This page documents health changes our readers have experienced after adopting the Perfect Health Diet. If you have improved your health on our diet, please leave your story in the comments. Sharing your results encourages others — it lets them know that healing is possible! — and encourages scientists to investigate natural healing methods. We also welcome any reports of difficulty, since we and our readers can help you troubleshoot; such questions may be posed on the Q & A page.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who has posted a success story!
Reader reports are arranged by condition:
- Obesity, weight loss, food cravings, binging
- High blood pressure
- Mood and cognitive function
- Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, OCD, BPD, bipolar)
- Digestive disorders (acid reflux, Crohn’s, IBS, celiac, etc)
- Autoimmune disease
- Sleep quality
- Allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis
- Anemia
- Fatigue, low energy
- Dry eyes or skin
- Autism
- Constipation
- Fungal infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis, joint inflammation, crepitus
- Back pain
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- General health
- Chronic infections
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Acne
- Infertility, amenorrhea, PCOS
- Genetic disorders
- Migraines, headaches
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes & glycemic regulation
- Atherosclerosis
- Body composition, strength, athleticism
- Gout
- Dyslipidemia
- Oral & dental health
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Heart palpitations
- Cramps, menstrual cramps
- Multiple sclerosis
- Body odor
Also, a few of our favorite reader success stories have appeared as blog posts:
- Jay Wright’s rapid and lasting weight loss: Jay Wright’s Weight Loss Journey, Dec 1, 2011.
- Kate’s cure of migraines, anxiety, and Raynaud’s syndrome: A Cure for Migraines?, March 29, 2011.
- Relief from pain and spasms for the NBIA kids, Zach and Mathias: Ketogenic Diet for NBIA (Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation), Feb 22, 2011.
Obesity, weight loss, food cravings, binging
Person |
Quote |
Health Issue |
Mary(more here) | There is a whole pan of dark chocolate gluten-free brownies in my kitchen, and I’ve had no desire for them all day. I’m crediting the supplements (I’m on all the PHD recommended supplements save kelp), and I’m particularly thinking copper has made a big difference (I’ve suspected a copper deficiency for some time as I started going gray young). Or perhaps also selenium. (I’m hypothyroid…hoping for some improvement there.)In any case, I feel great physically, I’ve not been binge-y or nearly as much as a sweet freak (and I’ve been known to eat an entire bag of caramels in less than an hour, and then head out to the store for more), and I’ve felt mentally stable and pretty happy. I feel great on this plan, and maybe more importantly, I’ve noticed that I have many more calm, good mood days than otherwise. I think it’s the combination of the Perfect Health eating plan and the recommended supplements. I’ve not lost more weight since my last check-in – I seem to be at a plateau – but I’m still seven pounds down since I started, so that’s good. |
Reduced cravings, improved mood, weight loss |
LizardFace | I’ve been doing PHD for 6 months after 45 years of eating the SAD. I wasn’t super overweight, but was gaining every year, 6′, 200 lbs. I craved sweets. Six months later I am down to 180. I eat rice and sweet potatoes but don’t crave them, never crave sweets, don’t think about food all the time like I used to. Try it yourself and see. |
Reduced cravings, weight loss |
erp (comment 1 and comment 2) |
I agree completely with Paul that when you’re well nourished, you’re never hungry. I’ve been following the PHD/cum supplements coming up on one year next month and can honestly say, I have no cravings and am never hungry. When I see one of my former nemeses like hazelnut biscotti, while walking the aisles of the grocery store, I need only remember that I have visible ribs now and have moved down from size 16 to size 6, to smile and move on. It took a while, but the trip is well worth it…. I’m 77 and over the years, I’ve tried to lose weight by going low carb. The weight losses were successful, but I didn’t stop craving high carb/sugary stuff and would always gradually go back to the bad old ways and gain the weight back. One year later strictly following the PHD, I lost almost 40 lbs and not only don’t I crave carbs and sugar, I am actually repelled by the smell of a bakery. Yeast and cinnamon are off putting. When grocery shopping, just knowing that I have a visible rib cage is enough to keep me moving out of the cookie aisle. Whether it’s self-hypnosis or balanced nutrition, I say thank you to Paul and Shou-Ching and all the people who comment here. |
Reduced cravings, weight loss |
Nancy | I am a 64 year old woman who has fought weight control all my adult life. January 2011 I started following Dr. Harris’ 12 steps, J Stanton’s “Eat Like a Predator” and the Jaminets PHD. I am maintaining my weight loss without cravings or white knuckling and feel great. Thank you! Thank you! I have printed out so much from each of your blogs and share with all who ask. My husband is also on board. I may even take up hunting this season! |
Reduced cravings, feel great |
Peter | After approximately six months of PHD I have zero craving for sweets and have easily resisted entire tables groaning with plates of cakes, doughnuts, cookies and so forth. Resisted is the wrong word though – it’s as if all desire for a (formerly craved) substance has left my body. I’m not sure if it’s related, but I have no desire to drink alcohol these days. |
Reduced cravings |
Stabby (also here) | I have been eating the PHD for a while, and it has really reduced any sort of cravings and tendency to mow down, even if the food is really yummy. My gut feels better, I have better digestion with less bloating from I have had other improvements in health since discovering books like the |
food cravings |
Katelyn | I was ZC but am no longer-I cycle carbs by using white potatoes. Leanness, satiaty, energy, bathroom habits, etc. have all improved! I owe thanks to you and to Kurt Harris, whom I respect a lot, in getting me to not fear adding them. I was scared to, but have had only positive results! Keep up the great work! |
weight loss, food cravings, low energy, digestion |
Sarah Atshan | I also had an mental adjustment period of accepting white rice. I had cut starch out of my diet for so long. I found including 400 calories of white rice &/or potatoes, reduced my cravings for something sweet. My calories naturally lowered without hunger. I was also able to start intermittent fasting, something that was impossible for me to do before the starch. |
food cravings, hunger |
Erik (comment 1 and comment 2) |
Your book and writings have totally changed the way I think about my diet, nutrition and health. So in the past year, I have minimized grains, cut out processed food, do not eat sweets and avoid omega-6 rich cooking oils like the plague. I have increased my intake of saturated fat by several fold and use butter and coconut oil as my cooking oils. I eat eggs for breakfast and add cream/coconut milk to my coffee. I eat sardines and salmon weekly. I get plenty of sunshine and exercise several times a week. I eat just as much fruits and vegetables as I did in the past. I do however consume more sweet potatoes and potatoes. I use to avoid the “evil” potato as well!… I basically do not calorie count and eat to what I feel. I have actually lost weight and my skin has become healthier as well. My lips do not become chapped like they use to in the past. I always had chapped lips for most of my life…. I have been well overall. The phd is working great for me. Also, my son’s gastrointestinal issues have been improving from the addition of probiotics and better nutrition. He is also starting to say a lot more words this summer. He is asking for things with words for the first time. I can’t say what helped him since there are so many variables interplaying but I am happy to see improvements in language. Our pediatrician was shocked and excited about his improvements. I think his probiotics, gluten free diet, vitamin supplements and intensive ABA therapy have helped a lot. My son’s autism has been a very good learning experience. I feel very lucky to have you as a fantastic resource of information. Many thanks again for your help and kindness! |
weight loss, chapped lips; his son: autism, GI issues |
jtl | When I began implementing PHD a few weeks ago I cut fruit back to about 80 calories/day and upped starch intake with sweet potatoes, potatoes, sourdough buckwheat pancakes, and white rice. Within a couple of weeks chronic health issues such as itchy, flaky scalp, tense painful neck and shoulder muscles, and cyclical vaginal itching had disappeared, my mood had improved noticeably, and I was able to do a little weight-lifting without it wiping me out physically and mentally. 2 weeks ago I cut out fruit entirely and began getting all my carbs in PHD proportions from white rice, sweet potatoes, sourdough buckwheat cakes, and potatoes and saw a dramatic improvement in mood and ability to work-out without negative effects, and the fuzzy-headeded/blurry-eyedness that I’ve felt intermittently throughout the day for as long as I can remember disappeared. For the first time in my life I felt happy, relaxed, patient, care-free, clear-headed/eyed, and not hungry (I’ve always noticed being hungry in my head, not my belly). |
fungal infections, impaired mood, fatigue, dry eyes, food cravings |
Gary | I’d be glad to offer testimony confirming that PHD is a weight-loss diet. My own loss isn’t dramatic, about 15 lbs. in the past year. My primary health problem is sleep apnea, which I’ve had for many years/decades. It has led to high blood pressure and weight gain. It is not caused by my weight but rather sleep apnea caused me to gain weight. I’ve been thoroughly tested and know the reasons for the apnea and am recovering primarily by using a cpap breathing machine at night. PHD got my attention because it was primarily about good health. I started following it a year ago and can say that it has significantly improved my health. In addition, I also began to lose weight, a welcome side benefit. I follow the basic diet recommendations and take all the supplements. I get enthusiastic about PHD and tell my friends about it, but the most frequent response I’d get was that it may be great, but it means home cooking everything. I’d counter that home cooking isn’t hard. So finally I set up a small website that shows how I’ve done my own interpretation of a PHD meal plan and the home cooking that make it possible to do it during the week, working 50-hour days and making 2 or 3 meals a day for me and my spouse. I call it “10 minute meal.” It might be of use to others: 10minutemeal.com |
weight loss, high blood pressure |
Jaybird | I have been shocked that unlike all previous diets for the first time in my adult life I consistently, not just choose, but desire the PHD foods over the crap foods. I feel full and more satisfied as well as crave PHD tastes. Even my craving for a pizza with its wheat crust has reduced greatly after the first 3 months on PHD. On past gov’t pyramid diet, vegetarian acid/alkaline diet, and even a strict paleo diet, they seem to require a herculian will power to choose to eat “healthy”. I had to definitely choose the less food reward. I came accept this was just the way it is in life…until PHD. You definitely can lose weight on the PHD! I don’t understand the Jaminets conceding PHD is not a weight loss book. Their section on weight loss is the best advice I’ve found in years of reading diet info. I went from 250 to now 182 in 6 months! It seems to me you need to get more clear exactly what PHD recommends for weight loss. You seemed confused in your description of PHD weight loss. 400 cals? I now eat 600 calories a day of safe starches and continued to lose weight at 2 lbs a week. Remember, total calories is king and the PHD foods will satisfy at a lower calorie intake like no other. Also, you can add lemon in your water throughout the day. |
weight loss, food cravings |
S, |
Two weeks ago my doctor diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. After chatting to me a little about nutrition and its effect on the body, he wrote down the title of your book “The Perfect Health Diet” and said that it could help me. I went home and immediately ordered the book online and received it a few days later (yippee!) Although I’m not even half way into the book (I decided to start again after discovering it’s not light bedtime reading!) I am certainly seeing sense in what the book says and am already feeling a lot better just in myself – more energy, happier, less hormone mood swings and not bloated at all. I’ve lost a bit of weight since I started two weeks ago (6lbs) and my skin is… well… the least spotty its been since I was about 11 years old! I’m certain that the diet is the reason for these changes. |
PCOS, weight loss |
gp2x | I can’t believe how much better I feel!… I had been eating (very) low-carb and high-protein for the better part of a decade – and I had gotten a lot of practice arrogantly dismissing suggestions (from any source) that I should change anything about my diet…. Results: (after 1.5 months or so.)
It |
food cravings, mood, alertness |
Robert | I started PHD a few weeks ago, after finding the blog, and then reading the book. I have only positive experiences to report. I had been overweight in the past, and lost weight by low-calorie dieting on processed foods, along with strength training. After a while I would revert to some degree of overeating, and have to diet again. I’m mildly overweight now but I have been losing 2 lbs. per week on the PHD. Keep in mind this is before any calorie counting. I keep telling myself I will plug things in to Fitday, but so far my hunger is autoregulating itself and the weight is coming off. Besides weight loss, I feel great. I haven’t wanted to eat any take-out or sweets, and that is unusual for me. |
weight loss |
Morris G (comment 1, comment 2, comment 3) |
A couple of months after starting PHD there was an obvious improvement in mood and cognitive function. Now 12 months later the mental improvements persist but do not seem to be growing. … I’ve had joint “noises” for about 20 years (I’m 72yo) but no direct discomfort from the noise effect. The frequency and magnitude has increased over time but only very slowly. I tend to think that the degree of crepitude correlates (weakly) with general joint health eg time to recover from episodes of tendonitis or discomfort caused by overuse. I have ignored this “crepitude” as being an unavoidable aging effect until recently, when my manageable back/neck aches spontaneously improved and that happened about 3 months after adopting the PHD diet (although I didn’t know at the time that the diet was PHD). For example I can sleep on my back for the first time in 8 years and turn my neck 90 deg without any discomfort. My exercise regime has not changed from pre-PHD and is not too strenuous, about 2-3 hrs total/week of which most is moderate effort cardio with some resistance. The odd thing is that pre-PHD, with the same exercise effort, if I increased calories my fat would easily but slowly increase, but not now…. I feel great … |
mood, cognitive function, joint function, weight |
Richard M, email of Oct 19, 2011 |
May I firstly congratulate you and Shou-Ching for writing such a wonderful book. After researching nutrition and health in my spare time for many years I have never come across a book that has been able to tie all of the major aspects of a healthy diet together in such a concise manner whilst being so extensively well referenced. The amount of improvements that I have seen since implementing this diet |
energy, food cravings, weight, illness |
Connie | As far as the PHD only being for healthy people, I wanted to share my experience. I’ve lost about 60+ pounds on the low carb (mostly back in 2000). My low carb methods evolved over time and eventually I avoided all fake sugars including diet sodas and almost all prepared foods (including low carb products) and had to be careful of dairy and nuts – trigger foods for me which caused me to overeat. I also thought that low fat would bring me more success, so tried to stay low fat. Whenever I would stop doing low carb, I’d gain some weight back. But it was very difficult for me to stay low carb because I was doing low fat and also not getting enough omega 3. And when I did cheat with sugary foods, I’d eat a lot of it. Then I discovered PHD this year. I was afraid of “safe starches” and fat, So, my problem of overeating isn’t totally gone, but my diet and weight |
weight loss |
David | I’m still very new to this diet, and I’ve been generally getting in shape and losing weight for a while now, but one thing I can comment on already is the effect it’s had on rhinitis. Simply put, my rhinitis has disappeared completely. I no longer wake up One other benefit: I’m never hungry on the PHD and I’m really enjoying all |
rhinitis, appetite |
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
David Z. | My success story: I’ve been eating what was mostly a “health food” diet for twenty years. I followed the various trends and tried vegan, vegetarian, raw, and more at different time periods. I’ve done juice fasting and cleansing. At some times I followed it more religiously and other times less so, but nonetheless slowly gained weight over the years. This year I read Wheat Belly and started to think about cutting out wheat, I lost 25 points in the first two months on the diet, going from 215 lbs 190 is not a bad weight for me; I am 5’11″ and lift weights so while Thanks! |
weight loss, body recomposition |
Karin | I have particularly severe, chronic, complicated, and often silent migraines. I have had these since childhood all day everyday. Because they were often silent (no pain) they would manifest in various other ways, thus leading to misdiagnoses of mood disorders and schizophrenia for many years. At one point I was also misdiagnosed with epilepsy as well. After one particularly smart neurologist saw and tested me, I was placed on blood pressure medications for migraines. This worked. The problem is that my body constantly fights to readjust to the medications. After a few months at one dose, it seems I start to get migraines again. So it would go up and the same thing would repeat again. I was looking for a different solution and I stumbled across this article. I’ve been on the keto diet for nearly a month and it is the best thing |
migraines, mood, sleep, energy, weight loss |
Jim, email of April 2, 2012 | . I am down from 341lbs to 272lbs doing mostly Paleo, but modified with some safe starches per your book. Just so you know this is not just about weight loss for me, I was a type 2 diabetic with full metabolic syndrome and most importantly, I had popping capillaries in my retinas that were leading to blindness. All is better now, no pills etc. |
diabetes, obesity, diabetic retinopathy |
Roxy Rocker | I am the smallest I have ever weighed as an Adult. I weigh 218. When I switched to Paleo/highfat I was 284 about 14 months. |
obesity |
Elyse | I’ve been adding starches to my diet for the past 6 months and find that I am more satisfied and eat far less “treats”– just 1-2 squares of 85% dark chocolate most days. Definitely agree that food just isn’t that big of a deal any more. |
food cravings |
Connie Warner | After doing very low carb for so long, I was worried too. I started with fruit and sweet potatoes and it was hard to stop eating them at first. But now that my diet is more balanced, I have it under control. I think there was an adjustment period. I’m now taking the recommended supplements as well as some of the suggested supplements and am following the PHD guidelines, which have helped. My Omega 6/Omega 3 ratio was way out of balance for a long time. Paul has said the cravings are due to missing nutrients. It’s great to have a balanced diet – carbs, protein & fat – with NO cravings – it’s an amazing feat for me! I feel better and happier and don’t feel deprived. I also do the Intermittent Fasting (16 hour fast with 1 Tbs coconut oil and an 8 hour feeding window) and this has helped me too. Food is less important to me, it really is a lot easier than it sounds (I’m not suffering!) and I choose my foods carefully to get all the nutrients I need in 2 meals with a snack in the 8 hour window. Sometimes I just have a spoonful of rice syrup to get some carbs. Or you could add it to a homemade salad dressing or drizzle it on some plain yogurt. |
food cravings |
Java Gal | Ok, have to comment – can’t contain myself anymore! I am a lurker of the worst sort, but here goes. As a 54 year old woman, I am more energetic, flexible (yoga three times a week), and healthier than I have been for, oh, decades. My doc, a wonderful, but dye-in-the-wool vegetarian, told me to keep doing what I was doing – cholesterol dropped, good TSH levels(I’m hypo), and down 5 sizes. Talk about replacing a wardrobe! My worry, of course, is gaining it all back, which, sorry to say, is an experience I have had already in days of yore. I was an avowed low-carber back then and I can attest that, while it was effective for losing weight, it was not a good long term strategy. So far, as long as I stick to basic PHD principles, things are going swimmingly. In general, PHD has been a huge success. Thank you Paul and Shou-Ching! |
obesity, energy, flexibility, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, general health |
Jennifer Fulwiler | As I look for something to wear this weekend, I’m reminded that I am in the middle of the wardrobe crisis that I’ve been waiting to have for ten years: all my clothes are too big. I don’t mean a little loose; I mean I perpetually look like I’m headed out to an M.C. Hammer costume contest. Over the past few months I’ve lost 25 pounds. That’s a good thing, mainly It’s too long of a story to explain in detail here, but the short-short |
weight loss, stamina & energy |
Meli | Hi Paul,
I just wanted to let you know that I was finally successful at adding back As a bonus, my eyes are no longer blurry, and my hair appears to have You have my deepest gratitude, and respect. ~ Meli |
Weight loss, dry eyes, hair loss |
Anonymous (also here) | I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and am taking a very low dose of risperdal (same drug in higher doses used to treat schizophrenia). I had been doing very low carb for many years and do now wonder if it Better mood I have found that following the PHD diet (in particular, getting enough Very nutritious, no cravings This diet is super healthy and does allow plenty of choices: meat, fish, Intermittent fasting – easy This is optional, but I’m so happy I discovered this. Fasting sounds Raynaud’s Another benefit of the PHD is that my Raynaud’s is much better now and I’m So give PHD a try if you want to feel better and be healthy too. I highly Thank you so much, Paul and Shou-Ching, for all you do! 🙂 |
Borderline Personality Disorder, mood, energy, anxiety, food cravings, Raynaud’s |
Timothy J Hicks | Background: I was an Atkins dieter in the 1990’s. Lost a lot of weight, but staying on it was difficult. Last year I came off a bout of depression determined to beat it without I lost a total of seventy pounds. As a man at fifty-five years old and 195 What is even better is that the recommendations in the Perfect Health Diet To go back to the beginning, the Atkins diet had two flaws which 1) Atkins diet “phases” lead to the idea that somehow you lose 2) When Atkins wrote the Diet Revolution book, he didn’t have access to The Perfect Health Diet is written so that you can read to whatever depth This book is a good companion volume to “Why We Get Fat: And What to The only qualification that I would add is that the book recommends eating Again, as a person who has lost seventy pounds and now enjoy a life free |
depression, obesity |
Jon (email of Feb 7, 2012) | Dear Paul,
Following your PhD diet I have continued to lose weight at a rate of one Since I’m eating 1500 cal per day and 54% of that is fat, 26% is carbs, I must tell you, that being insulin resistant, I was a prime candidate to I’ve been gaining weight for years, and there has been no solution to the I’ve got about 50 pounds left to lose! I plan to lose it the slow way, I Thank you thank you thank you, Jon |
Weight loss |
hadrion | I decided to give Perfect Health Diet a go first and see where that takes me. What I’ve learned from asking question to the Jaminets and reading their answers is that a little sugar here and there in products and the sugar in fruit isn’t going to kill you. I can’t do a low carb Paleo diet as I never feel right on that kind of After 2 weeks on Perfect Health Diet I’ve seen some pretty impressive This leads me to a few things, chiefly, that gluten is not good for my While I’m not dismissing Peat’s philosophy of diet, so far I feel pretty What I would encourage any of you dealing with inflammation or who feel So far, following the plan set out in the PHD has led to some nice |
Skin redness, bloating, weight loss, eczema |
Ole | I have been on the PHD diet for over a year now. (I bought the draft version in September 2010). My health has improved a lot. I have lost about 25kg and I’m now about 87kg (i’m 185cm tall). I’m probably healthier than an average person on just about any performance metric. (Picture of me in summer of 2010 and 2011. http://blisunn.no/2011/07/min-brors-nye-livsstil/) |
weight loss |
Shelley | I’ve been reading paleo, WAPF, low-carb sites for over a year now and following your PHD as well. You can add me to the list of your success stories as I lost 15 pounds , have no “cravings” eliminated GERD, heart palpiations, panic attacts and other annoying pains. |
weight loss, food cravings, GERD / acid reflux, heart palpitations, panic attacks / anxiety |
P.wen | Paul & Shou-ching,
Just want to thank you guys for all that you do. I’ve been doing paleo for |
weight loss, binge eating, food cravings |
Els and here and here | I have been on PHD for almost 2 weeks now, doing IF 16/8 at the same time, and have started with the supplements you have recommended 4 days ago. Since I started PHD I do no longer crave for sweets. I used to eat chocolates almost everyday and haven’t had it for over 2 weeks now. 🙂 I am so happy I found your blog and got your book. Keep up the good works…. 5 weeks ago I found PHD website and ordered the book. I am now on my 4th Btw, I continue to shed off some more fat even after I’ve increased my |
food cravings, cramps / menstrual cramps, sleep, acne / pimples, body composition |
Brian P. | Many thanks for your book and blog as it has helped me lose 35 pounds and counting over the last 5 months, along with a general improvement in energy level and “evenness”. Extremely gratifying to find a way of eating which is sustainable, totally satisfying and results in natural weight loss. And, I have yet to add high intensity workouts to my normal morning and afternoon walks. I have been talking to anyone who has expressed interest as the potential of the diet is obviously tremendous!! P.s. I strongly suspect PHD played a pivotal part in my wife getting |
weight loss, energy, mood, infertility |
Peter | When I ate a VLC diet I found that hard liquor was extremely satisfying. As soon as I added back starches, my desire for alcohol diminished greatly. Like Cheeseslave’s experience when she IF’d, I wonder if a craving for |
craving for alcohol |
Clarissa | Just adding in my similar experience to Peter’s. When VLC Paleo I was sucking down 2-3 glasses of wine a night. I’ve bumped up my carbs to the PHD level, and have been able to stay off alcohol entirely for the last couple of months. I’ve also lost about 5 more lbs since upping my carbs and quitting alcohol. Now when I get a strong craving for alcohol, I can “satisfy” it by having a few starchy carbs. Since going off alcohol and upping carbs I’ve seen improvements in my mental function and sleep pattern. |
