Q & A

This page as an open thread for reader questions, especially questions about personal health concerns.

I am putting this page up as a way to share knowledge — my knowledge with questioners, but also so that others with similar concerns can read the conversation, and readers with relevant knowledge can chip in with their own thoughts.

Please keep in mind that I can’t research questions in any depth, so my answers should be considered tentative, incomplete, and subject to later correction. Also, I am not a doctor, and nothing I say should be construed as a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment. I am only sharing opinions about disease origins and general therapeutic strategies which may or may not be applicable in any given case.

To get the page started, I’ll put up a few questions from recent emails. Here is an index by disease, with clickable links:

And here are my answers.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Paul,

Been following your work on the PHD before the publication of the book and commented on my CLL and the usefulness of Vitamin D once on your blog and you responded to keep an eye on my Vitamin K intake, which I do now.. Am fortunate in a way to have my form of CLL as it indolent which gives me the opportunity to experiment without the pressure of undergoing conventional treatment. The PHD, I think, is helpful in this regard.

Wonder if you could point anything out to me that may be useful. Anything at all. And I will be happy to share with you my results.

Surely you know of the helpfulness of green tea with CLL. You may not be familiar with research that points out that those with low levels of Vitamin D need treatment for CLL far sooner than those with elevated levels.

Feel strongly that your version of a ketogenic diet would be helpful but also feel I need some direction in this area. Do you have any suggestions?

Warmest Regards,

A

Hi A,

I remember your comment, thanks for writing back. I’m glad you’re enjoying our diet and wish you the best.

Thanks for the tips about green tea and vitamin D. Neither one surprises me.

Most likely CLL is caused by a viral infection. So enhancing viral immunity is probably a good idea. Good strategies may include: (1) low-protein dieting, which inhibits viral reproduction and can promote autophagy; (2) maintaining high vitamin D levels; and (3) intermittent fasting, which promotes autophagy.

Some food compounds have been reported to have antiviral effects. An example is green tea catechins, eg http://pmid.us/16137775, http://pmid.us/18313149, and http://pmid.us/18363746, and this could be why green tea is helpful against cancers, http://pmid.us/21595018, which are usually viral in origin.

I might search Pubmed for herbs and spices with antiviral effects, and use them abundantly in cooking, along with antiviral foods. Turmeric / curcumin is a good choice, this needs to be taken with black pepper to enter the body. See http://pmid.us/21299124, http://pmid.us/20434445, http://pmid.us/20026048.

Coconut oil / lauric acid also has some antiviral properties, so inducing ketosis with coconut oil could benefit you even aside from the ketosis. You could also try monolaurin supplements which may enter the body better and which some people have reported to help viral infections.

You might also try HDL-raising tactics as discussed in this series: HDL and Immunity, April 12; HDL: Higher is Good, But is Highest Best?, April 14; How to Raise HDL, April 20.

Another possible tactic is high-dose riboflavin with UV exposure on the eyes. This requires going outdoors at midday and not wearing glasses or contact lenses. Riboflavin+UV is toxic to blood-borne viruses, and the retina is a location where UV can reach circulating blood cells. Sun exposure will also help you optimize vitamin D.

That’s a few ideas, at some point I’ll do some research to come up with more and do a blog post. Do keep me posted on your results!

Best, Paul

Bloating, acid reflux, anxiety, depression, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, fatigue

Just came upon your website and had a question for you. I have had some health concerns for the last four years, bloating, acid reflux, anxiety, depression, hypoglycemia symptoms, female complaints (I am in my forties), thyroid antibodies at 333, weight gain around my middle and too tired to work out like I once did. I used to be fikiiled with energy and great health no depression or anxiety. My doctor thinks these symtoms are all from peri-menopause and wants to treat me with Zoloft.

Needless to say I have tried to avoid the Zoloft. I have tired every avenue out there to cure myself. Most recently the Primal type diet. When I eat no grains or dairy I get horrible hypoglycemia symptoms and don’t feel great like everyone else on a low carb diet. I feel weak and more anxious. Do you think your diet would be easier for me with the addition of rice and potatoes?

G

Hi G,

Yes, I do think our diet will be better for you. You should eat enough starches to avoid hypoglycemia.

The key thing for you is treating the infections which are consuming so much glucose and making you glucose-deficient if you don’t eat enough carbs. Whatever pathogen(s) this is, it seems to have infected your gut and caused the various gut problems; circulating pathogen-derived toxins and immune cytokines are probably responsible for the anxiety and depression. Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism may be either due to circulating toxins or a thyroid infection.

I would suspect some kind of protozoal or parasitic infection due to the hypoglycemia, but what I really recommend is getting your doctor to have a stool sample analyzed for pathogens. Metametrix has a good test. Once you know what pathogen to treat, and get on a better diet like ours, you should improve quickly.

Lupus

I am writing on behalf of my mother … We live in Dhaka Bangladesh …

Before her illness, my mom was 105 lbs, 5 feet tall and always 10ft tall in spirit…. When she was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 30, we were all overwhelmed and out of our depths. My beautiful, athletic mother was in a wheelchair and given 6 months to live….

The doctors has advised her to eat literally nothing, minimum protein (1 small piece of chicken/fish, limited to 20g protein per day), only 2-3 types of vegetable and 2-3 fruits and of course lots of carbs to apparently compensate for her failing KIDNEY and LUPUS. She is on tons of medication, no food except the wrong foods (carbs) and in chronic pain. She currently weighs 139 lbs.

Please advise. — S

Hi S,

I believe lupus is a catch-all diagnosis for a variety of conditions which are probably caused by undiagnosed infections. In the US the infections are usually bacterial. I’ve known several people with diagnosed lupus who were cured by antibiotic treatments – in one case the problem was Lyme disease (Borrelia). I have no idea what the likely pathogens would be in Bangladesh. If she does better on low carb and coconut oil, that indicates bacteria; if she does better on high-carb, that indicates protozoa.

A healthy diet is very important. It is very bad advice to “eat literally nothing,” it is essential to be well nourished. Protein is necessary for healing and immune function, and 20 g/day is too little. Fasting is good, but it should be intermittent – not starvation! She needs healthy fats, more protein, and lots of micronutrients. Eggs, shellfish, seafood, bone broth soups, vegetable soups, and fermented vegetables may all be helpful. Coconut milk is probably good for her. You should basically follow the program in our book.

I would try to put her on a good diet, give her a little time for kidneys and other tissues to heal, and then try antimicrobial medicines. Usually, if they’re not working, then you don’t notice an effect. Any strong effect, good or bad, means they are working. Bad effects mean that pathogens are dying and releasing a lot of toxins as they disintegrate. If this occurs, detox aids (salt, water, and one of cholestyramine/charcoal/bentonite clay; also glutathione supports and vitamin C) will help.

