Download a transcript for this episode
Topics:
1. [3:36] Long Term Weight Gain
2. [14:27] Dairy/Gluten & Bed Wetting
3. [18:26] Mothball Breath
4. [21:16] Mouth Wired Shut for 6 Weeks… A Husband’s Dream but a Wife’s Nightmare
5. [29:18] Carbs Absorbing Water
6. [35:33] Gallstones
7. [39:57] Napping
8. [47:42] Applying Paleo to Chiropractic Practice
Questions
1. Long Term Weight Gain
Matt Says: Hi Rob and Greg,
I’m fairly new to the ancestral community and have been eating a primal diet for about three months, along with bodyweight exercise twice per week and sprinting once per week. My goals with the lifestyle are longevity and quality of life as I age — e.g., I want to run and play with my future grandchildren 30 years from now.
That being said, I’m a very skinny guy. I’ve heard Robb lament being skinny before but I’ve been 5’10” and 128 pounds since I was a junior in high school. I’m now 31. It would be nice to add a few pounds of lean muscle and quite a bit of strength.
My question is how I might be able to do so if I’m in no hurry. The mass gain experiences I’ve come across often talk about overfeeding for a short period of time and the experience sounds truly awful. Can I slowly increase my size and strength over a longer period, say a couple of years, without gorging myself on coconut milk, yams, etc. I don’t mind adding calories to my diet, but I’d prefer not having to “trick” myself by slurping down liquid food or eating until it hurts.
Much thanks to you guys for the knowledge you share with everyone. It is very much appreciated.
P.S. – A few more pieces of background on me that may or may not be pertinent. Read if you feel necessary:
– I have polycystic kidney disease and would prefer that my kidneys function well for as long as possible, longevity being my priority. My kidneys function normally for now, but I have no illusions of avoiding a transplant down the road.
– The kidney disease has raised my blood pressure so I take an ACE inhibitor to lower it. 160/120 without medication. 115/72 with medication and a primal diet.
– My current exercise program follows closely to Mark Sisson’s Primal Fitness routine. So pushups, pullups, squats, overhead presses, and planks — all bodyweight-based for the time being.
– A typical day of eating consists of: coffee with heavy cream, four eggs, three strips of bacon, and two handfuls of berries for breakfast; a large salad of mixed greens, vegetables, a can of tuna or a chicken breast, and a few tablespoons of olive oil-based vinaigrette for lunch; a couple squares of dark chocolate and a handful of almonds for snacking; a half pound of grass-fed steak with two to three servings of vegetables and added fat in the form of pastured butter or olive oil for dinner; and water.
2. Dairy/Gluten & Bed Wetting
Tom Says: First I want to say thanks for the book. I started reading it in July (2011) and I am eating mostly Paleo. I sneak Dairy in now and then and have dropped 20 pounds. Now if I can only get my lazy ass to exercise more. I’ve downloaded all the podcasts and listen to them on my commute to/from work (40 minutes each way) and am on episode 19, so I know I can write Ass in the question.
Anyway, my wife heard something about a correlation between Lactose Intolerance and bedwetting (enuresis). My 11 year old son still wets the bed at night and I was wondering if you have heard of any thing about Lactose/Gluten/Insulin Intolerance’s in relation to bedwetting.
I’ve been talking about the Paleo Solution for now and all I get is rolled eyes from my kids when I talk about it. They even will eat a piece of bread and say “Ahhh… Delicious Poison”.
I’m hoping if there is a correlation that then this give me the Ammo to get my son on board with trying to eat Paleo.
3. Mothball Breath
Shannon Says: Rob,
My darling husband has firmly withstood months of me harping on at him about trying a 30-day Paleo challenge. But, my efforts have finally paid off and he’s been very strictly grain, legume, dairy, sugar and booze free for the last two weeks. I want to do absolutely nothing to deter him but Christ, does his breath reek of mothballs! What the hell’s going on?
He had a typically-rubbish diet (although manages to remain fit and lean) eating heaps of bread, pasta, rice, chugging skim milk, eating no fish, few fruits veg, getting little sleep and being very stressed.