craving for alcohol |
elizabethe | I’ve struggled all my life with overweight, binge-like eating disorder symptoms, and fluctuating weight and (undiagnosed but quite obvious) volatile blood sugar. I’ve been roughly following PHD for some months now and it has seriously reduced all of my previous binge-eating, hunger craving symptoms, as well as vastly increasing the amount of time I can go between meals without feeling frantic or emotional. I haven’t lost much weight, but my weight has stabilized whereas before I was on a steady gaining trend. |
binge eating, weight gain, glycemic regulation |
High blood pressure
Gary | I’d be glad to offer testimony confirming that PHD is a weight-loss diet. My own loss isn’t dramatic, about 15 lbs. in the past year. My primary health problem is sleep apnea, which I’ve had for many years/decades. It has led to high blood pressure and weight gain. It is not caused by my weight but rather sleep apnea caused me to gain weight. I’ve been thoroughly tested and know the reasons for the apnea and am recovering primarily by using a cpap breathing machine at night. PHD got my attention because it was primarily about good health. I started following it a year ago and can say that it has significantly improved my health. In addition, I also began to lose weight, a welcome side benefit. I follow the basic diet recommendations and take all the supplements. I get enthusiastic about PHD and tell my friends about it, but the most frequent response I’d get was that it may be great, but it means home cooking everything. I’d counter that home cooking isn’t hard. So finally I set up a small website that shows how I’ve done my own interpretation of a PHD meal plan and the home cooking that make it possible to do it during the week, working 50-hour days and making 2 or 3 meals a day for me and my spouse. I call it “10 minute meal.” It might be of use to others: 10minutemeal.com |
weight loss, high blood pressure |
Advocatus Avocado | I’m a great proponent of the PH diet. I’m pleased to report that after dramatically increasing my saturated fat intake and following some of the proscriptive measures in the book that my blood pressure has decreased from 130/85 to 118/74. My resting heart rate has also decreased, and I now sleep much more soundly. |
blood pressure, sleep quality |
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
Mood and cognitive function
Mary(more here) | There is a whole pan of dark chocolate gluten-free brownies in my kitchen, and I’ve had no desire for them all day. I’m crediting the supplements (I’m on all the PHD recommended supplements save kelp), and I’m particularly thinking copper has made a big difference (I’ve suspected a copper deficiency for some time as I started going gray young). Or perhaps also selenium. (I’m hypothyroid…hoping for some improvement there.)In any case, I feel great physically, I’ve not been binge-y or nearly as much as a sweet freak (and I’ve been known to eat an entire bag of caramels in less than an hour, and then head out to the store for more), and I’ve felt mentally stable and pretty happy. I feel great on this plan, and maybe more importantly, I’ve noticed that I have many more calm, good mood days than otherwise. I think it’s the combination of the Perfect Health eating plan and the recommended supplements. I’ve not lost more weight since my last check-in – I seem to be at a plateau – but I’m still seven pounds down since I started, so that’s good. |
Reduced cravings, improved mood, weight loss |
Bella | Perhaps this is as good a place on your site as any to share the improvements I experienced after switching from a gut healing diet that generally can be described as VLC Paleo to PHD. What’s even more remarkable than the improvements themselves is that they occurred *within 48 hours* of seriously increasing my safe starch consumption. I couldn’t have special ordered it any better. 1. Constipation is gone. 2. Fungal (?) rash is gone. 3. Powdery substance in urine is gone. (After reading here about how VLC diets can cause excess excretion of uric acid, I’m certain this was the problem.) 4. Energy and mood are way better. 5. I like what I’m eating now, I am sated, and my instincts are no longer telling me something’s missing. This intangible effect has made perhaps the biggest impact on my day-to-day quality of life. Thank you PJ and S-CJ! Your PHD came into my life at exactly the right time and produced exactly the changes I needed. Sweet relief! I am still working out some hormonal issues, and fighting fungi, but my glucose deficiency symptoms are gone, and I feel better than I have in a year, which is to say I feel normal, finally. My husband has virtually no symptoms of colitis now. We’re looking forward to his upcoming flex sig to prove that the disease process has been reversed, so that the GI doctor will stop telling us that there’s no way dietary changes alone could’ve cured the disease, that my husband must be in symptomatic remission with a still-flaming colon. Doc doesn’t know what to make of us. So indulge me in a bit of gushing when I tell you I’m utterly grateful for both your product (the book) and service (advice on your site). The one-on-one advice is a very powerful way to connect with your audience. It’s as if I can *feel* the sense of community and healing when I’m on your site. You’ve got a special thing going. |
fungal infections, low energy, impaired mood, constipation |
jtl | When I began implementing PHD a few weeks ago I cut fruit back to about 80 calories/day and upped starch intake with sweet potatoes, potatoes, sourdough buckwheat pancakes, and white rice. Within a couple of weeks chronic health issues such as itchy, flaky scalp, tense painful neck and shoulder muscles, and cyclical vaginal itching had disappeared, my mood had improved noticeably, and I was able to do a little weight-lifting without it wiping me out physically and mentally. 2 weeks ago I cut out fruit entirely and began getting all my carbs in PHD proportions from white rice, sweet potatoes, sourdough buckwheat cakes, and potatoes and saw a dramatic improvement in mood and ability to work-out without negative effects, and the fuzzy-headeded/blurry-eyedness that I’ve felt intermittently throughout the day for as long as I can remember disappeared. For the first time in my life I felt happy, relaxed, patient, care-free, clear-headed/eyed, and not hungry (I’ve always noticed being hungry in my head, not my belly). |
fungal infections, impaired mood, fatigue, dry eyes, food cravings |
Deacon Patrick | Thank you for the gift of better brain function you have given me! A few months ago I switched to ketogenic diet, and now a completely Paleo diet based in large part on your Perfect Health Diet — the differences I’ve experienced are amazing…. The more ketogenic my diet, the better my brain capacity, cognitive energy, energy stability, longevity, and the better I feel…. |
brain injury recovery |
Pia | I am struck by this from Paul’s post: “Good health, I believe, leads to good spirits.” Have been on PHD for only about 3 weeks and I am amazed by my new outlook on life. I was not ‘unhealthy’ before (by modern standards)– but I feel so much more able to see the positive now. Thanks a million. |
mood |
gp2x | I can’t believe how much better I feel!… I had been eating (very) low-carb and high-protein for the better part of a decade – and I had gotten a lot of practice arrogantly dismissing suggestions (from any source) that I should change anything about my diet…. Results: (after 1.5 months or so.)
It |
food cravings, mood, alertness |
Lisa Weis | Yours is by far, the best Paleo / Ancestral diet that makes sense…. I was very strict Paleo for a good 8 months, and yes felt fantastic and lost 10ks etc. But then started feeling tired, moody. Enter some carbs (from the suggestion of your book) in the source of potato and rice and taro – and now I’m feeling a whole lot better. Did I put on weight. Of course not! Essentially now I eat what my body craves. I can listen to it now and it responds accordingly. It knows when it needs more carbs (eg., after exercise). And it knows how much as well. |
fatigue, mood |
Sarah | I eat circa 100g carbs from starch a day not including veg and this has been one of the best things I’ve ever done for my health along with including a vitamin C supplement. My low-level depression and anxiety have completely disappeared and the diet is considerably more varied and easier to stick to than VLC. |
depression, anxiety |
Morris G (comment 1, comment 2, comment 3) |
A couple of months after starting PHD there was an obvious improvement in mood and cognitive function. Now 12 months later the mental improvements persist but do not seem to be growing. … I’ve had joint “noises” for about 20 years (I’m 72yo) but no direct discomfort from the noise effect. The frequency and magnitude has increased over time but only very slowly. I tend to think that the degree of crepitude correlates (weakly) with general joint health eg time to recover from episodes of tendonitis or discomfort caused by overuse. I have ignored this “crepitude” as being an unavoidable aging effect until recently, when my manageable back/neck aches spontaneously improved and that happened about 3 months after adopting the PHD diet (although I didn’t know at the time that the diet was PHD). For example I can sleep on my back for the first time in 8 years and turn my neck 90 deg without any discomfort. My exercise regime has not changed from pre-PHD and is not too strenuous, about 2-3 hrs total/week of which most is moderate effort cardio with some resistance. The odd thing is that pre-PHD, with the same exercise effort, if I increased calories my fat would easily but slowly increase, but not now…. I feel great … |
mood, cognitive function, joint function, weight |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
hypothyroidism, bowel function, mood |
Karin | I have particularly severe, chronic, complicated, and often silent migraines. I have had these since childhood all day everyday. Because they were often silent (no pain) they would manifest in various other ways, thus leading to misdiagnoses of mood disorders and schizophrenia for many years. At one point I was also misdiagnosed with epilepsy as well. After one particularly smart neurologist saw and tested me, I was placed on blood pressure medications for migraines. This worked. The problem is that my body constantly fights to readjust to the medications. After a few months at one dose, it seems I start to get migraines again. So it would go up and the same thing would repeat again. I was looking for a different solution and I stumbled across this article. I’ve been on the keto diet for nearly a month and it is the best thing |
migraines, mood, sleep, energy, weight loss |
Michelle | IME, a comprehensive stool test proved helpful. I found a fungal infection which I treated with two bottles of ProEnt-2. I found bacterial overgrowths, which I treated with Natren probiotics. The stool test showed gluten intolerance as well, and seeing the results on paper helped me to take the leap & kiss gluten goodbye. I was also positive to toxoplasma, which I have not treated due to cost I had a sudden severe arthritis flare and have been on low dose pulsing My thyroid function has improved as I’ve gotten healthier. My guess is I’m no longer anemic. I used SAM-e successfully, for 2-3 years at 200-400 mg per day, upon I can’t tell you how empowering it felt to take steps, and to slowly see Good luck to you! There are often many pieces to the puzzle! You may find |
Infections, arthritis, hypothyroidism, anemia, mood |
Anonymous (also here) | I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and am taking a very low dose of risperdal (same drug in higher doses used to treat schizophrenia). I had been doing very low carb for many years and do now wonder if it Better mood I have found that following the PHD diet (in particular, getting enough Very nutritious, no cravings This diet is super healthy and does allow plenty of choices: meat, fish, Intermittent fasting – easy This is optional, but I’m so happy I discovered this. Fasting sounds Raynaud’s Another benefit of the PHD is that my Raynaud’s is much better now and I’m So give PHD a try if you want to feel better and be healthy too. I highly Thank you so much, Paul and Shou-Ching, for all you do! 🙂 |
Borderline Personality Disorder, mood, energy, anxiety, food cravings, Raynaud’s |
KH | I’m type 1 diabetic …
Just this morning, I took my A1c home test (by Bayer) which includes two test 1- 5.2 test 2- 5.3 … I know the diet here is helping me a lot and I’ve been feeling more |
Type I diabetes, energy, mood |
Brian P. | Many thanks for your book and blog as it has helped me lose 35 pounds and counting over the last 5 months, along with a general improvement in energy level and “evenness”. Extremely gratifying to find a way of eating which is sustainable, totally satisfying and results in natural weight loss. And, I have yet to add high intensity workouts to my normal morning and afternoon walks. I have been talking to anyone who has expressed interest as the potential of the diet is obviously tremendous!! P.s. I strongly suspect PHD played a pivotal part in my wife getting |
weight loss, energy, mood, infertility |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
Hypothyroidism, energy, adrenal fatigue, bowel function, mood |
Mental health conditions
Sarah | I eat circa 100g carbs from starch a day not including veg and this has been one of the best things I’ve ever done for my health along with including a vitamin C supplement. My low-level depression and anxiety have completely disappeared and the diet is considerably more varied and easier to stick to than VLC. |
depression, anxiety |
Kate | I too have had Raynaud’s all my life … In the past two months, I have modified my diet in line with Paul’s suggestions for Migraine. I now eat 200 calories worth of safe starch, all the recommended supplements, and as much coconut oil as I can stomach. I am also doing the 16/8 fast. My Raynaud’s has further improved, as measured by the fact I sometimes forget to turn the heat up in the morning, and cold extremities don’t always alert me to my forgetfulness!… Thanks for asking about the Migraines. They are in fact vastly improved, which I attribute solely to your recommendations. I can say that, because I have tried virtually everything else in the past…. Clearly something remarkable is happening, thanks to your recommendations! A little history. I started getting these headaches in my late 30s. (I am now 52). In the beginning I thought I had the stomach flu, because in addition to the headache I would always throw up or have dry heaves. The worst headaches would keep me immobilized in bed for up to two days. My brother-in-law, a neurologist, convinced me they were migraines. I finally consulted a doctor, who put me on midrin, which did not help, and a few months later I started on imitrex, which did help, at least at first. Eventually, my headache pattern evolved, and I had at least a mild headache every day, punctuated by the occasional doozy. Apparently, this is a pretty common progression, especially with women my age. I always suspected there was something wrong with my lifestyle or diet, and over the years I have tried numerous experiments, but nothing ever worked. … In January, in my blog travels, I stumbled on your site. I ordered the book and was intrigued by your and Shou-Ching’s ideas about disease and chronic conditions. I was already familiar with the idea of a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, so I was immediately interested in trying a more ketogenic diet for myself. I ordered all your basic supplements, and immediately upped my kelp to two capsules. I had been using coconut oil for curries, so I started using it habitually. Started eating 200 calories of starches that you recommended—this was a little scary, after studiously avoiding them for four years! I was afraid I they might keep me awake at night, but I am sleeping like a log. Started fasting 16/8, which was easy once you absolved me for having cream in my morning coffee! Within a week of starting this regimen my chronic headache started to disappear! Some days I would only have a headache for part of the day, and occasionally I would have no headache at all! I read somewhere on your site that NAC is good on a ketogenic diet, so I ordered it too. I had never heard of this supplement before. It seems to have made a further positive difference. I have started taking it twice a day. Once before bed, and once in the late afternoon, when the headache sometimes starts coming back. Since I added NAC, I have been nearly headache free. Another amazing development concerns anxiety. Over the years I have become somewhat anxious when I drive on highways. I grip the steering wheel tightly, sit forward in the seat, and am generally hyper vigilant. I always chided myself for my lack of nerves, but that didn’t help. As mentioned above, this was magnified by the Topomax. I never had this issue when I was younger; indeed I used to fly helicopters in the army. Two weeks ago I drove up to New Jersey to pick up my daughter, a 3.5 hour trip from where I live in Northern Virginia. I stopped two hours into the trip to make a pit stop, and I suddenly realized I was totally relaxed, and had been for the entire trip! The PHD is strong brain medicine indeed! Thanks for all your research, insights, and ideas. I think the Perfect Health Diet is going to be a game changer for many people. Hopefully it is the start of a sea change at how we approach the chronic maladies of our times. |
Raynaud’s, migraines, anxiety |
Stephanie | When I went on the Perfect Health Diet plan, I hoped to clean up my eating habits and address some of my thyroid issues through food choices. As it happens, the PHD plan is not just about food; there is actually a pretty aggressive recommended supplement plan. (Aggressive, that is, for me, as I’ve traditionally been a “multi-plus-maybe-some-vitamin-D” person.) Since the supplement plan didn’t involve drastically cutting sugar or giving up the fresh, hot gluten-filled rolls I was habitually baking for my family (as the food plan does, sigh), I did the pills first. Because I was not expecting to get any bang for my vitamin and mineral Within a few days after I was on everything, I noticed a major change, not This was strange! And it took a little mental work for me to accept that Then, the real test: I had an upset in my personal life, the sort of thing With minimal research (laziness being central to my character), I learned I may in the near future try eliminating selenium for a bit to see if my If you grapple with OCD, you might want to give selenium a try. Note that |
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety |
Anonymous (also here) | I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and am taking a very low dose of risperdal (same drug in higher doses used to treat schizophrenia). I had been doing very low carb for many years and do now wonder if it Better mood I have found that following the PHD diet (in particular, getting enough Very nutritious, no cravings This diet is super healthy and does allow plenty of choices: meat, fish, Intermittent fasting – easy This is optional, but I’m so happy I discovered this. Fasting sounds Raynaud’s Another benefit of the PHD is that my Raynaud’s is much better now and I’m So give PHD a try if you want to feel better and be healthy too. I highly Thank you so much, Paul and Shou-Ching, for all you do! 🙂 |
Borderline Personality Disorder, mood, energy, anxiety, food cravings, Raynaud’s |
Timothy J Hicks | Background: I was an Atkins dieter in the 1990’s. Lost a lot of weight, but staying on it was difficult. Last year I came off a bout of depression determined to beat it without I lost a total of seventy pounds. As a man at fifty-five years old and 195 What is even better is that the recommendations in the Perfect Health Diet To go back to the beginning, the Atkins diet had two flaws which 1) Atkins diet “phases” lead to the idea that somehow you lose 2) When Atkins wrote the Diet Revolution book, he didn’t have access to The Perfect Health Diet is written so that you can read to whatever depth This book is a good companion volume to “Why We Get Fat: And What to The only qualification that I would add is that the book recommends eating Again, as a person who has lost seventy pounds and now enjoy a life free |
depression, obesity |
Shelley | I’ve been reading paleo, WAPF, low-carb sites for over a year now and following your PHD as well. You can add me to the list of your success stories as I lost 15 pounds , have no “cravings” eliminated GERD, heart palpiations, panic attacts and other annoying pains. |
weight loss, food cravings, GERD / acid reflux, heart palpitations, panic attacks / anxiety |
Digestive disorders
Angie | It’s anecdotal, but all four people in my family experienced a variety of new symptoms (seasonal allergies, constipation, worsening of heartburn, bladder spasms, dry eyes, increasing tiredness and low energy) when we did GAPS. These problems didn’t resolve until we luckily stumbled upon PHD and added back safe starches. I think GAPS would be much improved by allowing more PHD safe starches and doing away with all the honey and nuts which are considerably harder on many people’s systems (they definitely are on mine!) than potatoes and white rice. |
Allergies, heartburn, dry eyes, low energy |
Dr. Jacs | In an effort to jazz up my nutrition and increase my energy availability, I’m doing the target=”_blank” title=”Perfect Health Diet”>Perfect Health Diet with a vengeance. I really love this way of eating, and feel well on it. It’s good for my gut and my sleep. |
digestion, sleep |
Erik (comment 1 and comment 2) |
Your book and writings have totally changed the way I think about my diet, nutrition and health. So in the past year, I have minimized grains, cut out processed food, do not eat sweets and avoid omega-6 rich cooking oils like the plague. I have increased my intake of saturated fat by several fold and use butter and coconut oil as my cooking oils. I eat eggs for breakfast and add cream/coconut milk to my coffee. I eat sardines and salmon weekly. I get plenty of sunshine and exercise several times a week. I eat just as much fruits and vegetables as I did in the past. I do however consume more sweet potatoes and potatoes. I use to avoid the “evil” potato as well!… I basically do not calorie count and eat to what I feel. I have actually lost weight and my skin has become healthier as well. My lips do not become chapped like they use to in the past. I always had chapped lips for most of my life…. I have been well overall. The phd is working great for me. Also, my son’s gastrointestinal issues have been improving from the addition of probiotics and better nutrition. He is also starting to say a lot more words this summer. He is asking for things with words for the first time. I can’t say what helped him since there are so many variables interplaying but I am happy to see improvements in language. Our pediatrician was shocked and excited about his improvements. I think his probiotics, gluten free diet, vitamin supplements and intensive ABA therapy have helped a lot. My son’s autism has been a very good learning experience. I feel very lucky to have you as a fantastic resource of information. Many thanks again for your help and kindness! |
weight loss, chapped lips; his son: autism, GI issues |
Jordan Reasoner | I have battled Celiac disease for some time and got about 80% better with a Paleo diet… but the Perfect Health Diet was the first book that could finally answer that last 20% with science based logic. |
Celiac disease |
Brussie | About 5 years ago, I started having horrible stomach problems (pain, bloating, etc.), extreme fatigue, weight gain of about 15 lbs, and anemia. After many useless visits to traditional doctors, I finally went to see a naturopath who put me on a restricted diet: no sugar (or fruit), no grains other than rice, no cow dairy, no legumes, no nuts. It was actually pretty much a PHD diet. Within 4 months on this diet I felt 80% better; the fatigue was gone, I lost the weight, and the anemia went away (with some help from iron supplements), and my stomach pain was intermittent and brief when it did occur. I went on like this for about 2 years. Then, about 2 years ago, I discovered the paleo diet. It was already similar to the way I was eating with some minor tweaks: upping the fat content of my diet, eliminating rice and sweet potatoes, adding back some moderate fruit. Within a year of eating this way, I began experiencing some additional stomach discomfort, more bloating and pain. I went to see a doctor for some help. Unfortunately, she just made the situation worse…. Well, I adopted the PHD in October 2010 and I am happy to say that my stomach issues are almost completely gone…. I would definitely recommend PHD to anyone looking for a healthy way of eating. I would also recommend it for anyone who is still experiencing stomach issues while on a paleo diet. |
digestive problems |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
hypothyroidism, bowel function, mood |
Alex | I recently had my carotid arteries evaluated via ultrasound for plaque and narrowing and was told there is no evidence of either. A year ago, just before adopting a PHD type diet, an MRI of my heart revealed “significant” plaque on one of my coronary arteries and less significant on another…. I’m in my mid 40s, lean, active, and have seen many health improvements since adopting the diet (less joint stiffness, no more chronic back pain, milder colds, fewer allergy symptoms, less gas, less bloating, need for less sleep. |
atherosclerosis, joint stiffness, back pain, allergies, bowel distress |
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
Joan | Hi Paul
I haven’t posted for a while but continue to be an avid reader of your Quick background: Crohn’s for 16.5 years. Steroids for most of that time I’ve particularly concentrated on raising my Vit D levels All these things improved my general sense of well-being and energy levels I did a Metametrix GI Effects Stool test in March hoping to find something During this time, since coming off steroids, I was able to observe the So, re-reading you assertion that intra-cellular bacteria can only feed on It is very unlikely that anti-MAP antibiotics will be made available to Regards, Joan Footnote2: My sister continues to be free of eczema. Thanks so much, |
Crohn’s, hypothyroidism, general wellbeing; eczema |
Raham Robert Fodrek | Thank you so much for all the support you offer. I have been following your diet for a few months and in many ways feel much better. Last year at this time I could barely walk (29 years old). I was diagnosed with Crohns along with several other autoimmune diseases (including a lesion on the spinal cord). |
Crohn’s, autoimmune diseases, spinal cord lesion |
Nick | Hi Paul,
Thank you so much for the fantastic information! I am one of the new |
acid reflux |
hadrion | I decided to give Perfect Health Diet a go first and see where that takes me. What I’ve learned from asking question to the Jaminets and reading their answers is that a little sugar here and there in products and the sugar in fruit isn’t going to kill you. I can’t do a low carb Paleo diet as I never feel right on that kind of After 2 weeks on Perfect Health Diet I’ve seen some pretty impressive This leads me to a few things, chiefly, that gluten is not good for my While I’m not dismissing Peat’s philosophy of diet, so far I feel pretty What I would encourage any of you dealing with inflammation or who feel So far, following the plan set out in the PHD has led to some nice |
Skin redness, bloating, weight loss, eczema |
Brian | Paul, Many thanks for the excellent work and great book.
