User vb - PaleoHacks.com

Answer by VB for PaleoHacks Podcast - YOUR QUESTIONS WANTED - Paul Jaminet

2013-05-18T19:21:53Z

I have many questions, but I am not sure if Paul would be willing to answer some of them. Anyway, it is worth a try.

What is the cause of obesity? It is not sugar, since I know many people who consume sugar on a regular basis, yet they are slender. It is not carbs because Japanese and Koreans eat more rice than they need yet they are not obese. So what is it? Gut flora?
What does Paul think about Weston Price and the foundation? Liver and sprouted wheat vs. the Perfect Health Diet?
Why do people overeat? For example, sometimes I get so hungry - I envy anorexics. Why do some people are able to eat very little and stop after two or three bites while the others have to have a full three-course dinner and a snack to feel satiated?
Why is his blog on the Perfect Health Diet is so science-heavy and so difficult to read for an average Jane? Why can't he have a recap for dummies in bullet points with clear, specific recommendations of what to do.
I am recovering from SIBO, giardiasis, gut dysbiosis (Golden Staph, E. Coli, C. Diff, etc) and low immunity. However, before I was diagnosed based on an array of stool and blood samples, six different doctors gave up on me, gave me the wrong diagnosis, prescribed me the wrong medication and two of them even told me to see a shrink because I was obviously "imagining things". I suspect I am not the only one.

Is Paleo movement a safe haven for all those people with multiple digestive problems that doctors could not figure out due to lack of training and sheer idiocity? If all doctors would actually knew how to diagnose a patient, would we even need Paleo? I mean, I am not a doctor but I already know what to do with a patient the minute he/she comes in. Why do I have to learn everything there is to know about gastroenterology to be my own doctor? I know it sounds like I am venting, but I just do not get it...

Thanks for everything Paul and you are doing to get people on the health track! Love you.

Answer by VB for GOATS HEAD SOUP ...and stuff

2013-05-18T05:43:03Z

See, you got totally inspired by my hourglass shape picture!

I am not sure about goat's head, but I definitely know that lamb's head is a delicacy in the middle east. They make soup with it. Yum, yum.

Bon appetite!

Recipe

Lamb's head soup

Answer by VB for Are muscular women sexually attractive?

2013-05-17T18:30:30Z

Here we go again... This question was supposed to be asked in the beginning of spring and it is almost summer now.

As a woman and a wanna-be anthropologist - no, I believe girls should be feminine and curvy.

Here is my answer:

textareatextarea

There is ONLY ONE evolutionary approved shape - an hourglass figure. If you are not an hourglass, your genes are not the best.

By the way, Dr. Cate mentions this in her book. If you eat well during your pregnancy, your daughter will win the genetic lottery.

Answer by VB for Can one eat too much greens?

2013-05-17T08:12:43Z

I was trying to figure out the same thing... but was never able to find the right answer. One of the possible explanations I have heard from the GAPS lady is that the purpose of raw foods (vegetables) is to cleanse the body from (something.... toxins?). So when you keep eating only raw foods, your body is in a constant state of cleansing. Your need cooked foods as well.

I could not juice at all - I got so exhausted. Basically I felt they were giving me die-off effects and I was in a constant state of die-off. This explanation could be flawed though.

Recovery pattern

2013-05-13T10:09:53Z

Yet another crazy question from me but I hope you are used to them by now so here it goes...

I am currently undergoing treatment for dysbiosis. So I have noticed this pattern:

When I start a new medicine (like a prebiotic or a probiotic of some kind) the first week I get really really sick - fatigued to the point of doing nothing but sleeping all the time.

Then on the fifth or sixth day my fatigue is miraculously better.

Also, in terms of my food intake - when I eat "clean" Paleo (mostly soups with vegetables and meat) I feel much worse, but when I eat something loaded with carbs, I feel much better.

My only guess is when I eat clean, my herx reaction is worse. But shouldn't the herx reaction end at the end of the week?

Have you treated your gut dysbiosis successfully? What was your reaction to probiotics? When you eat "forbidden" foods, how does your body react?

EDITED:

I was incorrect about bread and dairy. It was something else, because bread is making me sick. I guess it was just a temporary thing - probably from probiotics.

