Latest forum posts

  • posted by  recoveringfatty on Which live yoghurt?
    on in Probiotics
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    Hi Julie2019, Interesting I’d not seen Yeo Valleys Kefir. I imagine it is made with added strains of live cultures to produce a commercial product rather than by the traditional method of using Kefir grains which I believe may impart even more strains. I’ll look some out and see how Yeo’s compares in taste to home made.

  • posted by  Mimi62 on Microbiome testing
    on in Newbies
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    Hi I would like to get my microbiome tested but have started Methotrexate injections two weeks ago to try to control Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’ve been on a restricted diet for 3 months now. I don’t know if the Methotrexate would impact on the microbiome test results – can anyone advise please (I’m assuming it would which is why I haven’t gone ahead yet).

  • posted by  LouP on Why are broccoli, kale, onions and garlic in Phase 1 diet?
    on in Newbies
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    On P191 of The Clever Guts Diet it recommends trying to avoid broccoli and kale and yet in Phase 1 meal plan (p262-263) they are included for dinner on Mon, Sat and for lunch and dinner on Tues. P191 also advises reducing onions and garlic and yet these are included in at least one meal everyday. Does anyone know why there is this apparent contradiction? I have just finished week 1. Thank you.

  • posted by  Beeornot2be on Cooking Pasta/Rice, cooling and reheating
    on in Newbies
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    HI, I’m new to the forum. I’m just starting my second read of the Clever Guts book. We cook a lot of Asian food, and like the fresh rice noodles we can buy locally in Sydney. Pure rice, but in a pasta noodle shape.
    I can’t find any mention of where the fresh rice noodles would fit on the resistant starch scale – they are not really cooked before eating, just immersed in boiling or boiled water for a minute or less. They would become a gluggy mess if cooked longer, or a second time. I’m not sure what amount of cooking they may have had in their production. I’d be grateful If anyone has any idea or information?

  • posted by  Topaz on Which blender do you use?
    on in Mediterranean diet
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    I have just made the apricot and pistachio bars from the Clever Guts diet recipe book but blending the whole mixture together is beyond the capability of my Tower blender. Which device do people swear by for this sort of mix?

  • posted by  Greenpepper on Bone Broth
    on in Newbies
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    Hello

    Should one scrape the fat off the top once it’s cold please ?

  • posted by  recoveringfatty on Which live yoghurt?
    on in Probiotics
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    As i understand it you don’t want need fat free, go full fat. Your looking for a product that says it has live cultures in it (it should say in the ingredients). Greek style is just strained yogurt so it’s thicker. Once you find one with live cultures you can start to make your own using it as the base, its quite easy…..if you are UK based Yeo Valley Natural Yogurt works well https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/things-we-make/yogurt/natural/
    We use that one, not used their others but would have thought they’d work too.

  • posted by  Greenpepper on Which live yoghurt?
    on in Probiotics
    permalink

    Hello
    Am I understanding this right ?
    Live yoghurt is Total fat free Greek yoghurt ( not Greek style)

    I’m bursting to start but I must say it’s a tad confusing and I’m only looking at yoghurt so far !

  • posted by  chalcedony on How eating disorders affect gut health?
    on in Newbies
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    I am 27 years old. I suffered from anorexia and bulimia for several years in my teens, and have had occasional bulimia relapses ever since, fortunately they’ve become very infrequent (last year no more than 10 relapses). I am wondering how this may have affected my gut health. Is there any research on this topic?

    side note; I have quite a healthy/varied diet, eating lots of vegis, fermented foods, yogurt etc, and I gave up refined sugar two years ago. I do however often feel tired. I would love to get a personalised diet through DayTwo/the Erans study, but it’s not available in my country (yet).

  • posted by  coffeequeen on Aloe vera drinks
    on in Newbies
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    Any thoughts on Aloe vera drinks in relation to to gut health and the diet in general?
    Yay or nay?
    🙂

  • posted by  Sara K on Why would Phase 1: Repair cause diarrhea?
    on in Newbies
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    Hi Danz,

    I am on day 10 of the CGD and having the same issue as you! I am interested to know did yours settle down, or what happened? I am feeling pretty good other than the diarrhoea, so I don’t want to stop- I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t bloated or uncomfortable , so hopefully it settles down on its own.

    Thanks, and hope you are going well,

    S.