Please stay in touch and let me know how things go.

Best, Paul

Depression

Jersie wrote:

I’ve suffered from depression for decades. A few months ago, I decided to try the Dr. Kruse protocol for jumpstarting leptin sensitivity and 2 interesting things happened.

When I went very low carb – below 50 gm -. I had half-day periods where the depression suddenly lifted (something that has rarely happened otherwise). However, I also suffered from darker than normal periods.

I stopped the Dr. Kruse protocol after 6 weeks, and went back to regular paleo (approx. 200 – 300 gm. Carb/day). I’m now generally more depressed than usual, without the good periods.

These changes seem to indicate that I can have an influence on my depression with diet, but not sure what diet to try. Thoughts?

Hi Jersie,

I think your experience on very low carb is diagnostically telling.

I would interpret it this way:

Your depression is caused by an interferon-gamma mediated immune response in the brain, probably caused by a viral or bacterial infection. This leads to tryptophan being directed away from serotonin and toward the kynurenine pathway. So you have a serotonin deficiency and kynurenine excess.
A ketogenic diet is both therapeutic (promotes immunity against bacterial and viral infections) and mood-improving (clears kynurenine).
However, you are at risk for hypoglycemia in the brain (especially if the infection is bacterial) and hypoglycemia causes irritability/anxiety and can aggravate depression.

So the very low-carb diet had mixed effects (ketosis, hypoglycemia).

What I would do is follow our ketogenic diet advice. Eat at least 50 g/day carbs from starches to get sufficient glucose, plus sufficient protein to reach 600 calories/day protein+carb, but add in large amounts of MCT oil or coconut oil. Also, do intermittent fasting – eat all the carbs within an 8-hour window; eat at least half the MCT oil in the 16-hour fasting window.

Once on a good diet, I might experiment with antibiotics to see if they relieve symptoms.

Please let me know how things go.

10,274 Comments.

Sile April 3, 2012 at 7:23 pm

I have a question about the implications of one of the studies on PUFA’s that you cite in your book. Its on pgs 57 and 58, about the rats that were fed fish oil + alcohol to induce liver disease, and then one group fed fish oil + glucose and one fed SaFA’s + glucose, and the fish oil group did not recover.

Wouldn’t this imply that omega 3’s (as well as omega 6’s) can be harmful? Is it just that all PUFA’s are harmful in high doses?

Is there something special about omega 3’s that makes them less harmful than omega 6’s?

After reading some of Ray Peat’s work on PUFA’s, I’ve come up with lots of questions…:-P
Like, how do traditional tribes that eat lots of fatty fish (are there any? the Inuit?) stay healthy?

Hi Sile,

Yes, all PUFAs will cause liver problems in combination with alcohol or fructose.

The Inuit presumably didn’t drink alcohol or eat fructose – or they would have had liver problems. They may have had problems anyway for all we know.

Best, Paul

Reply
Francesca April 3, 2012 at 9:14 pm

Hi Paul,

Would 25 grams of liver per day be too much, in lieu of a multi-vitamin? Looking forward to your review of recommended supplements.

Hi Francesca,

That’s a healthy and safe amount of liver.

Best, Paul

Reply
Sile April 3, 2012 at 9:36 pm

Thanks for the great info, Paul!

So, I guess since the amounts of carbohydrates in the PHD are technically fairly low (say, compared to a SAD), eating a moderate amount of fatty fish shouldn’t be a problem? Not that I can really afford a moderate amount of salmon and tuna, 😉 but mostly out of curiosity…

One more thing–I think in the study, it says GLUCOSE not FRUCTOSE, for the carb source that was combined with either fish oil or SaFA. Since you consider glucose to be a good thing (safe starches), but fructose to be a toxin, I think this is significant, and is what had me confused.

I know its just one study, but I just want to be extra carful of PUFA’s, due to the fact that there is a correlation between high PUFA meat consumption and incidence of multiple sclerosis. I know that doesn’t mean it causes MS, but it sure looks like it has some role it it developing.

Reply
David April 4, 2012 at 8:02 am

Here’s a website that offer a multivitamin using a form of selenium that does NOT contain selenite, and their other mineral formulations seem to be similarly “organic.” I have no financial interest in this company, but I do buy some of their supplements.

http://www.drsinatra.com/heart-healthy-multivitamin-for-men.html

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Bob April 4, 2012 at 1:36 pm

Paul, big fan! Long time reader and been on PHD for about a year now and have seen improvements and lost a few pounds.

However, my problem is anxiety. Classic General Anxiety Disorder symptoms for about 13 years now. It’s job related and caused me to leave my first career. It’s triggered just by thinking about aspects of even different jobs now. I’m worried/scared about the side effects of anti-depressants which just caused me migraines the one time I tried (so many health sites against it or is it just fear mongering?). I’m not asking for medical advice just whether you think any of the PHD supplements (I already take) should be increased? I tried melatonin…didn’t have any sleep problems and then took it and just slept more and groggy during the day and no effect on anxiety.

You mention earlier in Q&A for depression a possible ketogenic diet for a possible brain infection?

Also tempted to try L-tryptophan + valerian root product that claims to help anxiety since it is a building block for seratonin and melatonin?

Hi Bob,

I think a ketogenic diet is one of the first things I would try. It worked for Kate, see http://perfecthealthdiet.com/?p=2921.

Extra magnesium, vitamin C, and B vitamins might be worth considering, also melatonin at bedtime.

Best, Paul

Reply
Cathy April 4, 2012 at 5:16 pm

Is the se methyl selenium cystein from LEF safe? An LEF advisor told me it was derived from serine. http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item00567/Se-Methyl-L-Selenocysteine-SeMC.html?source=search&key=selenium

Hi Cathy,

I think so.

Best, Paul

Reply
Pam2 April 4, 2012 at 5:57 pm

Hello again, Paul,
So many caring friends and relatives are offering help and advice re my brother’s testicular cancer. Now, we have been told that an important component of complete recovery is the issue of pH. Supposedly, cancer cannot grow in an alkaline environment. I don’t want to bother you with redundancy if I can help it, but I’ve searched your blog and find nothing about this. Do you have any opinion based on your research?

I’m recalling the large quantity of beef (acid forming) offered at the WT conference in Dallas along with the free flowing kombucha (alkaline forming?)

Hi Pam,

Brigham & Women’s Hospital has a good discussion of the issue of pH in cancer: http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Patients_Visitors/pcs/nutrition/services/healtheweightforwomen/special_topics/intelihealth0506.aspx.

