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:
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Bloating, acid reflux, anxiety, depression, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, fatigue
- Lupus
- Depression
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
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.
via this link:
Hello Paul! I heard about you from a lovely customer in the shop I work in.
He told me your book is life-changing. I have ordered it On Amazon and it shall arrive tomorrow.
Thank you for doing this for the world! You’re an inspiration.
I have never really been able to concentrate very well, i get very down and withdrawn from the world, I guess you could call it depression. I have no zest, no sparkle. Alive but living for others whilst personally in a constant brain-fog searching for ways to come to life.
I have had digestive disturbances all through my life, I am 28 now. I get bloated after anything I eat and i get a dull pain often where the ribs meet at the top, ( Liver/stomach area) I also get a dull aching in the lower right abdomen where the hip is and it gurgles quite often. I have never been able to burp so i get throat gurgles instead which never relieve me. I found laying on the left side does help after some time, however on the right side I feel like acid wants to come up! so never stay there unless my digestion is empty.
The other issue I keep experiencing is a frequent need to urinate. sometimes this can be every 15 minutes. Even if i drink a small amount of water. I pee around a cupful at a time. I do think it’s my strong anxiety that is exacerbating this as it is not always continuous, but i do go more than the average person.
If any of the symptoms sound familiar i would very much appreciate your expertise. I wanted to go to the doctors but they seem so dismissive and will likely diagnose IbS, followed by Omaprozole.
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately your symptoms are complex and non-specific enough that I can’t really say anything based on an Internet comment. If you can afford it, consider coming to our health retreat, then I could do personal coaching with you.
Best, Paul
I do very much appreciate your responses. Unfortunately no, I can’t afford the retreat as of now, but I will definitely consider it in the future. I shall begin your books protocol today. Many thanks!
No Eric, thank you for your input,
Hi Pauli,
In that case, I have no suggestions beyond following the protocol in Paul’s book. (Do write back if the pain begins to radiate into the right leg, even if that happens only occasionally.)
Best of luck!
-Eric
What does the right leg pain mean?
Donna and Pauli: The right leg pain would — in light of the other information in Pauli’s post — indicate that his digestive issues are caused in turn by a musculoskeletal issue.
In general, an out-of-place bone or very-tight muscle in the intestinal cavity can physically obstruct passage of food through the intestine, causing digestive disturbances.
Pauli reported pain in the liver/stomach area, which is where the psoas muscles connect to the spine; and also pain in the lower right abdomen, which is where the bulk of the right psoas muscle is located. Lying on a given side tends to tighten the psoas muscle on the same side while loosening the one on the opposite side, and Pauli reported that lying on the left side helped while lying on the right side made things worse.
Since the psoas muscles connect to the legs, they typically cause pain which also radiates into the leg.
If this were the problem, one could start by doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the psoas muscle (e.g. pelvic tilts).
Pauli: Given the lack of radiation of pain into the right leg, this probably not what is causing your pain — but stretching and strengthening exercises are quite safe, so perhaps they are worth trying anyway.
Hi Pauli,
Does the aching in your lower right abdomen ever radiate into your right leg?
Best,
-Eric
with me the need to pee often turned out to be a UTI which cleared up with a long course of antibiotics. I tested negative for the uti at the doctors but my doc said sometimes it can be a deep infection hidden from the test and he prescribed a 40 day course of a strong antibiotic (cipro). I ended up only taking it for 21 days but it did the trick. might be something to look into.
“I ended up only taking it for 21 days”
Unfortunately that is exactly the
kind of behaviour that contributes
to the spread of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria strains 😥
actually the doctor said I should only take it as long as I felt was necessary. I don’t agree with that common “wisdom” of that cause of resistant strains. First, everyone has individual response to antibiotics and the package labels are based on averages. Second, often your body only needs a little help in knocking back an infection and then its natural defenses take over. Third, antibiotics also kill off your good gut bacteria so I want to minimize that by not taking them too long. As Paul says “First Law of Health: Every conventional dietary recommendation is wrong”. It would be interesting to hear what he thinks on this subject as he has some experience with antibiotics.