  • posted by  coffeequeen on New and excited!
    on in Newbies
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    Absolutely.
    I’ve just finalised my meal planner and sourced everything I need.
    I’m feeling quite upbeat about it.
    Especially looking forward to bone broth. My Grandma used to make it when I was small and, if it tastes as good as I remember, I’ll be happy. Strangely my brothers used to hate it. She also used to encourage us to drink cabbage water too (she grew her own). Maybe Grandma’s knew best. 😀

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on New and excited!
    on in Newbies
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    Good luck.. I’d say deffo focus on a healthy micriobiome but equally focus on no processed foods; no simple sugar; reduce carbs and substitute for healthy omega3 fats in the diet; also space meals out; don’t snack etc

  • posted by  Fermented Ironman on Campylobacter in a dog.
    on in Welcome
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    Dear All,
    I know this is not an animal sight but any thoughts or help would be massively appreciated.

    We have a dog who is 18 months old and had Campylobacter as a puppy, but although that is no longer present he has had a very week constitution ever since leading to repeated antibiotics to control diarrhoea, has anyone heard of faecal microbial transplant being done in animals at all and if so who might I contact. Any other advice that can be offered would be listened to with open ears as this makes his life miserable.

    Very Best
    Ashley Blackmore

  • posted by  coffeequeen on New and excited!
    on in Newbies
    permalink

    Got the book. Read it in two sittings. I’m totally on board. Not least because of the part where the lady with severe psoriasis saw a massive improvement.
    I too have severe psoriasis. It’s mainly on my feet and I can’t work, barely socialise and depressed.
    After careful research, I’ve sourced some recommended products and am focused on implementing the diet.
    I’m not exaggerating when I say that this could totally change my life.
    Would love to connect with anyone else in the same boat.
    I will keep you posted. XXX

  • posted by  LilBitBetter on HELP! 800-900 per day and still fat!
    on in Intermittent fasting
    permalink

    Thanks so much again Graham,
    I usually have dark rye or sourdough and have tried cutting carbs in the past and no difference. I will give it another go and follow your advice on vitamins. I really appreciate your time.
    X

  • posted by  Amyjroper on I'm so hungry!
    on in Newbies
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    My fiance and I are on day 3 of the reboot plan and I’m struggling.
    I’m feeling like I have no energy and I’m waking in the night feeling hungry.

    I also just had the granola for breakfast and it didn’t make a dent.

    Does it get better? I don’t need to lose weight!

  • posted by  Olliedog on Microbiome testing
    on in Newbies
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    Thank you Graham for the information. I’m interested because my son has suffered from CFS for several years now, needs help.

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on HELP! 800-900 per day and still fat!
    on in Intermittent fasting
    permalink

    Toast (even small quantities) can spike sugars; raise insulin and hinder weight loss. Try cutting out all beige carbs for a period and see if that helps; increase insoluble fibre in the diet; supplement vitD and magnesium to increase insulin sensitivity; DON’T eat “little and often ” instead allow at least 12h between your evening meal (no snacks!) and BREAK-fast.. . Sleep? 8h; Stress? minimise. Exercise- high intensity plus resistance . Hope that helps

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on Flaxseed oil
    on in Newbies
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    High quality olive oil or avocado oils are much preferable; less processing and a better omega3 to omega6 ratio; if you want to consume seeds then absolutely do so – highly recommended , ditto nuts. Consume a variety to benefit your microbiome diversity and if you can afford it, organic.. Simples!

  • posted by  Chrissiewiss on Flaxseed oil
    on in Newbies
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    Hi Graham, thanks for your reply. I am very concerned as I’ve been taking this flaxseed for a long time. An email to the Flaxseed company states this:

    ” Regarding your query, the production process is very simple. The seed is pressed and the oil then passes through a filter of less than 5 microns. It is then packaged. Typically the oil is 50% omega 3 and 16% Omega 6″

    This didn’t sound highly processed to me and it seemed like a low proportion of Omega 6? But I’m so confused as I know very little of the processing process and percentages that are good for you. Thanks for your further thoughts

  • posted by  LilBitBetter on HELP! 800-900 per day and still fat!
    on in Intermittent fasting
    permalink

    Thanks Graham, I appreciate your help.
    A normal day consists of:

    Coffee with milk
    Fruit or sourdough toast with a scraping of butter and Vegemite (Yes, I’m an Aussie)
    Yoghurt snack sometimes – about 2Tbsp.
    Lunch is usually Miso Soup with Vegetables (leafy greens, mushrooms etc).
    Or eggs (omlette with no cheese, salt and pepper or boiled)
    Coffee with milk and maybe some nuts in the afternoon with a piece of fruit
    Dinner is usually a protein and vegetables/salad. It varies but they are always low fat, organic and home made. make as much food myself as I can including cured meats (a rare treat), Kefirs etc. I don’t eat much processed foods at all.
    I don’t have soft drinks apart from the odd Gin & Tonic (no sugar tonic) and a small glass of red wine most nights, but its mostly water /herbal teas for me.
    Thanks so much again.
    Liz X