Basically, it’s good to support the body’s pH management by providing adequate water, salt, potassium from vegetables like tomatoes and leafy greens, calcium from bone broth soups, and magnesium (this you probably need to supplement a bit). But, having done that, there’s no need to worry about pH.

Best, Paul

Reply
Robert April 5, 2012 at 9:07 am

Paul; Am in the process of reading your book. I wonder what you think of naturally leavened breads, as found here on this site:

http://danielschallenge.com/page/properly-prepared-grains-1

The article refers to even celiacs being able to eat traditionally leavened, traditional grains without problems, although it looks like there might still be a bit of the blood sugar issue, which can be ameliorated by eating in combination with other foods.

Is is plausible that grains leavened in the “traditional” way (sort of a fermentation, I think) can transform the “bad stuff” in grains into good stuff the body can use without the usual ill effects?

Thanks!

Hi Robert,

Soaking and fermenting do destroy many natural toxins, so sourdough bread will be healthier than quick-baked bread, but wheat toxins are very resistant to destruction and traditionally fermented breads will not be completely safe. I recommend avoiding them.

Best, Paul

Reply
Niki April 5, 2012 at 3:12 pm

Hi Paul,

I just read your book (thanks for your work!) and am interested in following the recommendations, which are all pretty much in the direction my diet has been going..

In the migraine thread you wrote:

“Ketosis is good against bacterial and viral infections, but bad for fungal and protozoal infections. It can also be bad for some viral conditions, like hepatitis C.”

And I’m hoping you could expand on that a bit.

I have hepatitis c, and may have had it for as long as 43 years. I got the diagnosis about 4 years ago now. My tests always come back ‘perfect’ my liver specialist says, with a minimal elevation of liver enzymes, but otherwise fine. A liver biopsy showed minimal liver damage (straddling stages 1/2 of fibrosis). My viral load is extremely high though. The first time I got it checked it was 20 million. The last time I got it checked, they weren’t giving numbers over 5 million anymore, and the results were ‘over 5 million.’ My cells are part of a research project; they’re trying to figure out what makes some people sicker than others. After my biopsy, they all gushed over the beauty of my liver cells.

The only problems I have are food sensitivities and fatigue (fatigue always brings with it the questions: is it the hep? is it not sleeping enough? is it something I ate? etc). I used to get migraines, but those are rare if I don’t overdo dairy or sweets. Since my diagnosis, I’ve tinkered with diet, Chinese herbs and supplements.

I’m currently experimenting with the paleo / primal side of things. (additional motivation for that kind of diet is the fact that my son has epilepsy; his first seizure occurred when he was 16 (he’s 20 now), and though his seizures are fairly rare (from one month to one and a half years apart) I do often wonder about all the various health problems rampant in our society, and the fat-based diet thing makes a lot of sense to me. I”m gluten sensitive; other grains seemed to naturally lose appeal as I experimented.

So, again my question:

“Ketosis is good against bacterial and viral infections, but bad for fungal and protozoal infections. It can also be bad for some viral conditions, like hepatitis C.”

What might that mean for me? I’d very much appreciate any thoughts from you.

Niki

Hi Niki,

All pathogens that cause chronic human diseases have learned how to parasitize human biology. This allows them to give up many genes, making them less conspicuous, but makes them dependent on human processes.

The hepatitis viruses have specialized to parasitize liver functions. Hepatitis C exploits the process of gluconeogenesis, which the liver uses to create glucose when it is scarce. When the liver engages in gluconeogenesis, hepatitis C viruses steal some of the products for their own reproduction.

Thus, on a very low-carb diet you’ll help the viruses multiply.

Now, maybe a low-carb diet is protective of the liver in other ways, so even though you have a lot of viruses you may still have a healthy liver. That’s possible and consistent with your story, but there’s no published evidence for low-carb diets protecting against hepatitis C that I’m aware of. So my inclination would be to eat a moderate carb diet and not do much fasting.

Best, Paul

Reply
Caroline April 5, 2012 at 7:52 pm

Hi Paul,

Just wondering if you have looked into Brendan Brazier’s ‘Thrive’ diet and what your thoughts were. Thanks
Caroline

Hi Caroline,

No, sorry, I haven’t.

Best, Paul

Reply
TimR April 5, 2012 at 8:10 pm

FOOT FLUSHES WITH WARMTH INTERMITTENTLY

Paul, (or others with advice)

As the title says I’ve been having a weird symptom of warmth in my foot for a second or two, intermittently. Looking online, it can be all sorts of terrible things, or just a pinched nerve.

It started about a week ago – got a little worse over a couple days, then started to get a little milder. But now I still have it in that foot, but occasionally my hands feel a little odd too – slight warmth or odd sensation – though less distinct.

The onset of this coincides with about the 3-week mark of trying for iodine supplementation. Is that too off-beat for a detox symptom? I’ve been taking “Bernard Jensen’s” dulse iodine, 4 drops = 225mcg (in addition to I believe the 150mcg in the Total Mins multi-mineral.) I have not been taking a multi-vitamin.

(I also take either a selenium supplement a day or Brazil nuts + tuna (separately..) Also Vit. K every 4 days, and try to have liver once a week.) And try to get sun for D when possible.

Hi Tim,

I don’t think that amount of iodine would be a problem. I might try dropping the selenium supplement for a while as a test (keep the iodine), a selenium excess could be an issue, the plateau range for selenium is narrow.

Let me know if it keeps up.

Best, Paul

Reply
Ina April 6, 2012 at 4:38 am

Paul, you caution against DHA (fish oil) in capsules as it might be rancid. Does it also apply to DHA from algae? I would like to try it but it is only available in capsules, not in liquid form! Thank you!

Hi Ina,

Yes, it applies to all sources of DHA. DHA is not that hard to get from food, and that’s the best way.

Best, Paul

Reply
Andrea April 6, 2012 at 7:49 am

Hi Paul,

I really appreciate the work you put into this site and the book. I hope you can shed some light on what I may be going on with me. I apologize the following is such a long list – I just felt that I’d give you all the info so you know what I’m working with here!