Hi Paul,
we have decided to try the ketogenic version of your diet on my father-in-law, who has recently been diagnosed with dementia. In fact, his neurologist explicitly suggested that we try putting him on a ‘paleo-ketogenic’ diet. I think PHD’s ketogenic version might be the safest keto diet out there, and I understand it is pretty close to regular PHD with the following differences:
1) Carb calories are restricted to 400kcal/day.
2) Cooking and supplementation with coconut oil and/or MCT oil is encouraged.
3) Supplementation with lysine and BCAAs is recommended.
I have a question regarding lysine supplementation: what is the recommended quantity that will help putting him into ketosis? I know it is quite safe but I don’t want to spend more money on a supplement than what’s necessary. Are we talking about 1,000mg/day? 3,000? 6,000?
Hi Paul, what would you recommend for Herpes 1 (HSV1) besides Lysine? So does it just stay doorman with a good diet and immune system? Is it true that 80% of USA population has it?
Would Ketogenic with high coconut oil for few week be beneficial?
Hi Paul,
I know you recommend IF for 16 hours a day. Why do you not recommend fasting longer – a boost in cortisol, increasing other stress hormones or other negative effects? Thanks.
It’s fine to fast longer, but (a) many people need two meals to avoid undereating, (b) social interactions are important for health and the social meals of lunch and dinner are key opportunities for social interaction, (c) most people want to fit in to the schedules of others around them and most people eat lunch and dinner about 6-7 hours apart which almost requires an 8 hour window.
Cool Dr. J,
Thanks for explaining this in more detail.
I had read (The Zone) that eating more than 500 Cal at a sitting was not good for insulin status. Do you disagree?
Hi Paul,
I hate the taste of liver, so I was looking for a supplement. I found a new high quality one, it’s Beef Liver capsules from Vital Proteins. 1 capsule is 750 mg, and they suggest 4 capsules a day. Would this dosage be enough according to your recommendations? Or lt’s too little and therefore a worthless supplement?
Thank you,
John
Is it ok to make bone broth in a pressure cooker?
Hi Paul, don’t know if you still answer comments, but I am a long time reader. I was doing well on the PHD for a few months and then was derailed, I couldn’t tolerate what I was doing and lapsed back in the SAD. I have finally nailed down what was wrong. I have histamine intolerance and developed intolerances and allergies to a lot of foods that you recommend — specifically coconuts, rice (!), and possibly eggs (not to mention tea).
Anyway, now that I know this, I am jumping back on PHD for the new year and hoping to try the ketogenic version for a few days as I have ADHD and you mentioned somewhere that ketogenic diets might be beneficial for any kind of neurological condition. My question is, what other kind of fat can I use to generate ketones besides coconut oil? Coconut oil and coconut milk just destroy me. The last time I ate them I itched all over for 4 days.
Also, do you have any ideas or recommendations about histamine intolerance or Mast cell activation disorders? Best, and God bless you and Shou-ching and Luke and thank you for all you do.
Hi elizabeth,
For amine intolerances try supplementing choline, copper, and molybdenum.
You should also try to get more extracellular matrix and vitamin C to improve gut barrier integrity, and taurine, glycine, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A for gut health.
Commonly, these problems result from not eating liver and egg yolks.
MCT oil is the most ketogenic.
Itching in response to saturated fats suggest eczema which is usually due to high levels of oxidative stress. Try getting more antioxidants and supporting immunity.
Best, Paul
Hi Paul,
What are (the upper ends of) the peak health ranges for Mn and Fe?
Thanks!
-Eric
Hi Paul,
I wonder if you can help.
My girlfriend (31, slim but water retention fluctuations, history of adrenal fatigue) has under active thyroid, supplemented by 100mg thyroid meds.
Her TSH is very, very low, like 0.2. And her TPO antibodies are 120.
I think this means she’s HASHIMOTOS.
If so, what do do think is the best protocol for diet.
She has been PHD for around 6 months (but prob not quite enough protein).
Her IGG tests showed reactions to dairy, gluten, eggs.
Should she go on Dr. Kharazzians very strict auto immune diet in your opinion.
Please advise,
We feel trapped as no idea what to do.