I’d love to know what’s going on. After a little research, I’ve found causes ranging from toxins escaping to cancer (which he’s already had so that was a little alarming). What gives?
Your thoughts are, as always, sincerely appreciated. Thanks so very much
4. Mouth Wired Shut for 6 Weeks… A Husband’s Dream but a Wife’s Nightmare
Jenny Says: Hi Greg and Robb,
Hopefully my subject line caught your eye. It was either that or “Jenny Craig contacts Robb Wolf for diet advice”, as my married name is unfortunately Jenny Craig.
Anyway, I love your podcast and listen each week. I listened to all the past episodes once I stumbled on your website about 6 months into my paleo/primal journey. I don’t think anything related to my question has come up before, but if it has I apologize…I am one of those folks who thinks she is a unique snowflake 🙂
My question: The husband is having major surgery in about 3 weeks. Orthognathic surgery to be exact. He is having both his maxilla and mandible broken and reshaped and his palate widened to correct a severe open bite. His mouth will be rubberbanded shut for at least 6 weeks and he will be on a liquid only diet for as long as he is banded shut and a thin liquid diet for at least the first 2 weeks post-op. Now if the situation were reversed most husbands would probably love if their wife had to have their jaw wired shut for 6 weeks 🙂 but I am worried about keeping my husband’s weight from plummeting.
A little background on my husband. He is 6’2″ and runs around 180-182 not matter what he eats. He isn’t paleo, but as I am and I cook the majority of the meals, at home he is mostly paleo. But out in the world, he eats fast food and junk food with very few consequences, at least that is how he sees it. He is very lean and I imagine probably a lot like John Fragosso…He can eat whatever he wants (Wendy’s Baconators and fries being a favorite) and feel fine and keep a healthy weight but would probably turn into Wolverine on a paleo diet. Alas, he hasn’t made the switch yet, but is fully supportive of my decision to eat paleo.
Back to my question, because he does lose weight very easily, I am worried that he will lose too much weight while on a liquid diet. Especially during the thin liquids phase. He surgeon and most others I have talked to want me to give him Ensure or a similar drink to keep his calories and nutrition up. I do not want to give him this crap in a bottle masquerading as nutrition. My plan is to get as much coconut milk and coconut water in him as I can. I have the Everydaypaleo book which has a few smoothie recipes. Plus several other paleo recipe sites that feature smoothies pretty frequently. Basically, I plan to use these sites for inspiration and pump him full of full fat coconut milk. Is this approach likely to be sufficient to keep him feed and watered and from withering away to a waif? So I consider a protein powder. Mark Sisson’s Primal Fuel perhaps?
Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated and I would love to show the medical establishment that you don’t need Ensure. Plus having Robb and Greg read my question on a podcast would be Paleo Nirvana.
Thanks guys!
P.S.-To get an idea of my husband’s awesome genetics, his dad is 75 and has bigger guns than John Fragosso and only occasionally picks up his weights…I know it totally is not fair! 🙂
5. Carbs Absorbing Water
Saul Says: I was recently watching this video regarding GSP and his diet (http://sports.yahoo.com/elite-athlete-workouts/georges-st-pierre). He was saying that to cut 20 lbs of weight before his fights, he reduces carbs and sodium. OK, that sounds reasonable. Then he says for every 1 gram of carb you retain 3 grams of water. I know you had an old video about this on the CF site (i.e. how the first pounds you lose on the paleo diet are mostly water, not sure if it’s there anymore), but could you explain if this 1:3 ratio is true and, if so, can you explain the “soaking up” mechanism? Thanks to you and Greg for all your hard work!
