SPECIAL DIETS: BLOCKS TO SUCCESS AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Shifting Your Mindset About Special Diets

If you're considering or already following a special diet, the way you think about it matters.

Special diets aren't a punishment or limitation; they're therapeutic tools designed to help you feel better and heal.

Instead of thinking, "I have to be on a special diet because I'm sick," reframe it as: "I'm eating this way so I can heal, be healthy, and feel my best."

When you eliminate problematic foods, you reduce symptoms caused by consuming foods your body can't break down or process correctly. As your immune system calms down, chronic inflammation decreases. And here's the key: your gut must be healthy for your body to properly break down, process, and digest foods, and absorb the nutrition you need. Many special diets support gut healing to some degree, and some are specifically designed for it.

The 6 Blocks to Success (And How to Overcome Them)

Block #1: Not Maintaining Clean, Nutrient-Dense Foods

When you're using a special diet for health and healing, you need to eat healthy food within that diet. The foundation of an anti-inflammatory, clean, healthy diet doesn't change just because you've adjusted your approach.

To promote healing, you must lower chronic inflammation. Consuming inflammatory foods and toxins, such as additives, preservatives, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and GMOs, damages your gut. When the gut lining is damaged and undigested particles leak into your bloodstream, your immune system activates, and inflammation results.

What to remove: Toxins, processed foods, and inflammatory foods like sugar, corn, gluten, dairy (for most people), and processed vegetable and seed oils.

Important note: Keto, vegan, and gluten-free diets can include some of the most toxic foods if not implemented correctly.

For some people, the first step is simply removing processed foods, conventionally grown and raised foods, vegetable and seed oils, sugar, and gluten to establish a healthy foundation. People are often confused because this basic, health-promoting diet is actually considered "special" compared to the Standard American Diet.

Block #2: Not Being Consistent

Consistency is everything. Here's how to stay on track:

• Maintain your clean foundational diet

• When a food causes inflammatory reactions, creates antibodies, and results in symptoms, keep it out (i.e., allergic or sensitive reactions)

• "Cheating" on a healing diet isn't worth it. Find alternatives to make and enjoy your favorite foods using non-inflammatory, nutritious ingredients

• Remove temptations by keeping non-compliant foods completely out of your home

• Be prepared (this is crucial!):

  • Prepare treats ahead of time and store them in the freezer

  • Always bring food along when you're away from home

  • Stock your fridge with veggies, fruits, and quality protein sources so you always have something on hand to eat

Block #3: Choosing the Wrong Diet for You

Everyone is different. We have to eat in the way that's correct and best for us at that particular time. There is no one-size-fits-all special diet.

Removing problematic foods should reduce your symptoms because your body can't properly break down or process certain food components. But it's not as simple as going "low carb," "gluten-free," "carnivore," or "sugar-free."

Natural components of certain foods, such as oxalates, amines, salicylates, or glutamate, can cause significant issues for some people. Working with a trained practitioner is important. You need someone knowledgeable about the details of implementing therapeutic, bioindividual diets to really target your specific issues.

Remember: Your diet will and should change over time. Bioindividuality must be taken into account, and adjustments need to be made for your personal needs, including removing foods you're allergic or sensitive to.

Block #4: Not Supporting Your Gut and Body for Healing

The goal isn't to stay stuck in a limited diet forever. Beyond maintaining a low-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foundation, you should reintroduce foods as your body heals.

Your microbiome requires a diverse range of nutrients to function optimally.

While using a therapeutic special diet, provide your body with extra support:

• Foundational gut support in the form of enzymes and HCL if stomach acid is low

• Some people may benefit from tributyrin and probiotics

• Appropriate nutritional support, including vitamins and minerals

• Detoxification support used in a targeted, personalized way

Note: Only take high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements.

Block #5: Giving Up Too Soon

Don't quit! Persevere!

It takes time for your body to heal.

It takes time for your gut to repair itself.

Be patient with the process.

Block #6: Failing to Adjust and Adapt

Your body is designed to heal, which means changes will happen over time. Be prepared for your nutritional support, gut support, and food tolerances to change.

Being willing to flow and adjust to what your body needs in the present moment allows healing to continue moving forward and makes you more resilient.

Do not stay on a very limited diet for too long! Remember that your microbiome needs diversity to maintain a healthy balance. Therefore, you must provide it and the rest of your cells with fiber, micronutrients from plant sources, and high-quality protein and fats.

The Bottom Line

Never give up on your body's ability to heal. Special diets are a powerful tool to help reduce symptoms and inflammation so you can feel better while increasing your health and well-being.

With the right mindset, consistency, personalized approach, proper support, persistence, and flexibility, you can harness the healing power of therapeutic nutrition to transform your health.

Ready to start your healing journey with a personalized special diet? Working with a knowledgeable practitioner can help you navigate the complexities of bioindividual nutrition and achieve the results you're looking for. Reach out and let's get started!