If you try to do a bowel rest diet using only whey protein (no carbohydrate component) you will quickly surpass your maximum daily protein limit whilst still feeling really hungry and tired. But more importantly, you will likely not gain any weight, so will remain very thin and weak, with low energy and lots of fatigue.
The principal carbohydrate in Absorb Plus is maltodextrin (derived from Non-GMO Tapioca – cassava root). Maltodextrin has a slower uptake to the bloodstream, thereby helping to avoid the ‘sugar high’ and resultant crash you can get from many liquid shake products.
Learn more about maltodextrin and the gut’s biofilm here.
More information about Absorb Plus here.
Shop all Absorb Plus and Absorb Plus VEGAN
Learn How to Create Your Own Elemental Bowel Rest Shake here
Download my free eBook, What You Need to Know About Elemental Diets
What you’ll find in this eBook:
- How an elemental diet can help you
- Bowel issues on an elemental diet
- Transitioning off an elemental diet
- What to look for in an elemental shake
- Signs of intolerance
- Recommended elemental shakes
Hi Jini, can I please ask if there is a practical way of calculating the maximum daily protein limit?
Personally I find that, going over a certain limit, with any protein, causes foamy urine and burning sensation.
Thank you!
We would recommend contacting your dietitian to go over calculating the protein requirements for your condition as we can only provide guidance. Here is a blog post that may be helpful: https://listentoyourgut.com/elemental-diet/
And of course listening/tuning in to their body on what is good for you! 🙂
Linsy
Hello,
Very interesting post!
I have some concerns about Maltodextrin, there are a lot of speculations about it being unsafe, causing imbalance in gut bacteria, inflammatory and causing blood sugar spike.
Can you please share your thoughts ?
Thank you
Sorry I forgot to add this section in my question : is it also safe to consume a reasonable amount of Maltodextrin everyday (semi-elemental diet) after healing? I take absorb plus (or a self made shake with Maltodextrin) in the morning everyday, will it affect me on the long term?
Thank you
Hi Walid, thanks for reaching out! In this blog post, Jini details why she uses maltodextrin in Absorb Plus:
“If you try to do a bowel rest diet using only whey protein (no carbohydrate component) you will quickly surpass your maximum daily protein limit whilst still feeling really hungry and tired. But more importantly, you will likely not gain any weight, so will remain very thin and weak, with low energy and lots of fatigue. The principal carbohydrate in Absorb Plus is maltodextrin (derived from Non-GMO Tapioca – cassava root). Maltodextrin has a slower uptake to the bloodstream, thereby helping to avoid the ‘sugar high’ and resultant crash you can get from many liquid shake products.”
If gaining weight isn’t needed, Absorb Plus Amino is a great option that is lower carb/contains less maltodextrin: https://shoppe.listentoyourgut.com/collections/absorb-plus/products/absorb-plus-amino
I hope this helps! Take care.
Jini, my new naturopathic doctor is telling me I shouldn’t take absorb plus because of the tapioca in it. Says it contains cyanide. This after I’ve used it for years when I needed bowel rest. Has anyone ever asked you this, and what are your thoughts on it? ☺️ I mean, is that true of the tapioca you use, and if cyanide is present in the ingredient you use even in small amounts, how do we know long term use of AP won’t be detrimental? I’m very ignorant on tapioca, and hate getting such conflicting info from so many different people, but since your protocol has saved me from my diverticulitis, I DO care about your research on this particular topic/ingredient too.
Hi Paige, Thank you so much for your comment—and for trusting Absorb Plus over the years as part of your healing journey. We truly appreciate your thoughtful question.
Absorb Plus is produced in a certified CGMP facility and undergoes extensive safety testing at every stage. The raw ingredients—like the organic tapioca maltodextrin—are tested for heavy metals and toxins down to parts per million and come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Once received at the facility, the material is tested again, and after it’s mixed into the final product, it goes through a third round of testing to confirm its purity and safety before release.
Interestingly, in over 25 years of feedback from customers and practitioners, this is the first time we’ve heard a concern about cyanide content in tapioca. It’s understandable to feel uncertain when new information comes up, especially from different sources, but it’s also important to consider the long-term relationship you’ve had with this product. Your body has its own wisdom—if Absorb Plus has consistently supported you through times of bowel rest and healing, that’s meaningful. While it’s always good to stay informed and open to new input, tuning in to how your body feels and responds can often be the most reliable guide.
Thanks again for reaching out—we’re truly honored to be part of your healing path.
Best,
LTYG Team