Kind regards,
nick
Hi Nick,
I believe in our diet more than Dr. Kharazzians.
I do think that if she has Hashimoto’s she should avoid mammalian meats (beef, pork, lamb) in favor of birds, fish, and shellfish.
Low TSH indicates she is overdosing thyroid hormone. She should reduce levels until TSH is near 2.0.
She should eat cooked egg yolks, mixed with food, while avoiding egg whites and gluten.
Best, Paul
Thanks Paul,
And should she avoid foods that show up on IGG tests.
Things like dairy, tomatoes, broccoli, almonds, lemon
Consider that her she was already PHD and pescetarian 6 months when TPOs were high. She has never eaten mammalian meats.
It seems that there must be something else worth avoiding?
Thanks in advance.
Nick
Have you read any of the books by Isabella Wentz PhD, like “Root Cause” or her others? She has Hashi’s and also has an active newsletter, as does Andrea Nakayama.
I personally know several people with Hashi’s and I’ve heard a number of functional docs and clinicians speak about it. I’m certainly not an expert, but one thing that I’ve gleaned from listening to all of them is that it’s common to have other autoimmune and other conditions concurrent with Hashi’s, such as hemachromatosis (sp.?), and others, that once you have one type of autoimmune condition, you’re more likely to develop other AI diseases as well. So it may be that you’re addressing the Hashi’s but the other conditions aren’t be addressed, thus the lack of improvement.
Another thing that seems to keep popping up is that food sensitivity tests can be very unreliable, and what they indicate can be the opposite of what is being experienced clinically.
Just some thoughts as you try to sort through this.
thanks will check out
I’m no expert but from what I’ve heard from other ‘experts’ out there (Dr Tom O’Bryan, Prof Vojdani…)is that more reliable food sensitivity tests test IgG and IgA. Currently I know Cyrex Labs do such a test. To my knowledge no other lab tests both at the same time.
Hi I take high blood pressure meds which I would like to get off. What do you recommend
PHD. We’ve had good success lowering blood pressure.
Hi!
I’m reading PHD right now and you write about importance of eating “food” and not “nutrients”. As you probably aware, there’s a new beverage called “Soylent”, which claims to contain all needed nutrients. What do you think of it?
Thanks,
Andrey.
I think such things are fine as a fraction of the diet, say 20% of calories, but people who try to make them replace food entirely will probably come to an early grave.
I would be concerned with the source and quality of the Soylent ingredients http://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/the-soylent-killer/. As Paul said, as 20% of calories or less but Soylent would not be my choice. I would lean more towards a product suck as Pure Paleo http://www.designsforhealth.com/Professional_Sports_Nutrition.html
I wish you would invent a powder to use for a smoothie that had everything we need and then we could eat a little bit of this or that only for fun.
Swallowing a bunch of supplements is a bother as is trying to eat all the stuff recommended.
Paul,
I would love to hear your thoughts on the “Mediterranean diet” e.g. such as described here:
https://iris.unipa.it/retrieve/handle/10447/98856/130468/Gerontology%202014.pdf
The described low intake of red meat is often touted as a reason for longevity in certain areas. Do you think it’s more of an incidental finding? I’m not sure why low intakes of red meat would be such a health-promoting aspect (I’m assuming it’s a healthy, grassfed variety in the studied areas) unless it’s a proxy for a low protein intake. Would love to hear your critique of this oft’ recommended “diet”.
Thanks!
High protein diets do shorten maximum lifespan in animals, especially if they are high in methionine, which red meats tend to be.
However, I’d say the most important longevity factors in the Sicilians are”zero consumption of sweeteners or sweetened beverages, canned food, frozen already prepared vegetables or dishes, cookies, cakes or snacks, basically no processed foods”; and a natural lifestyle, with daily exercise, sun exposure, low stress, and intimate social relationships.
