The former reason. I have not heard of being able to add more starch safely while still having gut problems. A healthy gut needs a thriving population of "good" bacteria to compete with klebs and prevent them from having population explosions, and it needs to not be "leaky" because having small amounts of improperly digested food and bacteria leak into the bloodstream will rile up the immune system (and for those with us with certain genes, collateral damage ensues from that immune response...)

Thanks SJLC

This information has been really helpful to me. I've had a loose understanding of why I need to be on the NSD diet, mainly for me it is a way of avoiding medications beyond NSAIDs. I wonder, is it best to start out very strict, because that is what I have done. I would love some tips on boosting energy, because I feel like I always need a nap, but can never get comfortable. And crunchy snacks, because I really miss chips.

Though I have no idea what you are eating this has helped me: increase your good fats and proteins, eat about every 2-4 hours small mini protein/fat/vegs w/ns.

Yep, I miss the cruchy snacks. I eat almonds and baby carrots a lot. I also now eat kale "chips" (dried, seasoned kale). I started NSD by just eliminating all starch, which took weeks to figure out all the starch sources. I'm okay with sugar and dried fruits, so I can get energy boosts with those. And I drink a lot of coffee.

--Greg

One of my favorite foods that I can still eat is CRUNCHY BACON! None of that soggy floppy stuff that restaurants like to call bacon, just the nice crunchy stuff for me. I have a few pieces almost every day now, and am still not tired of it.

There are a couple health-food brands that I get which are low in additives. I have learned the hard way that even meat isn't safe once mass-market food manufacturers get done with it -- potato starch fillers in deli meats, natural flavorings with corn starch injected into frozen turkeys...

Great sharing by all...Now there are lot of branded diet foods available in the market.