06/06/2024
You've switched out so many things to eat healthier, but you are feeling worse after consuming these "healthy" foods. There are many reasons! Just to name a few:
1. **Digestive Sensitivities:** Even though healthy foods are generally beneficial, some individuals may have sensitivities or intolerances to certain components found in these foods, such as fiber, certain types of carbohydrates (like those found in cruciferous vegetables), or specific proteins (like gluten or lactose). These sensitivities can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. They also will continue to disrupt the gut lining and create a vicious cycle every time you ingest them while the gut is inflamed.
2. **FODMAPs:** Certain healthy foods contain fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Foods high in FODMAPs include certain fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. These can exasperate overgrowths of certain bacteria in the microbiome causing distress.
3. **Oxalates:** Some healthy foods, such as spinach, kale, and almonds, contain compounds called oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation or exacerbate symptoms in individuals prone to kidney stones or other oxalate-related issues.
4. **Histamines:** Certain healthy foods, including fermented foods (like sauerkraut and kimchi), aged cheeses, and some types of fish, contain high levels of histamines, which can trigger allergic-like symptoms in individuals with histamine intolerance or histamine-related conditions. Histamine issues are usually environmentally induced or stem from overabundance of histamine producing bacteria in the gut producing high amounts of histamine. When the gut struggling, DAO is diminished and histamine is not regulated. Yet, another vicious cycle.
5. **Food Allergies:** While healthy foods are generally less likely to cause allergic reactions than processed or highly allergenic foods, some individuals may still have allergies to common healthy foods such as nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, or seafood. Consuming these foods can lead to allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. Sometimes food allergies can even be reversed, but healing the gut!
6. **Blood Sugar Imbalances:** Healthy foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as fruits or whole grains, can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or cravings, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to these fluctuations.
7. **Underlying Health Conditions:** In some cases, feeling worse after consuming healthy foods may be indicative of underlying health conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders. All listed conditions, usually stem from a damaged gut, leaky gut per say, and an overactive immune system due to the leakage of foods and pathogens where they are not supposed to be.
Been there done that! I would LOVE to help you navigate through the mess, so you can utilize these healthy foods in the proper fashion to heal. Healing the gut is essential for every system in the body. Identifying potential triggers and strategies to address them while still maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is my goal.