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on Microbiome testing
    on in Newbies
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    I’ve done a lot of work with British Gut- check out their website. Its very cheap (£75 from memory) and when you get the results I’m happy (accredited!) to provide interpretation and advise.. UBiome is one of my other recommendations

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on I’m a returner needing advice
    on in Welcome
    permalink

    Specifically for irritable bowel and and inflammatory bowel symptoms I recommend Symprove. Take a look at their website. They’ve actually funded clinical trials. My next go to is VSL3, but as said above a combination of natural pre and pro-biotics in the diet can be extremely helpful

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on Flaxseed oil
    on in Newbies
    permalink

    Flaxseeds YES flaxseed oils absolutely no. Avoid seed oils at all costs- highly processed and truly unhealthy and full of inflammatory omega-6 fats.

  • posted by  GrahamSPhillips on HELP! 800-900 per day and still fat!
    on in Intermittent fasting
    permalink

    I think there’s a lot of confusion about the value of calorie counting. While its true calories can’t be totally ignored, in most calories its the NATURE not the NUMBER of calories that count. If you are happy to post a typical days food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks) I might be able to help

  • posted by  Scrumptious on Dexa scans
    on in Welcome
    permalink

    Hi there
    I live in Hertfordshire.
    Does anyone know where I can get a Dexa scan?

  • posted by  TMA COMBAT FITNESS on HELP! 800-900 per day and still fat!
    on in Intermittent fasting
    permalink

    Hello Liz,
    I understand your frustration. I’ve written a couple of blogs that may be useful to you.
    You may have a better understanding if you read them and help you with your weight loss.
    Being diabetic myself and off medication for the past 4 years.
    I’m sharing my knowledge & experience with anyone who is keen to help themselves.
    Since changing my diet I’ve lost weight & not fallen ill for the past 4 years (touch wood).

    Blogs
    http://www.tmacombat.com/blogs/fightdiabetes.php
    http://www.tmacombat.com/blogs/weightloss.php

    I hope the information helps you.

    Regards
    Sadiq

  • posted by  LilBitBetter on HELP! 800-900 per day and still fat!
    on in Intermittent fasting
    permalink

    Help please.
    I have always been a small eater but a bigger girl – not fat, just ‘comfy’.
    I exercise regularly and am quite active, don’t eat junk food or sugary drinks and eat fresh, organic foods.
    On average I only eat around 800-900 calories per day and when I ‘pig out’ I may hit the recommended 1200 for a woman my age (43)
    I have been to dieticians who tell me to go on a diet – they NEVER listen.
    I have been on many eating regimes and cant eat as much as they prescribe – I feel sick and physically cant eat all that food!
    I even went on a scientifically based diet and put on weight.
    I have had hormones and thyroid testing and all ok.
    SO FRUSTRATING!
    Liz

  • posted by  Chrissiewiss on Flaxseed oil
    on in Newbies
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    Hi I am currently taking 3 dessert spoons of cold compressed flaxseed oil daily as a way of obtaining good levels of Omega 3. I have MS and have read (Professor Jelinek, overcoming MS programme) that this is the best way of consuming it. Will it still be good for my microbiome in this form?
    Love to hear people’s views.
    Thank you

  • posted by  adelaideH on sugar probe test
    on in Welcome
    permalink

    I have read about the sugar probe test in The Clever Guts Diet book. How do I find out more?

  • posted by  IKeeptrying on The Biome and Gastro-oesophogial Reflux Disease
    on in Welcome
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    Hi I’ve just found this and might be too late for the party but I’ll post anyway as I’ll be reading and following some of the advice from earlier posts
    I posted a thread recently about being a returner who’s slid off the wagon for various reasons, one big one is that we’ve been up to our eyes in building work on our house and not having a working kitchen for months, so we’ve relied on ready meals pubs meals and takeaways. also stress with my mum whos in a nursing home with end stage Alzheimer’s

    Although I’ve not had a medical diagnosis as I hate going to the doctors and often think pills are ineffective and counter productive, I’ve suffered with these digestive symptoms for quite a while – a year or more with acid reflux or GERD or GORD, difficulty swallowing food at times, indigestion, IBS, grumbling, windy, aching abdomen. It seems to have flared up recently – probably stress and a bad diet with the building work in the house and I can’t seem to ease it even though I’ve started this week doing a combination of cleverguts and Tim Spector Diet Myth.