A little background:
-lactose intolerant since a few months old – therefore, limited breastfeeding
-since puberty always ‘chubby’ despite regular exercise – especially abdo fat
-PCOS diagnosis at 14 – irregular period, elevated testosterone, hirsuitism, acne – took BCP and metformin on and off, multiple ultrasounds (last one was sept,2011) showed cysts
-GERD diagnosis at 19 – heartburn galore, a few black stools, thought had stomach ulcers, took Ranitiden, Nexium
-IBS-D diagnosis at 21 – went 2 yrs w/o being able to really eat vegetables or fruit – lived on bread (still wish someone would’ve told me gluten could be the enemy…), ham, cereal, almond milk (terrible, I know)
-regular insomnia, anxiety & hypoglycemia
-24 yo: Gluten intolerance found with elimination diet
-after eliminating gluten (& experiencing IBS-C), other intolerances became apparent: legumes, eggs, nuts, turkey – get rashes, stomach aches, fatigue/exhaustion, and psychological (depressive & paranoid) symptoms
-25 yo: Candida cleanse attempted w/diet & Mycoplex supplement from TCM doc
– lost 30 lbs (I’m 5’2, weighed 145 they needed to go), while eating 150 g carbs/d and exercising (kettlebells, ballet, sprints, skipping, walking)
– my TCM doc was playing w/different meds to regulate period and have not had period since then (wt loss plus TCM drugs?) – it’s been 1 year – ulrasounds show lining is not thickening – seeing endocrinologist – TSH levels right in the middle of the range – waiting on T3 results
– went paleo shortly after – no grains, legumes,dairy, but also still no eggs (or nuts), almost no fruit because couldn’t handle the sugar spikes – still had stools that left me feeling like someone scratched my intestines
– 4 months later tried GAPS for 4 months with worsening symptoms – became intolerant to bone broth (i.e. constipated and got dizzy, there was a constant aching, burning feeling in my stomach that made it hard to breathe
– got worse and worse with my hypoglycemia (glucose deficiency?) and general energy level and muscle tone
– PCR stool analysis showed Blastocystis hominis, & H. pylori. Naturopath put me on Interfase Plus & Apex’s GI Synergy K64. Tried to take HCl as well but it inevitably always makes my guts feel really bad – like its damaging my small intestine (?)
– improvement – can breathe deeply again, whites of eyes more clear and less dry eye
– I know Blasto is very hard to eliminate and I have no current access to anti-parasitic meds (doc’s on mat leave & other ones won’t treat it, not sure if mine will either when she returns)
– now (6 months after starting GAPS)
– taking RepairVite (1/2 scoop twice a day b/c initially it made me feel wired)and have never been this un-bloated in my life 🙂 and can actually have a stool without feeling like someone sucker-punched me and I can’t breath nor stand
– have been trying to reintroduce starches (w/fat) and finding it really really hard: sweet potatoes give me a rash (and BG spike), plantains (around 1/8 of a cup) & white potatoes spike my BG to at least 7.8, accompanied by headaches, tiredness, nausea and a precipitous drop around 3.0 (at that point I always ‘rescue’ it w/some carbs – carrots, etc)
– I want to continue eating starch because beside the BG effect the starch has given me energy, muscle tone, actually helped shed more abdominal fat, decreased stomach aches, and improved stools
– I feel as though I did some damage staying (what I see now was) low carb (no fruit or starch, just non-starchy low-GI veggies, almost no carrots/squash etc) – damage to hormone levels & gut health (how can I feed the good bacteria in my gut?)
– I’ve been slowly trying to introduce starch (up to 50-60g/day so far) to allow my body to get used to it – this is my third attempts in 3 months and after 9 days it’s still spiking no matter what I eat it with

Do you have any tips/pointers on what I can do from here? How damaging is it to keep trying to push starch and becoming hyperglycemic?

I appreciate your feedback, many thanks,
Andrea

Hi Andrea,

First, great job finding your pathogen. That’s the most important step forward. You have been very intelligent in your diet experimentation too.

I do think it is critical to get anti-parasitic medications from your doctors. If doctors won’t prescribe, buy them yourself from offshore pharmacies, or travel abroad to a place with more cooperative doctors.

The carbs are tricky because these protozoa are anaerobes which feed on carbs, but your immune system and body need carbs too. I recommend getting carbs in the most rapidly digested forms — dextrose powder, other simple sugars, or pre-digested starches like rice syrup or tapioca syrup. Try to thoroughly mix the carbs with saliva in your mouth before swallowing.

The idea is to absorb the carbs quickly in the upper small intestine, so they don’t reach the parasites. Avoiding fiber may help too.

A high-fat diet will be helpful to you, but you do need some carbs.

Then probiotics and fermented drinks like kombucha may help.

Best of luck! Please keep me posted.

Best, Paul

Reply
Bella April 6, 2012 at 4:38 pm

@Andrea, if your PCR test was through Metametrix you can call them and ask for a referral to one of their consulting practitioners who will be able to prescribe meds for you. I nearly had to do this.

Good luck!

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Jim April 6, 2012 at 5:53 pm

Hi Paul, I have been eating your diet for 8 months now, and I feel as healthy as ever. Thanks for all you do. I have one question: is it extremely bad to eat fruit (fructose) with PUFAs? Everyday I eat rice and fruit (bananas, berries, and/or oranges) with either eggs or sardines, but I’ve read that this may not be a good combination. I am very lean and active. My only health issue is high cholesterol (surely FH, around 500 total on low carb 6 months ago, getting tested again soon). Thanks again.

Hi Jim,

In theory it would be better to eat the eggs and sardines with rice or potatoes at one meal, and the fruit/berries with something like yogurt or cream or coconut milk that is low in PUFA at a different time.

But, billions of people mix PUFA with fructose. It’s a question of how close to perfection you want to get, and how much you like the taste of berries with sardines.

Best, Paul

Reply
Andrea April 7, 2012 at 9:45 am

@ Paul – Thanks for those pointers, I’ll track down some simple sugars and try to get my hands on some meds. I’ll report back on progress.

@ Bella – PCR stool analysis was indeed through Metrametrix. Thanks for pointing that out, I didn’t know about that possibility. The only catch is that I’m in Canada but I’ll see what I can work out.

I appreciate the help!

Reply
Sile April 7, 2012 at 10:33 pm

I am wondering if you have any advice on how to detox estrogen? I haven’t had a period since going off birth control 3 years ago (was on it for about 5 years prior to that). I also have a lot of other estrogen-excess symptoms like random acne, small cysts on my ovaries, MS, low-thyroid symptoms (low temps, cold hands and feet), tenderness to the ovary areas in a muscle exam (where the muscles that relate to certian organs are palpated)…
I had my hormones tested, and they were supposedly “in normal range.” Also had a physical exam that was normal, and the ultrasound just found the cysts. So basically th conventioal docs had nothing to offer me besides “we’ll just put you on some drugs when you want to get pregnant.”…um, no thanks. 😛

I am talking with a Functional Medicine doctor right now about this, and he suggests his protocol of a couple Metagenics supplements, Calcium D Glucarate, and one other thing I can’t remember the name of, to be taken 2 weeks on, then off, then on again. However, this protocol costs $350-400 through his clinic, so I want to make sure its worth it, or at least check and see if there’s anything I can do by my self instead, and save my money for the Metametrix GI panel test.
Thanks! 🙂

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tam April 8, 2012 at 10:26 am

What do you think of heart rate spiking to 80% max after taking antioxidants? By the way I test >100 or Class V for Candida.