Answer by VB for Recovery pattern

2013-05-16T18:45:00Z

I wish I could split the bounty in more than two ways. Is there a way to do it? Anyway, I want to thank ALL of you, especially Albert for providing some badly needed advice. Thanks again and I am very very sorry I cannot give points to all and each of you.

Answer by VB for 6 Weeks into Paleo and still no change...What should I do?

2013-05-16T14:15:31Z

Don't worry, sooner or later you will lose weight.

2 things that might help you:

don't eat after 6:00 PM
eat protein for breakfast
no sweets, no chocolate. I know. Just do it.

Answer by VB for Is Alcoholism partially genetic, and can diet prevent it?

2013-05-16T05:27:13Z

In her book "Deep Nutrition" Dr. Cate argues that the "fetal alcohol syndrome" is the result of nutritional deficiencies. She quotes one experiment where expectant mothers who were alcoholics and who already had kids with fetal alcohol syndrome were given some special vitamin enhanced supplements and as a result they gave birth to normal babies.

Also, according to research, people who live around grape harvesting areas, are less susceptible to alcoholism. When you add grape extracts to vodka and sell it to people, the consumers are less prone to get addicted.

Alcohol tolerance or intolerance is genetic. Many populations around the globe are alcohol intolerant - many indigenous people are among them - thus it is easier for them to become alcohol-dependant.

When Asians consume alcohol, many of them experience "flush" symptoms, which indicates that they are alcohol-intolerant as well. If Asians would consume grape wine for thousand of years, their response would be different.

Consuming grape wine and grape extract prevents developing alcoholism (as far as I know).

A totally hypothetical question about nutritional deficiencies

2013-05-15T18:40:30Z

I have a question that can be considered biased and political. But actually it is should not be and basically I am asking because it just dawned on me and I want to have some feedback (both negative and positive).

I will try to explain it in the most politically correct way, but if I hurt someone's feelings, I apologize beforehand - I do not mean to degrade/put people down. I am just asking it because I want to make sure it makes sense.

Well, here it goes. Here is a map of the world based on IQ scores:

It is not very accurate, because it lists averages by country rather than by province/area. However, just by looking at that map we can see that the closer you are to the equator, the lower your average IQ scores become.

Compare the map above with the nutritional deficiencies world map:

One more map: INFECTIOUS AND PARASITIC DISEASE MAP:

textareatextarea

So my point is: can it be (hypothetically) that some economic/political problems can be solved by eliminating nutritional deficiencies?

Answer by VB for For people that did or know anybody that did an extended water fast, do you recommend it?

2013-05-14T20:17:08Z

I did one for about 27 days. DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. The absolute worst thing I have done in my life. It completely screwed up my digestion.

Eat every day, just make sure to eat good food.

Answer by VB for Is suburbia un-paleo?

2013-05-14T05:59:09Z

I took the UCLA Loneliness Quiz that was mentioned in the article and my result was interpreted as "normal lonely", whatever that means. I guess it is better than "abnormal lonely" but worse then "not lonely at all".

One of the questions was, "How often do you feel people are unable to understand you or you are unable to connect with people?" My real answer would be, "Every time I try to tell people about gut bacteria, Paleo, evolutionary development and Weston Price." And 50% of the time I make connections talking about Weston Price and gut bacteria - interesting, isn't it?

Suburbia is very Paleo. Just don't buy a plastic gnome or a pink flamingo - otherwise you can connect with nature in so many ways! Plant something that can grow in your area, like an apple tree or a cherry tree, and start a vegetable garden... if you want to, of course.

I don't think hunters and gatherers worked every single day. That would be exhausting. They spent most of their free time hanging out, socializing, preparing for the hunt. But think of yourself as an early agriculturalist - and if you get a goat or some chickens your neighbors will surely report you. That will make you famous instantly.

Enjoy - you have the best of both worlds.

Answer by VB for Great advice.... 50 years ago, Are you always tired?

2013-05-13T19:41:08Z

I love Jack Lalanne, but I disagree with him on this one. Yes, he could be right, most people are probably tired because they do not exercise enough. But not all. Not in my case.