I started PHD a few week before Christmas, and even with a few holiday I have no serious health issues as such, but a number of smaller/low level Gradually over a few shorts weeks the aforementioned issues have either I’ve recommended your book to family and work colleagues as a result. I think the main plus point of the diet is that it is ‘doable’. Being allowed to each ‘safe starches’ has been great, as I’ve found All in all I’m delighted, and so glad I found your website & book. Many thanks |
headaches, acid reflux, fatigue, bloating, weight gain |
Shelley | I’ve been reading paleo, WAPF, low-carb sites for over a year now and following your PHD as well. You can add me to the list of your success stories as I lost 15 pounds , have no “cravings” eliminated GERD, heart palpiations, panic attacts and other annoying pains. |
weight loss, food cravings, GERD / acid reflux, heart palpitations, panic attacks / anxiety |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
Hypothyroidism, energy, adrenal fatigue, bowel function, mood |
Autoimmune disease
Raham Robert Fodrek | Thank you so much for all the support you offer. I have been following your diet for a few months and in many ways feel much better. Last year at this time I could barely walk (29 years old). I was diagnosed with Crohns along with several other autoimmune diseases (including a lesion on the spinal cord). |
Crohn’s, autoimmune diseases, spinal cord lesion |
Sleep quality
Dr. Jacs | In an effort to jazz up my nutrition and increase my energy availability, I’m doing the target=”_blank” title=”Perfect Health Diet”>Perfect Health Diet with a vengeance. I really love this way of eating, and feel well on it. It’s good for my gut and my sleep. |
digestion, sleep |
Kathy | After cutting back on coconut oil and adding all the supplements suggested by PHD I am sleeping 6 hours straight and can dose the next two hours, a ginormous improvement. Oh, and I upped my carbs! Delightful! |
insomnia |
Advocatus Avocado | I’m a great proponent of the PH diet. I’m pleased to report that after dramatically increasing my saturated fat intake and following some of the proscriptive measures in the book that my blood pressure has decreased from 130/85 to 118/74. My resting heart rate has also decreased, and I now sleep much more soundly. |
blood pressure, sleep quality |
Karin | I have particularly severe, chronic, complicated, and often silent migraines. I have had these since childhood all day everyday. Because they were often silent (no pain) they would manifest in various other ways, thus leading to misdiagnoses of mood disorders and schizophrenia for many years. At one point I was also misdiagnosed with epilepsy as well. After one particularly smart neurologist saw and tested me, I was placed on blood pressure medications for migraines. This worked. The problem is that my body constantly fights to readjust to the medications. After a few months at one dose, it seems I start to get migraines again. So it would go up and the same thing would repeat again. I was looking for a different solution and I stumbled across this article. I’ve been on the keto diet for nearly a month and it is the best thing |
migraines, mood, sleep, energy, weight loss |
Janusz | I’ve been on the PHD for about 3 weeks. Beginning the first week I could feel the difference in terms of energy and better sleep. |
sleep, energy |
Els and here and here | I have been on PHD for almost 2 weeks now, doing IF 16/8 at the same time, and have started with the supplements you have recommended 4 days ago. Since I started PHD I do no longer crave for sweets. I used to eat chocolates almost everyday and haven’t had it for over 2 weeks now. 🙂 I am so happy I found your blog and got your book. Keep up the good works…. 5 weeks ago I found PHD website and ordered the book. I am now on my 4th Btw, I continue to shed off some more fat even after I’ve increased my |
food cravings, cramps / menstrual cramps, sleep, acne / pimples, body composition |
Allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis
Angie | It’s anecdotal, but all four people in my family experienced a variety of new symptoms (seasonal allergies, constipation, worsening of heartburn, bladder spasms, dry eyes, increasing tiredness and low energy) when we did GAPS. These problems didn’t resolve until we luckily stumbled upon PHD and added back safe starches. I think GAPS would be much improved by allowing more PHD safe starches and doing away with all the honey and nuts which are considerably harder on many people’s systems (they definitely are on mine!) than potatoes and white rice. |
Allergies, heartburn, dry eyes, low energy |
Alex | I recently had my carotid arteries evaluated via ultrasound for plaque and narrowing and was told there is no evidence of either. A year ago, just before adopting a PHD type diet, an MRI of my heart revealed “significant” plaque on one of my coronary arteries and less significant on another…. I’m in my mid 40s, lean, active, and have seen many health improvements since adopting the diet (less joint stiffness, no more chronic back pain, milder colds, fewer allergy symptoms, less gas, less bloating, need for less sleep. |
atherosclerosis, joint stiffness, back pain, allergies, bowel distress |
David | I’m still very new to this diet, and I’ve been generally getting in shape and losing weight for a while now, but one thing I can comment on already is the effect it’s had on rhinitis. Simply put, my rhinitis has disappeared completely. I no longer wake up One other benefit: I’m never hungry on the PHD and I’m really enjoying all |
rhinitis, appetite |
Anemia
Michelle | IME, a comprehensive stool test proved helpful. I found a fungal infection which I treated with two bottles of ProEnt-2. I found bacterial overgrowths, which I treated with Natren probiotics. The stool test showed gluten intolerance as well, and seeing the results on paper helped me to take the leap & kiss gluten goodbye. I was also positive to toxoplasma, which I have not treated due to cost I had a sudden severe arthritis flare and have been on low dose pulsing My thyroid function has improved as I’ve gotten healthier. My guess is I’m no longer anemic. I used SAM-e successfully, for 2-3 years at 200-400 mg per day, upon I can’t tell you how empowering it felt to take steps, and to slowly see Good luck to you! There are often many pieces to the puzzle! You may find |
Infections, arthritis, hypothyroidism, anemia, mood |
Fatigue, low energy
Angie | It’s anecdotal, but all four people in my family experienced a variety of new symptoms (seasonal allergies, constipation, worsening of heartburn, bladder spasms, dry eyes, increasing tiredness and low energy) when we did GAPS. These problems didn’t resolve until we luckily stumbled upon PHD and added back safe starches. I think GAPS would be much improved by allowing more PHD safe starches and doing away with all the honey and nuts which are considerably harder on many people’s systems (they definitely are on mine!) than potatoes and white rice. |
Allergies, heartburn, dry eyes, low energy |
Bella | Perhaps this is as good a place on your site as any to share the improvements I experienced after switching from a gut healing diet that generally can be described as VLC Paleo to PHD. What’s even more remarkable than the improvements themselves is that they occurred *within 48 hours* of seriously increasing my safe starch consumption. I couldn’t have special ordered it any better. 1. Constipation is gone. 2. Fungal (?) rash is gone. 3. Powdery substance in urine is gone. (After reading here about how VLC diets can cause excess excretion of uric acid, I’m certain this was the problem.) 4. Energy and mood are way better. 5. I like what I’m eating now, I am sated, and my instincts are no longer telling me something’s missing. This intangible effect has made perhaps the biggest impact on my day-to-day quality of life. Thank you PJ and S-CJ! Your PHD came into my life at exactly the right time and produced exactly the changes I needed. Sweet relief! I am still working out some hormonal issues, and fighting fungi, but my glucose deficiency symptoms are gone, and I feel better than I have in a year, which is to say I feel normal, finally. My husband has virtually no symptoms of colitis now. We’re looking forward to his upcoming flex sig to prove that the disease process has been reversed, so that the GI doctor will stop telling us that there’s no way dietary changes alone could’ve cured the disease, that my husband must be in symptomatic remission with a still-flaming colon. Doc doesn’t know what to make of us. So indulge me in a bit of gushing when I tell you I’m utterly grateful for both your product (the book) and service (advice on your site). The one-on-one advice is a very powerful way to connect with your audience. It’s as if I can *feel* the sense of community and healing when I’m on your site. You’ve got a special thing going. |
fungal infections, low energy, impaired mood, constipation |
jtl | When I began implementing PHD a few weeks ago I cut fruit back to about 80 calories/day and upped starch intake with sweet potatoes, potatoes, sourdough buckwheat pancakes, and white rice. Within a couple of weeks chronic health issues such as itchy, flaky scalp, tense painful neck and shoulder muscles, and cyclical vaginal itching had disappeared, my mood had improved noticeably, and I was able to do a little weight-lifting without it wiping me out physically and mentally. 2 weeks ago I cut out fruit entirely and began getting all my carbs in PHD proportions from white rice, sweet potatoes, sourdough buckwheat cakes, and potatoes and saw a dramatic improvement in mood and ability to work-out without negative effects, and the fuzzy-headeded/blurry-eyedness that I’ve felt intermittently throughout the day for as long as I can remember disappeared. For the first time in my life I felt happy, relaxed, patient, care-free, clear-headed/eyed, and not hungry (I’ve always noticed being hungry in my head, not my belly). |
fungal infections, impaired mood, fatigue, dry eyes, food cravings |
Hunter‘s wife | My wife and I have been VLC for a couple years now, myself probably a little longer than her and I tend to eat more saturated fat too. She recently stopped taking birth control and her menstrual cycle just stopped. Also for years and years, maybe as long as the past decade, she’s been chronically constipated, depressed, and always tired and wanting to sleep 10+ hours. She’s been thru tons of tests and no doctor can find anything wrong with her. I started doing some research on her results from multiple blood tests and found her TSH has been slowly increasing and was at 3.13. We started checking her basal body temperature in the mornings and she’s usually around 96…. Both of us have also avoided salt for most of our lives as well as most packaged/processed foods that might contain salt. So we started supplementing Iodine, starting about a month ago and slowly increasing the dosage each week, as well as eating about 200-400 carb calories a day from white rice, taro, and cassava (all covered in pastured butter). Some mornings now her temperature has reached as high as 98.2 and her constipation has suddenly improved a lot. |
hypothyroidism, fatigue, constipation, amenorrhea |
Lisa Weis | Yours is by far, the best Paleo / Ancestral diet that makes sense…. I was very strict Paleo for a good 8 months, and yes felt fantastic and lost 10ks etc. But then started feeling tired, moody. Enter some carbs (from the suggestion of your book) in the source of potato and rice and taro – and now I’m feeling a whole lot better. Did I put on weight. Of course not! Essentially now I eat what my body craves. I can listen to it now and it responds accordingly. It knows when it needs more carbs (eg., after exercise). And it knows how much as well. |
fatigue, mood |
Richard M, email of Oct 19, 2011 |
May I firstly congratulate you and Shou-Ching for writing such a wonderful book. After researching nutrition and health in my spare time for many years I have never come across a book that has been able to tie all of the major aspects of a healthy diet together in such a concise manner whilst being so extensively well referenced. The amount of improvements that I have seen since implementing this diet |
energy, food cravings, weight, illness |
Karin | I have particularly severe, chronic, complicated, and often silent migraines. I have had these since childhood all day everyday. Because they were often silent (no pain) they would manifest in various other ways, thus leading to misdiagnoses of mood disorders and schizophrenia for many years. At one point I was also misdiagnosed with epilepsy as well. After one particularly smart neurologist saw and tested me, I was placed on blood pressure medications for migraines. This worked. The problem is that my body constantly fights to readjust to the medications. After a few months at one dose, it seems I start to get migraines again. So it would go up and the same thing would repeat again. I was looking for a different solution and I stumbled across this article. I’ve been on the keto diet for nearly a month and it is the best thing |
migraines, mood, sleep, energy, weight loss |
Java Gal | Ok, have to comment – can’t contain myself anymore! I am a lurker of the worst sort, but here goes. As a 54 year old woman, I am more energetic, flexible (yoga three times a week), and healthier than I have been for, oh, decades. My doc, a wonderful, but dye-in-the-wool vegetarian, told me to keep doing what I was doing – cholesterol dropped, good TSH levels(I’m hypo), and down 5 sizes. Talk about replacing a wardrobe! My worry, of course, is gaining it all back, which, sorry to say, is an experience I have had already in days of yore. I was an avowed low-carber back then and I can attest that, while it was effective for losing weight, it was not a good long term strategy. So far, as long as I stick to basic PHD principles, things are going swimmingly. In general, PHD has been a huge success. Thank you Paul and Shou-Ching! |
obesity, energy, flexibility, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, general health |
Jennifer Fulwiler | As I look for something to wear this weekend, I’m reminded that I am in the middle of the wardrobe crisis that I’ve been waiting to have for ten years: all my clothes are too big. I don’t mean a little loose; I mean I perpetually look like I’m headed out to an M.C. Hammer costume contest. Over the past few months I’ve lost 25 pounds. That’s a good thing, mainly It’s too long of a story to explain in detail here, but the short-short |
weight loss, stamina & energy |
Janusz | I’ve been on the PHD for about 3 weeks. Beginning the first week I could feel the difference in terms of energy and better sleep. |
sleep, energy |
Anonymous (also here) | I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and am taking a very low dose of risperdal (same drug in higher doses used to treat schizophrenia). I had been doing very low carb for many years and do now wonder if it Better mood I have found that following the PHD diet (in particular, getting enough Very nutritious, no cravings This diet is super healthy and does allow plenty of choices: meat, fish, Intermittent fasting – easy This is optional, but I’m so happy I discovered this. Fasting sounds Raynaud’s Another benefit of the PHD is that my Raynaud’s is much better now and I’m So give PHD a try if you want to feel better and be healthy too. I highly Thank you so much, Paul and Shou-Ching, for all you do! 🙂 |
Borderline Personality Disorder, mood, energy, anxiety, food cravings, Raynaud’s |
KH | I’m type 1 diabetic …
Just this morning, I took my A1c home test (by Bayer) which includes two test 1- 5.2 test 2- 5.3 … I know the diet here is helping me a lot and I’ve been feeling more |
Type I diabetes, energy, mood |
Joan’s sister | Hi Paul
You will remember 12 days ago I asked you about my sister who has CFS and You wrote: My guess is that there is a high level of oxidative stress Your advice was spot on and the results have been miraculous. She started Not only that, but some of her CFS symptoms have improved. Her constant I’ve ordered a couple of copies of your book and I’m sure she will be more Any interesting note: prior to starting the anti-oxidants she craved the In searching the net I found this paper that seems to support your advice: And this letter in the Nutritional Neuroscience discussing the paper’s Thank you once again, Paul, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge Kind Regards Joan |
chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema |
Brian | Paul, Many thanks for the excellent work and great book.
