For NZ and Australian users of this forum, Nutralife do probiotics with the HOWARU strains and they have one with 50 billion CFUs of various strains (L. acidophilius, B. animalis ssp. lactis, HOWARU B. animalis ssp. lactis, B. breve, B. logum, L. casei, L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. salivarius ssp. salivarius, L. rhamnosus and L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgarius). I take this probiotic due to the variety of strains and number of CFUs.

If anyone from NZ is reading this, Nutralife have the HOWARU strains in their probiotics – the P3 probiotic and 50 billion probiotic.

Please excuse the typos, this device won’t let me properly view or edit later paragraphs. :/

I am sorry you misinterpreted my post as being patronising. It was intended to convey concerns, based on my experience working in and studying healthcare, my last roles being in lifestyle (nutrition/ physical activity).

AGEs are only one factor in the overall impact of a wholefood or processed food, ditto individual macronutrients or micronutrients. Each nutrient and each food enhances or countracts the effect of other nutrients and foods.

In the Mediterranean diet serving sizes and types of cheeses and meats is restricted. There is a strong emphasis on fish and seafood which has a vrry different, complementary fatty acid profile. Different regions/ countries consume more or less extra virgin olive oil, but often pressed from their own trees and balanced with similar fats from wholefoods (whole olives, avocados, certain nuts).

In my career I saw only a handful of people eating a balanced and varied wholefood diet. Nome at all who were trying to combine eating plans. That includes co-workers, other health professionals, relatives, friends, even myself for periods of time! I have seen and felt the impact of restricrive, imbalancrd diets, abd wish for no more rhan to help others avoid or recover from that.

That certainly doesn’t stop you reviewing the overall balance and variety of your diet (especially inflammatory carbohydrates, anti inflammatory fats, prebiotic fibres). Nor does it stop you including a variety of sea vegetables in your daily diet.

Your family doctor may be willing to refer you to an NHS dietician or dermatologist to discuss evidence-based changes to your diet, supplement extracts and lifestyle.

HTH!

Hi Firefox7275, The problem is conflicting information in regard to ‘healthy fats’ and animal protein. Drizzling olive oil over everything, eating cheeses and meats… sounds wonderful. But all these items have high levels of ‘advanced glycation end products’ (AGEs) and I have yet to find a table that lists average amounts of AGEs in unprocessed foods, such as a tablespoon of oil or one slice of wholegrain bread. I understand it’s a lot harder to measure AGEs than calories, but the amount the average person eats has been shown to cause mutation and changes in DNA. So this is no lightweight matter.

I’ve researched all the diets, Firefox, thoroughly, and I’ve tailored my own, based on my personal medical issues. I don’t need your patronising input on my diet. My main reason for being in this forum is to discover what others have learned about AGEs. It seems that we need to keep our daily AGEs intake to below 6000 – 7000, the body can’t cope with eliminating more than this. The average intake in the US is approximately 14500 per day.

Sea vegetables is a diverse family so, like all plant foods, they vary in nutrients and potential health benefits.

It is worth re-reading Dr Pia Winberg’s comments on the seaweed threads

http://www.cleverguts.com/forums/topic/seaweed/

http://www.cleverguts.com/forums/topic/seaweed-and-psoriasis/

It seems the research is very new and ongoing, so unfortunately it is unlikely any other products have been tested for psoriasis.

I don’t know about supplements, but I use these seaweed flakes in my cooking and food (actually, just added some to a kraut last night, so will have to see how that turns out) and it’s really good and local (well, for me anyway :).

https://www.cornishseaweed.co.uk/

I found this webpage tonight and it explains in plain language about AGEs and other carcinogens in the food we eat. Other pages I’ve Googled on the subject were mostly scientific research.
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-cooking-carcinogens

The Mediterranean diet specifically is rich in monounsaturated fats (olives/ avocados/ some nuts/ outoor reared dairy) and in omega-3 polyunsaturates (oily fish/ some seeds). There is also some of the only anti inflammatory omega-6 CLA (outdoor reared dairy and meat). A strong body of evidence supports the health benefits of these.

