Crash Diets that Crash Your Digestion!

I know everyone likes to try new diets in the New Year, but please, proceed with caution. You may think your crash diet is “just temporary” or a “jump start” to a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that crash diets cause long-term damage to your digestive system?

The health of your digestive system depends on the type of bacteria that live inside your colon. The right mix of bacteria creates smooth, regular digestion. On the other hand, the wrong mix of bacteria can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. How do you get the right the kinds of bacteria in your gut?

Healthy bacteria like to eat fiber. When you eat a wide variety of fiber, your colon becomes a happy home to a greater variety of beneficial probiotics. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and beans. Many fad diets (Paleo, Keto, Whole 30) remove or limit food groups – especially grains, beans, and fruits. When you remove these foods from your daily eating, you kill off the bacteria that use these foods for fuel. To make matters worse, research shows that most people will never regain the lost bacteria. If you decide to add these foods back into your life, you could have poor digestion for a long time.

Do yourself a life-long favor and avoid crash diets that remove whole groups of food. Even if you do the FODMAP protocol for IBS, a registered dietitian can help you eat the right kinds of fiber to maintain happy bacteria. The goal with any diet should always be to improve your life, help you feel your best, be strong, and be vibrant. Avoid any diet that promises miracle cures and quick fixes. Commit to changing your lifestyle in small, incremental changes. If you need a real jump start to the New Year, book a discovery call with me today!