I started PHD a few week before Christmas, and even with a few holiday I have no serious health issues as such, but a number of smaller/low level Gradually over a few shorts weeks the aforementioned issues have either I’ve recommended your book to family and work colleagues as a result. I think the main plus point of the diet is that it is ‘doable’. Being allowed to each ‘safe starches’ has been great, as I’ve found All in all I’m delighted, and so glad I found your website & book. Many thanks |
headaches, acid reflux, fatigue, bloating, weight gain |
Brian P. | Many thanks for your book and blog as it has helped me lose 35 pounds and counting over the last 5 months, along with a general improvement in energy level and “evenness”. Extremely gratifying to find a way of eating which is sustainable, totally satisfying and results in natural weight loss. And, I have yet to add high intensity workouts to my normal morning and afternoon walks. I have been talking to anyone who has expressed interest as the potential of the diet is obviously tremendous!! P.s. I strongly suspect PHD played a pivotal part in my wife getting |
weight loss, energy, mood, infertility |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
Hypothyroidism, energy, adrenal fatigue, bowel function, mood |
Dry eyes or skin
Angie | It’s anecdotal, but all four people in my family experienced a variety of new symptoms (seasonal allergies, constipation, worsening of heartburn, bladder spasms, dry eyes, increasing tiredness and low energy) when we did GAPS. These problems didn’t resolve until we luckily stumbled upon PHD and added back safe starches. I think GAPS would be much improved by allowing more PHD safe starches and doing away with all the honey and nuts which are considerably harder on many people’s systems (they definitely are on mine!) than potatoes and white rice. |
Allergies, heartburn, dry eyes, low energy |
Melinda | I had severe dry eyes while eating too low carb. Following Dr. Paul’s recommendations at “Perfect Health Diet”, I upped my carbs to his minimum of 50 grams of starch per day and the dry eyes went away. He says that minimum keeps mucus membranes intact and protective. |
dry eyes |
Susan | I’ve instituted “Paleo” in our house since 1/1/11. Very strict about only plants and protein. About 4/1/11 I realized I was experiencing extremely dry eyes and mouth. I read your post about glucose deficiency and added rice and potatoes back into our diet. This cleared the problem up within 3 days and I was super grateful. It also *normalized* our diet, as it’s easy to go out to lunch and have rice/potatoes while avoiding wheat/grains. |
dry eyes |
Erik (comment 1 and comment 2) |
Your book and writings have totally changed the way I think about my diet, nutrition and health. So in the past year, I have minimized grains, cut out processed food, do not eat sweets and avoid omega-6 rich cooking oils like the plague. I have increased my intake of saturated fat by several fold and use butter and coconut oil as my cooking oils. I eat eggs for breakfast and add cream/coconut milk to my coffee. I eat sardines and salmon weekly. I get plenty of sunshine and exercise several times a week. I eat just as much fruits and vegetables as I did in the past. I do however consume more sweet potatoes and potatoes. I use to avoid the “evil” potato as well!… I basically do not calorie count and eat to what I feel. I have actually lost weight and my skin has become healthier as well. My lips do not become chapped like they use to in the past. I always had chapped lips for most of my life…. I have been well overall. The phd is working great for me. Also, my son’s gastrointestinal issues have been improving from the addition of probiotics and better nutrition. He is also starting to say a lot more words this summer. He is asking for things with words for the first time. I can’t say what helped him since there are so many variables interplaying but I am happy to see improvements in language. Our pediatrician was shocked and excited about his improvements. I think his probiotics, gluten free diet, vitamin supplements and intensive ABA therapy have helped a lot. My son’s autism has been a very good learning experience. I feel very lucky to have you as a fantastic resource of information. Many thanks again for your help and kindness! |
weight loss, chapped lips; his son: autism, GI issues |
jtl | When I began implementing PHD a few weeks ago I cut fruit back to about 80 calories/day and upped starch intake with sweet potatoes, potatoes, sourdough buckwheat pancakes, and white rice. Within a couple of weeks chronic health issues such as itchy, flaky scalp, tense painful neck and shoulder muscles, and cyclical vaginal itching had disappeared, my mood had improved noticeably, and I was able to do a little weight-lifting without it wiping me out physically and mentally. 2 weeks ago I cut out fruit entirely and began getting all my carbs in PHD proportions from white rice, sweet potatoes, sourdough buckwheat cakes, and potatoes and saw a dramatic improvement in mood and ability to work-out without negative effects, and the fuzzy-headeded/blurry-eyedness that I’ve felt intermittently throughout the day for as long as I can remember disappeared. For the first time in my life I felt happy, relaxed, patient, care-free, clear-headed/eyed, and not hungry (I’ve always noticed being hungry in my head, not my belly). |
fungal infections, impaired mood, fatigue, dry eyes, food cravings |
Doris | I reached my weight loss goals by eliminating grains and limiting dairy to butter and cream and reducing fruit intake. That said, over the last month or so, I was wondering why my body seemed to be drying out from the inside out. I want to tweak my diet to optimum health and found your book. The information about the importance of mucin was helpful. What was missing in my diet was the carbs that you and the missus recommend. Sweet potatos, white rice etc. Maybe less protein than I’ve been eating and more saturated fat. (I’m alarmed by the stomach and other cancers suffered by long term adherence to the Optimal diet …) I’m having better results every day. I am fascinated that I have a laboratory of my own body to put your ideas to a test and have them show positive results. Thank you both so much for your work and above responses to questions and comments. |
Dry eyes, GI tract |
Autism
Erik (comment 1 and comment 2) |
Your book and writings have totally changed the way I think about my diet, nutrition and health. So in the past year, I have minimized grains, cut out processed food, do not eat sweets and avoid omega-6 rich cooking oils like the plague. I have increased my intake of saturated fat by several fold and use butter and coconut oil as my cooking oils. I eat eggs for breakfast and add cream/coconut milk to my coffee. I eat sardines and salmon weekly. I get plenty of sunshine and exercise several times a week. I eat just as much fruits and vegetables as I did in the past. I do however consume more sweet potatoes and potatoes. I use to avoid the “evil” potato as well!… I basically do not calorie count and eat to what I feel. I have actually lost weight and my skin has become healthier as well. My lips do not become chapped like they use to in the past. I always had chapped lips for most of my life…. I have been well overall. The phd is working great for me. Also, my son’s gastrointestinal issues have been improving from the addition of probiotics and better nutrition. He is also starting to say a lot more words this summer. He is asking for things with words for the first time. I can’t say what helped him since there are so many variables interplaying but I am happy to see improvements in language. Our pediatrician was shocked and excited about his improvements. I think his probiotics, gluten free diet, vitamin supplements and intensive ABA therapy have helped a lot. My son’s autism has been a very good learning experience. I feel very lucky to have you as a fantastic resource of information. Many thanks again for your help and kindness! |
weight loss, chapped lips; his son: autism, GI issues |
Constipation
Bella | Perhaps this is as good a place on your site as any to share the improvements I experienced after switching from a gut healing diet that generally can be described as VLC Paleo to PHD. What’s even more remarkable than the improvements themselves is that they occurred *within 48 hours* of seriously increasing my safe starch consumption. I couldn’t have special ordered it any better. 1. Constipation is gone. 2. Fungal (?) rash is gone. 3. Powdery substance in urine is gone. (After reading here about how VLC diets can cause excess excretion of uric acid, I’m certain this was the problem.) 4. Energy and mood are way better. 5. I like what I’m eating now, I am sated, and my instincts are no longer telling me something’s missing. This intangible effect has made perhaps the biggest impact on my day-to-day quality of life. Thank you PJ and S-CJ! Your PHD came into my life at exactly the right time and produced exactly the changes I needed. Sweet relief! I am still working out some hormonal issues, and fighting fungi, but my glucose deficiency symptoms are gone, and I feel better than I have in a year, which is to say I feel normal, finally. My husband has virtually no symptoms of colitis now. We’re looking forward to his upcoming flex sig to prove that the disease process has been reversed, so that the GI doctor will stop telling us that there’s no way dietary changes alone could’ve cured the disease, that my husband must be in symptomatic remission with a still-flaming colon. Doc doesn’t know what to make of us. So indulge me in a bit of gushing when I tell you I’m utterly grateful for both your product (the book) and service (advice on your site). The one-on-one advice is a very powerful way to connect with your audience. It’s as if I can *feel* the sense of community and healing when I’m on your site. You’ve got a special thing going. |
fungal infections, low energy, impaired mood, constipation |
Vincent | I thought others might be interested in the results of my experiments with preventing constipation over the last few months. (See my previous comments and Paul’s recommendations to me in this thread for background.) My regimen was as follows… Diet: Added enough white rice to raise consumption of safe starches above 600 calories daily; ate berries, turmeric, oregano, spinach, and fermented vegetables regularly; initially eliminated tubers (which I had difficulty digesting) and later replaced them with fermented tubers; and replaced coconut oil with olive oil. Anti-fungal medicines: I respected Paul’s advice regarding anti-fungal drugs, but decided to postpone using them until after I had tried non-prescription supplements. Supplements: Conformed my nutritional supplements to the PHD recommendations and added NAC; added grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, Kolorex advanced candida care (horopito), Now Foods candida clear, and occasional activated charcoal; and tried a few probiotics, including ThreeLac. After a few weeks of little improvement, I experienced my Many |
constipation, fungal infection |
Anna | I’m so grateful to you for this information. I’ve been suffering for weeks but I took the recommended supplements and did nothing else — and experienced relief the second day. In a world full of useless and confusing information, having a good source is such a godsend. Thank you for all that you do. |
constipation |
Hunter‘s wife | My wife and I have been VLC for a couple years now, myself probably a little longer than her and I tend to eat more saturated fat too. She recently stopped taking birth control and her menstrual cycle just stopped. Also for years and years, maybe as long as the past decade, she’s been chronically constipated, depressed, and always tired and wanting to sleep 10+ hours. She’s been thru tons of tests and no doctor can find anything wrong with her. I started doing some research on her results from multiple blood tests and found her TSH has been slowly increasing and was at 3.13. We started checking her basal body temperature in the mornings and she’s usually around 96…. Both of us have also avoided salt for most of our lives as well as most packaged/processed foods that might contain salt. So we started supplementing Iodine, starting about a month ago and slowly increasing the dosage each week, as well as eating about 200-400 carb calories a day from white rice, taro, and cassava (all covered in pastured butter). Some mornings now her temperature has reached as high as 98.2 and her constipation has suddenly improved a lot. |
hypothyroidism, fatigue, constipation, amenorrhea |
Betty | You have blessed my life. I had one final symptom that was chronic all my life. Constipation. I e-mailed you last week and you offered up some suggestions. PRAISE THE LORD! I have had NO IBS, or constipation since following your advice. I am, and will be forever grateful. |
constipation |
Robin | I had been on a Paleo diet for about six months when it dawned on me that I needed the rice to avoid constipation. Addition of starchy roots and a bit more animal fat did not help the situation. Once I reintroduced rice ( 1 cup on a daily basis) , the problem was solved. |
constipation |
Anonymous | I’ve been following the PHD and taking the recommended supplements and many of the therapeutic supplements for several months. Last week, I just started supplementing with Zinc and NAC. This week – no more constipation for the first time in many, many years – amazing! Thank you so much! |
constipation |
Helena’s mom | Hi Paul, Thank you again! You helped my mom who has suffered with chronic constipation for 60 plus years. She had taken Senna for decades. I read your post about using Magnesium Citrate instead. It works like a charm and she is no longer taking toxic Senna. Thank you! |
constipation |
Fungal infections
Bella | Perhaps this is as good a place on your site as any to share the improvements I experienced after switching from a gut healing diet that generally can be described as VLC Paleo to PHD. What’s even more remarkable than the improvements themselves is that they occurred *within 48 hours* of seriously increasing my safe starch consumption. I couldn’t have special ordered it any better. 1. Constipation is gone. 2. Fungal (?) rash is gone. 3. Powdery substance in urine is gone. (After reading here about how VLC diets can cause excess excretion of uric acid, I’m certain this was the problem.) 4. Energy and mood are way better. 5. I like what I’m eating now, I am sated, and my instincts are no longer telling me something’s missing. This intangible effect has made perhaps the biggest impact on my day-to-day quality of life. Thank you PJ and S-CJ! Your PHD came into my life at exactly the right time and produced exactly the changes I needed. Sweet relief! I am still working out some hormonal issues, and fighting fungi, but my glucose deficiency symptoms are gone, and I feel better than I have in a year, which is to say I feel normal, finally. My husband has virtually no symptoms of colitis now. We’re looking forward to his upcoming flex sig to prove that the disease process has been reversed, so that the GI doctor will stop telling us that there’s no way dietary changes alone could’ve cured the disease, that my husband must be in symptomatic remission with a still-flaming colon. Doc doesn’t know what to make of us. So indulge me in a bit of gushing when I tell you I’m utterly grateful for both your product (the book) and service (advice on your site). The one-on-one advice is a very powerful way to connect with your audience. It’s as if I can *feel* the sense of community and healing when I’m on your site. You’ve got a special thing going. |
fungal infections, low energy, impaired mood, constipation |
Vincent | I thought others might be interested in the results of my experiments with preventing constipation over the last few months. (See my previous comments and Paul’s recommendations to me in this thread for background.) My regimen was as follows… Diet: Added enough white rice to raise consumption of safe starches above 600 calories daily; ate berries, turmeric, oregano, spinach, and fermented vegetables regularly; initially eliminated tubers (which I had difficulty digesting) and later replaced them with fermented tubers; and replaced coconut oil with olive oil. Anti-fungal medicines: I respected Paul’s advice regarding anti-fungal drugs, but decided to postpone using them until after I had tried non-prescription supplements. Supplements: Conformed my nutritional supplements to the PHD recommendations and added NAC; added grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, Kolorex advanced candida care (horopito), Now Foods candida clear, and occasional activated charcoal; and tried a few probiotics, including ThreeLac. After a few weeks of little improvement, I experienced my Many |
constipation, fungal infection |
KirkC | I started PHD ten months ago after having previously pursued a low-carb paleo approach. At that time, I had a toe fungal infection which made the toenail of my right toe nearly black, plus it made my foot half-numb. It was getting so that I didn’t even like to go for long walks, which I have done all my life. After six months of PHD eating, some of the fungus had receded and some feeling had returned to my foot. Recently, after a discussion or two on your blog mentioned Epsom Salts, I added a nightly foot soak in Epsom Salts. It seemed to me that almost immediately there was a reduction in both the visibility of the fungus as well as a reduction in the numbness. As of today, most (but not all) of the feeling has returned to my right foot. Although I suspect the most recent improvement resulted from Epsom Salts, it might also be due to other changes which finally registered results. Those changes, in reverse order (most recent changes first): Nature’s Way Primadophilus, Yerba Prima Bentonite, intermittent fasting, recommended supplements, PHD nutrition. |
fungal infection |
jtl | When I began implementing PHD a few weeks ago I cut fruit back to about 80 calories/day and upped starch intake with sweet potatoes, potatoes, sourdough buckwheat pancakes, and white rice. Within a couple of weeks chronic health issues such as itchy, flaky scalp, tense painful neck and shoulder muscles, and cyclical vaginal itching had disappeared, my mood had improved noticeably, and I was able to do a little weight-lifting without it wiping me out physically and mentally. 2 weeks ago I cut out fruit entirely and began getting all my carbs in PHD proportions from white rice, sweet potatoes, sourdough buckwheat cakes, and potatoes and saw a dramatic improvement in mood and ability to work-out without negative effects, and the fuzzy-headeded/blurry-eyedness that I’ve felt intermittently throughout the day for as long as I can remember disappeared. For the first time in my life I felt happy, relaxed, patient, care-free, clear-headed/eyed, and not hungry (I’ve always noticed being hungry in my head, not my belly). |
fungal infections, impaired mood, fatigue, dry eyes, food cravings |
Juan Camilo | Thank you Paul, you’ve been a huge help and so far, the one who’s had the right answer to many problems. |
fungal infection |
Bill (comment 1 and comment 2) |
VLC sucked the life out of me… maybe I didn’t do it right but for a young active male it is a definite no go for me and I never had dandruff until I went ZC…. Got way better with starches and is now on it’s way out with starches plus antifungals!… I thought I would share an update on my antifungal therapy. I have been taking 200mg of Diflucan along with 2 caps of Kolorex for almost 2 weeks now… so not much time but I have seen some very significant changes in that time period. I am eating a diet high in sweet potatoes and lower in fat/protein. Probably anywhere from 50-60% carbs, 20-30% fats and 10-20% protein. Before when attempting this high carb diet, my digestion went to hell. 3-5 bowel movements a day, starting with 1 good one and then each one after got worse. Never diarreah but not well formed, etc (sorry to be TMI). My sebhorreic dermatitis would flare up even though my skin was more moist and healthy (maybe increased oils flared this). Allergies seemed to be worse. Sleep was sometimes better and easier, sometimes worse. I went high carb because I seemed to develop some thyroid symptoms on low carb that were easily erased with a high carb PHD. Now, two weeks into Diflucan, my digestion is almost perfect. 1-2 solid bowl movements a day all well formed. No IBS like urgency at all anymore. Better athletic performance, smoother healthier skin (the seb derm redness has vanished but there is still some minor flaking… upping the bone broths, vit C, vitamin A to speed healing). Congestion is much much better and my gums have stopped bleeding! |
fungal infections |
Kirk | I forced my toenail fungus into a major retreat by switching to the Perfect Health Diet (which added more carbs, which, according to Paul, supplies the body the glucose needed to fight fungal infections). I also added in a number of their recommended supplements. |
toenail fungus |
Hypothyroidism
Am doing quite well on PHD … Having Hashimoto’s, I avidly followed your Carbohydrates and the Thyroid series, and have found there is DEFINITELY a thyroid improvement (energy levels, reduced neck swelling) when some carbs are in my diet. Like Claire, on PHD my thyroid medication was reduced, but to 1/3 of the previous dose. This is all thrilling … Thank you so much for all your work. |
|
hypothyroidism |
ET | I am extremely grateful to you and Shou-Ching. Your book and this website has helped me tremendously. I had soft tissue recovery issues, joint inflammation, skin issues etc. After endless doctors visits, a smart dermatologist suggested I had a leaky gut and gluten sensitivity. At one point Hashimoto was also thrown into the mix. Paleo and GAPS took care of most of the joint inflammation and skin problems, but my T3 and some of my thyroid symptoms got worse while I was on the (unintentional) ketogenic healing diet. Your posts on this issue have been helpful, and I am now upping my carb intake. I have bought the book to a few people in my family and my best friend…. I am so happy. |
joint inflammation, skin issues, hypothyroidism |
William Trumbower MD | What a wonderful series of posts!! I treat thyroid problems in my practice and have Hashimoto’s myself. I check FT3/RT3 ratios on almost everyone. I think this is the best lab test for your thyroid related metabolic state. The most useful is the old fashioned history and physical exam. Old time thyroid docs did this with no lab tests to guide them. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism of the hypothalamus and pituitary. TSH allows the hypothalamus/pituitary to receive adequate thyroid hormone in the face of a hypometabolic state (starvation etc). Chronic elevated systemic inflammation and malnutrition inhibit thyroid function and thus ALL endocrine function, including adrenals. The longer I am on the PHD and appropriate supplements, the less desiccated thyroid I require. It used to take 21/2 tabs daily and now I use 1/2 tab daily. I have increased my safe carb intake as weight loss is no longer my main goal and feel great! Thanks Paul |
hypothyroidism |
Hunter‘s wife | My wife and I have been VLC for a couple years now, myself probably a little longer than her and I tend to eat more saturated fat too. She recently stopped taking birth control and her menstrual cycle just stopped. Also for years and years, maybe as long as the past decade, she’s been chronically constipated, depressed, and always tired and wanting to sleep 10+ hours. She’s been thru tons of tests and no doctor can find anything wrong with her. I started doing some research on her results from multiple blood tests and found her TSH has been slowly increasing and was at 3.13. We started checking her basal body temperature in the mornings and she’s usually around 96…. Both of us have also avoided salt for most of our lives as well as most packaged/processed foods that might contain salt. So we started supplementing Iodine, starting about a month ago and slowly increasing the dosage each week, as well as eating about 200-400 carb calories a day from white rice, taro, and cassava (all covered in pastured butter). Some mornings now her temperature has reached as high as 98.2 and her constipation has suddenly improved a lot. |
hypothyroidism, fatigue, constipation, amenorrhea |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
hypothyroidism, bowel function, mood |
Joan | Hi Paul
I haven’t posted for a while but continue to be an avid reader of your Quick background: Crohn’s for 16.5 years. Steroids for most of that time I’ve particularly concentrated on raising my Vit D levels All these things improved my general sense of well-being and energy levels I did a Metametrix GI Effects Stool test in March hoping to find something During this time, since coming off steroids, I was able to observe the So, re-reading you assertion that intra-cellular bacteria can only feed on It is very unlikely that anti-MAP antibiotics will be made available to Regards, Joan Footnote2: My sister continues to be free of eczema. Thanks so much, |
Crohn’s, hypothyroidism, general wellbeing; eczema |
Michelle | IME, a comprehensive stool test proved helpful. I found a fungal infection which I treated with two bottles of ProEnt-2. I found bacterial overgrowths, which I treated with Natren probiotics. The stool test showed gluten intolerance as well, and seeing the results on paper helped me to take the leap & kiss gluten goodbye. I was also positive to toxoplasma, which I have not treated due to cost I had a sudden severe arthritis flare and have been on low dose pulsing My thyroid function has improved as I’ve gotten healthier. My guess is I’m no longer anemic. I used SAM-e successfully, for 2-3 years at 200-400 mg per day, upon I can’t tell you how empowering it felt to take steps, and to slowly see Good luck to you! There are often many pieces to the puzzle! You may find |
Infections, arthritis, hypothyroidism, anemia, mood |
Java Gal | Ok, have to comment – can’t contain myself anymore! I am a lurker of the worst sort, but here goes. As a 54 year old woman, I am more energetic, flexible (yoga three times a week), and healthier than I have been for, oh, decades. My doc, a wonderful, but dye-in-the-wool vegetarian, told me to keep doing what I was doing – cholesterol dropped, good TSH levels(I’m hypo), and down 5 sizes. Talk about replacing a wardrobe! My worry, of course, is gaining it all back, which, sorry to say, is an experience I have had already in days of yore. I was an avowed low-carber back then and I can attest that, while it was effective for losing weight, it was not a good long term strategy. So far, as long as I stick to basic PHD principles, things are going swimmingly. In general, PHD has been a huge success. Thank you Paul and Shou-Ching! |
obesity, energy, flexibility, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, general health |
Agatha | Thanks for this Paul – very helpful. I have noticed my temperature has increased since starting PHD – I used to be always cold and being warmer feels much, much better – being constantly cold is a miserable way to live. |
hypothyroidism |
Peter | After eating a meat and vegetables diet for a 1.5 years I read PHD and added back starches. I had been craving them, so it wasn’t hard to do. The addition of starches warmed my body temperature (always an issue Of all the symptoms of glucose deficiency the most concerning was the flat Many thanks to Paul! |
Hypothyroidism, energy, adrenal fatigue, bowel function, mood |
Carpal tunnel syndrome<
Justin (and here) | I started feeling terrible in the winter of 2007. I went to five doctors, none of them knew what was wrong with me. I had blood drawn about 15 times for various lab tests. I was afraid I would be bedridden one day because of the pain. The first doctor who helped me did so by diagnosing me with fibromyalgia. He started me on Savella 50mg/day. I improved on Savella, and was told to I tried a few different things, natural supplements, and diets. Some gave I learned of the Perfect Health Diet from a friend in the summer of 2011. In light of my previous failures, the key that made the avoidance of wheat I thought all would be cured by avoiding gluten, so I started cutting back I decided I would put more effort into the other parts of the PHD. Next in Next, I went half in on the supplements. I noticed the magnesium had In fact, it took some forced thinking to recall how far I’ve come. I used Now, I do still have elbow pain and some psoriasis/rash, so all is not THREE AND A HALF MONTHS LATER: I posted earlier about my progress with being on Savella for a I delayed reporting because I wanted to be sure symptoms would not flare |
fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel |
Arthritis, joint inflammation, crepitus
ET | I am extremely grateful to you and Shou-Ching. Your book and this website has helped me tremendously. I had soft tissue recovery issues, joint inflammation, skin issues etc. After endless doctors visits, a smart dermatologist suggested I had a leaky gut and gluten sensitivity. At one point Hashimoto was also thrown into the mix. Paleo and GAPS took care of most of the joint inflammation and skin problems, but my T3 and some of my thyroid symptoms got worse while I was on the (unintentional) ketogenic healing diet. Your posts on this issue have been helpful, and I am now upping my carb intake. I have bought the book to a few people in my family and my best friend…. I am so happy. |
joint inflammation, skin issues, hypothyroidism |
Morris G (comment 1, comment 2, comment 3) |
A couple of months after starting PHD there was an obvious improvement in mood and cognitive function. Now 12 months later the mental improvements persist but do not seem to be growing. … I’ve had joint “noises” for about 20 years (I’m 72yo) but no direct discomfort from the noise effect. The frequency and magnitude has increased over time but only very slowly. I tend to think that the degree of crepitude correlates (weakly) with general joint health eg time to recover from episodes of tendonitis or discomfort caused by overuse. I have ignored this “crepitude” as being an unavoidable aging effect until recently, when my manageable back/neck aches spontaneously improved and that happened about 3 months after adopting the PHD diet (although I didn’t know at the time that the diet was PHD). For example I can sleep on my back for the first time in 8 years and turn my neck 90 deg without any discomfort. My exercise regime has not changed from pre-PHD and is not too strenuous, about 2-3 hrs total/week of which most is moderate effort cardio with some resistance. The odd thing is that pre-PHD, with the same exercise effort, if I increased calories my fat would easily but slowly increase, but not now…. I feel great … |
mood, cognitive function, joint function, weight |
Alex | I recently had my carotid arteries evaluated via ultrasound for plaque and narrowing and was told there is no evidence of either. A year ago, just before adopting a PHD type diet, an MRI of my heart revealed “significant” plaque on one of my coronary arteries and less significant on another…. I’m in my mid 40s, lean, active, and have seen many health improvements since adopting the diet (less joint stiffness, no more chronic back pain, milder colds, fewer allergy symptoms, less gas, less bloating, need for less sleep. |
atherosclerosis, joint stiffness, back pain, allergies, bowel distress |
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