6. Gallstones
Mark Says: Hi Robb,
I have been following a low carb diet for nearly a year and Paleo for several months and am having success with it. Before I started low carb I would get random violent attacks of stomach upset lasting half a day accompanied by a sulfur smell. These stopped when I later went low carb but would return during cheat days leading me to believe I had a food intolerance. I mentioned this at a recent Doctors appointment and she sent me to get a ultrasound. I apparently have gallstones and an enlarged liver and she is referring to a specialist for surgery. I don’t want to lose this organ unless absolutely necessary, what should I do? Thanks
7. Napping
Captain Caveman Says: I’ve made it through all 96 podcasts and am still awake so this question pertains to getting some sleep.
I’m a pilot and thus travel extensively, sleeping in different timezones and sometimes non-optimal conditions.
Occasionally, we also operate on the “back side” of the clock and are awake contrary to our normal circadian rhythm. I can’t help but think that our ancestors had sentries who stayed awake “whilst” the rest of the clan was crashed out. I imagine these guys would be able to get a short few winks before resuming their normal hunter-gather tasks and chores the following day.
So, I am curious about the use of naps as a supplement to sleep as well as their ability to recover from a more severe sleep deficit.
Is this possible? Is there an optimal duration for naps? Does 7:30 full sleep + 0:30 equal decent rest?
FWIW, I normally try to get my hotel room as dark and cool as possible and using Natural Calm, melatonin and occasionally 5-HTP can normally get 8 good hours as long as I remain in the domestic US. Once we cross an ocean though, all bets seem to be off and naps come in to play.
8. Applying Paleo to Chiropractic Practice
Dr. J Says: I’m a chiropractor that practices in a blue collar community in Minnesota. Along with my own quest to find a lifestyle that would address personal concerns of my own health I’ve had more and more patients asking me about nutritional concerns.
I see the awful effects of the epidemic that is the western lifestyle. But I also see the light at the end of the tunnel with the paleolithic lifestyle. Although I’m no research biochemist 🙂 I have plenty of confidence in my abilities to understand the research, biology, biochemistry, physiology, etc… of how and why this makes sense, but am struggling with how I can begin to apply this type of consulting into my own practice.
Do you have any tips for where to start on beginning to integrate these concepts in a clinical setting? Thanks for all the great info! I look forward to working alongside you and others moving forward!
CodyM says
Robb,
Quick Question, on the most recent episode with Welborn you both mentioned taking BCAAs with Leucine. Do you have any particular brand/dosing recommendations?
Also since you are moving to having more guests on these days an epidsode with Glen Cordoza would be awesome.
Keep up the great work.
Robb Wolf says
I’ll get Glen on here, that would be cool. dosing: 10-40g/day. MRM has a solid product.
CodyM says
Thanks!
Jesse says
Is that the MRM Reload product? I am looking at their website – all doses are stated in mg’s – anyone mind commenting on this product? It’s hard to know what to trust…
http://www.mrm-usa.com/v2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=108&category_id=20&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=33
Also, this one seems to be “pure” leucine…
http://www.primaforce.com/products/lleucine.htm
With a good price on amazon (can’t find an affiliate link for Rob, so I won’t post until I do).
Anyone familiar with Primaforce as a supplement maker?
Nathan says
Hi Robb and Greg,
Been listening weekly/eating paleo for over a year and a half and LOVE what you guys do. I’m going for a Rhodes and have had the chance to talk with some amazing people about paleo–makes for great convos. Awesome talk at the Ancestral Health Symposium–it’s good to hear a bit more about you amidst all the exciting biochem and endocrinology (no joke).
I’m basically in the same boat as Matt in Q #1 in terms of weight gain (minus the kidney disease). The major difference is that I’m a rock climber and am training for a round the world climbing trip (about 6 months out) so I’m training for that while trying to mass gain. Currently 6ft, 155, having a hard time breaking 160. Eating about 2500 cal/day, ketogenic paleo with a carb load once or twice a week PWO. Climbing 2-4 days/week depending on the cycle and trying to bulk mostly chest and shoulders.
How would you recommend working strength sessions in with climbing miles without sacrificing recover for either? I need to climb relatively consistently to keep momentum. Is there anyone you know of who I might also get in contact with?
Thanks!
Robb Wolf says
I’d roll in more carbs, up the cals at least 1500. You need to EAT amigo!
