Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been mostly paleo for about 6 months now- not perfectly so- probably not consuming a perfect balance omega 3/6's, for example. Over that time I've had GI issues at least 3 times. Has anyone else had this problem? What's the cause? Here are some possible ones I've come up with: Too much fruit Too much pork fat People suggest it's because I don't eat regularly, but I don't think that's it, given how many paleos out there do that. But is it possible that I'm not ready for it for some reason? Any input is greatly appreciated!

edited Oct 19 2010 at 2:24

Ed♦
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asked Oct 17 2010 at 23:44

Nico
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	Have you tried a probiotic. – Bread-Eating Beelzebub Oct 17 2010 at 23:53
	I haven't. I have been trying to eat kimchi and other fermented foods often. Don't know if I can find a pill-form probiotic in China. – Nico Oct 18 2010 at 1:43
	Kimchi is spicy. SPicy can upset the GI and stomach. – Eva Oct 18 2010 at 2:06
	I'll have to pick up a probiotic when I'm in the States in a month... just realized that. Eva, that's a good point. Fortunately, there is a vast variety of fermented pickles readily available in China. I should try eating more. – Nico Oct 18 2010 at 5:19
	Can you describe in more details the type of GI issues you're having. – Paleo Seb Oct 18 2010 at 23:39

show 2 more comments

Wendy · Answer 1 · 2010-10-18 00:39:41Z UTC

Digestive enzymes might be helpful. Your body might be having difficulty assimilating higher fat content on some days.Thats's not terribly uncommon and it's nothing to be disturbed by unless it becomes a regular thing. I assume by "GI problems" you are referring to loose stools?

Don't freak out about it. I run a paleo weight loss company (and of course am paleo myself). I see this in clients all the time (at various times) and I experience it myself now and again (particularly when I really up my fat content, i.e. consume a high amount of coconut oil). You aren't doing anything wrong. It happens. As long as it's an occasional thing, don't sweat it.

Tom R. · Answer 2 · 2010-10-18 02:02:03Z UTC

I would say if you are talking about three encounters with stomach cramps and loose stool in a six month period, I certainly wouldn't worry about it. If I ever get "backed up" and need guaranteed relief, a spoonful or two of coconut oil before bed always does the trick the next day (as long as I am willing to put up with the cramps in the wee hours of the morning). Some people are not able to digest as much fat as others. I presume this is the case for me, probably due to some stomach/intestinal damage from years of dairy and grains.

Eva · Answer 3 · 2010-10-18 02:07:27Z UTC

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Keep a food log and look for patterns. Different things trigger different people.

answered Oct 18 2010 at 2:07

Eva
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That seems like a good idea. Although also a bit of a hassle... but probably worth it. One of those things that seems obvious- except I didn't think of it. Thanks for the tip! – Nico Oct 18 2010 at 5:16

Jay · Answer 4 · 2010-10-18 17:31:49Z UTC

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There are dozens of possible GI complaints. Perhaps you should specify what type of symptoms...

answered Oct 18 2010 at 17:31

Jay
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I was a bit hesitant to go into detail given the subject matter :-) I've had intermittent diarrhea, and at least twice I've had pretty intense cramp-like pain, which once sent me to the hospital in the middle of the night, and recently lasted for more than 24 hours. – Nico Oct 18 2010 at 21:47

Stephen-Aegis · Answer 5 · 2010-10-18 17:36:39Z UTC

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Gluten and Fructose do this to me. A food journal and a 30 day elimination/reintroduction test is best if you want to narrow it down

answered Oct 18 2010 at 17:36

Stephen-Aegis
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Good to know! I'll try to cut down on the fruit. – Nico Oct 19 2010 at 2:04

Paola · Answer 6 · 2010-10-19 05:10:56Z UTC

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Nico, I suspect that it's not your general eating style (paleo, non-paleo, omega 3/6 ratio, etc.): you must have eaten something wrong, that either your body cannot digest well (some hidden intolerance?), or was simply contaminated. Did the symptoms manifest after eating out? As others have suggested, I would keep a food diary to see if you can detect any cause-effect pattern. And if nothing comes up and the problem persist, I would go to a good international hospital (maybe in Shanghai?) and do a thorough check up.

edited Oct 19 2010 at 5:10

answered Oct 19 2010 at 3:21

Paola
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	I would agree. Food elimination is probably necessary to track down the culprit. Take out any potential offenders (dairy, nuts/seeds and definitely gluten) and reintroduce slowly. Coconut oil should be a major staple in any Paleo diet anyway. But what many people don't know is, it's an amazing anti-viral, anti-bacterial. If you have any intestinal issues going on (leaky gut syndrome, candida) or something along those lines, it can really help improve that. So to recap, eliminate common food offenders, reintroduce slowly and watch for symptoms, begin CO (start with 1 TBS a day and work to 3. – Wendy Oct 23 2010 at 22:13
	Oh, except, don't reintroduce any gluten. That should definitely be eliminated for good! – Wendy Oct 23 2010 at 22:14

bsunde · Answer 7 · 2010-10-19 03:29:51Z UTC

Do you eat a lot of flax seeds? If you don't drink enough water with them they can cause intense cramping.

Do you drink milk? (I'm assuming not)

Do you eat a lot of fruit? I tracked down my previous GI issues to fruit. I was amazed at how much it affected me.

Do you eat a lot of fibrous vegetables? Sudden increases in fiber can cause gas if your gut flora is not used to it.

Also as Melissa said, certain vegetables in particular (cruciferous), can be very problematic for some: kale, collard greens, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, radish. Kimchi is cabbage.

Frequent GI issues- what’s the cause?

7 Answers