS in Thailand.

[cdmtdm]

restrictive in what way ? that is the confusing part for me ....it is the easiest lifestyle i have ever followed , study the basics and mold it as close as you can , if you get 80% there you have done well .... healthy fat is the key .... the right people are waking up to the BS .... Rob if you have not read the anabolic diet then have a read ...it has some interesting facts on carb loading and fat loss .... Robb Wolff has molded paleo & the basics of the anabolic diet to get very good results in all sorts of sports incl body building....

processed carbs of any description are just not necessary....

[Lumbini]

Nothing like making your own fermented vegetables [emoji106]

Edited February 19, 2015 by Lumbini

[bkkgooner]

bkkgooner your post is offering bad advice and confusing at best .....

please explain to me what part of my opinion that a balanced diet is the best option is confusing? And seriously how is it bad advice to tell someone to eat a largely plant based diet and allow themselves to eat bread and chocolate in moderation? I am guessing a huge majority of dietitians would agree with that recommendation.

I have tried Paleo and it actually worsened my colitis symptoms in regards to stomach cramps, I have read lots about the diet so I know the supposed benefits of it and have tried it twice and both times I felt like I was putting myself through torture. That's great that the diet has improved your life but I see it being hacked around the Internet a lot these days like it is some miracle 21 day cure for every chronic condition out there. I respect your opinion on the matter but personally I feel that paleo is not doable for an entire life span and that people think too much about the effects of diet in the short term rather than concentrating on what they can achieve with their body in the next year, five years or ten years.

Anyway if it is working for you that's great but let's please allow people to have differing opinions on the matter of diet. Also by the way there are more than a few proponents of Paleo who think that white rice should be included into the diet. I'm really not interested in an argument on the matter but welcome friendly discussion about healthy diet as I'm trying to improve myself in the area all of the time.

[cdmtdm]

bkkgooner ....if you have not read this book i highly recommend it for yourself and the Op ... if you want a copy just drop me a pm and i will email you one .... the book is called Grain Brain ..written by Dr Perlmutter a highly respected professional ... the fact you suffer Colitis and still recommend grains &fruit to the Op is what confused me , you of all people should be having zero grains .. Paleo is not hard , people are lazy .... i wish you luck in dealing with your health issues and maybe in the 500pages you will find the answer ...

by the way , what was wrong with pork & beef ? yet dairy was ok ?

[mls]

Thanks guys and gals for all the interesting info.

GAPS is pretty restrictive to start with but it does seem to be based on pretty sound nutritional research. It's very close to Paleo. The introduction part is designed to heal the gut using broths and probiotic foods which are gradually introduced (I use water and milk kefir along with whey (strained from my milk kefir) and Kraut juices. I started at the beginning of last November (after the books I'd ordered arrived and had read them) and after a week I finally stopped having diarrhoea, however things went backwards when I introduced more fibrous foods though wasn't doing too badly until I had a kidney stone removed a couple of weeks ago and had to have antibiotics. So pretty much back to square one. Though at least I no longer bloat out like a balloon every time I eat.

Did find some probiotics here but they contain an artificial sweetener which is not allowed so although I do make my own a little extra help wouldn't go amiss.

Will check out the herbs thanks cdtmtdm, but won't be detoxing on juice as too cleansing for the gut before it heals. Juicing is introduced as part of GAPS but everything is gradual and one needs to watch for adverse reactions for anything that might be allergenic or bring back the symptoms.

It's a long haul as it's normally expected to take up to 2 years or more before gradually coming off it and there are 6 intro stages which are the most restrictive, before going onto the full GAPS.

It seems most people doing this do so for their kids that have ADHD or similar disorders and have had good results.

I thought I had a pretty healthy diet and only started having IBS problems about 10 years ago which seemed to resolve and then got worse after I moved here along with developing a fatty liver and gall stones (gall bladder removed) and putting on weight round my middle. But since being on the diet I have lost 5kg and now have a much healthier waist to hip ratio. So even eating what most would call a high fat diet that part is very beneficial. I suppose it's down to nothing processed and no sugar (except a little raw honey) or carbohydrates/grains of any sort.

So thanks again to you all for your input.

Keep it coming!!

Have to say that my Thai partner thinks I'm mad, though my Brit friends are impressed that I am sticking with it even though they think I'm mad too.

It's definitely one of those areas where no one can say it's absolutely right or wrong. One just tries to get healthier (especially as one ages) and uses whatever means available that suits. One size just doesn't fit all, after all.