J.L. | I just returned from a book club meeting where we discussed The Perfect Health Diet at length. I have to say, I am most fascinated by the chapter focused on chronic disease and infection! I am a living testament to the power of diet and “immuno- warfare”, if you Since beginning to uncover secrets of old three years ago, I have eaten a Thank God for my integrative MD…He ordered Metametrix testing, and lo and I can sometimes feel the anger welling up inside me when I think of the Thank you kindly for joining the crusade and bringing your diet and this |
rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections |
Michelle | IME, a comprehensive stool test proved helpful. I found a fungal infection which I treated with two bottles of ProEnt-2. I found bacterial overgrowths, which I treated with Natren probiotics. The stool test showed gluten intolerance as well, and seeing the results on paper helped me to take the leap & kiss gluten goodbye. I was also positive to toxoplasma, which I have not treated due to cost I had a sudden severe arthritis flare and have been on low dose pulsing My thyroid function has improved as I’ve gotten healthier. My guess is I’m no longer anemic. I used SAM-e successfully, for 2-3 years at 200-400 mg per day, upon I can’t tell you how empowering it felt to take steps, and to slowly see Good luck to you! There are often many pieces to the puzzle! You may find |
Infections, arthritis, hypothyroidism, anemia, mood |
Thomas | An unanticipated but very welcome result of getting on PHD has been relief of arthritis in my ankles. I sprained my ankles dozens of times while playing basketball growing up, and had slight arthritis in both ankles by the time I was 26. Since then, any type of prolonged running makes my ankles sore and painful for hours, with a little bit of swelling. In the last month that has stopped completely- I feel great after playing ball now. I don’t know if PHD is responsible for the relief, but I can’t imagine what else it could be. |
arthritis |
Back pain
Alex | I recently had my carotid arteries evaluated via ultrasound for plaque and narrowing and was told there is no evidence of either. A year ago, just before adopting a PHD type diet, an MRI of my heart revealed “significant” plaque on one of my coronary arteries and less significant on another…. I’m in my mid 40s, lean, active, and have seen many health improvements since adopting the diet (less joint stiffness, no more chronic back pain, milder colds, fewer allergy symptoms, less gas, less bloating, need for less sleep. |
atherosclerosis, joint stiffness, back pain, allergies, bowel distress |
Raynaud’s syndrome
Becky | Hat tip and thank you: After I started reading your blog, and adding in “safe starches”, my Reynaud’s largely cleared up with temperatures over 20F. This wasn’t the intention, but a wonderful side-effect. Last month, when the sun came out and the temps got over 25, I enjoyed a successful 2-mile snow hike for the first time in three years. =) |
Raynaud’s |
Kate | I too have had Raynaud’s all my life … In the past two months, I have modified my diet in line with Paul’s suggestions for Migraine. I now eat 200 calories worth of safe starch, all the recommended supplements, and as much coconut oil as I can stomach. I am also doing the 16/8 fast. My Raynaud’s has further improved, as measured by the fact I sometimes forget to turn the heat up in the morning, and cold extremities don’t always alert me to my forgetfulness!… Thanks for asking about the Migraines. They are in fact vastly improved, which I attribute solely to your recommendations. I can say that, because I have tried virtually everything else in the past…. Clearly something remarkable is happening, thanks to your recommendations! A little history. I started getting these headaches in my late 30s. (I am now 52). In the beginning I thought I had the stomach flu, because in addition to the headache I would always throw up or have dry heaves. The worst headaches would keep me immobilized in bed for up to two days. My brother-in-law, a neurologist, convinced me they were migraines. I finally consulted a doctor, who put me on midrin, which did not help, and a few months later I started on imitrex, which did help, at least at first. Eventually, my headache pattern evolved, and I had at least a mild headache every day, punctuated by the occasional doozy. Apparently, this is a pretty common progression, especially with women my age. I always suspected there was something wrong with my lifestyle or diet, and over the years I have tried numerous experiments, but nothing ever worked. … In January, in my blog travels, I stumbled on your site. I ordered the book and was intrigued by your and Shou-Ching’s ideas about disease and chronic conditions. I was already familiar with the idea of a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, so I was immediately interested in trying a more ketogenic diet for myself. I ordered all your basic supplements, and immediately upped my kelp to two capsules. I had been using coconut oil for curries, so I started using it habitually. Started eating 200 calories of starches that you recommended—this was a little scary, after studiously avoiding them for four years! I was afraid I they might keep me awake at night, but I am sleeping like a log. Started fasting 16/8, which was easy once you absolved me for having cream in my morning coffee! Within a week of starting this regimen my chronic headache started to disappear! Some days I would only have a headache for part of the day, and occasionally I would have no headache at all! I read somewhere on your site that NAC is good on a ketogenic diet, so I ordered it too. I had never heard of this supplement before. It seems to have made a further positive difference. I have started taking it twice a day. Once before bed, and once in the late afternoon, when the headache sometimes starts coming back. Since I added NAC, I have been nearly headache free. Another amazing development concerns anxiety. Over the years I have become somewhat anxious when I drive on highways. I grip the steering wheel tightly, sit forward in the seat, and am generally hyper vigilant. I always chided myself for my lack of nerves, but that didn’t help. As mentioned above, this was magnified by the Topomax. I never had this issue when I was younger; indeed I used to fly helicopters in the army. Two weeks ago I drove up to New Jersey to pick up my daughter, a 3.5 hour trip from where I live in Northern Virginia. I stopped two hours into the trip to make a pit stop, and I suddenly realized I was totally relaxed, and had been for the entire trip! The PHD is strong brain medicine indeed! Thanks for all your research, insights, and ideas. I think the Perfect Health Diet is going to be a game changer for many people. Hopefully it is the start of a sea change at how we approach the chronic maladies of our times. |
Raynaud’s, migraines, anxiety |
Anonymous (also here) | I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and am taking a very low dose of risperdal (same drug in higher doses used to treat schizophrenia). I had been doing very low carb for many years and do now wonder if it Better mood I have found that following the PHD diet (in particular, getting enough Very nutritious, no cravings This diet is super healthy and does allow plenty of choices: meat, fish, Intermittent fasting – easy This is optional, but I’m so happy I discovered this. Fasting sounds Raynaud’s Another benefit of the PHD is that my Raynaud’s is much better now and I’m So give PHD a try if you want to feel better and be healthy too. I highly Thank you so much, Paul and Shou-Ching, for all you do! 🙂 |
Borderline Personality Disorder, mood, energy, anxiety, food cravings, Raynaud’s |
General health
Kate | “However, some of the effects of nutrient deficiencies are insidious and might easily escape notice, because they develop gradually over months or years.” I could not agree more. Moreover, while your your body may give you hints all is not well, that does not necessarily point you in the right direction. Particularly when you are embracing the latest ill thought out nutritional theory de jour. In my case, I went from “carb loading” on my swimteam as a teen, to thinking carbs were the most healthful food, which segued into low fat, whole grain obsession as an adult. By my late forties, I had a number of niggling health problems, which were partially resolved by a 180 shift to a low carb diet, which I took to further extremes, which created more issues…I think many people know their body is trying to tell them something, but in the midst of the cacophony of government and health agencies’ dietary advice, most people have no idea what to do. I am finally finding my way out of a dark tunnel using the PHD framework of optimizing macro and micro nutrition, getting tests, and careful experimentation. This is the first diet and approach to health I have seen that really tries to reconcile all the research, and consider all the traditional wisdom, in contrast to the usual practice in recent decades of enshrining one or two possibly good ideas to extreme and ultimately damaging dietary prescriptions. |
miscellaneous issues |
Richard M, email of Oct 19, 2011 |
May I firstly congratulate you and Shou-Ching for writing such a wonderful book. After researching nutrition and health in my spare time for many years I have never come across a book that has been able to tie all of the major aspects of a healthy diet together in such a concise manner whilst being so extensively well referenced. The amount of improvements that I have seen since implementing this diet |
energy, food cravings, weight, illness |
Jeanie Graham Campbell | My husband is doing fabulously on the PHD. It stalled my weight loss, but I felt great. Once I get down to where I want to be (another 7 or so pounds), I’ll be rockin’ the PHD!!! |
A. b. Dada | I added back white potatoes and even white rice based on Dr. Harris’ advice and definitely feel better (less orthostatic hypotension) — plus I’m actually slimmer than I’ve ever been, yet my muscles are much stronger. Low carb for 12 years before this year! |
orthostatic hypotension, body composition |
Ellen | MM’s nighttime numbness made me think about a similar mystery that I experienced. I have had for the last several years, not exactly numbness, but a strange burning sensation in feet and/or legs only at night when I would wake. not every night, but frequently. If I moved my legs a bit it would go away. It started after being VERY low carb for over six months. I hadn’t noticed, but now that I think about it, it seems to have dwindled significantly, perhaps completely. I have been eating 200 C safe starches for a three and a half months now. Chalk up another one for PHD! |
strange burning sensation |
Chronic infections
Jesper | I was struggling for a while and had to keep upping the abx dose every couple of months to get the same effect as before, and not deteriorate. I read about some of Pauls tips and started eating high fat low carb, and i felt there was a difference. Also started doing ketogenic fast in the morning. I have a lot less symptoms now than before and i feel like the abx hits harder, especially true during my morning fast. I think high fat low carb is a good idea for the people with this bacteria especially those who struggle with abx resistance. |
chronic bacterial infection |
Natalie | As someone dealing with chronic disease (a very unfun combination of Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella), I know I’m always looking to find out more of what has worked and what did not work for others. This blog along with many of the readers of this blog have been a tremendous help to me personally. For example, I now know I can avoid the daily “coma naps” if I don’t go crazy on the carbohydrates. I’ve actually received some excellent diet advice from my doctor, but he never told me to chill on the carbs! |
chronic infections |
Thomas | The part of this blog post that starts “Thus common symptoms of a bacterial infection of the brain are those of cognitive hypoglycemia and serotonin deficiency” and continues for several paragraphs describes precisely the mysterious changes I have experience over the last decade of life (I am now 33), with the one variation being that I suffer extreme fatigue rather than insomnia or restlessness. Every other sympton, including the odd mental state you mention, is a perfect match, and I experience them all to a marked degree…. I have been diagnosed with general anxiety but never depression. I do not feel sad ever, just irritable and anhedonia-ac, if I may coin a word. Anti-depressants, and I’ve tried a bunch, do absolutely nothing for me. I began to decline after suffering the second subdural hematoma of my life at age 20 when I was in Italy, followed by a 5 year binge on alcohol…. I’ve been doing PHD for about 7 weeks now, and tried a ketogenic fast this past weekend. I ended up going 33 hours with some coconut oil and cream. It was a bit tough having to eat a bunch of oil on an empty stomach, but nothing too bad. I can’t say there was any improvement cognitively or with anhedonia, but there seemed to me to be a pronounced calming effect after about 24 hours of fasting. I often stutter or stumble over words (again, for about 10 years now), which usually goes away only with two or three alcoholic drinks. But the speech problems stopped almost completely during the fast, which makes me thing that there is some link to anxiety and stuttering. I’ve been on PHD for a few months, and about a month ago went to the low-carb therapeutic ketogenic version of the PHD. After reading some of Paul’s posts, I believe that I might have a brain infection as a result of a head injury from more than a decade ago (Paul, if you recall, my condition has a lot of similarities to the one you once had). I started taking doxycycline a few days ago, and I have already noticed pronounced improvement (whether due to the diet or the antibiotic or both) in controlling the irritability and anxiety that have plagued me for years…. I definitely feel great since making the diet changes. My blood pressure, which has been creeping upwards over the last few years to 135/80 or so, is back down to 110/70. My testosterone is 824, and I am pleased to see that I maintaining my strength in the gym despite being on a ketogenic diet. The improvements I’ve seen recently have done more for my well-being than anything in the last decade, and I am profoundly grateful to you for all your excellent advice. |
brain infection |
J.L. | I just returned from a book club meeting where we discussed The Perfect Health Diet at length. I have to say, I am most fascinated by the chapter focused on chronic disease and infection! I am a living testament to the power of diet and “immuno- warfare”, if you Since beginning to uncover secrets of old three years ago, I have eaten a Thank God for my integrative MD…He ordered Metametrix testing, and lo and I can sometimes feel the anger welling up inside me when I think of the Thank you kindly for joining the crusade and bringing your diet and this |
rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections |
Michelle | IME, a comprehensive stool test proved helpful. I found a fungal infection which I treated with two bottles of ProEnt-2. I found bacterial overgrowths, which I treated with Natren probiotics. The stool test showed gluten intolerance as well, and seeing the results on paper helped me to take the leap & kiss gluten goodbye. I was also positive to toxoplasma, which I have not treated due to cost I had a sudden severe arthritis flare and have been on low dose pulsing My thyroid function has improved as I’ve gotten healthier. My guess is I’m no longer anemic. I used SAM-e successfully, for 2-3 years at 200-400 mg per day, upon I can’t tell you how empowering it felt to take steps, and to slowly see Good luck to you! There are often many pieces to the puzzle! You may find |
Infections, arthritis, hypothyroidism, anemia, mood |
Louise | My 10 yo daughter is being treated for a lyme/bartonella infection and her LLMD is supplementing her with the B6 metabolite P-5-P, L-methylFolate and methylB12 to address the MTHFR defect that is so prominent in a lot of kids with lyme induced autism and immune disregulation. My daughter is responding well to treatment; her speech, executive function, handwriting, sound/light sensitivities have improved greatly with antibiotics and supplementation, and the ~80% implementation of your diet. Thank you so much for your hard work, you are helping so many. |
Lyme, bartonella |
Fibromyalgia & CFS
Justin (and here) | I started feeling terrible in the winter of 2007. I went to five doctors, none of them knew what was wrong with me. I had blood drawn about 15 times for various lab tests. I was afraid I would be bedridden one day because of the pain. The first doctor who helped me did so by diagnosing me with fibromyalgia. He started me on Savella 50mg/day. I improved on Savella, and was told to I tried a few different things, natural supplements, and diets. Some gave I learned of the Perfect Health Diet from a friend in the summer of 2011. In light of my previous failures, the key that made the avoidance of wheat I thought all would be cured by avoiding gluten, so I started cutting back I decided I would put more effort into the other parts of the PHD. Next in Next, I went half in on the supplements. I noticed the magnesium had In fact, it took some forced thinking to recall how far I’ve come. I used Now, I do still have elbow pain and some psoriasis/rash, so all is not THREE AND A HALF MONTHS LATER: I posted earlier about my progress with being on Savella for a I delayed reporting because I wanted to be sure symptoms would not flare |
fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel |
Joan’s sister | Hi Paul
You will remember 12 days ago I asked you about my sister who has CFS and You wrote: My guess is that there is a high level of oxidative stress Your advice was spot on and the results have been miraculous. She started Not only that, but some of her CFS symptoms have improved. Her constant I’ve ordered a couple of copies of your book and I’m sure she will be more Any interesting note: prior to starting the anti-oxidants she craved the In searching the net I found this paper that seems to support your advice: And this letter in the Nutritional Neuroscience discussing the paper’s Thank you once again, Paul, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge Kind Regards Joan |
chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema |
Acne
Els and here and here | I have been on PHD for almost 2 weeks now, doing IF 16/8 at the same time, and have started with the supplements you have recommended 4 days ago. Since I started PHD I do no longer crave for sweets. I used to eat chocolates almost everyday and haven’t had it for over 2 weeks now. 🙂 I am so happy I found your blog and got your book. Keep up the good works…. 5 weeks ago I found PHD website and ordered the book. I am now on my 4th Btw, I continue to shed off some more fat even after I’ve increased my |
food cravings, cramps / menstrual cramps, sleep, acne / pimples, body composition |
Hunter and here | Well I can comment on the topic of acne. Since starting to follow the perfect health diet around the beginning of this month my acne has completely cleared up. To give you a little history, I discovered both Cordain’s the paleo diet and Sisson’s primal blueprint nearly 2 years ago and upon cutting out grains and dairy I saw immediate improvement in my moderate acne that I have been struggling to find a cure for since I was about 15. I turned 34 this month. At first I thought for sure that it must’ve been the 3+ glasses of milk plus cheese plus yogurt plus ice cream that I was consuming nearly everyday, but my acne did continue even though I was following a relatively strict paleo diet, although acne inflammation was usually to a much lesser degree than before I had changed my diet. I have still not been able to nail down the cause, until now I think… Cordain’s advice has been to avoid saturated fat and simply eat all the I increased my sat fat intake, mainly from coconut oil which I had All of those changes I think are good, but I believe that in particular BTW, I had already been experimenting with intermittent fasting for the … I’ve been |
acne |
Infertility, amenorrhea, PCOS
Hunter‘s wife | My wife and I have been VLC for a couple years now, myself probably a little longer than her and I tend to eat more saturated fat too. She recently stopped taking birth control and her menstrual cycle just stopped. Also for years and years, maybe as long as the past decade, she’s been chronically constipated, depressed, and always tired and wanting to sleep 10+ hours. She’s been thru tons of tests and no doctor can find anything wrong with her. I started doing some research on her results from multiple blood tests and found her TSH has been slowly increasing and was at 3.13. We started checking her basal body temperature in the mornings and she’s usually around 96…. Both of us have also avoided salt for most of our lives as well as most packaged/processed foods that might contain salt. So we started supplementing Iodine, starting about a month ago and slowly increasing the dosage each week, as well as eating about 200-400 carb calories a day from white rice, taro, and cassava (all covered in pastured butter). Some mornings now her temperature has reached as high as 98.2 and her constipation has suddenly improved a lot. |
hypothyroidism, fatigue, constipation, amenorrhea |
S, |
Two weeks ago my doctor diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. After chatting to me a little about nutrition and its effect on the body, he wrote down the title of your book “The Perfect Health Diet” and said that it could help me. I went home and immediately ordered the book online and received it a few days later (yippee!) Although I’m not even half way into the book (I decided to start again after discovering it’s not light bedtime reading!) I am certainly seeing sense in what the book says and am already feeling a lot better just in myself – more energy, happier, less hormone mood swings and not bloated at all. I’ve lost a bit of weight since I started two weeks ago (6lbs) and my skin is… well… the least spotty its been since I was about 11 years old! I’m certain that the diet is the reason for these changes. |
PCOS, weight loss |
Brian P. | Many thanks for your book and blog as it has helped me lose 35 pounds and counting over the last 5 months, along with a general improvement in energy level and “evenness”. Extremely gratifying to find a way of eating which is sustainable, totally satisfying and results in natural weight loss. And, I have yet to add high intensity workouts to my normal morning and afternoon walks. I have been talking to anyone who has expressed interest as the potential of the diet is obviously tremendous!! P.s. I strongly suspect PHD played a pivotal part in my wife getting |
weight loss, energy, mood, infertility |
Genetic disorders
Zach and Mathias | My son, who is 6, … has been on the diet for less than one month and his hands have relaxed enough for him to regain his pointing ability (which had been lost). Zach, the 12 year old on the diet, is much further progressed in the disease. Zach has been on the diet since late October, 2010, reaching 80% fat levels towards mid-December. The following are the improvements that have been noted by Zach’s family and therapists: Zach has begun holding up his head even though his neck has been hyper extended backwards since he was 9, he has begun pointing with his finger again instead of the palm of his hand, he is moving his right arm again some, and the latest thing is that he is now able to go from a laying position to a sitting position on his own by hanging on to something or someone. He has not done this since he was 9 years old. Both boys have begun smiling and laughing all the time…. Zach has gotten off all pain medicine and only has a small amount of 3 [anti-spasmodic] medicines left which hopefully he can get off of over the next year. |
Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) |
Migraines, headaches
Rob Sacks | By day 23 [of a ketogenic fast] I became free of headaches. There was still some sort of migraine activity — I could often feel the sensations that in all my previous life, had always been followed by a headache — but no headache resulted….Then I started following a diet similar to those used by neurologists at Johns Hopkins to treat children with epilepsy, with calorie restriction, frequent meals, and a ratio of fat to protein (by weight) of four to one. After two days of this diet, my headaches stopped again. That was only 48 hours ago but I’m sure the diet is working because I challenged myself last night with a sure-fire migraine trigger by staying up past my bedtime to watch the eclipse. Normally this would create a debilitating headache, but the only result was a slight migrainy feeling that was easily controlled with two aspirin. Before the fast, aspirin had no apparent effect on my migraines…. A bad varicose vein is dramatically improved, and a teary eye problem (which I think was caused by a clogged tear duct, and which I previously controlled with large amounts of vitamin C) has resolved almost completely. |
migraines |
Kate | I too have had Raynaud’s all my life … In the past two months, I have modified my diet in line with Paul’s suggestions for Migraine. I now eat 200 calories worth of safe starch, all the recommended supplements, and as much coconut oil as I can stomach. I am also doing the 16/8 fast. My Raynaud’s has further improved, as measured by the fact I sometimes forget to turn the heat up in the morning, and cold extremities don’t always alert me to my forgetfulness!… Thanks for asking about the Migraines. They are in fact vastly improved, which I attribute solely to your recommendations. I can say that, because I have tried virtually everything else in the past…. Clearly something remarkable is happening, thanks to your recommendations! A little history. I started getting these headaches in my late 30s. (I am now 52). In the beginning I thought I had the stomach flu, because in addition to the headache I would always throw up or have dry heaves. The worst headaches would keep me immobilized in bed for up to two days. My brother-in-law, a neurologist, convinced me they were migraines. I finally consulted a doctor, who put me on midrin, which did not help, and a few months later I started on imitrex, which did help, at least at first. Eventually, my headache pattern evolved, and I had at least a mild headache every day, punctuated by the occasional doozy. Apparently, this is a pretty common progression, especially with women my age. I always suspected there was something wrong with my lifestyle or diet, and over the years I have tried numerous experiments, but nothing ever worked. … In January, in my blog travels, I stumbled on your site. I ordered the book and was intrigued by your and Shou-Ching’s ideas about disease and chronic conditions. I was already familiar with the idea of a ketogenic diet for epilepsy, so I was immediately interested in trying a more ketogenic diet for myself. I ordered all your basic supplements, and immediately upped my kelp to two capsules. I had been using coconut oil for curries, so I started using it habitually. Started eating 200 calories of starches that you recommended—this was a little scary, after studiously avoiding them for four years! I was afraid I they might keep me awake at night, but I am sleeping like a log. Started fasting 16/8, which was easy once you absolved me for having cream in my morning coffee! Within a week of starting this regimen my chronic headache started to disappear! Some days I would only have a headache for part of the day, and occasionally I would have no headache at all! I read somewhere on your site that NAC is good on a ketogenic diet, so I ordered it too. I had never heard of this supplement before. It seems to have made a further positive difference. I have started taking it twice a day. Once before bed, and once in the late afternoon, when the headache sometimes starts coming back. Since I added NAC, I have been nearly headache free. Another amazing development concerns anxiety. Over the years I have become somewhat anxious when I drive on highways. I grip the steering wheel tightly, sit forward in the seat, and am generally hyper vigilant. I always chided myself for my lack of nerves, but that didn’t help. As mentioned above, this was magnified by the Topomax. I never had this issue when I was younger; indeed I used to fly helicopters in the army. Two weeks ago I drove up to New Jersey to pick up my daughter, a 3.5 hour trip from where I live in Northern Virginia. I stopped two hours into the trip to make a pit stop, and I suddenly realized I was totally relaxed, and had been for the entire trip! The PHD is strong brain medicine indeed! Thanks for all your research, insights, and ideas. I think the Perfect Health Diet is going to be a game changer for many people. Hopefully it is the start of a sea change at how we approach the chronic maladies of our times. |
Raynaud’s, migraines, anxiety |
Sharon McAllister |
Before the Perfect Health Diet, I was getting migraines almost every day. I was on a low-fat, high fiber diet which is, necessarily a high carbohydrate diet. I ate lots of legumes, lots of whole grains, and lots of fruits and vegetables. I also ate low-fat and non-fat dairy. As you can see, the only good thing in my diet was the vegetables. I was on this diet for about 4 years. My bowels were regular for the first time in my life, and it did feel good to not always be constipated. I believed I was doing all the right things. I now know that slowly over time toxins were building up in my system. Eventually, I realized that immediately after eating a meal (a meal that I thought was superfood healthy), I got a migraine before I could even get up from the table. I couldn’t understand it! I began to research, and by the grace of God, I found your diet and immediately purchased your book. I have many migraine triggers, so they are not completely gone, but the frequency and intensity have reduced substantially. My doctor has put me on several different maintenance drugs over the years that were suppose to reduce the frequency and intensity of my migraines, but none of them worked at all. Your diet has done far more than anything else I’ve tried. I am still hoping that one day I will be migraine free, but with my hormone related migraines, it will probably not be until after menopause. I’m 48 years old though, so maybe not too much longer to wait. My adult niece has also been a migraine sufferer for years and she is now on your diet, and it is working great for her too. We both owe you a great deal of thanks! |
migraines |
Karin | I have particularly severe, chronic, complicated, and often silent migraines. I have had these since childhood all day everyday. Because they were often silent (no pain) they would manifest in various other ways, thus leading to misdiagnoses of mood disorders and schizophrenia for many years. At one point I was also misdiagnosed with epilepsy as well. After one particularly smart neurologist saw and tested me, I was placed on blood pressure medications for migraines. This worked. The problem is that my body constantly fights to readjust to the medications. After a few months at one dose, it seems I start to get migraines again. So it would go up and the same thing would repeat again. I was looking for a different solution and I stumbled across this article. I’ve been on the keto diet for nearly a month and it is the best thing |
migraines, mood, sleep, energy, weight loss |
Brian | Paul, Many thanks for the excellent work and great book.
