Most recently, Ive been helping patients make sense of the overwhelming dietary dictates emerging from personalizedfood sensitivityandgut microbiometests.
Sometimes, at least initially, weight seems to be coming off, much to their delight.
But diets based in eliminating and/or restricting foods and food groups rarely lead tolongterm, sustained change.
Larissa Veronesi
But theres another, slightly sneakier culprit lurking in these fad diets.
They may bring exciting changes after a few days or weeks, sure.
But digestive system bliss?
Ive seen newly minted vegans struggle with incessant gas and bloating on their new plant-based diets.
(Thats what makes it fiber!)
But the microorganisms inhabiting our intestines have no such problems.
They can ferment this fiber particularly well, and ferment it they do.
Fortunately for us, feeding bacteria with lots of fiber seems to promote good gut health.
Different people make different amounts of gas based on what kind of bacteria they harbor.
This predisposes them to diarrhea several hours after consuming fructose-rich foods.
This is when I find myself explaining that healthfulness and tolerability are two separate issues.
Contrary to the popular aphorism, you are not what you eat.
Should you encourage your friend to experience an allergic reaction because the nuts are a superfood?
Are nuts a healthy food choice for your friend?
Can your friend obtain similarif not the samenutritional benefits from other foods that wont endanger their life?
These two things can be true at once.
(Not to mention those of us who are able to tolerate them digestively but simply dislike them.)
Orthorexia describes a fixation with pure or clean eating to the point of becoming unhealthily restricted.
And it can really do a number on your emotional wellbeing.
Lets find the healthiest diet you’re free to comfortably tolerate.
Green leafy roughage make you feel rough?
Those large lunch salads not tasting as good on their way back up?
Swap out raw veggies for cooked oneswhether steamed, sauteed, roasted or souped.
(As I tell all my patients: soup is liquid salad.)
Looking to eat less animal protein, but beans produce too much gas for your comfort?
Try cultured forms of legumes, like firm tofu or tempeh, instead.
Cold pressed juices or smoothie bowls at breakfast giving you the afternoon runs?
You have permission to eat foods that feel good to eat.
(But if youd feel better having it, then consider it granted.)
Just because a food is good for you, that doesnt mean its good for you.
