The Chicken and the Sea Program: A Gut Reset for Better Health

We've been told for years that eating more plants is synonymous with better health. However, what if temporarily cutting out plants could actually heal your gut, brain, and emotional health? This radical approach is at the heart of the Chicken and the Sea Program, a short-term gut reset designed by Dr. Gundry for individuals who have tried traditional anti-inflammatory diets, multiple doctor visits, and prescription drugs but still experience bloating, brain fog, anxiety, or inflammation.

What is the Chicken and the Sea Program?

The Chicken and the Sea Program is a six to eight-week reset protocol that eliminates all plant-based foods and focuses on clean, non-inflammatory animal-based foods. The rationale behind this program is that an inflamed gut often leads to an inflamed brain. By following this reset, participants can:

• Starve harmful gut bacteria
• Reduce neuroinflammation
• Reset the immune system
• Give the gut lining time to heal

The ultimate goal is to improve mood, focus, energy, and digestion.

Allowed Foods on the Program

During the Chicken and the Sea Program, participants can consume the following:

Poultry

• All types of pasture-raised poultry such as chicken, turkey, and duck.

Note: Eggs are excluded as many individuals may be sensitive to them.

Seafood

• Wild-caught fish and shellfish, which are rich in Omega-3 fats and easy to digest.

Both poultry and seafood contain a specific sugar molecule, N5-Ac, that is identical to the sugar molecule lining our gut, blood vessels, and blood-brain barrier. This is crucial for healing, as other meats like beef, lamb, and pork contain N5-GC, which can provoke an immune response and exacerbate gut issues.

Fats and Oils

Participants are instructed to use only Perilla oil, which has unique properties that prevent harmful elements from passing through the gut wall. Other oils, including olive oil and coconut oil, should be avoided as they may allow harmful compounds to penetrate the gut lining.

Seasonings and Beverages

On this program, you can enjoy:

• Iodized sea salt or Himalayan salt
• Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano
• Citrus zests (lime and orange, but no lemon)

For beverages, black coffee is allowed, and herbal teas can be consumed in moderation. It's important to avoid ginger as it may irritate the gut.

Eating and Hydration Guidelines

There is no calorie counting or weighing of portions; participants should eat until full but not stuffed. A fasting window of 16 to 18 hours is recommended to allow the gut to repair itself. Hydration is crucial, and participants should aim for reverse osmosis filtered water or mineral-rich sparkling water.

Who Can Benefit from This Program?

The Chicken and the Sea Program is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:

• Brain fog
• Autoimmune flares
• IBS or chronic bloating
• Mood swings
• Long-haul fatigue post-COVID

Dr. Gundry has observed that many of his long COVID patients exhibit signs of leaky gut, and this program can significantly help them regain their health.

Reintroduction Phase

After the six to eight weeks, participants can slowly reintroduce cooked vegetables while monitoring their reactions. This helps identify which foods are beneficial for them.

Conclusion

If you've tried everything and still don’t feel right, the Chicken and the Sea Program could be the reset your gut needs. While it may not be a flashy solution, it is based on solid principles and can lead to significant breakthroughs for those struggling with gut health.