The Mediterranean diet also includes some fats that are unhealthy when consumed in excess: omega-6s (many nuts) and saturates (dairy/ land animal meats).

I ‘ve read somewhere on here that seaweed supplements can help psoriasis. Has anyone any suggestions of brands and where I can get them in uk

What most healthy eating plans have in common is cutting back hard on low nutrient or inflammatory carbs (sugars/ processed starches/ alcohol) and fats (omega-6s, some saturates) whilst increasing fibre and nutrient rich plants (veggies/ beans/ lentils/ seeds/ some nuts) and essential or anti inflammatory fats (oily fish/ organic eggs/ olives and avocados/ seeds/ some nuts/ cocoa/ more oily fish).

In lifestyle diseases/ ageing/ inflammation the type and amount of macronutrients (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) is important. Ditto the antioxidants in the diet.

Combining four diet plans with personal tastes, household budget and local food availability is highly likely to end in a poorly balanced, restrictive diet.

You mention very little that you are planning to consume (alcohol, probiotics from dairy), but nothing about the wide variety of food types that supply prebiotic fibres, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids for the health of all the organs (inc. Heart and gut) and to counterect inflammation.

AGEs (advanced glycation end products) seems more than a little scary. I have to wonder if all the healthy fats in the mediterranean diet are really so healthy, taking AGEs into account. Does anyone know about this?

I’m a 69 year old woman with a long history of digestive issues. I live in Auckland, New Zealand.
I purchased ‘The Fast Diet’, and immediately put the plan into action. I lost 3kg in two months without watching calories 5 days of the week.

My doctor did a full blood count recently and told me I needed to go on statins, as my cholesterol was 7.2., but I said no… I’d improve my diet. In the last few months, I’ve been researching nutrition online. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I bought and read Michael’s latest book, “The Clever Gluts Diet” and wow! An impressive and extremely worthwhile read.

I think I’ve decided on a combo diet. Starting with an FODMAP diet, then onto a combination of Paleo (unprocessed) and Mediterranean (red wine), while also doing the 5/2 Fast Diet.
I also intend to make my own kefir, yoghurt, possibly sambuca and try my hand at sauerkraut etc.

I would like to take part in the survey.

That is hard to tell without testing it.

Great book, would like to be considered for the survey.

Great thanks I will try it

What is the difference in how each is made/ ingredients/ nutrients?

AFAIK here in the UK we only have “coconut milk” as tinned liquid or dried powder. It is made as per the Wikipedia definition. The refrigerated products are mostly multi ingredient dairy substitutes (“drink” or “yoghurt”) or coconut water.

If the two types you can buy are similar in nutrients, go for the one with the fewest ingredients/ additives

Cod liver oil is so much better than ordinary fish oil, there are an amazing amount of evidence for this but I will not bother writing it up, it’s all in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc0gjgii82A

Please watch it and educate yourself about the pros and cons of cod liver oil/breaks compared to ordinary fish oil.

I had my evening meal with a drink of blackcurrent at about 7pm. I mixed about teaspoon of potatoes starch in the dregs of my drink. It left a funny taste in my mouth.
Went to bed at 10 pm.
Woke up just once in the night.
Best nights sleep for years.
Will be trying the same again tonight.

Amazingl! How much did you take, with what and at what tine of day please?

Take one step at a time.

I would like to be considered for the potato starch survey.
Bought some yesterday and tried it for the first time and had such a good night’s sleep. Best night in years. Thanks

Hi. I am part way through reading The Clever Guts Diet. Is the coconut milk in the pumpkin porridge recipe tinned or from the fridge in a carton? Thanks for any advice/help given.

I agree with GrahamPhillips.

Keto is very low carbohydrate so tends to be very restrictive, and thus poorly balanced nutritonally. No grains, beans or lentils, few fruits or root vegetables, limited dairy, limited range of nuts and seeds. Servings of animal protein and animal fat tend to be large.

The initial elimination phase of Clever Guts is somewhat restrictive and low carb, but is only temporary. The reintroduction and ongoing phases emphasise a really wide variety of different foods and are more moderate carb.

