Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been very strict paleo since January 1, 2010. I have religiously avoided gluten in any form for that entire time and the only cheating of any kind was some rice and cheese when camping over 6 months ago. I'm pretty serious about this, so I'm pretty sure this isn't gluten contamination I'm experiencing.

I've had some pretty bad diarrhea for the last week and I have no idea where it came from. Aside from trying to lean out by cutting my carbs way down I'm eating the same thing I always eat and I'd be surprised if I was in ketosis. My sleep is good, I'm not exercising myself to death...I just don't know what's up.

I'm trying to treat it with digestive enzymes and probiotics but it's not helping. I tried eating only broth, chicken and carrots to ease things off and even though I wasn't getting enough calories I felt better. However after a couple of solid meals my symptoms returned.

I'm completely at a loss as to what's going on and I'm terrified that I've developed a beef allergy because I don't know how you can possibly stay paleo with a beef allergy.

All that being said, I'm curious if you guys have any other suggestions to help with the water-butt itself. Have any of you guys had this kind of random outbreak or anything that has lasted this long? Would it be worth it to take some imodium? Should I just ride it out with the superenzymes and probiotics?

flag	asked Mar 30 2011 at 4:29 Punchomatic 31●2

Lee · Answer 1 · 2011-03-30 05:08:56Z UTC

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I've had the same thing happen when cutting my carbs down to a very low level, like less than 10 per day, and I've read that some people just starting out on Atkins induction also get these, uh, transit problems. Why not raise your carbs back up and see if that helps?

answered Mar 30 2011 at 5:08

Lee
51●1

	I agree that adding carbs back in to see what happens is a good idea. Whether or not Punchomatic decides to keep with the low carb thing in the long term, I think it would stil be useful information to know for sure if the lack of carbs is really the culprit or not. – harms.20 Mar 30 2011 at 14:47
	I am currently cooking a sweet potato to test this. – Punchomatic Mar 30 2011 at 19:52

Mikey · Answer 2 · 2011-03-30 07:01:55Z UTC

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Xanthan gum and other gums give me these issues. I found this out when I first went gluten free and was still accosted with issues when having gluten free breads etc. Excessive fiber and some types of nuts are an instigator as well. So long as i use plant matter solely to flavor my food I am fine.

I have tried to cause similar issues by basically eating pure fat but that did not do it.

answered Mar 30 2011 at 7:01

Mikey
1,508●4●11

	If you also sweeten any drinks/food with Stevia, well - that gives me the wicked runs. Once I cut out stevia it took about 5 days for my gut to come right. Now I never struggle with diarrhoea. – Beastie Girl Mar 30 2011 at 8:32
	I am not taking in any kind of gums or sweeteners of any kind. – Punchomatic Mar 30 2011 at 19:52

matt H · Answer 3 · 2011-03-30 11:02:18Z UTC

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Pumpkin for the diarrhea.

answered Mar 30 2011 at 11:02

matt H
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Bread-Eating Beelzebub · Answer 4 · 2011-03-30 12:02:36Z UTC

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canned pumpkin + broth = a soup that really slows things down and soothes the stomach.

answered Mar 30 2011 at 12:02

Bread-Eating Beelzebub
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Riveted · Answer 5 · 2011-03-30 12:16:02Z UTC

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Have you ruled out some kind of bug or parasite? We have a wicked runs-inducing virus going around our part of the world right now. I've had it for a few days and have been alarmed at how fast things are running through.

Just a thought...

answered Mar 30 2011 at 12:16

Riveted
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	This has occurred to me, but I have no insurance and no way to test it on my own. – Punchomatic Mar 30 2011 at 19:54
	That's a tough spot to be in. My osteopath recommended a natural anti-viral, anti-parastic solution called Agrisept-L. I've been using it for a week or so and am hoping it takes care of the intestinal bug as well as anything else that may be contributing to autoimmunity. Not cheap, but lasts a long time. herbalab.com/agriseptgse.asp – Riveted Mar 31 2011 at 12:10

Wenchypoo · Answer 6 · 2011-03-30 12:53:47Z UTC

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You might be allergic to something--diahrrea is a symptom of food allergies. You might also be getting too much fat--too much fat in the system causes "flaming" diahrrea.

answered Mar 30 2011 at 12:53

Wenchypoo
145●3

Allie · Answer 7 · 2011-03-30 13:04:53Z UTC

Do you eat any kind of dairy? Could anything you've eaten have traces of gluten?

For now, you need to be drinking A LOT of fluids to re-hydrate- coconut water is an excellent option.

And just a thought, maybe your body needs a bit more of carbohydrates? Perhaps add a sweet potato or starchy vegetable of some sort in and see if that helps?

If it lasts more than two weeks I'd try to change something or call a doctor. :/

Blue -the Thrifty Mom · Answer 8 · 2011-03-30 13:21:55Z UTC

Ditto what everyone said about too much fat / too little carbs.

I can happily eat only meat, fat, and eggs for weeks at a time. I discovered the hard way, however, that I have to have SOME veg or I have foul, liquid, diarrhoea (sorry TMI) every single day after eating (I eat one meal a day).

So long as I eat a serving of leafy greens or cruciform veg a day, I'm fine.

I say throw in some collards or spinach and see if that helps.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

bettyrocker · Answer 9 · 2011-03-30 13:28:14Z UTC

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Are you taking Magnesium? This can definitely contribute to bowel liquidity...

answered Mar 30 2011 at 13:28

bettyrocker
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	esp if it is one of the less-bioavailable once like Magnesium Oxide. – Adam Crafter Mar 30 2011 at 15:41
	Normally I do take Magnesium, but I haven't been taking any since the symptoms started – Punchomatic Mar 30 2011 at 19:51

Lee · Answer 10 · 2011-03-31 18:10:42Z UTC

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Stick close to the bathroom.

answered Mar 31 2011 at 18:10

Lee
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10 Answers