[robblok]

restrictive in what way ? that is the confusing part for me ....it is the easiest lifestyle i have ever followed , study the basics and mold it as close as you can , if you get 80% there you have done well .... healthy fat is the key .... the right people are waking up to the BS .... Rob if you have not read the anabolic diet then have a read ...it has some interesting facts on carb loading and fat loss .... Robb Wolff has molded paleo & the basics of the anabolic diet to get very good results in all sorts of sports incl body building....

processed carbs of any description are just not necessary....

Restrictive as that certain non processed foods that are whole foods are not allowed.

Look I am not lactose intolerant but paleo does not let me eat cheese.. no milk no oats. Al things that are good for MY body (maybe not for everyone), no peanuts, no kidney beans.. no whole wheat bread.

Just far to restrictive for foods that are healthy. Otherwise I pretty much eat like paleo mostly unprocessed loads of fruits and vegetables and meats. Basically I eat as unprocessed as possible and in general low carb but oats never hurt me or anyone else (if steel cut and or rolled) Same goes for good wholewheat bread. Don't get me started on milk and such.

You can be perfectly healthy and include these foods.

How are you going to take probiotics.. as most are milk based.

[mls]

Hi mls, my friend sent me a link to your post. I'm a specialist in nutrition for IBS living in Bangkok. I suffer with IBS my self along with other digestive health issues so I understand your frustration I run a website focusing on recipes and articles related to IBS. My recipes are more targeted to a low FODMAP diet which is also very good for IBS, have you tried it? I create many recipes where the ingredients are easy to find within Thailand so you may want to take a look. Balancedgrub.com

If you have any questions let me know, I would happy to shed some light on living with IBS in Thailand.

Thanks balancedgrub, I will definitely check out your website and take a look at FODMAP as never heard of it, though I know there are quite a few other types of diet aimed at gut healing.

Not a great cook, but any extra recipes always useful especially if they're tailored to Thailand.

[cdmtdm]

in response to robs post , the core of this is to eat as close to unprocessed as possible , the other important factor is to change over from a carb based energy source to one based on healthy fats .... i juice daily with my 80/20 mix of veg/fruit... i have never been so strong , healthy and lean in my life ...i also only eat when i am hungry and that varies greatly ..... when you are in a ketogenic state most of the time , hunger does not control you . An interesting point about eating three square meals a day , who ever decided that ? its such a flawed regime to follow .... a young child eats when its hungry , sometimes that varies in amounts and times per day , so the body gets fed when it requires it on demand ...not the other way around , people eat for the sake of it , because everyone else does .... eating a high fat diet has def made me very in tune with my body , its not for everyone that i agree for sure , however if your suffering from any gut related health issues, imo the first thing you need to do is eliminate grains and increase the good fats coupled with fresh veg .....

as for dairy , i eat only parmesan cheese ... milk products in thailand are mostly low quality .

i have found a probiotic that is non dairy but has to be imported , so i may take your advice and make my own ...

[ggt]

There are few GAPS in my diet...I pretty well graze on food all during the day...you only live once...live large...

[newatthis]

I hope that this will be of benefit to you.

A Simple Pineapple - MUST Read

>

> The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family.

> It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today.

>

> It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual floweret's that grow together to form the entire fruit. Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower.

>

> Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked.

> No special way of storing them will help ripen them further.

> Colour is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness.

> Choose your pineapple by smell.If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit.

>

> The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste.

>

> After you cut off the top, you can plant it.

> It should grow much like a sweet potato will.

>

> This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical; it also offers many benefits to our health. Pineapple is a remarkable fruit.

>

> We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may also be one of the most healthful foods available today.

> If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis.

>

> The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms.

>

> Let's look at how pineapple affects other conditions.

>

> Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount.

>

> It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

>

> Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value.

> Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

> Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory.

>

> Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It also produces mild pain relief.

>

> In Germany , bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

>

> Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the Bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucous in the throat.

> If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet.

> It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucous after certain sinus and throat operations.

>

> Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

>

> Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development. This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

>

> An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often make a difference.

>

> It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

>

Thanks for this info, almodellor.

[Tolley]

Diet aside you should do the following and you might have to do it more than one time:

parasite cleanse, intestinal purge, kidney detox and finally liver flush

Check out cure zone forums for detail on these procedures.

Once you clean and detox your entire system you might find you don't have to go on such a restrictive diet regime.

My take on diet would be meat and cooked veggies all organic if possible and a bit of brown rice if you can tolerate it. No wheat, no dairy, no sugar, no fruit, no seafood save for sardines for omega 3s.