Thanks for you reply, Paul! Like Keven, I find it interesting that many long-lived individuals and populations seem to incorporate wheat as a staple. Do you think they would be/have been even more long-lived without the wheat, or is the wheat not as big of an issue, perhaps especially in a otherwise healthy population, as we have been lead to believe? I have been strictly gluten-free for over ten years, with no noticeable benefit, and recently reintroduced wheat with no apparent ill effects in body or mind. As a matter of fact, my GI system seems a bit better than before, and I’m thorougly enjoying the freedom from vigilance and restriction. It seems to me that wheat is more harmful to some than others – I certainly have patients that report immediate symptoms when exposed to wheat. Is it really, in your opinion, worth it for everyone, even completely asymptomatic people, to avoid it?
Webraven,
I can not find a true answer to this question. I do believe that wheat has some negative aspects, but does it really add years to lifespan if you avoid it? I have to wonder if you are eating the right diet, how much does wheat really effect long term health?
Paul,
Do you have any ideas as to why smeone would regularly carry a lot of static electricity, all year long? I have a friend with this problem and it is partcularly troublesome because she has a horse which she rides regularly and shocking the horse could result in a serious injury.
Thanks for your thoughts on this and for everything you do.
All the very best to you and your family in the coming year.
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
I would guess she is not sweating enough and lacks electrolytes to conduct electricity from head to toe. There is a natural charge gradient from the earth’s surface to altitude, so if skin is not conductive, there will be a charge buildup.
I would try drinking more water and getting more electrolytes (potassium, salt, calcium, magnesium, lithium). Maybe improving lipid status would help too.
Conductance is also connected to stress and nervous system balance, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrodermal_activity.
Very interesting theory Paul! I too get static electricity a lot, esp in the winter when the air is very dry. And guess what, I don’t sweat (my mother didn’t either, by the way). But maybe your recommendation and SusanB’s for me to eat more salt, which I’ve been doing for a few days now, will help with this.
Hi Susan,
I read somewhere that the lack of sweating may be the symptom of the lack of iodine. This might be something to investigate.
Looking at many different resources on the sicilians diet, there seems to be wheat in most meals. Paul, do you think whole wheat pasta with fresh vegetables and a little olive oil is still a bad thing? I understand wheat has toxins, do you think they are strong enough to reduce lifespan? I have your book but I can not recall this question being addressed. As far as red meat goes, do you still eat it and if so how often? I try to eat more fish and bird meat since your last post on neu5gc. Methionine is in all muscle meats right? Is it more concentrated in red meat than white meat??
Thanks
No, methionine is not any more concentrated in red meat than it is in white meat. The highest-methionine protein is egg whites; the lowest-methionine proteins are extracellular matrix (bones tendons etc) and legumes.
Here’s the methionine content of a couple of protein sources (percent of total protein):
Egg (white): 3.7%
Salmon (muscle): 3.0%
Chicken (muscle): 2.8%
Cheese (goat): 2.7%
Beef (muscle): 2.6%
Lamb (muscle): 2.6%
Cheese (cow): 2.6%
Beef (liver): 2.6%
Chicken (liver): 2.5%
Egg (yolk): 2.4%
Milk (cow): 2.3%
Oysters: 2.3%
Mussels: 2.2%
Lamb (liver): 2.2%
Lamb (kidney): 2.0%
Lentils: 0.8%
Extracellular matrix (gelatin): 0.7%
Eric,
Thanks, I did more research into this subject and I find it all so fascinating and I intend to learn more. I used to included gelation from Knox in my coffee to balance out methionine I learned this from Dr Ray Peat. I do like pork skins although I am not sure how healthy they are… I try to limit protein to max 100 to 120 grams a day most Times a little less.
Hi Paul,
I do not eat liver because I cannot tolerate the taste, I also do not eat egg yolks daily also because of the taste, so I was thinking of supplementing Choline, Copper and Folate. But I’m confused about Vitamin A. I was thinking of supplementing 10,000 IU of Vitamin A Palmitate (mixed with Cod Liver Oil, from Pure Encapsulations) every other day. I am confused because I read everywhere (including you) that synthetic Vitamin A Palmitate is toxic.
But in the presence of sufficient Vitamin D3 and K2 (which I will also supplement), do you believe Vitamin A Palmitate supplement will still be toxic? I read that Vitamin A is only toxic when D3 and K2 are deficient, is this also true for Vitamin A Palmitate supplements?
