Episode 25: Hacking Brain Fog and How White Rice Affects Your Gut




The Ancestral RDs Podcast show

Summary: Thanks for joining us for episode 25 of The Ancestral RD podcast! If you want to keep up with our podcasts, subscribe in iTunes and never miss an episode! We're continuing with our listener-submitted questions today, so please send us your question if you'd like us to answer it on the show! Here's what Laura and Kelsey will be discussing in this episode: After having horrible digestive issues for an incredibly long time, last year I was diagnosed with celiac disease, SIBO, and fructose malabsorption. I'm relieved to say that after many diet adjustments, I now have my digestive issues under control about 80-90% of the time. However, now I'm noticing issues with brain fog. On random days I will find it impossible to put my thoughts into words, I won't be able to focus at work because thinking feels too difficult, and I'll feel anxious and freak out over things that normally wouldn't bother me.This doesn't happen every day, just maybe once a week or so. I am curious if you know of any specific foods (other than caffeine, which I don't consume much) that are most likely to cause these symptoms? I know about lifestyle changes to implement, but I'm wondering if there could be triggers in my diet. I have a question about your recommendation of white rice. Several people in the ancestral health world, including Chris Kresser, have recommended a study in which acellular carbohydrates had a negative effect on the gut micro biome. It provides further evidence that carbohydrates per se are not evil, but suggests rather that carbohydrate quality is what matters most. I'm wondering if this affects your recommendation of white rice, a processed and refined carbohydrate. If not, why do you suppose white rice would not have the negative effects attributed to acellular carbs? I myself have only seen improved digestive health since adding it to my diet, so my hunch is that it is a safe recommendation. Thank you for any thoughts you might have! Links Discussed: DirectLabs Genova GI Effects® Stool Profile Research on Acellular Carbohydrates