Jonathan says
Wow- I have to say that I am grateful, impressed and a bit shocked that my question was answered this quickly. It’s nice to know there are still people out there that care more about results than the almighty $. I’ve asked questions of other “experts” before on many different subjects and I do believe this is the first time I’ve ever been answered, so first of all thank you Robb.
Additionally, I want to say that it gives me great piece of mind to know that I’m not alone in dealing with overcoming the obstacles of getting people to be personally invested in their own health. Constantly having people fling the “quack” or “I don’t believe in chiropractic” shitstorm at you gets really old and is beyond ignorance. Having just read your Foundation Matters post let me also say that no matter what Robb, there are going to be assholes in this world that care about nothing more than their own publicity and how much they can profit off it rather than simply offering real solutions to help others (not that we shouldn’t be compensated for what we do, but you’ve addressed that). You are a rare breed in the healthcare realm these days (and not to toot my own horn, but I’m going to and say that I’m on the same page with you there).
Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question. I’m beyond pumped to introduce this information to people in my office whether it’s handing them the diet plan and saying “go to it” or investing consulting time to help them through struggles, all I care about are results. Thanks for all you do.
Dr. J
PS. Love the RATM lyrics. Here’s one from Queens of the Stoneage…”Ignorance is bliss until they take your bliss away.”
Robb Wolf says
Doc- My pleasure. I wish I could answer ALL the questions, but it’s just impossible. I think yours was interesting enough to catch Greg’s eye!
I like the quote, LOVE QOTS
Dan says
Doc, please do contact me [email protected]. I am also set up in Minnesota, having just recently moved back from a extended stay in the Middle East. Robb, you are the man and a mentor to so many, been following you and this movement since the beginnings. Lots of love.
Emily says
Robb moved to Santa Fe?? Does he still own NORCAL??
Robb Wolf says
Yep, the gym is growing like crazy, hence the recent need for more trainers.
Emily says
Awesome!! Enjoy New Mexico. I hear it is beautiful!!
Matt Wilson DC, CCWP says
As for the last question, implementing in a Chiropractic Practice. James Chestnut DC, CCWP offers a certification which is based on paleo nutrition, evolutionary exercise and goal setting and how it relates to chiropractic and how to implement it into practice. I learned of Robb Wolf by reading the research that Chestnut presents (Eaton, Cordain) and somehow ended up at the paleo solution.
It is quite easy to implement in the right context…the general public has a hard time connecting the dots between what they perceive chiropractors do (back pain) and their philosophy (optimum health by natural means) so offer to only those who ‘get it’. Don’t overload with too much info up front. Point them to this web-site, the book, and support them in their questions. In my practice I offer ‘weight loss’ meal plans that slowly transition people to paleo over 8 weeks (faster if they can). Getting them to exercise is easier than removing cheese the only problem is most will want to kill themselves with exercise rather than drop the granola bar.
good luck
Jonathan says
I’ve looked into Chestnuts Certification. I’ve read his books, some of the research he’s offered and been to many of his presentations. I’ll have to revisit it a little bit more. As I remembered him I saw him as more of a Mediterranean guy than paleo, but obviously I’m wrong there. Thanks for the info. Like I say, I’ll have to revisit it.
Josh says
Ahhhhh… when I first started looking around on here there was a podcast episode outline in Microsoft Excel format… now I can’t find it… the link anyone… anyone? Thank you.
Trina says
I’ve had success treating bad breath using Thera Breath mouthwash for a short time, about a week, followed by kid’s chewable probiotics. I would think that the mouthwash should only be used for brief interventions, ( like antibiotics ) while the probiots could go on indefinitely. The sugars and flavourings aren’t ideal, but you can just open a regular capsule onto your tongue and let it dissolve slowly. this might help with sinus issues too, depending on the cause. I did like the portability of the chewables for after meals, during big dates etc
Josh Frey says
The outline thing is great. It’s really nice to be able to skip the parts that aren’t interesting to you at the time. It would be awesome if you guys did this kind of thing with all the podcasts.
