die off symptoms versus food sensitivity

[Guest guest]

Hi, just curious how people distinguish between symptoms related to

the " die off " and symptoms related to food intolerance, sensitivity,

or eating foods too advanced to digest. Since many say it takes months

to heal, how do you know when its okay to progress and add new foods,

when you are not symptom free. thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody,

A very good question was asked. I would love to read more responses so

that we can add it to the website.

Below is what we already have:

http://www.pecanbread.com/new/begindiet1.html

How can I tell tell the difference between die-off symptoms and an

intolerance to a new food?

One indicator is the length of time the symptoms persist. Most

die-off symptoms last less than three weeks. Some report that if a

negative behavior is due to die-off, the behavior stops or improves

about one to two hours after giving activated charcoal.

If you think a particular food is possibly bothering your child, you

can certainly remove it for a short while and see if things change. If

the symptoms abate, you may have found the culprit. Re-introducing the

food a little later is a way to verify this.

If your instincts tell you it's die-off... then ramp up epsom salts

baths and/or the charcoal supplements and see if that helps.

During the detoxification period your child's body has to process the

waste products of dying gut pathogens. Children will need plenty of

fluids, rest, patience and support... just as when sick with the flu.

Parents frequently report that they are seeing some positive changes

(in attention, behavior, etc.) at the same time, usually a clear sign

that the other negative symptoms are due to die-off. If the die-off

symptoms last longer than a month or are severe, please seek help from

a SCD counselor.

Die-off symptoms and food sensitivities are two separate things... but

it can be difficult to tell one from the other.

Try not to worry; you are making progress. Soon the symptoms of

die-off will lessen or stop, and the picture will be a lot clearer.

You may be able to reintroduce some of the foods that you had pulled

when mistakenly thinking they were not being tolerated .

How can I accelerate the rate of tolerance for new foods?

The SCD goat yogurt supports the body's ability to tolerate new foods

for 2 reasons: It increases the rate of gut healing and the probiotics

and other healing qualities of the yogurt help to decrease food

allergies.

Digestive enzymes have also been found to be helpful for some children.

How can you tell if a new food is OK?

Observe both digestive and behavioral symptoms.

Well-formed stools are the goal.... and a good indicator that the gut

is functioning *better*. Loose or mushy BMs are better than

diarrhea... but still indicate that there is much healing to do.

Changes in stool color in the beginning are common, and indicate lots

of changes are going on! Strong odors can indicate that there is an

increase in gut pathogens. Pale stool means that there is a lack of

bile.

Look for behavioral changes.

Hyperactivity, dark color under eyes, anger, irritability, inability

to focus, increased stims...etc... Keep a journal. Note any changes

that follow the introduction of a new food within 24-48 hours. It's

best to introduce just ONE new food at a time, so you'll know exactly

what is causing what.

Mimi

http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.org/faq/foodjournal.html

> Hi, just curious how people distinguish between symptoms related to

> the " die off " and symptoms related to food intolerance, sensitivity,

> or eating foods too advanced to digest. Since many say it takes months

> to heal, how do you know when its okay to progress and add new foods,

> when you are not symptom free. thanks.

>