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Jorden April 9, 2012 at 12:21 am

Paul,

I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts about the use of pressure cooking and health – do you recommend it, would you use it on regular basis and so on?

Thank you Paul!!

Hi Jorden,

I think it’s an excellent cooking method. We don’t happen to use it, but that’s not due to health objections.

Best, Paul

Reply
Jennifer April 9, 2012 at 7:58 pm

Hello Paul, I could really used some help! I have been paleo/primal for over a year now with mixed results. Was dairy free for over a year to allow gut to heal, now am doing fermented dairy. Using many of the supplements you recommend. I have reactive hypoglycemia, a gut issue of unknown origin (definately gluten intolerance & lactose intolerance, but lots of tests for other things and they run up okay), and anxiety/depression. The anxiety is very related to food and hypoglycemia for me. I can go so far as to get panic disorder and have had to be on meds for 5 years now (Lexapro) to mitigate symptoms of panic.

I do not do well on very low carb as found out from Dr. Kruse and leptin reset. I got very low & extreme anxiety after about a month. I also cannot seem to fast for any length of time. Hypoglycemia has gotten better on primal, but certainly not cured, as has anxiety.

I cannot seem to take magnesium – it very much makes the hypoglycemia worse immediately & I have to eat constantly on it & get very very moody! Yet every doctor and person recommends I take it. Any suggestions or thoughts?

Third what can I do about the anxiety? I want off these meds so bad and know most of it is diet related & due to hypoglycemia. I have done a lot to change the way I think and now am just left with the food-related anxiety.

Thank you for your help. I have looked everywhere for paleo answers and am a frequent reader of several paleo/primal sites.

Hi Jennifer,

It sounds like a gut infection. Have you had a stool test or other diagnostic tests for small bowel infections? This is a good stool test: http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/gastrointestinal-function/gi-effects-microbial-ecology.

Best, Paul

Reply
Jennifer April 10, 2012 at 12:31 pm

Thank you for your response, Paul! No I have not. Have had several tests & lots of blood tests but no stool tests.

I have had two episodes of severe abdominal pain recently with the only known cause to be wheat contamination on accident. Cramping pain that is not gall bladder or other similar issue, goes away in about 2-3 weeks, lessening severity over time. Not colon or colitis (had colonoscopy & took samples) it is healthy.

Am having a bacterial overgrowth test on my upper intestines in two weeks. Will call my GI doc and see if he will order this test. He may balk.

Thank you again for response!

Hi Jennifer,

I think it’s desirable to have a stool test in addition to the SIBO test. Although the infection that is causing the trouble is in the small intestine and most of the contents of stool come from the colon, I think there is a good chance your symptoms are due to a parasitic or worm infection and those would show up in the stool. The test is not that expensive and well worth conducting to cover the likely possibilities.

Best, Paul

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Barbara April 10, 2012 at 2:53 pm

Hi Paul. Your book just came today so I’m deep into it already. I plan to keep a log of my progress and will pop in with the expected results often.

A few questions if I may:

1. If I’m not mistaken, you recommend melatonin and I have started using it (two 3-mg sublingual at bedtime) with some success. Prior to adopting this way of eating I had been taking 1 GABA and 2 5HTP capsules for sleep, with good success – except I’d often wake around 3:30 and take another 5HTP cap, and wake with a headache. Would you suggest the animo acids are good for sleep? Or should I continue to avoid them? And how long can I take the melatonin? The bottle says not more than 4 weeks. I have adopted many of your other recommendations to help with sleep but I’m still waking up often.

2. I’m one of those unfortunate people who’s doctor will not treat symptoms of hypothyroid – only test results – and my TSH of 6.20 was not high enough (according to him) for him to even listen to me!!!! I finally made such a fuss that he prescribed .25 of Synthyroid – a ridiculously low dose, which I doubled on my own….and the endo he sent me to also refused to take me seriously. With half my hair fallen out over the winter, and freezing to death where I was always the warm one!! I am feeling warmer now but no hair regrowth yet.

I have begun today to take kelp powder. Each tiny scoop has 135 mcg of iodine in it. I took two scoops and will continue to increase this every few weeks. Does that sound like a good plan? I am continuing to take .50 of Synthroid and I’m a bit nervous to raise this. Would you advise me to raise the Synthroid as well as take the kelp? I know you will hesitate to “prescribe” but any advice you have will be most appreciated.

Thanks a lot, Paul, for all you and Shou-Ching are doing for our health.

Hi Barbara,

Just to be clear, I don’t recommend melatonin for most people. But if you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s a good thing to try.

I don’t recommend taking GABA or 5-HTP. 5-HTP in particular is bad because tryptophan promotes infections. Melatonin is much better than 5-HTP. GABA, I think taking coconut oil and intermittent fasting to generate ketones is a better strategy. Ketones recycle glutamate into GABA. You don’t want an excess of glutamate and related compounds, just to direct it down the proper pathways.

I don’t think you need to stop melatonin after 4 weeks, but it may be good to stop it periodically to see how you do without it or on a lower dose.

Re your hypothyroidism, you have really dumb doctors. I don’t know why they won’t work with you. If you can find better doctors I would recommend doing so. It’s good to find a doctor who will do detective work to help you solve your problems.

I think it’s good to start the iodine at a low dose, 270 mcg is a good place to start. I usually recommend waiting a month before doubling the dose, but if you had no trouble at 270 then you could consider raising it a bit earlier. But spend at least a month at 500 mcg before going further. Around that level, switch to inorganic iodine, eg potassium iodide. For instance, after a month at 500 mcg from kelp you could try cutting the 3 mg prolamine iodine tablets into quarters, for 750 mcg per day.

Re the Synthroid, you have to go by how you feel. Experiment with different doses, then try to be on the lowest end of the range of doses on which you feel best.

Best, Paul

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Jennifer April 10, 2012 at 5:42 pm

Thank you again for your response! Does the test need to be that specific brand/labratory or would another lab be sufficient? Thanks again!

There are other brands and laboratories, but I think a PCR test of DNA from a wide range of pathogens is the best test.

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Barbara April 10, 2012 at 7:20 pm

Thanks so much, Paul, for your very helpful response. I’ll cut down on the melatonin and try to up MCT oil and coconut oil, and continue with the intermittent fasting which I do like very much – especially as I have that “last 10 pounds” to lose – I can see the fat melting off even though the scales are not moving – being an older, way-past menopause woman is hard!!!!

