Natural Health & Fitness Forums

Dear Doctor,

For 7 months, I have been avoiding 30 foods and 20 herbs/spices shown as "high" and "moderate" on my igG test and rotating  all other basic foods 1x or 2x/week.  I have noticed a significant reduction in my itchy rash reaction when avoiding these foods.  When I consume the questionable foods (and sometimes untested substitutions), my reaction comes right back, which indicates no improvement in my diagnosed Leaky Gut Syndrome.  I've dropped to 105 lbs. (5'6" height, female age 40), my well-meaning family members tell me I look thin and sickly and need to stop this "crazy diet".  I'm afraid of losing more weight and would really like to take in enough calories to start working out again.  I'm under the care of an integrated doctor, who doesn't offer much of an action plan other than avoiding these foods (including wheat, corn, soy, legumes, potato, as well as dairy) and taking supplements (including L-glutamine and Azeo Pangen).  I've read about your belief of people usually having only 1 food allergy, but what about sensitivites?  I'm debating whether to give up avoiding the foods on this long list and trying to rotate them all instead, and deal with the rash.  Would this hinder the healing of my intestine, or am I on the wrong path? Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

I have no idea- if I did, maybe I could cure myself! I can't imagine eliminating any more foods than I already do. Are there any tests I can ask my doctor for? I did a stool test. There was some "bad" bacteria, but no parasites. She gave me an antibiotic, and now I take good quality probiotics. I also did the "Guts and Glory" detox on my own. I've been consuming more yeast lately, (bought a bread machine)and haven't noticed a difference, so I doubt it's problematic. I don't know how to test myself for fructose malabsorption. I try to limit my sugars to good quality sugars (honey, maple syrup, some unbleached cane) but maybe that's irrelevant since I'm eating fruits/vegs. Thanks for your reply.

Thank you so much for this input.  I have never thought of researching/experimenting in these directions before.  The test I had done was the CDSA, through Genova Diagnostics.  I will try the FODMAPS diet.  It's not that different than my current diet, except that I would be eliminating more produce.  First I am going to try eliminating phytic acid by soaking whole wheat and if I do not react, then seeds and nuts.  I will let you know if I figure out anything new.

Thanks for the warning.  Can you recommend any local doctors to guide me through this?  In my experience, traditional doctors have never even heard of Leaky Gut Syndrome.  I couldn't find anyone by searching on the internet, except one chiropractor (and I wonder if he lumps LG under a host of other things he can cure) and some nutritionists (who are unwilling to communicate until I pay out of pocket for a consultation).  I'm in Farmington Hills, (SouthEast) Michigan.  By the way- I heard of you through my sister-in-law, whose daughter you are treating for RA.