Not really.. Keto is FAR lower in carbs

Has anyone thought that these recommendations seem to be a lot like a keto diet without specifically giving that recommendation? Has anyone tried it? It seems very similar.

Jonesy22: given how many British and EU food giants bought or sold budget processed beef products adulterated*/ enhanced* with thoroughbred horsemeat back in 2013, tracking and testing can be worked around.

*delete as you see fit!

SO MANY variables with foods, drinks, drugs, daily activities, mental or physical health issues all potentially impacting the bladder symptoms.

Right now all I can do is try to monitor for patterns, await results of routine smear and STI screen, have planned bloodwork (full count, vit D, liver function, female hormones).Urine glucose by practice nurse, blood glucose last year at hospital. Low-ish risk for type 2 diabetes: healthy weight/ waist, no family history, non smoker, mid 40s, on and off heavy drinker tho.

You can also buy lots of seaweed from the excellent Cornish Seaweed Company – as flakes etc that you can add to your cooking, or larger bits too for specific recipes.

https://www.cornishseaweed.co.uk/

Tried both changes, but bladder symptoms continue to come and go. I have considered it could be the start of interstitial cystitis, which could fit with my history of overactive sympathetic nervous system (NHS dermatologist: PP rosacea/ excessive sweating/ anxiety). But I have few night issues with bladder so not classic for interstitial.

Then it occurred to me that the amitriptyline might be treating the overactive nervous system – inc. bladder – as well as the mental health stuff … Mi afternoon flare might be as blood levels drop?

I wondered if something I was eating/ drinking/ taking/ doing after rising was irritating the bladder. The only ‘new’ was the celecoxib, but multiple other changes (eg. increased soft drinks, which are acidic and loaded with sweeteners).

Practice nurse dip stick tested a urine sample taken mid flare, but clear of infection. Saw GP later same day, we agreed a week off the celecoxib and/ or course of trimethoprim.

Thanks for your continued interest, Graham Phillips.

Have history of UTIs but not for many years. This episode started ~6 weeks ago. Classic UTI in triggers and symptoms. Hoping to avoid antibiotics I treated with copious cranberry drink and/ or lemon squash (hate water!). Symptoms on and off. At three weeks prescribed nitrofurantoin, symptoms still on and off but noticed pattern of mid afternoon flare.

Hmm why would you get a symptom flare mid afternoon? Are you drinking plenty plenty? Could it be related to something else? Just a thought but do you ever check you blood/urine sugars?

I thought this guidance would be on this website (as per the Clever Guts Diet book) but I can’t hunt it down.
I live in the UK and going off TV food documentaries would expect the larger supermarkets, selling their own brand of cooking oils, would police their sources and even lab test the product before putting their own name on the label. Their reputation rests on it. If I bought a bottle of Sainsbury’s or Tesco’s wine which was below standard then I wouldn’t go down that road again and I’d tell my friends. Cheers.

Oops sorry. Trying to avoid ‘oversharing’ results in total lack of clarity!

Flare in cystitis/ urinary tract symptoms mid afternoon. Hoping it’s just an extended irritation/ inflammation after the original UTI and not truly chronic, it has eased somewhat.

Will certainly discuss again with my GP or at a wellbeing check (in two weeks) if worsening or not resolved. Just had smear and STI screen, due bloodwork at the wellbeing check so most bases covered.

Hi Firefox: are you talking about a flare of gastric symptoms or musculo-skeletal symptoms? one option might be to split the dose – of amitriptyline take 75mg at night and 25mg at noon. Another option is to add in (say) 10mg at noon and increase gradually . The maximum daily dose is 150mg but many people can’t tolerate it.Suggest discuss with your GP?

PS: What are you doing to strengthen your core? That can be far more effective than pain-killers or pain-modulators ?

Hi Firefox – one option would be to split the dose of amitriptyline rather than take 100mg as a single dose. An alternative
is to take a second dose around noon (start with 10mg and work up). All other things being equal the max daily dose is 150mg – but many people struggle to tolerate the max dose- its very individual . Are you taking other meds and is the flare gut symptoms or other symptoms ? Suggest consult your GP before making any changes tho

Great, thanks, watching now.