I’m getting to like the intermittent fasting – I really don’t experience much hunger and have no loss of energy. I’ve been breaking the fast with a small bowl of homemade, gelatinous soup with chicken/pork hocks and a few starches over 1/4 cup of rice around 3pm. Then a few hours later, nearer suppertime I have a meal of meat/fat and carbs. It’s very very hard to include starch after being very low carb for a long time but I’m doing my best to introduce them gradually.

I feel much better now that I have a handle on what I should do about the thyroid situation. Not having a doctor (s) who will work with me is a downer – but in our system here in Canada we are stuck with the doc we get – no changing unless a new doctor moves into town. I will continue with the Synthroid, maybe upping in a few weeks when I can get a supply on-line to see if maybe .75 or higher is good – since I will recognize any symptoms of “hyper.” But I will focus on nourishing my body, and using the kelp and selenium to tie it all together.

I’m off to The Holy Land next week so probably will have to really get going when we get back. Thanks to you and your book/blog I feel energized to really get healthy for the long haul! God Bless You!!!!

Have a wonderful time in your travels, Barbara!

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Cathy April 11, 2012 at 12:02 am

Hi,

I was the woman that had heart arrythmia in response to probiotics. I just got test results back from the Metametrix gi effects stool profile. I have high levels of h. pylori. I read that studies show there’s a strong correlation between h. pylori and atrial fibrillation. I also have high normal levels of lacrobcillus (5th quintile) and low normal levels of bifidobacteria (1st quintile). The standard treatment for h pylori is a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors for 7-14 days. Are there any dietary recommendations that you would make during this protocal?

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Tyson Friedley April 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm

Hey there,

I am currently reading your book the Perfect Health Diet and I have found it very interesting so far. I do have a couple questions though:

First you say not to eat pasteurized milk but it’s good to eat sour cream, yogurt, and ice cream. I have looked around at most of the food stores and it seems that these products all contain milk and they don’t say unpasteurized milk so I am assuming its pasteurized? If so do you still rocommend eating it or do you know of a brand that uses natural ingredients?

Second question is about rice. I know rice is highly glycemic so I am wondering why it is safe to eat in the quantities you have listed without raising your insulin levels to where they are damaging your body? Also wondering if you would cook it normally or do you soak it for a while before you cook it?

Thanks,

Tysonh

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Barbara April 11, 2012 at 7:41 pm

Paul, a question on rosacea – I think you mention in your excellent book that rosacea is one of the problems you were able to cure through your experimentation, and antibiotics.

I have it too and it flares when I eat spicy food, drink alcohol, or am exposed to sudden heat – like when the furnace comes on in a cold room and blows near me or sometimes even if I have a hot drink…this is very very aggravating and upsetting to me.

I have noticed some improvement with eating more coconut oil, MCT, and topical applications of coconut oil on my face at night. But the flares still happen.

I’m loath to try to convince my lousy doctor to give me antibiotics for this as I’m sure he will say no. Should I try to “fix” this through diet alone? Is it possible? As you know many of us order medications on-line and it may be possible to purchase antibiotics. Is it dangerous to experiment in this way? If this would not be dangerous could you recommend an antibiotic that might target rosacea?

Is there anything specific you could recommend as far as supplements, topical OTC lotions, foods, or anything???? This is such a stubborn problem and is certainly unsightly!!! Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Barbara April 11, 2012 at 7:51 pm

Follow up, Paul. Here are the antibiotics that are on the River Pharmacy list for rosacea:

erythromycin (PCE, Erythrocin, Eryc, E.E.S.),
clarithromycin (Biaxin),
azithromycin (AzaSite, Zithromax, Zmax),
tetracycline (Achromycin),
doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea),
minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, Myrac, Solodyn)

Are any of these what you used? Would any be effective, in your opinion?

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Andrew April 11, 2012 at 9:14 pm

Hi Paul,

“I finally made such a fuss that he prescribed .25 of Synthyroid – a ridiculously low dose”

That’s kind of what I felt when I got .25mcg. Well it’s been exactly 1 month on that dose, also supplementing the 1g kelp and now on your recommended selenium complex. B4 the synthroid, some symptoms where alleviated (cold intolerance) with 1 month increased carbs, per PHD. Honestly fell no difference after 1 month of .25 mcg Synthroid. So… thyroid panel in 2 more weeks. Will see what happens….

I know you’ve been busy, but didn’t hear from you re my previous (lengthy) post about my labs: awesome inflammatory markers, great triglycerides, great HDL… but +++++++ LDL? And a question about RBC fatty acid profiles? Thanks…

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Barbara April 12, 2012 at 8:23 am

Hi Andrew – why not increase your .25 Synthroid? I went up to .50 right away – but it takes more than a month I think before you would notice much. I felt warmer after about 6+ weeks at .50. I would like to up my dose but because I’m trying other things like the kelp, PHD, and supplements I’m going to wait for a bit.

In about 7 weeks my TSH went from 6.2 to 2.2 and I want it to get lower still.

Sometimes trying more than one thing at a time just causes confusion! Good luck with your blood work coming up.

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RM April 12, 2012 at 9:15 am

I’ve been looking over the diet landscape. What a variety of options! Perfect Health Diet and Joel Fuhrman’s “East to Live” both appear to be based on a lot of research. Please explain to me how the polar opposites can in anyway be true. I’d really like to hear some comments on this point. Thank you.

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tam April 12, 2012 at 10:44 am

@Cathy I have something similar where my heart races if I have to much acidic or antioxidant food. I think it’s Candida die off.

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Nessa April 14, 2012 at 12:12 pm

Hello

I’ve read through your book this week and have started implementing the recommendations. I am looking forward to finally getting results after trying low carb and being disappointed that it didn’t help my depression, yeast infections and fatigue.

I would like to ask a question about calories, I am short and prone to putting on weight so I presume the daily value of over 2,000 calories would be too high for me? Should I work with a calorie range that is right for my height and weight? 5 feet tall and 124lbs.

Many thanks

Hi Nessa,

Yes, 2000 is just a reference intake. For a petite woman a typical intake would be 1300 to 1500 calories.

Best, Paul

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Becky April 14, 2012 at 8:59 pm

Hi Paul,
I was very lucky to have met you at PaleoFX in Austin, TX! My boyfriend and I got to ask you about my acne issue, and I’ve been implementing the advice you gave me.

I used to have acne when I was 20, and at that time, I was on the conventional U.S. diet. After taking antibiotics, using prescribed creams, and taking birth control, my skin finally cleared up.

I’m now 27, have been on a grain free diet for over 2 years, and my acne has resurfaced. Three things were happening when my acne flared up a year ago. I stopped taking birth control, which I had been on for 6 years, I significantly reduced my carb intake, and I started to fast every morning by not having breakfast (coffee only). Along with the acne, I started getting really dry lips and dandruff.