If it is still toxic and I should not supplement, do you think Beta-Carotene from colorful vegetables will be sufficient to meet my Vitamin A requirements alone? Or the only solution is to force myself to eat liver and egg yolks?
Thank you for your help,
Chris
Happy New Year everyone. Does anyone have an opinion about taking Astragaloside IV or Glycoastragenol for telomere maintenance and longevity?
Are yams safe starches?
yes
Interesting articles on aging research here.
http://www.longevityreporter.org/blog/2015/12/29/the-2015-round-up-our-biggest-longevity-stories-this-year
Has anyone tried this? It look like their paleo option could work as part of the PHD lifestyle. http://www.sunbasket.com/home/?offer=SEARCH3&SCID=GCPC&SPOP=3F&utm_source=google&SCID=GCPC&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=260431494&utm_content=20540560854&utm_term=sun%20basket&test=&sl=&gclid=CM_8loqJkcoCFUOBfgodCbcFkg
do you have any opinion if hemp seeds are ok to eat on phd?
http://manitobaharvest.com/category/13/Hemp-Hearts.html
http://hippocratesinst.org/whats-wrong-with-hemp
Hemp seeds and flaked coconut are delicious on a cold cooked sweet potato.
Don’t trust your drinking/cooking water. Distill it. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/10/magazine/the-lawyer-who-became-duponts-worst-nightmare.html?mwrsm=Facebook
Hi Paul,
Do you have any recommendations for existing gallstones regarding nutrition and lifestyle?
A family member is dealing with them and are willing at all costs to try a natural approach before surgery.
I couldn’t find a proper place to ask on your blog other than here.
Hi Paul,
What do you think of the choline supplement Alpha-GPC? Is it the best form of choline to take?
Thanks,
Baha
Hello,
I’m wondering if Gelatin powder (such as the one from VitalProteins) can completely replace bone/joint broth (extra-cellular matrix)?
Thank you for your time
Hi Sahira,
Not completely, but it probably does provide the nutrients most people are most deficient in. In that sense it’s a good second-best alternative.
Best, Paul
Thank you for your answer. So gelatin powder provides collagen, but does not provide calcium, phosphorus, and other extracellular matrix components such as glucosamine and chondroitin present in bone/joint broth, and that’s why you consider it incomplete, am I correct?
Hi Paul,
i have been following your diet for only a week now but feel very tired and lethargic. I have ckd with a gfr of 23 and have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis.I don’t know if its the diet or my conditions do you have any suggestions please
Hi Carol,
This is not really a problem I can troubleshoot over the Internet. If you come to our retreat I would research your case. Re diet, focus on natural whole foods, nutritious, balanced and delicious. Not too much oil, flour.
Best, Paul
Hi Paul,
thanks for replying, I will follow your advice for diet. I live in Scotland so will save up to come to your retreat but think it will be next year before I can come. On the bright side I feel much better today and the sarcoidosis on my skin seems to be fading, so I am hoping that is the same for the sarcoidosis in the rest of my body. I found your book very interesting and I am telling everyone I know to read it. Thanks again
Paul, I’m hoping the answer to Sahira is yes, because that’s what I’m doing.
Paul, firstly thank you for being pure awesome!
I have a couple of questions. Is there any credibility to pyroluria? I suffer from anxiety and general weakness at age 27. I’ve also developed a duodenal ulcer that isn’t healing despite being tested negative for H. Pylori and taking PPIs for close to a year. My doctor thinks my anxiety disorder is causing the ulcer. I know that there is some scientific evidence that zinc is required for healing of ulcers.
I have strange reactions to taking Zinc and B6. Within hours of taking a zinc supplement, my sinuses feel like they are on fire, but clearing up, I can breathe easier. More as if they were swollen rather than congested with mucous. Taking small amounts of P5P will ease my anxiety for a while, but if I take more than 15mg it causes insomnia.Taking B6 also makes me feel stronger (I’m very weak for a guy my age) and heightens my senses, food tastes better and music is more enjoyable. I also have far more energy instead of being my normal fatigued self, but the side effect of not being able to sleep after taking higher doses puts me off.
Should I just take 50mg of the P5P and see if my body adapts? Could this be pyroluria?