I started PHD a few week before Christmas, and even with a few holiday I have no serious health issues as such, but a number of smaller/low level Gradually over a few shorts weeks the aforementioned issues have either I’ve recommended your book to family and work colleagues as a result. I think the main plus point of the diet is that it is ‘doable’. Being allowed to each ‘safe starches’ has been great, as I’ve found All in all I’m delighted, and so glad I found your website & book. Many thanks |
headaches, acid reflux, fatigue, bloating, weight gain |
Kidney stones
George (email of Oct 14, 2011) |
Just a quick thank you for your website and the book which I purchased a month ago. I had been a low carber for several years and over that time have suffered 4 painful bouts of kidney stones. Your post on kidney stones on a LC diet was eye opening. My urologist did various tests and I ended up with having high levels of uric acid and oxalates. Incorporating your PHD, I dramatically brought down my uric acid levels. I hope this and the other benefits of your PHD will help prevent future stones. |
kidney stones |
Diabetes & glycemic regulation
PeterC’s dad | There might not be a perfect known diet for diabetes, but approximately six months ago, my dad, an obese man in his early 70s with Type II diabetes and recovering from congestive heart failure (with other health problems as well), began following a not-especially low carb version of PHD along with daily intermittent fasting. Not only has he lost around 30 pounds, he’s been able to go off all his He feels the best he’s felt in a long, long time. Where he used to say, I could write a lot more about him and plan to do so in the future. |
diabetes |
Daniel’s stepdad | My step dad was diagnosed T2D and had to take Metformin (high dosage) I convinced him that his problem wasn’t high glucose but high insulin levels and that Metformin was just a bandaid. I managed to get him to read Sisson’s articles at MDA and follow the Primal Blueprint. This was NOT easy-he is very stubborn. But Mark does have a way with words and now my step dad-in 8 months-has great BS readings and does not take any medication. His best friend is also T2D and used to take 6 “mega shots” (his words) of insulin everyday and now, after about 6 months, he is down to one shot per day. They both have lost weight and both are in their late 50?s. Dont give up! the PHD or Primal Blueprint are actually perfect to handle diabetes. Just dont listen to the ADA!! |
diabetes |
Newell Wright | I am a type II diabetic and a Perfect Health Diet follower, so I want to chime in with my experience…. I switched from the Atkins Induction diet to the Perfect Health Diet. I Today, my fasting blood glucose reading was 105. Note that since following For dinner tonight, I had a fatty pork rib, green beans, and a small baked So not only am I losing weight on the Perfect Health Diet, my blood So for me, as a type II diabetic, this “safe starches” exclusion |
diabetes |
Jim, email of April 2, 2012 | . I am down from 341lbs to 272lbs doing mostly Paleo, but modified with some safe starches per your book. Just so you know this is not just about weight loss for me, I was a type 2 diabetic with full metabolic syndrome and most importantly, I had popping capillaries in my retinas that were leading to blindness. All is better now, no pills etc. |
diabetes, obesity, diabetic retinopathy |
KH | I’m type 1 diabetic …
Just this morning, I took my A1c home test (by Bayer) which includes two test 1- 5.2 test 2- 5.3 … I know the diet here is helping me a lot and I’ve been feeling more |
Type I diabetes, energy, mood |
elizabethe | I’ve struggled all my life with overweight, binge-like eating disorder symptoms, and fluctuating weight and (undiagnosed but quite obvious) volatile blood sugar. I’ve been roughly following PHD for some months now and it has seriously reduced all of my previous binge-eating, hunger craving symptoms, as well as vastly increasing the amount of time I can go between meals without feeling frantic or emotional. I haven’t lost much weight, but my weight has stabilized whereas before I was on a steady gaining trend. |
binge eating, weight gain, glycemic regulation |
Atherosclerosis
Alex | I recently had my carotid arteries evaluated via ultrasound for plaque and narrowing and was told there is no evidence of either. A year ago, just before adopting a PHD type diet, an MRI of my heart revealed “significant” plaque on one of my coronary arteries and less significant on another…. I’m in my mid 40s, lean, active, and have seen many health improvements since adopting the diet (less joint stiffness, no more chronic back pain, milder colds, fewer allergy symptoms, less gas, less bloating, need for less sleep. |
atherosclerosis, joint stiffness, back pain, allergies, bowel distress |
Body composition, strength, athleticism
Ryan | In a month on your diet, I haven’t lost a single pound—I wasn’t really overweight to begin with when I start—but my body fat % has decreased 2.5% from 17.5 to 15. I have never had an easier time putting on and maintaining muscle in my entire life, despite the fact that I am not really doing any exercise, well, save for a half hour of yoga, 5 days a week. |
body composition, muscle development |
David Z. | My success story: I’ve been eating what was mostly a “health food” diet for twenty years. I followed the various trends and tried vegan, vegetarian, raw, and more at different time periods. I’ve done juice fasting and cleansing. At some times I followed it more religiously and other times less so, but nonetheless slowly gained weight over the years. This year I read Wheat Belly and started to think about cutting out wheat, I lost 25 points in the first two months on the diet, going from 215 lbs 190 is not a bad weight for me; I am 5’11″ and lift weights so while Thanks! |
weight loss, body recomposition |
Billy | Greetings from Liverpool UK! I recently bought your book and converted from paleo (one year) to using your safe starches and more fat which works much better for me – i’m 28, athletic build and live a very active lifestyle so super low carb made me look like i was literally starving – gaunt and not good. I have some colour back in my cheeks now and much more energy! |
body composition, energy |
Matt | Dear Paul
I completely agree with the review on your book given by Chris Kresser. It I’m an amateur bodybuilder and I’ve been struggling to gain muscle mass I’ve read your book and greatly increased my saturated fat intake from What’s really surprising is that my calorie intake is higher and I’m |
bodybuilding, gaining muscle while losing fat |
Java Gal | Ok, have to comment – can’t contain myself anymore! I am a lurker of the worst sort, but here goes. As a 54 year old woman, I am more energetic, flexible (yoga three times a week), and healthier than I have been for, oh, decades. My doc, a wonderful, but dye-in-the-wool vegetarian, told me to keep doing what I was doing – cholesterol dropped, good TSH levels(I’m hypo), and down 5 sizes. Talk about replacing a wardrobe! My worry, of course, is gaining it all back, which, sorry to say, is an experience I have had already in days of yore. I was an avowed low-carber back then and I can attest that, while it was effective for losing weight, it was not a good long term strategy. So far, as long as I stick to basic PHD principles, things are going swimmingly. In general, PHD has been a huge success. Thank you Paul and Shou-Ching! |
obesity, energy, flexibility, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, general health |
John D. | After ‘standard’ PHD (maybe too low carb PHD) for about six months I’ve been doing Leangains-style for the past 3-4, and I too have better success than before. (Success = weight loss without significant muscle loss.) In my case I lift once a week (Body By Science-style), and on that day I By watching calories (1600 off day, 2000 workout) I’ve (slowly) lost So I am a fan of LG + PHD. The big question is what happens when I stop |
weight loss, muscle gain |
A. b. Dada | I added back white potatoes and even white rice based on Dr. Harris’ advice and definitely feel better (less orthostatic hypotension) — plus I’m actually slimmer than I’ve ever been, yet my muscles are much stronger. Low carb for 12 years before this year! |
orthostatic hypotension, body composition |
Mowgli | When I started primal/phd, the numbers on the scale didn’t change, but I went from a 4 pack to a solid 6 pack, and got much faster despite less running. |
running speed, body composition |
Els and here and here | I have been on PHD for almost 2 weeks now, doing IF 16/8 at the same time, and have started with the supplements you have recommended 4 days ago. Since I started PHD I do no longer crave for sweets. I used to eat chocolates almost everyday and haven’t had it for over 2 weeks now. 🙂 I am so happy I found your blog and got your book. Keep up the good works…. 5 weeks ago I found PHD website and ordered the book. I am now on my 4th Btw, I continue to shed off some more fat even after I’ve increased my |
food cravings, cramps / menstrual cramps, sleep, acne / pimples, body composition |
Gout
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
Dyslipidemia
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
Java Gal | Ok, have to comment – can’t contain myself anymore! I am a lurker of the worst sort, but here goes. As a 54 year old woman, I am more energetic, flexible (yoga three times a week), and healthier than I have been for, oh, decades. My doc, a wonderful, but dye-in-the-wool vegetarian, told me to keep doing what I was doing – cholesterol dropped, good TSH levels(I’m hypo), and down 5 sizes. Talk about replacing a wardrobe! My worry, of course, is gaining it all back, which, sorry to say, is an experience I have had already in days of yore. I was an avowed low-carber back then and I can attest that, while it was effective for losing weight, it was not a good long term strategy. So far, as long as I stick to basic PHD principles, things are going swimmingly. In general, PHD has been a huge success. Thank you Paul and Shou-Ching! |
obesity, energy, flexibility, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, general health |
Mike Gruber | My TG seem to run a little lower if I eat some carbs. Pre-Paleo, I was 114. Post-Paleo, it had run as high as 167, and was 139 when last tested in May of ’10. I added “safe starches” and started the full PHD supplementation |
dyslipidemia |
Oral & dental health
L.B. | I have been following a “paleo” diet for the past seven months – a combination of the PHD book, Mark’s Daily Apple and Kurt Harris’ blog. I am a 47 year old male, 6’ 1” and 175lbs. My health and fitness improvements include the following:
This fitness plan has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. My wife |
weight loss, gout, creaky joints, IBS, heartburn / acid reflux, dyslipidemia, oral health, reduced cravings, blood pressure |
Ray | Among many of the benefits of giving up gluten completely has been the disappearance of a life long dental plaque problem (I’m currently 51); a problem so bad I needed to have my teeth cleaned every four months to keep my dental hygienist happy. |
dental plaque |
Eczema
Firlefanz | I’ve had a sore on my right hand for over two months now. Nothing I did really helped, I tried fatty salves, zinc salve, disinfectant spray … nothing helped. But this morning, it’s practically healed. No more red skin, in fact, the hard skin part simply flaked off and left healthy skin behind. Small, but noticable. This diet reduces inflammation in the whole body. I |
hadrion | I decided to give Perfect Health Diet a go first and see where that takes me. What I’ve learned from asking question to the Jaminets and reading their answers is that a little sugar here and there in products and the sugar in fruit isn’t going to kill you. I can’t do a low carb Paleo diet as I never feel right on that kind of After 2 weeks on Perfect Health Diet I’ve seen some pretty impressive This leads me to a few things, chiefly, that gluten is not good for my While I’m not dismissing Peat’s philosophy of diet, so far I feel pretty What I would encourage any of you dealing with inflammation or who feel So far, following the plan set out in the PHD has led to some nice |
Skin redness, bloating, weight loss, eczema |
Joan’s sister | Hi Paul
You will remember 12 days ago I asked you about my sister who has CFS and You wrote: My guess is that there is a high level of oxidative stress Your advice was spot on and the results have been miraculous. She started Not only that, but some of her CFS symptoms have improved. Her constant I’ve ordered a couple of copies of your book and I’m sure she will be more Any interesting note: prior to starting the anti-oxidants she craved the In searching the net I found this paper that seems to support your advice: And this letter in the Nutritional Neuroscience discussing the paper’s Thank you once again, Paul, for your generosity in sharing your knowledge Kind Regards Joan |
chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema |
Hair loss
Meli | Hi Paul,
I just wanted to let you know that I was finally successful at adding back As a bonus, my eyes are no longer blurry, and my hair appears to have You have my deepest gratitude, and respect. ~ Meli |
Weight loss, dry eyes, hair loss |
Heart palpitations
Shelley | I’ve been reading paleo, WAPF, low-carb sites for over a year now and following your PHD as well. You can add me to the list of your success stories as I lost 15 pounds , have no “cravings” eliminated GERD, heart palpiations, panic attacts and other annoying pains. |
weight loss, food cravings, GERD / acid reflux, heart palpitations, panic attacks / anxiety |
Cramps, menstrual cramps
Els and here and here | I have been on PHD for almost 2 weeks now, doing IF 16/8 at the same time, and have started with the supplements you have recommended 4 days ago. Since I started PHD I do no longer crave for sweets. I used to eat chocolates almost everyday and haven’t had it for over 2 weeks now. 🙂 I am so happy I found your blog and got your book. Keep up the good works…. 5 weeks ago I found PHD website and ordered the book. I am now on my 4th Btw, I continue to shed off some more fat even after I’ve increased my |
food cravings, cramps / menstrual cramps, sleep, acne / pimples, body composition |
Erik | I also recall during the summer getting cramps in my calves and triceps when I didn’t consume enough carbohydrates. It was very easy to under consume carbs when you cut out grains and legumes. The cramping went away when I added in sweet potatos, rice and yams. Now, I make an effort to get more carbs in my diet. I also noticed that my body odor would be stronger on days that I consumed less than 100 calories of carbs. For me, I have found that very low carbing doesn’t work well and there are side effects. |
cramps, body odor |
Multiple sclerosis
Sara H | I am a non-menstruating woman who with MS …
I do practice ketogenic dieting (thanks to you!) and I definitely feel the I have had no new lesions since first being diagnosed and looking at me |
multiple sclerosis |
Body odor
Erik | I also recall during the summer getting cramps in my calves and triceps when I didn’t consume enough carbohydrates. It was very easy to under consume carbs when you cut out grains and legumes. The cramping went away when I added in sweet potatos, rice and yams. Now, I make an effort to get more carbs in my diet. I also noticed that my body odor would be stronger on days that I consumed less than 100 calories of carbs. For me, I have found that very low carbing doesn’t work well and there are side effects. |
cramps, body odor |
Sorry to be a pain, but one more question: is there a corn free alternative to dextrose? I am sensitive to corn.
Hi Phil,
All the proteins that make people sensitive to corn should be gone from the dextrose powder. It is a purified, pre-digested product.
If you must have an alternative, try the syrups, like tapioca syrup.
Hi again Paul, sorry to keep coming back with questions…I’m still afraid to try the glucose for some reason (anxiety related, silly really) but my concern is that I have some kind of infection like you suggest. The thing is, doing proper ketosis with very few vegetables controlled this problem to an extent and I felt a lot more functional. Adding back in vegetables, nuts, cocoa etc recently made me feel worse.
But my concern is my vision…I now get floaters in my eyes which I recently noticed (and incidentally, my vision deteriorated in conjunction with taking in lots of coconut oil)…it’s almost like I can see small bacteria moving around in my vision. Could this be sign of an infection? Apparently vision issues can be caused by infections. Is it possibly my gut is so leaky to have caused this?
Hi Phil,
Yes, infections can generate floaters. Russ Farris generated a list of pathogens known to be associated with floaters: http://www.polymicrobial.com/attach/App_I_Disorder-Microbe.pdf
Best, Paul
Hi Paul,
I’ve had floaters for almost as long as I can remember (I’m in my late twenties now). Do you think it’s likely there is some underlying infection? I’ve also had chronic sinusitis for as long as I can remember.
Cheers, Palva
Hi,
I read your site and am very impressed by your perspective. So, am looking up to you for valuable guidance. Here are my case details.
Currently, I have been experiencing some very strange symptoms for quite some time which has been quite distressing for me. So, I thought I would check with you again for your valuable advice.
I am a non-smoker (have smoked for a year a few years back through), eat a very big serving of fruits everyday (papaya, apple, pomegranate, , orange, pears, etc., but no mangoes, cheekus, or bananas), prefer vegetarian food, drink once a week, and stay off cereals and sweets (except fruit). I also do yogasana three-four times a week. I have sleeping issues (get up 3-4 times during the night) and also an obsession for eating something sweet in the middle of the night (biscuits, cake, ice cream, chocolate, honey, anything). I have been this way for the past 3 years.
Symptom 1: Chest pain
Around 4 months back, I had not been exercising for a month and also was spending late nights in office for a 2-3 weeks owing to a project. One fine day, I went rock climbing with Anuj. It was a beginner-level climb and while I was climbing and exerting my muscles (pulling myself up), I felt a dull pain run the center of my chest all the way to my jaw. The pain became intense and I had to sit for a while to let it go. It seemed like a heart attack. I ignored it and again tried to climb and the same sensation happened gain. There was no breathlessness, exhaustion, or nausea though. So, I immediately went to the doctor and got an ECG done in 3-4 hours. The ECG was normal. However, the doctor told me to also get a treadmill test and an echo test done. I got them done the next day and both were normal. The doctor said that it was probably a pulled muscle or gastric pain. However, I would still feel the pain on exertion, say for example, when I would:
1. Pull a heavy object, such as a motorcycle
2. Bend sideways
3. Run up the stairs (usually I can run up 6 floors and there is no pain, but a couple of times I have experienced pain on running up even three floors)
I have even gotten a stress ECHO done and that was also normal.
I consulted a chest specialist and when I shared my symptoms, he also noticed that I have tendency to clear my throat and a bit of a cough. He wanted me to get a chest X-Ray and a CT scan done. The chest X-ray showed some scars in my lungs and a bit of haziness. However, the CT scan was clear. The chest specialist diagnosed me with gastritis and gave me some vitamin, iron, calcium, and antacids.
I kept taking the medicine. I also noticed that I was also suffering from a bloated stomach, flatulence, and constipation. However, after a course of 2 weeks, the chest pain on exertion would come and go.
I then consulted a homeopath, who evaluated my personality and other aspects and concluded that I have dyspepsia. I took his medicine for three weeks and could not conclude if there had been any improvement because the pain would come and go on exertions (Sometimes there was pain, and sometimes there was no pain.
Symptom 2: Extreme lethargy, dryness in eyes, weakness, with mild pain in thighs and lower back
In the last month, I have also started experiencing extreme lethargy, drowsiness, and a dull pain in my legs and lower back, which would be on for 4 days, then off for 2 days, again come back for 3 days, and not be there for 4 days. So, this symptom comes for a few days and then goes away. Doing some exercises does help me feel better, but not all the time.
I recently got a blood test done (CBC, Lipid profile, sugar, Liver , Kidney, Thyroid, Electrolyte, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D). Everything was normal except the fact that my Vitamin D levels were a bit deficient, (a value of 18). The doc said that this was nothing major and I started taking calciferol once a week. I also got an urine test done and the results were normal there as well.
As of today, my lethargy (symptom 2) goes off and on once a week, and symptom 1 (chest pain/upper chest pain/jaw pain) seems to happen once in two weeks. Also, I have chronic insomnia, craving for sweets at night, and constipation. I am extremely confused because I have already consulted 3-4 doctors, gotten a lot of test done, and still have symptoms that persist.
The doctors have so far pointed to:
1. Gastritis (however, I do not have acidity attacks, do have mild heartburn sometimes)
2. Costochondritis (but can this feel like a heart attack pain and can this be brought on upon running up the stairs?)
3. Anxiety (I have been suffering from disassociative disorders (Depersonalization/Derealization) for 14 years now and am able to cope very well, without medication). I am quite confident that I am not imagining my symptoms, they are real. Yes, I do admit that I have health anxiety, especially because the symptoms are strange and I have not received any conclusive treatment.
I do read about these symptoms and get boggled by these complex diseases, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Fibromalgia, etc.
I recently underwent two Cortisol tests and my morning corotisol levels are higher (like 23 and 28). My ACTH is within range.
I would be grateful if you could go through my case and offer me your insights into the matter.
I am a 63 yr old athletic male. Two heart attacks, 2005 main artery-one stent, 2008 same artery-two stents. Quit smoking, lost weight but regained pretty quickly to 216 lbs (6 ft tall).
May 1, 2014 started Paleo 30 day cleanse. Quit drinking, gave up daily cherry juice regiment -suffered from frequent gout attacks and kidney stones. After 30 days I had lost 24 lbs, and felt pretty good. It was difficult to give up bread and ice cream – my favs, but I did it and continued on Paleo guidelines through July and lost additional 4 lbs.
Suffered 3 excruciating gout attacks and two kidney stones (passed at home). went back to daily cherry juice and haven’t had those issues recur.
I switched to PHD in August of last year, maintaining daily low dose aspirin regiment (for heart) and daily shot of cherry juice (for gout and stones). I have two cocktails about once or twice a month and my weight is 182 lbs -34 lbs. lighter- (seems to have leveled off and this is the weight I maintain). Feel great and don’t miss grains or ice cream (sugar), or legumes, or deep fried foods or fast foods, etc!!! My new addictions are avocados, pumpkin seeds, grass fed and free range meats, nuts, eggs and bacon, and green tea, and water. THANKS PHD!!!!
Fantastic! Thank you Denny!
Best, Paul
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. As I read your book, I wanted to know what your thoughts are about eating popcorn. It’s a grain so I may already be answering my own questions but it is a snack that I truly love. I do want to commit to a healthier life style and a healthier way to eat. I would appreciate your comments. Thank you in advance for answering my question.
Mike Uphus
Hi Mike,
Well, popcorn is not PHD. I don’t think it’s a healthy food but a little bit of junk food won’t kill you. Judge for yourself, but if you find yourself replacing meals with the stuff, I would stop.