Josh
Niall says
Great episode, just a quick q from me. I have heard Greg mention several times that he eats a lot of food without going into specifics. Can I ask what he actually eats on a daily basis? A typical days eating would be great. I’m always curious what these big dudes eat so I can try and improve my diet.
dvmaster says
Can you please post the roasted apple and sweet taters with macadamia oil recipe? I am mainly curious about the temperature and any spices.
Robb Wolf says
Oh man…I never use recipes. Slice all the ingredients 9peel SP first) drizzle with mac nut oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, bake covered at 350*F for 45-60 min.
dvmaster says
Thanks, Robb. I would have gladly traded Granny to the Lizard People for this info!
Hans Eisenman says
Thanks for this! Passing it over to the wife for addition to the eatery arsenal.
Brock says
Robb,
I was very interested to hear about the possible correlation between gluten/lactose intolerance and bed wetting. My 6 year old does not get woken up by her full bladder, which means that my wife and I have to get up during the night to drag her to the bathroom. I mentioned this to my wife but she does what she always does when I mention the word paleo – rolls her eyes. I’ve searched Pub MD but my search-fu is lacking, can you point me in the right direction on this? Some medical articles would go a long way towards getting some acknowledgement from my far better half on this! Thanks.
Robb Wolf says
Brock-
I just did a general googgle search (bedwetting+gluten+lactose) and found mainly forums and anecdotal material. Only a bit in pubmed. Here is the deal: Is your wife willing or unwilling to try a simple 30 experiment that is safe and may completely solve this probleem? If she is unwilling, I;d be curious as to why, especially when you consider the social impact of this situation on your daughter.
AC says
Hey Robb,
Regarding the gall bladder question. I recently wound up in the hosptial with severe stomach pains, did a blood test and sent me home. The sulphur smell sounds familiar and lately bloating and constipation have been ruining my life. Severly constipated. Been paleo for over a year now and gluten free for 2. Could the gallbladder cause lack of bile which would explain my constipation? Tried everything, high dose of mag, vit C, eat lots of coconut oil, drink bone broth daily. Cant seem to find anything that works.
Robb Wolf says
Sounds possible, make sure to follow up with your doc on this.
AC says
If all is well, so to speak, what about carrot juice and cod liver oil per the GAPS protocol to stimulate bile production?
Bryce says
Robb, thanks for the great podcast, and all the work you put into the site. I’ve recently downloaded all of them and am working my way through from the beginning, so please forgive me if this was addressed somewhere else.
Re: the GSP question, you referenced a project where you lost 16# in 8 days. Is that an article on the site? or described in more detail on another podcast? I am a sophomore collegiate wrestler and, unfortunately, there is another sophomore on our team who is in the same weight class as I am who is a freak-of-nature wrestler, one of the best in the country. If I don’t want to spend all 4 years behind him on the depth chart, my best chance is to drop down a weight class. I tried all summer (Paleo with no nuts, or fruit, or liquid shakes. Good sleep, probiotics, fish oil)and I’m still about 12# above the lower weight class cut off. If I count calories, weigh and measure, I can get closer but my performance suffers, I struggle to stay asleep and I feel no bueno.
I’m thinking for this season of employing a method similar to the one described in the GSP link- walk around over the limit and then cut pre-weigh in, rapid replenish post weigh-in, pre-fight. I was wondering if I could use your 16# in 8 days regimen for the week before a fight? Or if you had any other recommendations for this kind of situation? I know, as Greg referenced in this podcast, I’ll be living in a non-optimal zone, and that the best thing would be to be at my proper weight class and just be a better wrestler than the freak. But I think, certainly for this upcoming season, my only shot at not bench warming is finding some way to consistently make the lower weight.
Sorry for the long post! I really appreciate any help you can offer, Robb.
Robb Wolf says
My weight loss was part of an upcoming TV show…not recommended. 12# is a HUGE cut…I’m out a my depth here but it seems like a huge push. I’d saay analyze the guys game and do your best to bring your game up to capitalize on that. Or…look at the next class up.
