A New GAPS Lesson Regarding Grains

I had a treatment from my Dr. of Oriental medicine on Friday. We were talking about the GAPS Diet and what I think it shows me in relation to wheat and other grains. I told him that in the past when I have reintroduced grains after a period of healing on GAPS that my stomach seems to rebel, as does Ryan’s. After a few days it calms down. I told him that I thought my stomach’s rebellion was due to a grain intolerance, with wheat being especially suspect.

My doc had another idea. He told me that cleansing diets such as GAPS, which do not include grains and other disaccharides, cause a shift in gut flora in such a way that the flora necessary for breakdown of grains is greatly diminished. Introducing a large quantity of grain, such as bread or rice, can cause the gut to protest because it doesn’t have enough of the needed flora. He said to reintroduce grains gradually this time to allow the flora to naturally rebuild and better handle the grains.

I then told him that I don’t know where I stand on grains period. I know they cause me inflammation and to gain weight, and a lot of the literature leans against grains. He said he is right there with me trying to figure it out. He emphasized that today’s grains as a whole aren’t nearly as complete/healthy as ancient grains, diminishing their value and magnifying their problems.

When I come off of GAPS this time (some time after the first of the year) I will be wiser and gentler as grains are reintroduced. Right now I foresee the occasional “healthy” pizza and some rice in stir fry and occasionally in soup. My family has really grown to appreciate pre-boiled shredded cabbage as a soup filler, so I don’t think we will see rice too much. To learn more about the awesomeness of cabbage, see this post: Lentil Soup and Sauerkraut Combined – YUM! (and crazy healthy too).

Comments

[Maria Droujkova]

There is an Indian fermented pancake-type recipe Dmitri and I really like. It's gluten-free, so, we can file it under "ancient grains" I think. Let me know if you'd like it. (this is my evil plot to make you answer a blog comment)

[Laura Combs]

You are killing me Droujkova! Answer you how??? You only add to my blog, and I tell you all the time how much I appreciate you...didn't want to keep typing Thank you over and over!

See you later with some CLO! And yes...I want to learn how.

[Laura Combs]

By the way...your comment is brilliant as always.

[Maria Droujkova]

You know, I just realized my answers do not subscribe me automatically to comments, so you probably reply to them more than I know! I am a blogging noob. I need to go back and find threads.

Did not mean to kill ya :-) I just like to have back-and-forth in comments.

We made Dosa (fermented rice and lentils bread) and loved it http://indianfood.about.com/od/ricerecipes/r/dosa.htm

There is a list of Indian breads that I want to explore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_bread#Varieties

[Melissa Meyer]

You should check out www.marksdailyapple.com and read up on the Primal Blueprint diet. He goes into the reasons why most (all) people don't do well eating grains, especially as the bulk of one's diet. From an evolutionary biology standpoint, grains are not good for us. I'm loving Mark's book and have switched to this diet, which is similar in many ways to GAPS. It also incorporates a fitness aspect and that has been my lure to get Tommy on board. So, we are eating and working out like cave men and feeling all the better for it.
:)

[Laura Combs]

Thanks for the comment! You are an inspiration as always. I want to work out like a caveman! I can't wait to check it out!!!

Thans for the smile and giggle!

[Laura Combs]

Thanks, Melissa. We are going to check it out!