Heh, that’s a funny comment, Michael, because you do answer yourself…BUT… I found when making lifestyle changes that cutting THE thing I liked best didn’t work. However, as the body adapts, and because psychologically I hadn’t put my favorite food in the “FORBIDDEN” list, I found I simply stopped feeling like I ‘need’, let alone want, it. I’m far from a purist: when all the family gathers, I do sometimes dip into stuff I haven’t eaten for weeks/months at a time, but none of those things re-arouse cravings or ‘needs’, and a couple of bites does it for me. You might find that limiting popcorn to once a day, instead of any number of times a day, will help. Then limiting the amount you take. But you should also be really certain you’re not convincing yourself that you’re just ‘snacking’ when in fact you’re truly hungry. If you’re hungry and just turning to popcorn because it’s there and fast, then force yourself to eat something else, some good food, first. Hopefully you’ll see that over time, you wean yourself off it. Being aware of the difference between meal-size hunger and a snack pick-me-up need truly made a difference for me, especially as a mother of 4 running around taking care of everyone instead of paying attention to myself too. Anyhoo, those are just my tips, things that worked for me – not meant to be a replacement for Paul’s good advices.
Hi Paul,
I got your book and read it-thanks for putting this great help out there. I am having problems with mystery symptoms affecting me after I eat certain things. I Am on an AIP to see if I could isolate what those things are. But that also means no nightshades, no rice (grains) and I’m struggling now to find enough carbohydrates to eat everyday. I think I have maybe figured out that I have sensitivities to latex cross reacting foods, which include squash, potatoes, bananas, plantains, apples, etc. I am also tentatively saying that I’m sensitive to pork as well, since I get very clumsy and slurred speech/fuzzy thinking after eating it. It just happened two nights ago when I went to try it again.
I want to reintroduce white rice to see if it will help me reach my carbohydrates daily, but am afraid of flare ups- where I get red skin that is either hot, itchy or both, and sometimes shortness of breath. I’m not sure how to reintroduce it, especially so soon after a perceived immune response to the pork.
I have an allergy and immunology appointment in a week, to hopefully test for true latex food issues. I just feel like every time I take one step forward with this, I’m two steps back. Any insights as to what I can do would be very appreciated!
Thank you kindly,
Kati
Hi Kati,
Get a pressure cooker, white rice cooked in a pressure cooker is AIP-safe. Then test both freshly cooked and overnight refrigerated (after cooking) white rice — the first will have minimal fiber, the second lots of fiber.
Best, Paul
Thank you, Paul. Your prompt response means the world to me. I got an Instant Pot pressure cooker for Christmas, and will follow your advice. Thank you so much. I’ll pop back in to tell my allergy appt results later.
Paul,
Can you please explain why chilling the rice changes its fiber content? Is this true of other grains as well?
Does pressure cooking potatoes make them AIP-safe also?
Also, do you feel eggs are a toxic protein?
Thanks.
Hi Kamila,
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistant_starch and look under “RS3”
Eggs are not toxic but can be immunogenic as foreign proteins. So you can get an egg sensitivity/allergy.
Hi Paul,
I have your book, and am waiting to buy your cookbook.
I read with interest your post about Neu5Gc. I am anxious to read Part 2 which I understand is coming. Meanwhile I have been doing a little research on the subject.
I suffered badly with childhood asthma, and I still get a sort of asthmatic tightness of my breathing once in a while. In the past few weeks have I realized this is on days after I eat cheese and/or beef. This has ceased upon my cutting out red meat and dairy this past week.
I also get hypothyroid symptoms of cold face and backs of hands from time to time. I wonder if this is also linked to Neu5Gc because I read an article citing high anti Neu5Gc antibody levels in Hashimoto’s disease patients. The author stated this was the first human disease linked conclusively to NeuGc. article citation is: BioMed Research International, Volume 2014
Prevalence of Anti-Neu5Gc Antibodies in Patients with Hypothyroidism
Keep up the great work you do, it’s made a huge positive change in my life.
Best,
Jim Beecham, MD (retired)
Hi Jim,
You’re stealing my thunder! That’s the subject of the next post in my series.
You’ll have thunder aplenty my friend!
Here’s another thought re: Neu5Gc…which I cannot prove but think is likely.
When an upsurge of titer of anti-Neu5Gc antibodies float in body fluids, they have opportunity cause inflammatory reaction.
One researcher postulated this mechanism for hemolytic uremic syndrome.
My own experience is I develop a groin ‘heat rash’ type reaction and irritable bladder a day or so after eating too much cheese and red meat.
Hope this helps. Please keep that health-promoting thunder coming brother!
Jim
Regards Neu5Gc, the U.S. Patent Office granted a patent to Varki et al on 9 Sept 2014 entitled:
Elimination of N-glycolylneuraminic acid from animal products for human use
Although I am not a fan of Genetically Modified Organism foods (GMO), this might be a means to provide beef and cheese without the Neu5Gc problems. Time will tell.
Are you aware if this type of Neu5Gc-free animal product is on the market or nearing FDA approval for market?
Despite trying to follow PHD for a really long time, I’ve found that I feel better on higher calories and higher carbs. Tracking my food, I feel better on at least 40-50% of my daily calories coming from carbs, and towards the lower end of Protein and the remainder from saturated fat – butter, olive oil, egg yolks, etc. I eat a lot of potatoes and beans and feel much better this way, not to mention it’s a lot easier to meet magnesium requirements with beans. I was constantly coming up really deficient in magnesium, no matter how hard I tried to implement greens like spinach and kale.
Also, I feel better on about 2500-2600 calories a day, despite being 135 lbs. I’m not that active, I walk (slowly) for about an hour a day 7 days a week, but I think the only 1 lb of rice/potato (or 1.3 lb of sweet potato) was definitely not enough for me and was making me really tired, and I feel better switching up the macronutrient ratios to a lot more carbohydrate and eating more than suggested by traditional calorie calculators.
I wrote earlier that I had a fungal overgrowth and H pylori, and I wonder if those infections increased my caloric requirements?
Just my two cents for anyone else who might be struggling.
Hi MP,
Definitely those infections will increase carb requirements. The immune and mucus activity needed is very carb-reliant. I had similar infections and that was why I fared so poorly on low-carb.
Glad you are finding your way! Thanks for sharing.
Best, Paul
Is anyone out there listening to The Healthy Gut Summit with Donna Gates this week? It is one of the BEST online summits I’ve done so far and the most fascinating podcast so far is this:
http://healthygutsummit.com/rob-knight-phd/
Unfortunately, to get it free you only have 24 hours to listen each day and Rob Knight goes away at 9:59 today (Wednesday,February 11, 2015). But these lectures are available for purchase.
Hi Paul,
Great job on the Hashi/Neu5Gc post. In reading through the Varki article (your reference 5), I noted the mention of potential link of macular degeneration to Neu5Gc is speculated upon.
Here is an interesting article mentioning the positive association of red meat consumption with age related macular degeneration and the negative association of AMD with chicken consumption:
Am J Epidemiol. 2009 Apr 1;169(7):867-76.
Red meat and chicken consumption and its association with age-related macular degeneration.
Chong EW1, Simpson JA, Robman LD, Hodge AM, Aung KZ, English DR, Giles GG, Guymer RH.
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older people, and diet has been postulated to alter risk of AMD. To evaluate associations between red meat and chicken intake and AMD, the authors conducted a cohort study of 6,734 persons aged 58-69 years in 1990-1994 in Melbourne, Australia. Meat intake was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. At follow-up (2003-2006), bilateral digital macular photographs were taken and evaluated for AMD (1,680 cases of early AMD, 77 cases of late AMD). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, adjusted for age, smoking, and other potential confounders. Higher red meat intake was positively associated with early AMD; the odds ratio for consumption of red meat > or =10 times/week versus <5 times/week was 1.47 (95% confidence interval: 1.21, 1.79; P-trend or =3.5 times/week versus <1.5 times/week was inversely associated with late AMD (odds ratio = 0.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.20, 0.91; P-trend = 0.007). These results suggest that different meats may differently affect AMD risk and may be a target for lifestyle modification.
Hi Paul,
I really appreciate your advice to others and am therefore writing to you again. could you please look into my case?
Here are my case details.
Currently, I have been experiencing some very strange symptoms for quite some time which has been quite distressing for me. So, I thought I would check with you again for your valuable advice.
I am a non-smoker (have smoked for a year a few years back through), eat a very big serving of fruits everyday (papaya, apple, pomegranate, , orange, pears, etc., but no mangoes, cheekus, or bananas), prefer vegetarian food, drink once a week, and stay off cereals and sweets (except fruit). I also do yogasana three-four times a week. I have sleeping issues (get up 3-4 times during the night) and also an obsession for eating something sweet in the middle of the night (biscuits, cake, ice cream, chocolate, honey, anything). I have been this way for the past 3 years.
Symptom 1: Chest pain
Around 4 months back, I had not been exercising for a month and also was spending late nights in office for a 2-3 weeks owing to a project. One fine day, I went rock climbing with Anuj. It was a beginner-level climb and while I was climbing and exerting my muscles (pulling myself up), I felt a dull pain run the center of my chest all the way to my jaw. The pain became intense and I had to sit for a while to let it go. It seemed like a heart attack. I ignored it and again tried to climb and the same sensation happened gain. There was no breathlessness, exhaustion, or nausea though. So, I immediately went to the doctor and got an ECG done in 3-4 hours. The ECG was normal. However, the doctor told me to also get a treadmill test and an echo test done. I got them done the next day and both were normal. The doctor said that it was probably a pulled muscle or gastric pain. However, I would still feel the pain on exertion, say for example, when I would:
1. Pull a heavy object, such as a motorcycle
2. Bend sideways
3. Run up the stairs (usually I can run up 6 floors and there is no pain, but a couple of times I have experienced pain on running up even three floors)
I have even gotten a stress ECHO done and that was also normal.
I consulted a chest specialist and when I shared my symptoms, he also noticed that I have tendency to clear my throat and a bit of a cough. He wanted me to get a chest X-Ray and a CT scan done. The chest X-ray showed some scars in my lungs and a bit of haziness. However, the CT scan was clear. The chest specialist diagnosed me with gastritis and gave me some vitamin, iron, calcium, and antacids.
I kept taking the medicine. I also noticed that I was also suffering from a bloated stomach, flatulence, and constipation. However, after a course of 2 weeks, the chest pain on exertion would come and go.
I then consulted a homeopath, who evaluated my personality and other aspects and concluded that I have dyspepsia. I took his medicine for three weeks and could not conclude if there had been any improvement because the pain would come and go on exertions (Sometimes there was pain, and sometimes there was no pain.
Symptom 2: Extreme lethargy, dryness in eyes, weakness, with mild pain in thighs and lower back
In the last month, I have also started experiencing extreme lethargy, drowsiness, and a dull pain in my legs and lower back, which would be on for 4 days, then off for 2 days, again come back for 3 days, and not be there for 4 days. So, this symptom comes for a few days and then goes away. Doing some exercises does help me feel better, but not all the time.
I recently got a blood test done (CBC, Lipid profile, sugar, Liver , Kidney, Thyroid, Electrolyte, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D). Everything was normal except the fact that my Vitamin D levels were a bit deficient, (a value of 18). The doc said that this was nothing major and I started taking calciferol once a week. I also got an urine test done and the results were normal there as well.
As of today, my lethargy (symptom 2) goes off and on once a week, and symptom 1 (chest pain/upper chest pain/jaw pain) seems to happen once in two weeks. Also, I have chronic insomnia, craving for sweets at night, and constipation. I am extremely confused because I have already consulted 3-4 doctors, gotten a lot of test done, and still have symptoms that persist.
The doctors have so far pointed to:
1. Gastritis (however, I do not have acidity attacks, do have mild heartburn sometimes)
2. Costochondritis (but can this feel like a heart attack pain and can this be brought on upon running up the stairs?)
3. Anxiety (I have been suffering from disassociative disorders (Depersonalization/Derealization) for 14 years now and am able to cope very well, without medication). I am quite confident that I am not imagining my symptoms, they are real. Yes, I do admit that I have health anxiety, especially because the symptoms are strange and I have not received any conclusive treatment.
I do read about these symptoms and get boggled by these complex diseases, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Fibromalgia, etc.
I recently underwent two Cortisol tests and my morning corotisol levels are higher (like 23 and 28). My ACTH is within range.
I would be grateful if you could go through my case and offer me your insights into the matter.
I’m not Paul and you might not like this answer but what jumps out is #3. If you suffer from dissociative orders without medications, psychomatic symptoms that mimic heart attacks are common. After tests, dardiologists recognize this immediatley. Google dissociation + anxiety + psychosomatic + seizure, etc. The other symptoms may have different origins and you might want to follow up with your GP to test ANA and autoimmune antibodies for certain rheumatic diseases.
Hi Paul,
Listening to your recent discussion of disruption of brain circadian rhythm from liver/pancreas diurnal functions was intriguing.
Here is a related citation by Jerry M. Radziukyou might like:
The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus, Circadian Clocks, and the Liver
Cheers
Hi Paul,
You might like this article as well in reference to circadian rhythm and metabolism: Israeli scientists found that jet lag changes gut microbiota balance in mice.
Transkingdom Control of Microbiota Diurnal Oscillations Promotes Metabolic Homeostasis
Thaiss et al.
j.cell.2014.09.048
Best to take sauerkraut after jet travel?
Cheers
Hi Paul,
I wish to review the reference you mention on pg 311 of PHD 2012. This is the reference 25 regarding the potential of simultaneous high zinc and high copper intake to cause ALS.
How can I get the reference citation?
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim,
Notes to Chapter 33 of the book are here: http://perfecthealthdiet.com/notes/#Ch33. Reference 25 is:
[25] Taylor DM et al. Tryptophan 32 potentiates aggregation and cytotoxicity of a copper/zinc superoxide dismutase mutant associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 2007 Jun 1;282(22):16329–35, http://pmid.us/17389599. Swarup V, Julien JP. ALS pathogenesis: recent insights from genetics and mouse models. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 2011 Mar 30;35(2):363–9, http://pmid.us/20728492.
Hi Paul,
Your book had transformed my life. My whole family is on your diet and kids adjusted to it after a few months. The issue I still have is that I’m extremely sensitive to cortisol and if I get too low on carbs I get really terrible heart palps and feel jittery. I’m trying to keep low carb to keep my IR at a decent level as my morning BG is 105. Is there any way to get morning BG lower and still keep a decent amount of daily carbs? I also find rice increased my LDL-P, so sticking more to sweet potatoes and other vegetable carbs. My thyroid bloodwork is fine/normal
Thanks
Craig
Hi Craig,
I think you should eat more carbs. You definitely don’t want heart palpitations. Eating more carbs will increase insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood glucose – so if you are insulin resistant and have elevated fasting glucose, both are indications that you are too low carb.
Best, Paul
Your IR is probably due to you being too low carb, just like Paul says. Cortisol dysregulation is rampant among low-carbers. In fact, may people think they have physiological insulin resistance when their FBG starts to rise. In about 1/3 of those, it actually happens to be hypercortisolemia from VLCing, which dysregulated your hormones, including cortisol, testosterone, FT3, etc. In such people, the FBG remains high even when carbs are added back. Low-carbing does not always prevent but could actually accelerate insulin resistance. The beta cell depletion through hyperglycemia is not the only road to diabetes; hyperglycemia can be had from dysregulated hormones. Just look up Cushing’s. A number of low-carbers end up with diabetes each year.
Oh please Rick, it is true that some people on a low carb diet see a slight rise in fasting blood sugar but overall their blood sugar is much more controlled throughout the day. Cortisol should be high in the morning. I’ve never heard of a low carb dieter with normal beta cell function developing diabetes. That’s just ridiculous. Cushings? That’s laughable. Extremely rare condition that has nothing to do with carb intake.
Read this before you spew out more nonsense.
http://www.reddit.com/r/keto/comments/2rnn9b/doctors_can_suck_it_im_staying_on_keto_for_the/.compact
http://imgur.com/a/mdndq
Thanks John & Rick,
My levels today:
-Morning (6am):105
-Pre-Breakfast (8am):98
-Post Breakfast (9am) 107
-Post Breakfast (10am) 96
My last LP-IR score was 36.
30 day average is 99.
This was standard PHD, but excludes rice and only starch is sweet potatoes. Lots of veggies.
I’m trying to decide if I should go full keto or add more veggies. I think I’ll try the latter first.
Thanks/Craig
EDIT: I’m trying to decide if I should go full keto or add more CARBS
Craig, those cortisol numbers are not easy to interpret when taken 1 hour apart. If you’re really serious about this, you need 24HR urinary cortisol, along with other hormones. And when cortisol is dysregulated, the other hormones are affected as well. It is a slow phenomenon and catches you unawares and conventional doctors are not apt to diagnose you correctly, since they’re familiar with hormonal dysregulation that occurs in the general patient population — abdominal obesity, moon face, which HC induce in those who eat SAD. The hormonal dysregulation among LCers is a peculiar phenomenon. That’s why the LC community has been able to divert attention from this and dismiss it altogether, as our confused friend John is doing up above. If you’re serious, I’d track symptoms such as cold hands, low body temperature, racing thoughts, insomnia, heart palpitations, hair falling out, dry thinning skin, slow wound healing, BG creeping up, etc. It’s an amalgalm of hormonal and immune dysfunction frequently described as “hypothyroid” or “euthyroid” or “low t3.” But it’s not really hypothyroid, as other hormones are more deeply affected and a degree of immune deficit (such as slow would healing) is involved. The long and short is that there are no blood tests that will diagnose the symptoms. That LP-IR is just a formulaic indicator that makes no sense unless you know the underlying inputs, i.e., A1c, fasting insulin/c-peptide, FBG, postprandial insulin/c-peptide/BG, fructosame, if you’re anemic, etc.) And you’re way too focused on FBG; I’d compare A1c to your baselines before your diet. Having said that, that FBG of 99 isn’t all that bad yet. Usually when it creeps up above 115 that you can start worrying about possible hormonal involvement.
Cheers Rick. Appreciate all the detail.
John, that link you provided amounts to a rant and ketosis propaganda. I’m sure you’re here because you want to deal with science and evidence. There have actually been studies linking cortisol and carb restriction. One study found that a VLC diet (HF/LC) alters “glucocorticoid metabolism” in obese men and the reason could be traced specifically to a certain “threshold level” of carbs (rather than fat or protein), which was as little as 20g in the study. VLCing basically reduced the clearance rate and urinary excretion of cortisol and cortisol metabolites:
http://press.endocrine.org/doi/full/10.1210/jc.2007-0692
A longer-term study (3 years) for a higher-carb LC diet (50g) still found higher cortisol vs. all other diets, which increased 22% while cortisol decreased or remained at the baseline for all diets inducing weight loss. Incidentally, T3 also went down the most in such people, as did leptin. People tend to think the lower the leptin, the better. However, leptin that plummets too low is being linked to adaptive immunity, which is another concern, not just the disappearance of the gut flora while VLCing:
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1199154#RESULTS
And here’s what Loren Cordain used to have on his website’s FAQ before he erased it, according to Dr. Garret Smith: “…one of the major problems of the ultra-low-carb diets are that they yield a net metabolic acidosis … [which] may elicit a mild primary hypothyroidism (aka low thyroid) and hyperglucocorticoidism (aka high cortisol aka high stress hormones).” I disagree with Cordain regarding the cause of the cortisol dysregulation but agree with him on the existence of the phenomenon. Now I’m gonna leave you with a rhetorical question as to why Cordain might have erased that comment.
Hi Paul,
I have a question about salt. I was taking Himalayan sea salt and not supplementing lithium. Then I switched to table salt (Great Value brand). My sleep pattern changed, less restful, shorter, plus up at night to urinate.
What do you think about the sea salt brands that appear to have more trace minerals versus ‘refined’ table salt?
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim,
We use sea salt ourselves. Complex salts with trace minerals are the “ancestral” form of salt, and so while the contaminants could be harmful as well as healthful, the odds favor the healthful side.
No idea about the composition of Himalayan pink salt, which comes from a mountain in Pakistan.
Red meat consumption has been linked to increased circulating levels of endothelial dysfunction biomarkers: Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015 Feb;59(2):315-22. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201400333. Epub 2014 Nov 17.
Red meat intake, insulin resistance, and markers of endothelial function among Iranian women.
Barak F1, Falahi E, Keshteli AH, Yazdannik A, Saneei P, Esmaillzadeh A.
Hi Paul,
If you have time, I’d be interested in your thoughts about the following:
A recent study in J Nutrition* regards 557 people studied over 7 year period comparing food intake versus biomarkers:
Conclusion of study states “Higher consumption of fish (per 100 g/wk), but not total consumption of vegetables, fruit, alcohol-containing beverages, dairy products, or meat, was associated with a lower overall endothelial dysfunction score over 7 y (β: −0.027; 95% CI: −0.051, −0.004). No associations were observed with the overall low-grade inflammation score.Further food component analyses indicated that consumption of more lean fish (per 100 g/wk) and raw vegetables (per 100 g/d), and fewer high-fat dairy products (per 100 g/d) was associated with less endothelial dysfunction [(β: −0.038; 95% CI: −0.072, −0.005), (β: −0.095; 95% CI: −0.191, 0.000), and (β: −0.070; 95% CI: −0.131, −0.009), respectively]. Consumption of more fresh fruit (per 100 g/d), wine (per 100 mL/wk), and poultry (per 100 g/d), and fewer high-fat dairy products (per 100 g/d) was associated with less low-grade inflammation [(β: −0.074; 95% CI: −0.133, −0.015), (β:−0.006; 95% CI: −0.013, 0.001), (β:−0.247; 95% CI: -0.479, -0.014), and (β:−0.100; 95% CI: −0.182, −0.019), respectively].”
Study Title: *A Healthy Diet Is Associated with Less Endothelial Dysfunction and Less Low-Grade Inflammation over a 7-Year Period in Adults at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease J. Nutr. March 1, 2015 vol. 145 no. 3 532-540
To me, this confirms PHD pretty well, i.e. fruits, vegetables, limit oily fish (avoid excess omega-3) eat poultry but limit red meat. Interested in what you make of findings regards high-fat dairy, thanks
Hi Paul,
As you might have gathered from my 1 April post re: dairy fat, I am wondering if consuming fat from avocado or from coconut oil might, at least for some susceptible persons, be less likely to spur autoantibodies versus consuming dairy fat.
What do you think?