About three years ago I was exercising 2 hours per day (boxing, interval training, lifting weights, skiing), yet I felt exhausted all the time. I knew something was wrong with me, but I thought - maybe I was not exercising enough? 10 hours per week, hard core, and yet I was still tired.

So if you are relatively healthy - yes, it could be lack of physical activity. But there could be other medical causes as well.

Don't forget about sugar. It can make you tired as well.

Answer by VB for Dysbiosis (Gut Flora) Clarification Question

2013-05-13T18:30:23Z

How do you know you have dysbiosis? How do you know you don't have any parasites? Which ones have you been screened for - there are so many of them.

I cannot share my n=1 because it is too long. But this is what I think:

Dysbiosis is caused by something. It could be SIBO or something else. SIBO is caused by something. SIBO creates a perfect environment for parasites.

Have you been screened for pathogenic bacteria, such as Staph, E. Coli, etc.? There are many different kinds as well.

So if I were you, I would complete elaborate testing for every pathogen/parasite out there. And for your gut flora - if you are deficient. Once you know what you have, it is very easy to restore your gut flora. You just need to make sure you don't have parasites, otherwise it won't work.

Answer by VB for What do you do at the gym? What are your workouts like?

2013-05-13T13:46:44Z

You have to find gym buddies - somebody to work out with. If you work out with fun people, it is not going to be boring any longer. I prefer group workouts - it is more fun!
You can work out in nature - go for a long walk or run. Again, finding a group will be more fun.
Enroll in some kind of a competition, it will give you a boost. Challenge your friend.
Hire a personal trainer. If you are a guy (I bet you are since your nick gives it away) - find a beautiful girl with a large bra size. It will bring more excitement into your routine.
Try different sports - boxing, karate, tae kwan do, fencing, swimming, chess with life size chess figures - whatever. Variety is the key.

Answer by VB for Desperately need help

2013-05-13T05:06:01Z

Andrea, I wish I knew what to tell you... but my advice is to find a very good doctor. Finding a good doctor is extremely hard since most of them are not adequately trained.

No grains period.
Low FODMAPS cooked (steamed, boiled) vegetables.
Cooked fruits. I know, sounds ridiculous - but what if you have other things than celiac going on? Your immune system could be compromised, you don't want to take any chances.
Boiled water only. Are you comfortable drinking their bottled water? It is a tropical region, full of parasites.
Meat, fish, eggs - cooking from scratch. You can make a wonderful soup with meat, carrot, celery and bok choy. Soups are quite filling, and you can add a zucchini.

Good luck, I wish I could tell you more!

Answer by VB for Recovering from major illness...having tough time eating meat/protein

2013-05-11T06:21:45Z

Basically, you have a gut dysbiosis (do you still have SIBO?) that occurred due to antibiotic consumption. You might have some bad bacteria there as well. The best way to start is to get a comprehensive stool analysis (DNA with GI effects is great) and then work with it. Most likely, you will need a quality probiotic, and you will have to start with very small dosages. I would take care of SIBO first if you still have it, before taking probiotic.

Good luck!

What are the best FOOD sources of magnesium? Food sources only please.

2012-08-21T18:01:49Z

FOOD SOURCES ONLY PLEASE.

Could you please list them in bullet/column form, from highest to the lowest, if possible?

I have checked ten different sources and they all say different things. Halibut is the only one that is the same.

If you think that magnesium can only be absorbed with some other vitamin (like vitamins A and D go together), let me know.

Thank you very much.

Answer by VB for Anyone else get a rash when they are in ketosis?

2013-05-10T06:15:58Z

Thanks for sharing! I don't know anything about it and I did not develop anything strange on all meat diet, but I am off it now (and I did not plan to stay for a long time to begin with).

I only know about Xanthomas:

http://donmatesz.blogspot.ru/2011/06/farewell-to-paleo.html

How much red meat did you consume?

Answer by VB for SIBO: Should You be on SCD (or GAPS) at the SAME TIME as taking the bacteria killing ANTIBIOTICS or "flare up" the bacteria by eating "normal" so the antibiotics can kill them easily?