    I’m on jury service this week and I suppose a combination of the worry and upheaval about it has made it my symptoms worse. This afternoon I’m sat in court listening to to the defendent being questioned and I’ve got nausea and awful cramping in my stomach up to my midriff and down to my abdomen and I’m doing my best to try to keep things together. I can’t go off sick because the whole trial collapses as there has to be 12 jurors so a new jury would have to be put together and a new trail date set. So tonight I’m lying on the settee trying soothe things so I ll be ok tomorrow.
    Today has hit home to me that I need to do something about all these digestive symptoms and I can’t keep putting up with it and trying to manage them them myself – it affects my sleep too as I can’t lie comfortably without wind and feeling bloated and a bit of reflux too. I’m going to try to keep to full fat live yogurt and kefir and avoid anything that I know triggers it until my jury service is over and then go to the doctor – even thought as I said I try to avoid them and try to manage my own health.
    Any advice and support – if anyone’s still visiting this thread – is very welcome

  • posted by  ismac on Biome testing in Australia?
    on in Newbies
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    No one diet suits everybody. I switched to a WFPB diet earlier this year and it was disastrous for my body – even though I’ve been vegetarian + fish for 25 years. We each need to find what works for us.

  • posted by  walter on hair return
    on in Welcome
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    hi guys, I have been doing some of the diet for about six weeks now and things have changed big time

    1. my hair has retuned on my head were it was thinning
    2.my sore joints have stopped aching

    3.i sleep better
    4.back pain is decreasing( not a back problem) was my bowl

    this is the best thing I have done in my life

  • posted by  Jozza on Iam pregnant!
    on in Newbies
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    Ive recently started trying to figure out whats best for me and my gut and have been fasting from dinner to lunch, cutting out sugars ect. I’ve been doing this for 3-4 weeks to now find out i am pregnant. I am wondering if its ok to fast early stages of pregnancy as long as i am getting all my nourishment, vegetables, protein, calcium ect from my lunch and dinner. I am really enjoying the food i am eating and feel more energised. I am also wanting to be vegan and i know this isn’t advised while pregnant. Any advice please, I would be so grateful!

  • posted by  recoveringfatty on I’m a returner needing advice
    on in Welcome
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    Hi IKTing
    I’ve read a few places recently that refer to Alzheimer’s as type 3 diabetes. Jason Fung’s take on obesity and diabetes (and possibly Alzheimer’s ) are all linked to insulin resistance caused by people eating the wrong things (sugar and other refined carbs) and how regularly they eat. His book the obesity code is probably the best book I’ve read and makes so much sense, its quite an eye opener, maybe get it to read during the breaks on Jury service?

  • posted by  IKeeptrying on I’m a returner needing advice
    on in Welcome
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    Hi Recovering thanks, that’s brilliant, you’ve done really well. It is really helping me firm up my ideas to read what you have done
    I get the whole thing about trying to keep healthy and fit for as long as possible as my mum has Alzheimer’s and her two sisters had it as well – although as far as I know it’s not heredity, I am predisposed to similar health conditions like indigestion and IBS. But I don’t smoke and only drink 1/2 glasses of wine about 4 times a week and I view that at as good for my health and that I get out and socialise in the pub. I too hate sport or going to the gym and most of my exercise is walking the dog but he’s getting old and arthritic.

    I got on the scales for the first time in ages and I’m way way too heavy 12 st 10 for my 5’ 7” height which gives me a BMI 27.9 !! My focus over the past 6 months or so has been to shun diets and try to eat intuitivey – Eating what I want and when I want BUT I think it’s where I’ve gone wrong because I’ve ended up feeling ill and fat after eating too many crisps cakes biscuits and processed meals so I’m going to work on what I eat and like you say start with small do- able steps and am going shop for and prepare a weeks worth of healthy lunches for when I’m doing jury service next week. I’m using the Justine Pattinson book, as I like it and she sets out meal options covering 28 days that are based on a Mediterranean diet and healthy gut principles.
    My husband does 5:2 religiously but I struggle to maintain fasting as I start panicking about getting hungry and getting headaches, I’ve done 16: 8 with v little effort so I’m gong to work towards including that in my plan.
    Thanks for the link for the kefir grains – I’ll get some ordered
    So, here I go

  • posted by  dswoodhams on Just a thought
    on in Welcome
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    Could there be a link between toxoplasmosis and dementia…..? Just a thought…..!