This anxiety disorder is ruining my life, I will be extremely grateful for your insight. Thanks.
Hi Paul,
I have MTHFR genetic defect, and my Chinese medicine practitioner put me on 2 mg of Folate (methylfolate) and 2 mg of B12 (methylcobalamin), and told me to increase the dosage by 1 mg (each) every week if this is not sufficient, until I find the ideal dosage (he said I should start to feel more energetic as I get to the right dosage).
But I did not read good things from you about high dose supplemental Folate, and even high dose B12. You said once that it is Choline that is most important, and with sufficient Choline there is no need for extra Folate and B12 supplementation, even in the case of MTHFR genetic defect. Could you please clarify this a little bit more?
I am very confused and scared of overdosing. Can you please share your opinion on what I should do?
Thank you in advance,
Dursun
Hi Dursun,
You’ve understood our advice correctly – we favor extra choline (from egg yolks and liver) rather than extra folate. The reasoning relative to folate and choline can be found in our book. B12 is safe to supplement and I’d have no problem with your taking extra, but I would complement it with some B6.
Best, Paul
Thank you for your answer. I eat 3 egg yolks daily + liver weekly, would you still recommend extra Choline supplementation because of my MTHFR genetic defect?
Dear Paul,
I was reading your book with a big interest. I’m interested in health and looking for all kind of information and researches on this subject all my life. I found your facts are reasonable and trustworthy.
I started the Perfect diet three weeks ago. I like it a lot for the satisfying feeling and enjoy vanished hunger. However, one week ago, I’ve got a cold. Of course, I could get a cold on the regular diet. I didn’t connect it to the new diet.However, four days ago my mom and I got rush on the skin which I’ve never had in my life. What can possible could it be?
My mom and I are Russians and the Perfect diet is very close to what we ate all our lives. I live in America for 12 years and adapted a different diet but my mom is visiting me and eats a lot of fat and beef stock all her life. Also, we are healthy women.
Can it be possible reaction on the beef stock? I couldn’t find grass fed beef and used the regular beef bones. Also, we take the supplements but strictly to your recommendation.
I really look forward to your answer. I like the Perfect Diet but afraid to continue.
Thank you very much,
Sincerely, Lina
Hi Lina,
It’s difficult to say from a distance but often such reactions are due to amines such as histamine or tyramine generated in the gut and not adequately degraded in the body. Typically these result from overcooked food (especially beef stock that was cooked too long; try limiting stock cooking time to 3 hours) combined with some nutrient deficiencies, typically copper (found in liver), methyl donors (found in egg yolks and liver), and molybdenum. Try eating some beef or lamb liver, egg yolks, and cooking your food less long, then after that focus on gut healing. These things should clear up over time as you get better nourished.
Best, Paul
Thank you so much, Paul for the replay! Yes, my mom boiled the beef stock first time for 3 hours and the second stock for calcium for 8 hours. I think, we’ve got the reaction from the second stock. We eat everything you mentioned in your answer.
Also, I forgot to tell you that both of us my mom and I lost some weight. However, I didn’t look forward to that. I’m 5.2 and my weight is 110 pounds. I hope I’ll be able to gain some weight 🙂
Thank you so much, Paul for the replay! Yes, my mom boiled the beef stock first time for 3 hours and the second stock for calcium for 8 hours. I think, we’ve got the reaction from the second stock. We eat everything you mentioned in your answer.
Also, I forgot to tell you that both of us my mom and I lost some weight. However, I didn’t look forward to that. I’m 5.2 and my weight is 110 pounds. I hope I’ll be able to gain some weight 🙂
Hello Paul,
Is it okay to take 1.5 mg iodine (potassium iodide) once a week? Or do you prefer 225 mcg daily? I have read from you that sudden increases in iodine is problematic, do you think taking 1.5 mg dose iodine all at once weekly will cause regular sudden increases and therefore problematic?
Thank you,
Linda
Daily is much better. Large, rare doses of iodine can lead to thyroid injury.
how about just eating dulse with lunch and dinner? – it is very high in iodine.
Hi Paul,
There seems to be a problem in your website, many articles does not open and give this message:
ERROR-404 NOT FOUND
Sorry, but you are looking for something that isn’t here.