Emily says
Is that why you were off the grid a while back??
Robb Wolf says
Yes!
Mike K says
Really interesting answer on the carbs and water question… made me think of it like neural-chunking for energy storage if that helps to avoid the brain explosion factor.
Chris says
I know this is a little off topic coach but just wanted to shoot you an update. Im currently in NY taking the BioSig course through Poliquin. As you know Poliquin commands the room and takes charge, mainly speaking on everything he wants to speak about. The subject of food came up yesterday. He only promotes a Paleo diet. When he did this the rest of the day was almost geared towards paleo questions. Compared to the people in attendance I was a fracking expert. It was crazy. Again a lot of todays questions were geared towards Paleo and Paleo eating. Having a blast with it tho.
Robb Wolf says
Charles is a smart, smart dude and and a character! Enjoy your time.
Kitty says
Robb and other paleo podcasters (Everyday Paleo, Balanced Bites) often recommend Biosig. But my recent experience with it has left me scratching my head from a Paleo point of view, since the protocol that I was on involved taking a fiber product twice a day that included rice bran and psyllium husk, among other products that seem very likely to cause gut irritation.
Squatchy says
That was a great comment Greg made about being optimal. If you can’t do what is optimal, then do the best you can to get as close to optimal as possible. Simple, done. That goes for food, lifestyle, everything.
BTW, I tried the bacon wrapped sweet potato chunks you guys mentioned. I used some orange and white sweet potatoes, and some local pastured hickory smoked bacon (ate them with some collards, onions, and GF ground beef cooked in lard). I have a hard time thinking of words to describe how good it was.
Here’s a recipe for you. Throw a can of coconut milk in a pot/pan, peel and cut up (in small pieces/slices) a larger Japanese sweet potato (the pale yellow flesh ones) and cook it in the coconut milk until soft. The mix should get a little thicker with the water cooking off of the coconut milk too. Mix in about 2 squares off of a 100% cacao baking chocolate bar. Let it cool a little, toss it in a blender and puree/liquify. Stick it in the fridge and let it cool (if you need it done quicker, 45 mins in the freezer should work). Sprinkle with shredded coconut before serving. Stupidly good chocolate pudding.
You could also use banana instead of the japanese sweet potato, or even just put banana slices on top of it anyway. Drizzling coconut cream on top might not be a bad idea either 🙂
steve says
I just made these…..Good stuff
Kate @ Fit for Real Life says
Robb, you realize we need to hear from you every week or so for the rest of your time on this Earth…Greg too…me & the other 5 listeners 😉 are addicted to hearing your take on health & wellness & all things ancestral. I just love freaking out other drivers around me when I’m listening to a podcast in bumper to bumper traffic and all they can see is me sitting alone in my car laughing like a hyena & clapping my hands together like its’ a Southern Baptist Church on Sunday.
So that’s it, no real intelligent commentary, just a big THANKS…and a ‘Don’t go anywhere, we like hearing from you too much’ message from a loyal follower.
Robb Wolf says
Ha! thanks!
Paleo Pupil says
I just bought Greg’s Olympic Weightlifting book. Although I haven’t had much of an opportunity to read it yet, one impression struck me from leafing through sections to try and get a flavour for it; it is extremely well written. It’s nice to know I can spruce up my English skills while simultaneously working on my O’lifting skills.
Cheers
Robb Wolf says
Greg has written a number of books. the guy is damn talented.
Retsy says
Could mothball breath husband be in ketosis?
Mark says
Hey Robb,
Gallstone guy here. I really appreciate you answering my question. Your podcast has really helped me understand the nuances of Paleo eating and I probably still wouldn’t be on the “diet” without it.
Keep up the good work and… bring back the Buffalo!
Robb Wolf says
Right on man!
milk increase says
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity to your put up is just spectacular and that i can assume you’re knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to stay up to date with imminent post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
personal injury marketing for chiropractors says
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire group might be thankful to you.
Thanh says
thanks