2013-05-09T08:23:22Z

What kind of antibiotics are you using? The best combination is Flagyl/ metronidazole plus rifaximin depending on the bacteria. Flagyl should be low (750 mg), and rifaximin at its max.
How do you know you have SIBO? What kind of tests did you go through?
Are you sure you do not have any parasites? Have you been tested for any parasites? My belief is that in many cases SIBO is cased by parasites or infection.
I would go for a low FODMAP Paleo version (check out Aglae the Paleo dietitian). For the duration of the treatment make sure not to consume any grains and keep your carbs fairly low. The lower the better.
Taking probiotics during or right after the treatment is not recommended. The only more or less credible recommendation is taking S. boulardi one hour prior to taking antibiotic (which means before meals because you are taking antibiotics with your meals to make sure bacteria has some).
You can start taking a special prebiotic right after the treatment. If you are interested, I can email you the name of it.
You can start a probiotic ten days after you finish your antibiotic. Make sure to buy one that was refrigerated. They lose their potency really fast.
You need to take a prokinetic together with your antibiotic. The best prokinetic is Resolor but also make sure to eat tons of fresh ginger. If you cannot stomach ginger, it means you have a die off reaction and you have some kind of parasites.

Good luck - but remember - if you do not treat the cause of SIBO, it might come back.

EDITED

So to answer your question:

Go as low carb as you can. Vegetables (especially low FODMAP such as carrot, zuccini) and meat, fish should be your best friends. But you can have any low carb vegetables if they are well tolerated.

Use vegetables low in FODMAPS.

No fruit, no grains, no starches, NO SUGAR, no dairy.

Look up Aglaee the Paleo Dietitian protocol - she has it on her website.

Good luck!

Answer by VB for [meta] Are the trolls here pushing their point of view or are they just attention seekers alone?

2013-05-09T19:06:43Z

You mean Bill Bailey/Adam Veritas?

Either he is bored or an attention seeker. But one thing for sure - he needs help. Paleohacks is not the right place to get help for people with problems like that. He actually needs to admit to himself first that he needs help.

At first I thought he was just bored and was looking for entertainment. Now I think he is in a serious situation. However, if he does not seek for help himself - there is nothing I can do. All I can do is vote to close his questions. I wish I could notify his parents.

If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them because if there is something we can do, I think we should at least try.

Answer by VB for Help me understand what is going on here? Sensitive to EVERYTHING

2013-05-09T01:39:42Z

I don't know because I am not a doctor BUT here is my guess (and again, it is just a guess).

You have a severe form of gut dysbiosis and might have parasites (you need to rule it by doing all kinds of tests).

One piece of evidence you are missing - you need a special blood work test - it is called immunology - for different kinds of pathogenic bacteria.

Also, are you sure you don't have ANY parasites or GI infections? You need to get tested for all of them. If you have ever been to the tropics, add more blood tests.

Now, how to correct gut dysbiosis.

I don't know. My doctor gave the this formula:

Step 1. Kill of the bad guys. Step 2. Prepare the environment for the good guys (Prebiotics for 15 days then 10 days off then 5 days on plus pumpkin seed oil in capsules for 35 days). Step 3. Re-populate the good guys (probiotics plus vitamins for 15 days after 10 days of prebiotics) Step 4. Improve your immune response (immunomodulator for 10 days after I am done with probiotics).

So far it is working although I had a very very bad die-off reaction to... a prebiotic? Pumpkin seed oil? Not sure.

Since I had parasites (giardia) I have developed SIBO (parasites create a perfect environment for SIBO), but I treated that separately so I am not sure what needs to be addressed first.

Could you find a good immunologist/gut doctor in your area?

Answer by VB for How much do you know of chemistry, biochemistry, and when, and how, did you learn?

2013-05-08T21:14:22Z

I know absolutely nothing about chemistry and biochemistry and proud of it.

Actually, I remember just one things: acids neutralize bases. That's all. Nothing more.

No, I don't have a burning desire to learn chemistry. When I read some posts (and some articles on Perfect Health Diet) my reaction is huh? What are they talking about? When the only words you can understand are articles "a" and "the" in the whole paragraph, it gets quite boring. I need things to be spelled out in simple form. Like grains are not good for you because antinutrients are there to protect grains from being eaten. That's what I understand.

Also, I would like to warn people about dangers of getting too much into details. Usually many brainy people with high testosterone-driven brain prone to zero in on one thing and one thing only. It used to help during the hunt - here is our gazelle, go get it.