For example this link:
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/11/crossfit-nyc-20-tips-for-optimal-health-fitness/
That’s odd… the link works for me.
It’s fixed now it works.
Hi Paul,
What do you think is the cause of Hyperaldosteronism (a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood). Do you have any recommendations on how to fix this?
Thank you in advance,
Muhi
Hello Paul,
What is your current stance on MSM supplementation? I have seen you recommend it in some of your articles (to athletes) and also not recommend it to some commenters, favoring sulfur-rich foods instead.
Thanks,
William
Hello Dr. Jaminet,
Which amino acids are most sensitive to heat and get destroyed by cooking? I know one of them is Taurine, and one should supplement if one is eating well-done meat. Are there other ones that get destroyed by cooking, and therefore making it necessary to supplement if one is eating well-done meat?
Thank you very much for your time,
Andy
Hi Paul,
I eat 3 egg yolks daily + liver weekly, would you still recommend extra Choline supplementation because of my MTHFR genetic defect?
Thank you
What do you think about Mozafarrion’s research that sees seed oils that don’t have trans fats as healthy.
Seed oils are rich in Omega-6, and that’s the primary reason PHD avoids it. Also, because seed oils are rich in PUFAs, they are not suitable for cooking, PUFAs can easily become oxidized by heat.
Hello Paul,
What do you think of Einkorn wheat? It is the only unhybridized type of wheat, the way it is found in the wild. There are some studies showing that many Celiac people can actually eat Einkorn wheat without any issues whatsoever. It seems like the Gluten in Einkorn has a very different structure than modern wheat, which does not seem to be toxic. Maybe hybrizing wheat so many times for hundreds of years is what made it toxic?
How do you feel about eating properly prepared (long soaking, thorough cooking) Einkorn wheat? Would you consider it acceptable?
Thank you very much,
Giovanni
Hi Giovanni
When you have a question, try searching the site first – this might answer some of what you asked.
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2010/09/the-oldest-profession-quinoa-millet-and-emmer-and-einkorn-wheat/
Cheers!
Peter
Thanks!
Hi Paul,
Am I right in my understanding that chronic infections will not always show up in a blood test? I’m sorry if that has already been answered, I intend on going through all of the Q&As soon.
Also, inspired by the ChipotLife guy who ate the same meal of rice, chicken, lettuce and guacamole from Chipotle for 186 days in a row (he recommends PHD in his blog by the way), I’ve wondered if eating a couple of paleo hamburgers (lettuce instead of a bun) and a potato once a day, four days a week for 90 days would be okay. This would simplify sticking to PHD tremendously for me. Chicken and fish on the weekend.
Thanks.
Hi Paul,
Regarding sugars I wonder what your opinion is on malitol or xylitol. Some say it’s great but I’ve heard from others that it has potential to feed certain pathogens.
Thank you
Hi Claire,
Xylitol is allowed on PHD (see http://perfecthealthdiet.com/food/#Sweeteners). I’m not sure about maltitol.
If you want to use sugar alcohols but are worried about feeding pathogens: Erythritol is another PHD-approved sugar alcohol (see previous link). It is also more rapidly absorbed in the small intestine (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythritol#Erythritol_and_human_digestion), and so has less potential to feed pathogens.
Best,
-Eric
Thanks Eric, I somehow missed that page when searching the site. But I’m still not convinced about xylitol. Seems to be a lot of negative info about it online too and some claim it can cause seizures. I remember hearing Dr Natasha Campbell McBride saying she thinks it is not safe.
I personally can live without it and stick to the natural sweeteners occasionally but trying to help my husband get rid of his sweet tooth and night sugar cravings. Every evening till night he snacks on sweet, starchy things or nuts. He can’t control his cravings that only come on after dinner (a well balanced PHD dinner).
Hi Paul,
Watched Ben Greenfield’s presentation where you just added your tidbits to what he was covering. Ben mentioned …summering here… a fat burning zone exercising in a heart range. You mentioned certain number subtract age short way to it. My question is that since I am still only walking with back aching too much after running some sprints, does this mean my walking calories burn are not fat burn but burning muscle/water/some less fat… combo than if heart rate up? Thanks.