After reading your book, I increased my carb intake by adding more sweet potato, yuca, and some rice. The dry lips and dandruff subsided, but the acne did not improve. I also began supplementing with Vitamin D, Magnesium, fermented cod liver oil/butter oil, and K2. I added sauerkraut to my diet as well.

After listening to Chris Kresser’s podcast on acne, I tried reducing my FODMAP intake, but my acne remained.

Since PaleoFX, I’ve been having bone broth from oxtail (and have chicken feet waiting in my freezer). I’m also beginning my 3rd week of taking doxicycline, as prescribed by my dermatologist. I was hesitant to take it at first, until I learned from you that it doesn’t seem to damage the gut flora the way other antibiotics do.

I feel like my acne still hasn’t improved much, if any. I also feel like I follow the perfect health diet really well. I’m so frustrated with the situation. I’ve done a lot of research, and I feel like I’ve tried everything! Do you have any other advice to offer? Thank you so much.
-Becky

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Martin April 15, 2012 at 9:35 am

Hi Paul,

I suffer severe enteric neuropathy (dysmotility). Would it be wise to adopt a therapeutic ketogenic diet (for its neuroprotective benefits)?

Kindest thanks,

Martin

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sabrena April 15, 2012 at 1:08 pm

Platains make me bloated and flatulant.I’ve been using digestive enzymes with probiotics with no success.I usually fry the platains with coconut oil.I have also tried to bake them but i get the same result.Any suggestions?

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Barbara April 15, 2012 at 4:05 pm

Hi Sabrena! I have a suggestion for you: stop eating plantains!!!! There are other starches you might try that might not give you such difficulties, but Paul does suggest white rice may be a more gentle way to add in your starch.

Paul may have a more intelligent answer for you, and if he does I’ll benefit too, but if something doesn’t agree with my digestion, I just stop eating it. Hope you get the answer you need.

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sabrena April 15, 2012 at 5:41 pm

Wish it was that easy Barbara!Platains are one of my favorite foods.Being Hispanic, they were a staple for me growing up.Now it seems like the starches are giving me issues.I can handle potatoes and rice with no problem.But platains are much more appealing to me.

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Barbara April 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm

Sabrena – I was wondering if it was something like that so I did hesitate to suggest you simply give them up! Funny though isn’t it how we keep trying! I’m the same with salad. I “think” I should eat more salad but mostly salad ingredients give me bloating and gas – but I persist! Now following Paul’s advise I should start slower and stick to rice and potatoes. I’ve been very low carb for a long time and I do have a hard time adding back safe starches. Anyway, maybe Paul will have time soon to make some suggestions for you. Good Luck!

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Bella April 15, 2012 at 9:25 pm

Paul or anyone…

Is there an upper limit for raw oyster consumption like there is for liver?

A local restaurant sells raw oysters $6/dz during happy hour so my husband and I each have been eating a dozen one night a week. Thinking of going more often.

Hi Bella,

The limiting factors would probably be zinc and selenium …. you could eat up to 6 oysters (3 oz / 85 g) per day (or a dozen 3 days a week) … but don’t supplement zinc or selenium if you do.

Best, Paul

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George Henderson April 15, 2012 at 9:32 pm

The Riboflavin – UV effect is very interesting – thanks for that.

However, is it meant to work in vivo?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen_reduction_using_riboflavin_and_UV_light

Ultraviolet (UV) inactivationUV rays can damage the DNA of living organisms by creating nucleic acid dimers. However, the damages are usually not important due to low penetration of UVs through living tissues. UV rays can be used, however, to inactivate viruses since virus particules are small and the UV rays can reach the genetic material, inducing the dimerisation of nucleic acids. Once the DNA dimerised, the virus particules cannot replicate their genetic material which prevent them from spreading.

UV light in combination with riboflavin has been shown to be effective in reducing pathogens in blood transfusion products.[6][7]Riboflavin and UV light damages the nucleic acids in viruses, bacteria, parasites, and donor white blood cells rendering them unable to replicate and cause disease.[8][9][10]

Lupus is linked to salicylate sensitivity, and B5 plus glycine is the detox mechanism for salicylate.
This makes me think that diets that increase acetyl-CoA turnover, that is, high-fat, lower carb diets, might be good for lupus, especially if high in glycine and/or methylation factors (which ought to supply glycine by serine conversion and betaine metabolism).
Megadose B5 or pantethine has had benefit in lupus, but I think a diet designed to promote Acetyl-CoA in other ways might make this therapy more effective.

All the drugs that exacerbate Lupus are drugs that are detoxified via Acetyl-CoA plus glycine

This article covers this line of research:

http://www.drdach.com/Acne_B5.html

Could Lupus be Caused by a Combined Deficiency ?

The first manifestations of Deficiency States are in the skin, joint and connective tissue with various lesions. The vital organs are only involved much later on. For example, deficiency states such as beri beri and scurvy initially spare the vital organs, and involve the skin and musculoskeletal system. Lupus follows this pattern as well.

In his article, Dr. Leung noted a connection between Systemic Lupus (SLE) and Acetyl CoA deficiency, however he was not the first to suggest giving Pantethine (Vitamin B5) to Lupus patients. There were a number of reports on this in the 1950’s. However, early studies seemed to discredit the whole idea of B5 deficiency or acetyl CoA deficiency or a genetic acetylation defect in Lupus. Nonetheless, Leung reported improvement in his lupus patient who supplemented with pantothenic acid. Late stages of Lupus are characterized by specific anti nuclear antibodies (ANA test) which obviously will not be affected by giving pantothenic acid.
However, much can be done to improve quality of life of the lupus patient. Perhaps a combined approach supplementing with bioidentical hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, Cortef, testosterone as well as vitamin mineral supplementation with pantethine, and others would be the most logical way to help lupus patients get back their health.

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George Henderson April 15, 2012 at 9:48 pm

In the case of gamma-interferon mediated inflammation causing serotonin deficiency:

not many people know this, but;

glucosamine is a specific inhibitor of INF-gamma. Glucosamine replaces other sugars when INF-gamma in synthesised, rendering it inactive. It also influences second messenger effects of both gamma- and alpha-interferons

http://www.jbc.org/content/252/12/4425.full.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16431966

This is a potentially useful immunomodulatory effect in many scenarios; chronic anaemia of disease, MS, immune modulation with probiotics and other adjuvants.

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Connie Warner April 16, 2012 at 12:28 pm

Hi Becky,
You might want to do a google search with Perfect Health Diet Acne to see other mentions about acne on this site. Here’s one: http://perfecthealthdiet.com/?page_id=1628 where there’s a comment and an answer by Paul (do a Find search for the word acne on that page). Hopefully you’re getting enough saturated fat and not too much unsaturated fat per the Perfect Health Diet. And also enough Omega 3 fat and not too much Omega 6. My acne started in 3rd grade and continued (mildly) into my 40s. Now enjoying clear skin for the first time. Can’t say for sure, but I think dairy may have been a factor. Now that I’m eating PHD, dairy doesn’t seem to be a problem, but it could also be because of my age, hard to say. Good luck to you!