Edit: that was great. What a fantastic woman 🙂

Just caught Dr Pia Winberg and her seaweed research lab on BBC Television’s ‘Coast Australia’ series 2, Southern New South Wales episode. First 15 minutes if you are watching online. 🙂

When you say flare are you talking gut symptoms or musculoskeletal? FYI the max dose of amitryptiline is 150mg (but many people can’t tolerate that dose) there’s no reason why you couldn’t split the dose you are taking and see if that gives you better pain relief over the 24h. Another option is to add small increments of 10mg for the second dose and see if it helps. Risk of daytime drowsiness and beware interactions with other prescribed medicines. Suggest discuss with your GP.?

Just had a lightbulb moment!

Maybe the mid afternoon flare isn’t aggravated by what I eat/ drink/ take at breakfast … but rather the symptoms are relieved overnight by my amitriptyline. I take 100mg at night for insomnia and depression.; much lower doses are used for nerve pain IIRC.

Claudia Roden has written various books about Mediterranean cuisine, none of her recipes have ever let me down.

Thanks again for your input.

Yes I was prescribed the nitrofurantoin first (end of week three). Urine test negative for UTI but still symptomatic hence the trimethoprim script (end of week five). Just being treated by the GP at present.

The celecoxib – and before that naproxen – were for neck/ shoulder/ upper back knotting and pain (six month history). Likely a combination of age related degeneration in the cervical spine and poor posture. I have been referred for physiotherapy so hope to be off all analgesics by the end of the year.

Nitrofurantoin is preferred for two reasons: 1) Less resistance and 2) Narrower spectrum (kills more of the bad bugs and less of the good bugs). Sounds like you are taking quite a lot of meds? What does the consultant say??

That’s useful info GutsyChickpea. I haven’t looked into Collagen supplements but I know that cutting out nightshades has helped a lot. I found that the variety of veg in my diet increased dramatically when I went nightshade free because I tried so many different things as alternatives. Really got me out of a dietary rut!
I would advise anyone going nightshade free to look up Nomato Sauce recipes and to always have a good supply in the freezer.

Thanks for your reply GrahamPhillips.

Facial rash improved substantially by Tuesday, right around the time the cystitis recurred! Now on second course of antibiotics (nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim). 🙁

Hi Ding,

Cutting out nightshades is part of the anti-inflammatory diet, prescribed for those with autoinflammatory diseases. The whole family contains a variety of glycoalkaloids which inhibiting cholinesterase. This can increase intestinal permeability, causing your immune cells to flow into your gut where they find alien bacteria, panic and cause an immune response and inflammation. I assume everyone here is already onboard with the idea that an inflamed gut can seriously effect your mental health.

However some people are also particularly sensitive to cholinesterase Inhibitors, and can see a significant drop in dopamine and a spike in acetylcholine. This can lead to increased anxiety, loss of energy and a heightened stress response.

Mike Mosleys diet is very well researched and looks to build you up to a hale and healthy gut. However as he says himself, different people are starting with guts in different conditions and the whole system is extraordinarily complicated!

First off it’s probably worth testing if the nightshades were the real culprit. Cut out potatoes, and replace them with other forms of resistance starch such as oats or cooked, cooled and reheated (briefly) rice. Monitor if you are feeling better. If not look at what other changes you made at the same time as adding the potatoes, did you remove anything? Then add a different night shade (tomatoes, peppers) to this meal and measure the effect. This should give you a better indication of whether it’s nightshades or something else.

Either way adding collagen should help improve the lining of your gut. If nightshades are generally a problem remove them and focus on finding other veg to replace them (still try and hit that 30 species a week!), and you can sporadically try them again over time to see if they affect you less as your gut heals. If not, you may be sensitive to CIs.

Amazon have a ton of collagen (it’s actually not too expensive as the serving sizes are so small) and its entirely tasteless and odorless. Or you can follow the broth recipe in the book and boil up some bones if you have the time.

Hope this helps, please keep us updated!