Here is an article in which butryophilin, the major protein of bovine milk fat globule membrane, was implicated in autoantibodies reactive against nervous system antigens:
Nutrients 2014, 6(1), 15-36
The Prevalence of Antibodies against Wheat and Milk Proteins in Blood Donors and Their Contribution to Neuroimmune Reactivities
Abstract: The aim of this study was to look for the presence of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against two widely consumed foods, wheat and milk, in a relatively large number of specimens. As wheat, milk, and their antigens have been found to be involved in neuroimmune disorders, we measured the co-occurrence of their antibodies against various neural antigens. We assessed the reactivity of sera from 400 donors to wheat and milk proteins, GAD-65, cerebellar, MBP, and MOG. Statistical analysis showed significant clustering when certain wheat and milk protein antibodies were cross-referenced with neural antibodies. Approximately half of the sera with antibody elevation against gliadin reacted significantly with GAD-65 and cerebellar peptides; about half of the sera with elevated antibodies against α + β-casein and milk butyrophilin also showed antibody elevation against MBP (myelin basic protein) and MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein). Inhibition studies showed that only two out of four of the samples with elevated cerebellar or MOG antibodies could be inhibited by gliadin or α + β-casein, confirming individual variation in epitope recognition. We conclude that a subgroup of blood donors, due to a breakdown in immunological tolerance, may react and produce significant levels of antibodies (p-values less than 0.05) against wheat and milk antigens that cross-react with different neural antigens, which may have broader implications in the induction of neuroimmune reactivities.
Hi, I am recently pregnant. I am in total agreeance that I need maximum amounts of Choline in my diet, so am therefore eating egg yolks and liver, however many organisations including UK government guidelines recommend pregnant women not to eat any liver at all due to its high Vitamin A content which can cause birth defects.
What is your take on this?
How can I achieve optimal Choline intake without over consuming Viatmin A?
In your view how much Vitamin A is safe to consume during pregnancy?
Many thanks as this is very confusing to me!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
You can get too much liver, but our recommendation of 1/4 lb per week is very safe. Liver also provides iron, choline, and other nutrients that pregnant women need, so in the right quantity is an extremely important food to eat during pregnancy.
Safe vitamin A — typically you need about 100,000 IU of the human/animal/fish form per week. 1/4 lb liver per week provides about 45,000 IU, other foods may provide 25,000 IU, and the remainder we recommend getting from carotenoid rich plant foods (green leafy vegetables or orange plants like carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, apricots, etc.
HI Paul,
What protocol should be followed for healing the colon? I am on an organic PH diet, consume kefir, fermented foods, take probiotics, L-Glutamine, collagen and colostrum. I avoid sugars (all forms) as much as possible. For carbs mostly sweet potato as rice increases my LDL-P. I’ve had full spectrum Metametrix/Genova tests, leaky gut, H-Pylori, SIBO, etc and all normal. I still struggle with GI issues. Symptoms are LRQ chronic buring sensation and occasional (2 X week)loose stool. Please advise if there is anything I could try that would help. Thanks!
Hi Andy, It’s unlikely you are getting enough carbs. Too much fat/bile will lead to loose stools. In addition, be sure to get adequate liver, sunshine, green leafy vegetables, vinegar, iodine, vitamin C, salt, circadian rhythm entrainment, intermittent fasting, egg yolks, taurine, extracellular matrix or glycine.
Thanks Paul. Yep, I eat liver, lots of veggies, lots of sun. I have introduced vinegar and noticed improvement – why would that be? Please also advise why Taurine and Glycine helps. Thank you!
You need to acidify the small intestine, vinegar and bile acids will do that.
Hi Paul,
I get dry eyes and lower back pain if I walk around for 2-3 hrs in a day. My symptoms seem like adrenal fatigue as I urinate a lot, sleep with breaks, and almost always have something sweet in the middle of the night. All my blood tests are normal except that vitamin D levels were low (about 18) and my morning cortisol is high (around 23).but my acth is within range. What might be the cause of this fatigue. I was on a very low carb diet for 2.5 years and was actually very energetic initially, but after a year and a half my energy level started falling. I have added back carbs in my diet but still feel fatigued. At times (once in a month or two) I also feel dizzy and spaced out with cold hands). What could it be?
Hi Paul,
I have been reading your book and I am intrigued by your thorough research. The book is very well written, clear and convincing and it spoke to me on a personal level. I am trying to follow the perfect health diet as much as possible but because of my background I am facing certain challenges following it completely. I am an Indian and I am brought up mostly on a vegetarian diet all my life. I explored non vegetarian food since I came to the US. I developed a liking towards fish and chicken but cooking it at home is still challenging for me. I dislike red meat and pork. I have stopped eating wheat,legumes and pulses as suggested in the book. But eating non vegetarian food for every meal is a big challenge for me. I end up eating salads, soups and fruits mostly which I am sure are not providing me with all the required nutrients as I have cravings for wheat(roti and chapati) and pulses.
I am 32 years old.I have hypothyroidism and I am 50 pounds overweight.
What can I do best to overcome this challenge? What all nutrient supplements can I add to my daily routine if I cannot eat red meat, liver etc.
I would really like to loose all the extra weight and feel healthy. Please help!
Thanks
Radhika
Hi Paul,
I have a condition called mal de disembarkment. It is a feeling of bobbing swaying,rocking caused by boat,car,etc.It is not vertigo. There is very little known about the condition,and the one Md that does therapy doesn’t promise success. Any suggestions?
Hi Paul,
I recently spent a few months in deep ketosis on less than 10 grams of net carbs per day. I’m a 58 year old male, 6 ft. tall, 148lbs, exercise daily and am metabolically healthy. My motivation to become fully keto-adapted was overall health and longevity. Early on I felt pretty good in ketosis with decent energy, sleeping well, mental clarity and a sense of well being. I also consume prebiotic fiber and resistant starch to support my microbiome. After a few weeks, I started having some physical problems. The first thing that happened was my eyes dried out along with my mouth, throat and lungs. One of the blood vessels in my eye ruptured causing my sclera to turn blood red for which I went to an eye Dr. Thanks to you, I discovered the cause of my dry eyes problem. Other problems I experienced in deep ketosis were feeling increasingly tired and sleepy throughout the day with low energy. I just wanted to nap. My workouts suffered and I started having significant gastrointestinal problems: primarily diarrhea. I suspect the ketogenic diet negatively impacted the beneficial micro-organisms living in my gut. I noticed that the fermentation stopped. I don’t know if it was due to the loss of the mucous or lack of carbs in the gut or some combination of both. I originally discovered you through the LTVLC safe starch debate. I believe you make a very convincing argument in favor of including safe starches in the diet. Since adding 100-120 grams of safe starch back into my daily diet, I feel so much better. My mucous and microbiome have been restored, I have more energy and my athletic performance is greatly improved…Most people agree that when in ketosis the body thinks it’s starving and makes metabolic modifications to ensure it’s survival including ravaging mucous for glucose. This alone should be convincing enough that the body is desperately struggling to keep up with glucose demand causing this and harmful cannibalism. How can a reasonable person think that this is what optimal health looks like? With gratitude, Mark F.
Paul, Please advise me on my situation. I am 64 years old, in good health, 110/65 BP,55-60 pulse,mostly PHD, maybe heavy on protein at times.Grain free for 3 weeks. Periodic Migraines.
Was diagnosed with St.Louis encephalitis at age 23. Snake bit by venomous snake at age 15, treated with anti-venin, experienced anaphylactic reaction 1 week later, almost fatal. Have had 20+ plus concussions growing up from age 6 to 26. years old.Last one 5 weeks ago. Slight. Am positive for C.Pneumoniae. Am currently being treated for tick bite with Doxycycline 100 mg.BID.
Periodically thru the years I have had bouts of extreme headaches, fatigue to the point of not being able to work, and other problems. I farm. Have suspected the C.Pneu. for a few years, and decide to treat the tick bite and the C.Pneu. years old. at the same time.
How do I treat the C.Pneumoniae while being treated for tick bite? I have enough prescription fo 6 weeks. Thank you for your PHD and blog, and your advice. Bud T.
Hi Bud,
It seems to me you are doing the right thing – doxycycline is a good treatment and that’s a good dose.
Be sure to do intermittent fasting and circadian rhythm entrainment. Optimize vitamins A and D, and glutathione (N-acetylcysteine, taurine, glycine, vitamin C are good supplements for you).
It’s a long road back, you just want to tip the balance of power and make steady if slow progress.
Best, Paul
Hi Paul,
In 2013 I eliminated sugar and wheat from my diet, and soon after I also dropped potatoes and rice. I did this to prevent inflammation (after I heard a podcast about insulin spikes causing inflammation), not to lose weight. But I immediately started losing weight, and continued to do so for 6 months. I eventually lost 55 pounds.
I felt great for those 6 months, but then (as I’m sure you would have predicted) my energy crashed and I started having severe brain fog. I really thought that I had developed Alzheimer’s. Scary! But I continued to eat low/no carb, and increasing fat (due to the misguided notion that always being in ketosis was best for our health).
To make a long story short, in July of this year (2015) I heard you on a podcast, and I was so impressed by your knowledge and ability to communicate that I decided to buy your book. As I read the book I could relate to so much of what you said, including your experience with low-carb eating, that the book left me with an impression that if I didn’t change my ways I would severely and irreversibly damage my health.
So since that time (1 month ago) I’ve added rice and potatoes to my meals and began fasting most mornings (while drinking coffee with heavy cream and coconut oil). I’ve also added pickles to those meals to gain the benefit offered by the vinegar, but sometimes I have a salad with an oil/vinegar dressing.
My impressions so far are that I’m feeling better and thinking more clearly. Though I do still have a disturbing ability to become disoriented with direction, even in my own house, but that has also improved. I hope and pray that this continues to improve, but I do wonder if I might have a chronic infection the requires antibiotics. Also, I expected to gain weight by eating carbs, but that has not been the case at all!
So far life on the PHD is great and I expect it will continue to improve. I can’t thank you enough for writing your book and producing the material on your web site.
Hi Brent,
It does sound like you suppressed your mucosal immunity on low-carb, picked up an infection, and now it’s gradually receding as your immunity and beneficial gut flora recover.
I wouldn’t take antibiotics now that you’ve seen improvement. The improvement should continue on its own and antibiotics might set you back, by killing beneficial microbes rather than the pathogens.
I’m glad you are doing well!
Best, Paul
Hello Paul,
I broke my wrist a few days ago. The doc said do “nothing” after I asked about what supplements to help. Really, I thought. In addition to PHD, I have increased Vit C, K and Magnesium supplementation, BCA’s (prevent muscle loss), increased protein, added more broth, gelatin and colostrum shakes and increased Lysine. I was also considering taking high dosage of tumeric to help inflammation, but after second thought I would believe that inflammation (in this case) is good whilst the bone heals.. what do you think and should I add anything? Cheers Quinn.
Those are good. Other possibilities are glycine (if you’re not getting enough gelatin), silicon, boron, and sulfur (e.g. MSM, taurine, N-acetylcysteine). Vitamin A might help if you are not eating liver; if you are, more carotenoids.
Hi Paul,
Do you know of any risks of having a water softener installed in the house? We live in a hard water area and would just like to remove the scale build up in pipes etc.. We are going to try this one:
“Dual Action Electronic Water Softener that uses both electromagnetic and magnetic fields to stop scale formation”.
Seems the safest option as it doesn’t remove minerals but I worry if it does something to change the structure of the water that could make it less safe to drink??
Any ideas?
Hi Paul – have you looked at the cyclic ketogenic diet? I feel better with less carbs, but too long without them and I feel worse. I also need carbs to keep cholesterol balanced and it seems rice is the culprit for my high LDL-P. I tried cycling keto with carb re-feeds every 3 days and I have huge energy and balanced weight. Any thoughts? Thanks/Andy.
🙁 Just 10 days into the PHD and imnthrilled at the results.ive been low carb for many years and not lost any weight. Infact I’m up to 215lb at my heaviest. Battled to get down to 206lb.
My body temperature had bottomed, worryingly low at 34.6°c
In the mornings and rarely got to 36°. TODAY after 10 days eating yams, potatoes and rice its been a steady 37°c!.
I lost 3lb in the first 7 days, at 203lb. I hope for the same this week. I eat well and dont feel any hunger. 8 oz meat, 1lb of starches and veggies to fill up on, eggs and a little ghee, coconut oil and acids such as vinegar and lemon. I eat one piece of fruit a day.
Sleep is better.
I felt very bloated for the first week, but now am great. Eating is good and enjoyable again. Thankyou.
Thank you Paul and Shou-Ching for your incredibly healing book. I have been searching for a diet and health plan for years and have had limited success until I read and have been following the PHD. Although I am at or under my ideal weight and I exercise daily, I have been troubled by bloating, gas, fatigue, and depression for years, despite being on a gluten and dairy free diet. I tried various diets including low FODMAPS, and have consulted physicians, but could not get rid of the symptoms. What I discovered in your book is that I was eating the right foods, but out of balance! Too much fruit (when I added up the fructose content that I was usually consuming it came to about 50 mg a day), too much or too little protein, as I toyed with veganism or Paleo, too much fat for my body and system to handle while on Paleo thinking it was essential, and too much safe starch at a sitting. Now, I have been practicing intermittent fasting until late morning or mid-day, have a big salad of raw veggies for lunch with a modest portion of lean protein and I have begun to poach or boil my dinners of vegetables, modest protein portion, and a modest safe starch portion for easier digestion. I limit fruit to not more than 15 gm of fructose a day, which comes to about 1-3 fruit servings, depending upon which fruits I choose (careful to avoid the whopping fructose choices like watermelon and grapes, for example). I make sure to include all of your recommended foods groups, but in moderation. No sugar or vegetable oils, etc.. I have been doing this for a few weeks now and have noticed a huge improvement in all of my symptoms. I have not needed to take simethicone for gas and my clothes fit much better! I also have more energy, am not always feeling depleted and weak, and my moods are much better. I don’t know how to thank you except to recommend your book to anyone and everyone I can.
Thanks for letting us know Evelyn! Best wishes for continued healing,
Paul
Hi,
After 17 years on synthroid for Hashimoto’s, I have from time to time developed pills sticking in my throat. I want to take my supplements but have tried every trick to get them down without sticking. Is it ever ok to put them into warm food. I’ve tried cold food, warm and hot liquids, taking them apart. It starts in the morning when I take the synthroid (take 2 and 1/4 tabs). Sticking causes heartburn and more sticking despite eating meals. Thank you for any ideas. PS have also tried crushing the synthroid and putting it in water (awful) and also in applesauce but that ruins my fasting.
Hi Cate,
I think putting them in yogurt works very well.
Best, Paul
I was wondering since you have vinegar as an acid for meals if balsamic vinegar ok for your recommendations.
Also, some of us produce a lot of small LDL-P with the amount of starch you recomnend; perhaps some but a lower amount might make more sense vs. complete elimination?
Thank you
I have Hashimoto’s and just tried 3 months low carbing (20 – 30 net carbs) and am now back to PHD feeling terrible and trying to repair the damage. Is it true that if you are obese and losing weight and had a history of eating PUFAs it was stored in your fat? And as you lose it the PUFAs flood your system? I read an article that this flood of PUFAs can cause a lot of problems for those already struggling with thyroid disease. Any info would be appreciated!!!!!
Yes, it’s essentially true. Mitochondria don’t readily tolerate PUFA above 10% as it leads to lipid peroxidation, and adipose tissue in obese people commonly gets up to 33% fat. This is discussed in the book. It’s better to lose weight gradually than to try to go on a crash diet.
Best, Paul
Thank you so much. I am going to buy the book today!!! I forgot to ask why is it that on low carb (25 per day) the appetite is beautifully suppressed for this former carboholic with thyroid disease. Even though VLC does not meet nutrients that supposedly drive appetite or cravings? Adding back the healthy carbs in PHD leaves me unable so far to make intermittent fasting which leaves me feeling out of control: I want to eat at night but on the VLC I did not. Thank you again for all your help. I can’t wait to get my book.
I just ordered my book through the website link…very easy and quick for this non-computer person. For those hesitating it is very reasonably priced! Thank you again.
I eat wild Alaskan salmon several times a week and also sardines a couple of times a week. Is there any problem with doing this? I typically do not eat beef but do eat organic chicken. I have eaten pretty close to your diet for the past few years but since reading your book I am going to add in potatoes and white rice and see how I do with it. Love your book!
Hi Trina,
You can get an excess of omega-3 fats — see http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/dha-and-angiogenesis-the-bottom-line/ and http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/04/omega-3s-angiogenesis-and-cancer-part-ii/ — so I would suggest cutting down the salmon and sardines to two meals a week at most. Shellfish would be a possible substitute. I would recommend including beef or lamb. Thanks!
Best, Paul
Hi Paul,
Love the book and am about to get started. I don’t see a mention of Stevia. Is that a no and in the sugar family or with honey?
Hi Abigail,
We’re agnostic about stevia, but it’s generally fine to use small amounts of calorie-bearing sweeteners such as honey.
Best, Paul
Hi Paul,
Despite being on the Perfect Health Diet since shortly after the blog began, and despite a temporary improvement in health for both of us, I think that my husband and I are going to have to try something else. My husband’s LDL cholesterol continues to rise, and my health continues to go downhill. His cholesterol was at last measuring: ___Cholesterol Total 271, Triglycerides 70, HDL 79, VLDL Cholesterol Cal is 14 and LDL Calc is 178. What is concerning now is that his Hemoglobin A1c is at 5.7 which is pre-diabetic! Fortunately, his thyroid is normal at T4 Free (Direct):1.24 and TSH 1.580. I sure would like that reading, because after a year off of my thyroid medication (and I thought PHD diet had healed it!), my thyroid once again required that I go back on medication. I also have continuing problems with yeast infections, psoriasis, and alopecia universalis for which I cannot seem to find any relief.This is of course connected to bowel issues, but no amount of probiotics, fermented veggies, and homemade bone broth seems to make any difference!
I have read extensively on the cholesterol issue (mine is pretty high too) on your blog and other places. When it comes to a paleo or PHD diet, we are doing everything right, so it is maddening indeed. In order to keep the doctor from insisting on statins, which to date we have refused, I think we will go back to being vegetarians. My husband’s cholesterol at that time was an amazing 168! Our HDL has always been high.
Thank you, nonetheless, for your work. I guess that for some of us old folks (we are 65), it is just inevitable that we need to take more drastic measures with diet in order to stay off of the meds!
I saw this article in Medscape http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/882253?nlid=116576_1521&src=WNL_mdplsfeat_170718_mscpedit_wir&uac=148655EK&spon=17&impID=1391835&faf=1, which now makes me wonder if we should just soldier on with the PHD diet.
We’ve decided to try to lower the LDL by using oatmeal (soaked with yogurt whey overnight) and psyllium for a breakfast cereal, as oatmeal has been shown to lower LDL. I’ve also begun to mix half butter and half extra virgin olive oil. Those are the only changes to PHD diet that we intend to make at this time. My husband has his cholesterol tested in 3 months for work and we’ll see if just those changes have lowered it. Neither he nor I really want to be vegetarians again if we can help it! He’s healthy otherwise!
My doctor has taken charge of the fungal issues for me, and I am feeling some better after a series of antifungal medications. It’s been a long road for me. Perhaps if the fungal issues can finally end, I can once again get off of thyroid medication.
UPDATE: This is the update on my husband’s cholesterol and our experiment to lower it. My husband called me this morning very excited after his blood test for cholesterol at work. In three months with only the changes above, his LDL cholesterol dropped to 140, his HDL remained about the same at 78. His ratio went from 3.4 to 2.8. So, his total cholesterol number dropped from 271 to 218. We are delighted and will continue with the oatmeal. He plans to add intermittent fasting on just Sundays to the mix.
I have followed lots of your suggestions since you self=published your first book. I wonder what you have changed your mind about since then, since you folow the current research, not some ideology. Why not a blog post on changed recommendations for those of us who are taking your advice from ten years ago?
Great suggestion Peter.
Yikes! I have been Paleo for just over a year. I just got my blood work back. LDL=209, HDL=90,TG=45. A1c=6.0 What the heck! How can my LDLs be so high? what can I do? My A1c has not budged either. I’m 59 female in good shape. I do take low dose levothyroxine. What can I do to Lower LDL and A1-c
Hi Pat,
We’ve addressed this issue exhaustively. Try the posts here: http://perfecthealthdiet.com/category/biomarkers/hdlldlcholesterol/ oldest (farthest back) to front. It’s likely you are too low carb.
Best, Paul
See our experiment above for my husband’s cholesterol. In our case, we were not too low carb, and his continued to rise each time it was measured.
My disabling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome of 24 years got worse in mid October. I’m rereading the PHD and feel I’m too ill to go to the retreat, but I would like to have coaching so I can take the right approach with the possible variations of the diet, and so that I can set priorities on which health aspect to address first, which second… I believe I can recover because my symptoms vary throughout the day, and from day to day. This tells me something works some of the time! I keep food and energy journals and charts sometimes but I, so far, have not been able to see a pattern of what significantly helps my energy so that I can replicate those behaviors or conditions. I eat whole food and haven’t eaten grains, beans, oils, or refined sugars for the last 4.5 years. I just started eating white rice a couple months ago which made me happy because brown rice kept giving me a stomach ache each time I tried to reintroduce it. Things that have helped the most so far: Eating high protein and whole food, natural thyroid supplement, a little homemade raw vegetable juice at the beginning of my meals, and a little weight lifting and other varied exercise. I can do a bit of every kind of exercise there is except aerobics, but if I overdo (and overdoing is a moving target) I have a very nasty fatigue setback which can last hours or months. I threw up the last two times I tried coconut cream lately. I had a food sensitivity to it on an IGg test four years ago. I keep hoping to reintroduce it. Can I do your version of ketogenic diet without coconut? Or should I just aim for the standard PHD till I get a little stronger? I also have migraines a couple days a week. I’ve taken a boat load of supplements since I was 19 years old. Now I’m 67 and still trying to get back to work.
Hello! I just finished the book and I am really, really impressed. It is so complete and the 5 stars I gave on GoodReads are well deserved. I am 21 and I don’t have any health issues but I am absolutely determined to live for over 100 years and I believe that this book will help me achieve that! A great side effect is that just after 4 weeks of following the diet I already had a six pack. (I lift weights 3-4 times per week and make about 10-15 thousand steps every day but still I never quite got to the point of six pack but this book helped me get them for the first time) Thank you so much for writing this book and sharing all this incredible and useful information!