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Bella April 16, 2012 at 12:46 pm

@Becky – I’m sure Paul mentioned this to you when you spoke with him, but since I didn’t see you write about it I thought I’d mention that Paul says acne can be caused by circulating toxins. Use of bile sequestrants like activated charcoal or clay can help eliminate the toxins, which could otherwise circulate in your body almost indefinitely. One capsule of activated charcoal a day on an empty stomach is something I have seen recommended. You can support bile creation by taking cholesterol, taurine and vitamin C. A search for “circulating toxins” on this site may give more info.

You’ve probably already tried this, but thought I’d throw it out there since it wasn’t mentioned. Also, your mention of dandruff made me think of fungal infection, which can cause acne (again, circulating toxins). Good luck.

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Katie April 16, 2012 at 1:21 pm

Hello,
I have recently discovered that I have a systemic yeast (Candida) infection and was recently told I have a heart murmur which I have never had before. I score very high on Candida symptoms tests and I have been on 2-3 Tbl of coconut oil for about 2 months now as well as implemented the PHD. My question is what are your feelings regarding the natural anti-fungal medications or enzyme products out there? Also, I understand probiotics are important. Is there a specific probiotic you recommend? Thank you very much for the diet and blog. I am learning so much about health and nutrition.

Hi Katie,

Fluconazole and lufenuron were the best Candida medications I tried.

Among foods, spinach, garlic, onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar are good antifungal foods, so is turmeric, oregano, almost any vegetable or traditional spice, berries.

Lactobacillus reuteri is a good one to try, but really I lean more toward fermented foods than probiotics these days.

Be sure to eat enough carbs — 400 to 600 calories per day is good. Be sure to get optimal amounts of magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, selenium, iodine, and vitamin C.

Best, Paul

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Bella April 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm

@Katie – If you search this Q&A page for “yeast” or “candida” using the Find function (Ctrl+F) you can get a lot of information on what Paul recommends for yeast infections. He also lists a probiotic on his Recommended Supplements page (see sidebar).

Paul has said that enzymes are useful to disrupt biofilms.

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Andrea April 17, 2012 at 3:55 pm

Hi Paul,

What would you suggest for me to heal both bacterial and fungal infections? One requires going low-carb and the other low protein. I’m not sure what to do. I started on a dose of antibiotics for the bacterial infection, per my doc’s instructions, but felt really ill on that particular medicine, and had to stop midway. Now I’m taking a low dose antifungal and uva ursi for the bacterial infection. I’ve also had debilitating Chronic Fatigue (7 years) and life long depression and anxiety, which seem to be relieved somewhat by high doses of 5-HTP and Tyrosene plus Prozac, which I’m not ready to get off of. Since in your book you state that amino acids are bad for bacterial infections, would you suggest I just stay on the Prozac and go low protein? If so, how many carb calories would be ideal? Would the carbs encourage yeast growth? Finally, I ordered the MCT oil on your website but need to know the dosage for the equivalent of 12 Tblsp. coconut oil, which I can’t seem to take copious amounts of without feeling nauseated. Thank you so much!

Andrea

Hi Andrea,

I don’t think you need to do anything dramatic. Eat something like our food plate. Spinach, garlic, onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, berries, and most vegetables are antifungal, so salads are a good antifungal food.

5-HTP and tyrosine will both promote bacterial brain infections, so I would try to get by with time-release melatonin at night.

I don’t think continuous low protein is a great idea, your body needs protein too. Moderate protein with intermittency — intermittent fasting, alternating low protein periods with high protein periods — would be better. If you can, do resistance exercise to add a bit of muscle, that will give you a protein reserve to help with low protein periods.

I think 400 carb calories per day is a good estimate of what’s likely to be best, but experiment. 600 may be better. 200 with lots of coconut oil could help your brain/depression.

Fluconazole and lufenuron are pretty good for fungal infections.

Best, Paul

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Eddie Pena April 17, 2012 at 5:13 pm

Dear Paul,

I use bones form grass-fed beef I buy from a local farmer. It has alot of fat on around the bone and when I place in the slow cooker, there is much fat in the soup. Is it safe to each so much fat that is in the soup for me and my toddlers? Please advise. P.S. Generally speaking, do you want to drain the fat from grass-fed beef at all or is this fat healthy for you that I need not worry about draining?

Hi Eddie,

Beef fat is very healthy, even for toddlers, so don’t worry about that. Your toddler will need more carbs than you, however. Let the toddler follow his taste, don’t force him to eat the soup if he doesn’t want it.

Keep the fat, it’s good for you. But try not to let it cook too long. You can change the stock out after the fat has entered the water, so that it only cooks a few hours.

Best, Paul

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tam April 17, 2012 at 5:35 pm

Hey Paul, can you point to papers that say the ketones from coconut oil feed candida, and the cholesterol from eggs candida? My holistic doctor doesn’t believe it.

Hi Tam,

All fungi can metabolize ketones, it’s basic to mitochondrial respiration. At a quick glance here’s a paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21232941.

Candida engulfs HDL to obtain fats for mitochondrial respiration, it’s even easier to get ketones since they diffuse into mitochondria. High HDL is a risk factor for candida: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15227722.

There are papers showing that ketones suppress monocyte phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity. Here’s a paper claiming that Candida induces a local ketosis around infected cells to suppress immune attacks: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10981686.

Here’s a paper about a diabetic woman, who died at only 19 years old, who had ketoacidosis and a systemic fungal infection: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15725786. Not saying the ketoacidosis was the only cause of the fungal infection, but it was probably a factor.

Not sure where you’re getting at with the cholesterol from eggs. It’s good to eat eggs.

Best, Paul

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PHK April 17, 2012 at 5:38 pm

Hi, Mary,

thanks. sorry i didn’t read your comment until now.

after 2 months of iorn supplement + liver + red meat, my blood test is finally barely @ low end of normal. i’ll try your Feosol next.

re. mineral, especially, magnesium.

soaking my feet in magnesium salt has taken care of the stiffness & cramps.
i tried 3 types of of magnesium; they all gives me cramps & diarrhea.
i use Dead Sea salt;

it is inexpensive & soothing. at worst, soaking won’t hurt.

i may also be mildly salicylate intolerance (if i overdo coconut => tummy cramps)

there’s another thing that i recently learned called “histamine intolerance”
(i’m just throwing some ideas)

stay well,

pam

pam

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