More on the Gut

My husband and I are planning to make some major diet changes soon. Ordinarily, I wouldn't be planning to do such a thing when so many other changes are in store. Making major diet changes is hard enough without all the other things going on. But, we have discovered some new info and feel it best to begin right away.

The last week or so, I've been consistently coming across lots of information (without really even looking for it, it just keeps popping up) regarding the connection between the gut and the brain. Most of you guys are familiar with my oldest daughter Leiah. She was born very small even though full term and was delayed in her normal development. As the years went by, we finally sought out specialists to see what was wrong with her. Finally at the age of 4, we had some genetic testing and found she has something called Trisomy 9 Mosaic. She is a miracle child really, because most children with this do not make it to be born, much less function as well as she does.

At one point a doctor said she had autism, which just didn't sound right to me at all, because she was social and understood her surroundings. Anyways, many many children with autism are being healed through special diets that focus on the gut- healing the holes in the lining of the intestines and repopulating it with good bacteria. Leiah has always been healthy- I pumped breastmilk for her for a month so she got good bacterias from me and antibodies, plus when she ate solids I fed her yogurt just about everyday of her life!

Only recently have I noticed that she seems a bit more susceptible to illnesses, especially upper respiratory ones. I think it's because she has had lots more processed foods through school, some antibiotics and I haven't focused on re-establishing the flora in her gut. Plus, my middle daughter has the profile for adhd, which can also be helped through these diets. The two diets I've been reading about are the GAPS diet- Gut and Psychology Syndrome- and one called Body Ecology.

The first one is very extreme- I don't see how in the WORLD we could do it. I mean, it is Nourishing Traditions based so I'm familiar with it, but putting us strictly on bone broth mixed with yogurt and vegetables and meats doesn't seem compatible. The Body Ecology one is very similar, but it's more focused on probiotics- kefir, yogurt, fermented veggies and drinks and gluten free grains, plus meat, veggies and healing fats like coconut oil.

My husband also wants this because he feels his health isn't what it needs to be, and even if my children don't miraculously change, we will all be healthier at the very least. Plus, I'm sure I would finally lose all the extra weight I've carried around and a healthy mom will benefit a baby too. SO, I've ordered the book Body Ecology, and hope to begin integrating it into our lives.

The hard part will be not relying on storebought items when I'm tired or not prepared. My children can't snack on crackers and cereal anymore; I can't whip up a box of macaroni and cheese if all my meat is frozen, and anything with sugar is OUT! No more concentrated juices or lemonade mix- water or fermented drinks only. I may negotiate with the coffee- I only drink one cup a day and sometimes it is very necessary :)

But, if Miss Leiah starting talking and going potty, it would be worth it. If my Alexa could be saved from extreme emotional highs and lows and be able to sit still, it would be worth it. If my husband could go a day without feeling worn out, have acid reflux or feel dizzy, it would definitely be worth it. We have never stopped believing for Leiah's healing, and continue to praise God for it, but sometimes He uses other means to help us for other reasons. In this case it could be just to get our whole family in a much healthier state.

So, the first week or so may be very hard. Especially where cravings are concerned and just getting used to a lack of things we love. (BREAD and oatmeal and sugar) May have to take it very slow for awhile. But, as soon as I get the book and get started, I will let you know how it goes.