A lot came up today about diet protocol. And, I realize this is a heated subject because people have a lot of strong feelings about diet, including me of course. However, if you are trying to do this protocol then it is probably very good to try and eat within the guidelines of what we are suggesting you do. If you want to be stricter that's great-or, is it? Sometimes it isn't actually.

I had an interesting conversation today with someone actually who feels better with some small amount of carbs in. Her burning was actually worse without. Why would this be? Because carbs are not all bad- some carbs allow you the fuel you need to get from meal to meal.

People have critized this treatment over the years for allowing carbs in. People also criticize us for allowing gluten. However, our reasons are not baseless. This treatment is based on experience and observation.

With zero carbs the body typically will burn too "hot" and carbs are needed to balance things out. Also, without those carbs, people can become too fatigued, and can even experience palpitations. I have had a couple people over the years end up in the ER as a consequence of not eating them. That said-I have also seen a few people do super well excluding them. I find most people fall in the middle, which is why I recommend keep in carbs and limiting to 25%. Also, if you do want to exclude them-the dinner meal is the one to choose because you don't need the carbs at night before winding down and going to bed,w hereas you do need the energy in the morning and mid day.

Last thing-I have people who believe that this is a gluten problem and that they need to be gluten free. Are there people who need to eat gluten free? Certainly. Is this condition largely linked to gluten-only in that we eat way too much of it, BUT, that is very different than the implication that one must exclude it completely. This diet is one of cutting so far so back that the diet is allows the supplements to work and do their job. As the inflammation goes down the food can go up.

High amounts of carbs and gluten are never a good idea, but most people can have small to even moderate amounts without problem. One needs to look at the big picture and the overall diet. And it is very much the process that a person is going through to clean and balance their systems that creates health.

Lastly, in order to create encouragement to others, try not to say that your way is the only way. I am not saying that anyone is doing that, but, I find that sometimes over the years I get emails from people that feel judged and then want to retreat from speaking on line with everyone. This is a shame because everyone should get help and encouragement.

So if there is a conversation where people disagree or are not sure, feel free to ask me what I think so I can help sort it out. Hopefully this will help people's participation. 

Another important thing about carbs-I have found over the years that some people can eat one carb while that carb is really problematic for another. And, that is non-gluten carbs. So, it is important to identify those problems to help keep the pain down. Also one might even want to eat white rice (AKA the unhealthy version of rice) in order to have something to eat if they cannot eat brown rice temporarily until their body is strong enough to be able to handle the brown rice. Why? Because the brown rice is more abrasive to the gut than the white that is stripped of all of its fibrous hull.

I know, this is a long text, and I am beginning to ramble a little. My point is this--there are a LOT of issues-many more than have been mentioned here to diet and carbs. It is so incredible everyone is helping everyone. Try to keep it positive and helpful and please remember to respect we all have our differences as much as we have our similarities.

Dr.M & B