Hi Jay, Walking burns fat just fine, you just have to do more of it.
Hi Jay- FWIW…. I had back aches after sprints too. My fix was to focus on maintaining my core during the sprints. It fixed the problem.
Hi Paul,
I have heard that in order to really absorb the vitamin D obtained from sunlight, we have to refrain from taking a shower for 2 days, because soap and water will wash away the sebum that contains the vitamin D which has not been absorbed yet. Do you agree with this idea?
Thank you,
John
I’ve not heard this before and will be interested in the answer too! Growing up in the 50’s with well-read, enlightened and naturalistic parents, they’d always had me wait just 30 minutes.
Hi Paul and others-
Wondering if anyone might be able to share any knowledge or thoughts on this- my daughter who just turned two still has very fine and short hair. I have searched and searched the Internet for ideas and reasons why her hair isn’t growing much yet but haven’t found anything helpful. She also has a slight male pattern hairline in front (not much hair kinda of above temples) but luckily her hair is very light so its not very noticeable. I just feel so terrible about it though and I want to help her hair grow before any other little kids might start to tease her or something.
Sorry I know this is probably trivial but I wondered if anyone might suggest anything she could be lacking? Her pediatrician doesn’t have any ideas and just says it will grow.
Thank you!
KH
Hi KH,
I was nearly a hairless baby girl until about 4 when my hair started to appear. Then it became thick, gorgeous and it is still this way at 52! I think that excellent diet – PHD diet – is all your girl needs – if there are no other health issues.
Best of luck to you both.
Thanks for your reply Dora! That’s good to hear! So far she seems to be in excellent health other than some possible food allergies (based on very slight eczema on her face). I will hope for that thick beautiful hair for then! 😀
Thank you!!
My pleasure! Slight eczema may indicate some food sensitivity (gluten in grains, casein, lactose in dairy, egg whites, corn, penuts, soybeans, fish, etc.)Consider eliminating the suspected foods and then reintroducing them one at the time watching for any signs of rush / discomfort. Also, probiotics could be helpful. Best wishes to you Both.
Dear Paul and all!
Looking for advice concerning my 16 year old son. He is a wrestler and keeps having hypoglycemic feelings. He has to restrict food on the day of a match and then eats a sweet potato with butter and a bit of sugar after he weighs in. After he eats the sweet potato and some other food he feels weak and shaky. He eats PHD but deals with this consistently with wrestling. He has felt this way before at different times also. Any advice please!!!
Hello Paul,
I have read from you that you only recommend ceramic or enameled pot when cooking bone/joint broth in order to prevent leaching of metals from the pot. Would you consider stainless steel pots safe when cooking bone/joint broth for a long time? I am guessing the metals in stainless steel are not toxic?
Thank you for your time,
Jen
Hey Paul,
Could you put these in order of worst and eliminate as first priority then second? omega 6 oils, sugar, wheat. Thanks.
I was asked this the other day and responded oils as #1, then #2 sugar, then #3 wheat. Would you agree? They felt a little overwhelmed to do all at once.
Hi Paul, after 6 months on PHD, my IBS symptoms have all but disappeared. At 52 years old I’ve more zest and energy than I had at 30. Truly amazing!! One question though, when do I stop losing weight? I’m 6’2″ and though I’ve always been ‘skinny’ my weight had become what was considered ‘healthier’ in the last 10 year (80kgs – though this was mainly stomach fat and man boobs. I am now 71kgs and worried about losing more weight.
Hi David,
Generally weight manages itself. It’s hard to say why you are so skinny now without a detailed examination, but I would imagine that as your gut microbiome normalizes your appetite and weight will also. Try to eat more food in your feeding window and to exercise with more intensity.
Best, Paul
Thanks Paul, will give it a go. I’ve actually been slacking exercise-wise in the last couple of months (not-intentionally).
And thank you again (and Sue) for writing your book – you’ve changed my life for the better.
Not enough lumens for sunlight therapy, but this looks like excellent adjustable lighting otherwise.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lumiere-eye-protection-lamp-you-take-anywhere#/