However, you need to see the big picture behind the elephant. When you get too technical and search for "how" you overlook answers to the most important question - "why".

I respect people's interests in chemistry and biochemistry as long as they see the world as a whole, not as a compilation of chemistry and physics and understand that both disciplines are just a tiny drop in the bucket. We need to constantly remind ourselves that everything is interconnected. One of the main reasons I love anthropology because it can exhibit (and should) a more holistic approach to science.

"One cannot pluck a flower without disturbing a star."

Question about pumpkin seed oil

2013-05-08T21:44:06Z

I know Paleohackers have an open mind so I am going to ask this question:

Yes, I know pumpkin seed oil is not Paleo and it is full of Omega 6 and it is horrible and it is processed...

However, this is what you need to know: my doctor prescribed me pumpkin seed oil in capsules (3 caps per meal, three X perday).

I knew it was not Paleo and I doubted the whole treatment anyway, so I have been taking 3 caps only twice per day. Well, I have noticed that it makes a huge difference for me to the point that even my yellowish carotenemia is going away. So I went with my doctor's prescription - I am taking 3 caps three times per day and it does wonders for me personally.

I am really amazed at how much better I feel and it tastes great. No, this is not an infomercial, I do not sell it, I swear.

But here is my question: it is not Paleo and it is full of Omega 6, but it is amazing and it does wonders for me.

Maybe we are overlooking some medicinal properties of Neolithic foods? Have you ever thought about it?

Answer by VB for Is ox bile supplementation possibly dangerous?

2013-05-08T22:50:59Z

I don't have an answer but can I please vent my frustration? I promise it is not directed at you, it is a general feeling...

Why aren't people trying to find the real cause of their digestive issues? Why do they try supplements without actually knowing whether it is going to help or not? Trial and error is great, but it is like the blind leading the blind - what if you won't find what you are looking for? I have spent around $3,000 on different supplements and in the end, none of them really helped me.

The only thing that actually (almost) cured me is OC medication that my doctor prescribed. Actually, there are four different meds: anti-giardia, one prebiotic, one probiotic vitamin complex and pumpkin seed oil in capsules. That's it. It only costs around $50. And my digestion is finally getting back to normal after seven years of suffering and so many unsuccessful attempts.

It only happened after I brought him an array of blood work and stool test results. Laura, I don't know if Chris Kresser actually knows what you, Laura, need. He hasn't seen your test results. So why do you think ox bile is for you? I am not saying it is NOT for you, I am just saying - why?

So my answer is - if you don't know what exactly causes your digestive problems, maybe you should find out and then ask the doctor if ox bile is really what you need.

Answer by VB for Need help in resolving 5 years of chronic fatigue

2013-05-07T18:23:29Z

I think people who have answered before me know WAY MORE than I ever will.

However, I will put my 2cents in and I really really hope you will read it.

I apologize, but your post was a bit too long for me so I only finished reading the first half.

Anyway, one thing that really helped me is the test to get the right diagnosis. Not all doctors are very thorough nowadays - they don't have time and frankly, most of them just don't care.

So you need to get a doc who is willing to put you through some very very thorough testing. I am sure it has something to do with your gut - I just don't know what it is.

I was lucky enough to find a good immunologist (prior diagnosis included celiac, gluten intolerance, gastritis, ibs, etc.) Two doctors told me to see a shrink - they said it was all in my head.

Well, here is the final diagnosis (and a correct one this time)

chronic giardiasis
dysbiosis including Golden Staph., E. Coli, C. Diff, etc. etc.
gastritis
low immunity

I also used to have SIBO, but took care of it. Now I believe that SIBO is caused by pathogenic bacteria/parasites. I think all SIBO patients need a comprehensive stool test.

Anyway, here is my solution for you.

Take a very very very comprehensive stool and blood test. I mean, you need tests that only a good doctor can prescribe - you would not even know half the things on that test. I actually had to take a blood special test that they give to AIDS and cancer patients (I have neither).
You need a great doctor who would know how to interpret the results. It is going to be hard, but it is doable. Do not self-medicate yourself, a good doctor (as I found out) knows more than you ever will. Unfortunately, a bad doctor can really mess up your life.

