Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I'm new to Paleo (what a surprise!) and I have a few questions that I have not been able to find answers for on these boards. I don't know anyone to ask in real life. Thanks in advance for your help!

Ever since I started Paleo two weeks ago my stomach has felt terrible. I have never had stomach issues in my life and now it's upset all the time. I hate talking about bathroom things but you get the idea. It seems everyones stomachs feel better on Paleo except for mine. Before Paleo, I could do things like literally drink a half a gallon of milk or eat a block of cheese and be fine. I could eat a whole box of pasta. I know I am not lactose sensitive and I don't have celiac's. My stomach seemed to enjoy non-Paleo foods!

Another thing, going along with this, is that I find that I almost can't stand the taste of meat anymore. I never liked meat too much, even as a kid, although it had nothing to do with animal rights or vegetarianism or anything like that. I love raw fish and steak, but all of this chicken, turkey, pork etc I've been eating lately is driving me nuts. I'm a good cook but it's something about the actual taste of meat that bothers me. I find myself dying to pick the chicken out of my paleo salads. I love vegetables so much, the meat ruins it.

So there it is. I am not overweight at all. I am very healthy, I exercise a lot and HARD. I don't need to lose weight, I am trying to be healthier. Is it possible that there are some people whose bodies don't agree with this diet? I had no problem staying skinny and fit when I used to eat things like rice and pasta with less meat thrown in. I am starting to wonder if the stomach upset and dislike for meat is my body telling me that this isn't the best idea for me.

Thanks!

flag	asked May 19 2011 at 21:26 cyclophone 11●2

Paul Jaminet · Answer 1 · 2011-05-19 21:54:28Z UTC

Hi cyclophone,

Sounds like you're eating too much protein, not enough carbs, and probably you have a gut flora that is good at digesting amino acids and releasing toxins.

It's possible the stomach upset would improve with time as you got better at digesting protein and your gut flora adjusted to the new diet. But why find out? It's healthier to eat more carbs and less protein anyway, and you like it better.

You should eat 1/2 to 1 pound a day of "safe starches" (our phrase) such as rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, plus vegetables, and cut back on the lean meats. There's no need to force yourself to eat protein beyond your taste.

See the "Food" category on our blog perfecthealthdiet.com for Paleo meals that are more balanced between carb and protein.

Best, Paul

Shari Bambino · Answer 2 · 2011-05-19 22:39:14Z UTC

I don't eat that much meat. In fact I currently only eat it every other day and even then it's not that much. Paleo doesn't necessarily means high protein and/or lots of animal flesh. It doesn't for me.

Since weight loss is not your goal and your activity level is very high I also think more carbs, less meat is probably a very good idea. Go back to something similar to how you used to eat but just replace the pasta/grains with tubers and maybe white rice. Do that and lose the crap oils and you should be in pretty good paleo shape.

Aaron · Answer 3 · 2011-05-19 23:52:36Z UTC

I agree with the above posts about taking a more gradual approach to your change and introducing more good carbs. The idea is to find the balance of paleo foods that works for you - that means more than meat for most of us.

It is right for your body, you just have go take some time to transition in the way that suits you best. I can't think of a dog that isn't suited to eat meat, or a gorilla that isn't suited to eat leaves, or a cow that isn't suited to eat grass... your natural diet is right for your body. Take your time.

Rachel · Answer 4 · 2011-05-20 13:49:58Z UTC

Above suggestions are good, you also show some signs of possibly being hypochloridic (low stomach acid). NOW Foods Super Enzymes would be helpful anyway starting paleo, but especially if you do have low acid. Robb Wolf talks about how to use the enzymes on his web site, so I'd bounce over and check it out.

Dexter · Answer 5 · 2011-05-19 22:53:49Z UTC

See this for the science of the low carb flu.

http://www.gnolls.org/?s=the+science+behind+the+low+carb+flu

It just takes time for the digestive enzymes to convert over from being a carb/sugar digester to a fat burning machine. Some people change rapidly...some not so rapidly. Stick with it and you like the results.

Me · Answer 6 · 2011-05-20 13:45:45Z UTC

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With the hard training I'd look into cortisol regulation

answered May 20 2011 at 13:45

Me
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I’m all on board for Paleo but my body is not…

6 Answers