"The Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates is an alternative eating plan geared toward reducing candida, or yeast, in the body, which can lead to adverse health consequences. It is not a weight loss plan, however, the claim is that by following the food recommendations, you may restore your health and overcome health factors that may contribute to obesity. This diet encourages organic, natural foods and is low in carbohydrates and sugar, as well as dairy-free.
The Theory
The diet is based on a concept that natural bacteria as well as a balance of microorganisms are necessary for normal, optimal functioning of the body. Donna Gates says the modern diet is rich in processed foods and most individuals consume excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods that contributing to the disruption of this "natural balance" of microorganisms. One consequence of this type of diet is an overgrowth of yeast, or candida, which can contribute to vaginal yeast infections as well as digestive disruptions. Foods encouraged on this diet help to correct that imbalance.
Diet Phases
The Body Ecology Diet is separated into three phases. In the first phase, you add cultured foods to the diet which provide healthy bacteria for more normal intestinal flora. The second phase is changing the quality of the fats in the diet. You switch from consuming unhealthy saturated and trans fats, found in many animal foods as well as processed foods, to natural oils. In the third phase, you drastically reduce your carbohydrates and sugar intake. This includes many common foods, such as grains and potatoes, as well as most fruits and sweets. As the diet progresses, you are allowed to carefully increase your intake of some fruits, carbohydrate-rich vegetables and certain grains.
Foods Encouraged
Foods which provide the healthy bacteria (cultured foods) include such items as fermented vegetables, organic yogurt and kefir, which is a fermented drink. It is a specific kefir that is made with coconut water instead of yogurt. Note: Coconut water is a powerful laxative. Some of the recommended fats are healthy and unsaturated, such as flaxseed and extra virgin olive oils, while others are natural but highly saturated, such as coconut oil. Other foods allowed on this diet include raw sauerkraut, sea vegetables, organic eggs, fish, organic lean meat, chicken and turkey, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and unusual but healthy whole grains, such as quinoa, amaranth grain, millet and buckwheat flour.
Pros and Cons
The pros of this diet are that it provides a natural alternative for managing some digestive disorders. The book includes helpful menus, recipes and shopping lists, and the author provides tips for controlling snack urges and dining out, which is often unhealthy. On the con side, this diet is extremely restrictive (restricts many healthy foods) and food preparation is time-consuming. It is difficult (if not impossible) to dine out. Some of the dishes are unusual and not terribly palatable. Also, the diet recommends combining certain foods, which lacks scientific support. Many of the recommended foods are expensive and she recommends taking numerous expensive supplements.
Considerations
Before you completely change the way you eat, particularly to treat a chronic medical condition, investigate whether a diet backs its claims with substantial scientific evidence. Unfortunately, there is not enough science to back many of the recommendations of this diet aside from some evidence that suggests avoiding simple sugars and refined carbohydrates to reduce candida. Many of the recommended foods are healthy, but others, such as coconut oil, are not, according to such organizations as the American Heart Association. Additionally, many healthy foods are off limits, which may make it nutritionally inadequate over the long term.
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