Good luck.

Answer by VB for What do you guys think about Choffy?

2013-05-07T05:42:03Z

How did ancient Maya drink it? I want chocolate that way, whatever it was.

Answer by VB for What to do with 200 fish eyeballs?

2013-05-06T18:39:36Z

I heard that fish eyes are very bitter. Is that true?

Make bone broth from fish heads. If the eyeballs are bitter, give them to your cat.

A question for Paleo trainers or anyone who is working out

2013-05-05T18:10:50Z

Not sure how to word it so this question does not get closed. I have read this article about the girl winning the best bum (gluteus maximus) contest. At the ceremony, she apparently commented, "Working out at the gym for 10 years has paid off."

So my question is:

Is it possible to get a bum like this after working out for 10 years or do you have to have a nice bum to start with? Are there special exercises and how often do you have to work out?
If yes, can it be done to boobs too?

Here is a picture of her bum:

textareatextarea

If you find my question offensive (even though I don't think it is, really), please feel free to edit it.

Answer by VB for Why can some people eat anything and everything whilst others cannot without getting any problems?!

2013-05-06T12:27:37Z

And the answer is: gut flora. If your gut flora is filled with wonderful healthy bacteria, it will handle almost anything. After all, people are omnivores. But if you start abusing the system, sooner or later it will start malfunctioning and this is how you will get into all kinds of problems.

Paleo helps your gut flora to stay healthy. Take care of your little ones and they will take good care of you.

Answer by VB for Paelo flu remedies?

2013-05-06T06:18:35Z

Chicken soup with garlic, onion and carrots. Make sure to use the whole chicken.

Comment by VB

2013-05-19T08:38:48Z

LOL. No, it is not me, it is my butt! JK!!! I don't like Kardashian's butt - it's too big for her legs. I bet she is skinny fat.

Comment by VB

2013-05-19T06:09:43Z

But I don't consider "regular" doctors as "doctors", I only listen to doctors my trusted friends recommend.

Comment by VB

2013-05-19T06:09:00Z

Most docs that my friends recommend that is. I have not heard about any other options from my friends. Actually, most "regular" doctors recommend antibiotics but Joanna already mentioned it did not help her.

Comment by VB

2013-05-19T06:06:43Z

Sorry. I did not mean anything bad but I do envy them sometimes, that's the truth.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T22:02:47Z

the orange thingy could be loquat if it is orange inside - not sure from the picture.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T22:02:06Z

treesandshrubs.about.com/od/fruitsnuts/ig/…

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T21:55:34Z

Is this question for real? LOL :) You have never heard of an artichoke, parsley, mango, or longan? Thanks for making me laugh! Artichokes a delicious, but prickly, you have to cut the rough edges with scissors. Steam them, add some olive oil. Good luck with your produce adventures!

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T21:54:44Z

The last one looks like kale, but I cannot say for sure.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T19:28:23Z

Joanna, most docs recommend fecal transplant. It appears I have C.diff as well - it was listed on my "pathogens found" list. I am undergoing treatment right now and it seems... it is working! Although it is not an easy ride. If I get rid of this thing (and I will have to do additional testing after the treatment) I will let you know.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T19:25:40Z

2. You could have SIBO. ALso, find what can cause your SIBO if you have it - could be different things. Okay, I am not Paul and I don't know for sure, but shouldn't you check it out?

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T17:17:38Z

Erin, could I please please please get a green check mark? My girl is the most sexually attractive. And she has the best asset as well.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T08:06:33Z

He can have fish and seafood instead. He also can have sprouted grains, white rice and sweet potatoes in moderation if he needs time to adjust (Weston Price/Perfect health). But since he is a bit overweight, I would cut out all fruit and anything sweet.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T04:30:19Z

@Axial - so you don't find this picture appealing? Ok. To each his own.

Comment by VB

2013-05-18T04:28:30Z

@Mary - I just Googled "hourglass shaped woman" and I did not want to use any famous women, that's all. As for Miss Bum bum - I read about it in the news, and they did not have her face, only her bum picture.

Comment by VB

2013-05-17T20:23:31Z

I think there is a book "Fiber Menace" how too much fiber is actually bad for you.