Grilled Lamb with Cucumber, Tomato, Feta Salad | SCD

Did you know that vitamin B12 is absorbed by the terminal ileum, which is the end of the small intestine? The ileum also happens to be a common location affected by Crohn's disease. When the disease affects this portion of the bowel, it is very possible that the patient will not absorb enough B12 to meet their bodies needs. When Jonas was first diagnosed with Crohn's, he was deficient in several minerals and vitamins, including the B vitamins.

So why is B12 so important?

The human body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out other functions to keep the nervous system healthy. Like most vitamins, B12 can’t be made by the body. Instead, it must be absorbed from food or supplements. Plants don’t make vitamin B12. The only foods that deliver it are meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, and other foods from animals. Strict vegans tend to be at high risk for developing a B12 deficiency, which is why they should include B12 fortified foods (like almond and coconut milks, nutritional yeast, cereals and grains) into their diet and consider a supplement. Conditions that interfere with food absorption, like celiac or Crohn’s disease, can cause B12 issues. Those who take prescribed heartburn medications are also at risk for B12 deficiency because the acid production is reduced in the stomach yet the acid is needed to absorb the B12.

Some common symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency include: tiredness, lethargy, dizziness, breathlessness, change in vision and anemia. And more severe symptoms include: numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, altered taste, difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), psychological problems or memory loss.

In most, a vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented. Try to include foods that are packed with this essential B vitamin. Beef, turkey, clams, oysters, chicken, trout, and salmon are all B12 superstars. Lamb is an excellent source of protein and vital nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium AND vitamin B12. If including these foods in your diet just doesn't cut it, you may want to consider a supplement. Remember, only take a supplement under a doctors guidance and only take what you are deficient in. Since Jonas' diagnosis in 2014, we have been able to transition from a straight B12 vitamin to a multi-vitamin. He currently takes Metabolic Synergy under the care of the Cleveland Clinic's Functional Medicine.

If you are concerned about a vitamin B12 deficiency, consult your General Practitioner or primary care physician and inquire about possible testing to confirm a diagnosis.

GRILLED LAMB with CUCUMBER, TOMATO, FETA SALAD
SCD, Gluten-Free, Paleo*
yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Salad
2 large tomatoes
1 green pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 small red onion
juice of two lemons
2 Tbs. olive oil
salt + pepper
1/4 cup crumbled feta

Lamb
4 lamb chops, I used a shoulder chop for this recipe
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. parsley
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. cayenne (more or less, depending on the level of spice you want)
fresh mint for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a small bowl, combine the spices and pre-heat the grill.
2. Brush the lamb chops with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with the spice mixture. Set aside while you make the salad.
3. Chop the tomatoes, peppers and onions and place into a large mixing bowl. Toss with the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Set aside while you grill the lamb chops.
4. Grill the lamb directly on the racks at a medium heat, about 5 minutes on each side.
5. Plate up each bowl by adding the salad, sprinkled with feta and mint, and adding the grilled lamb on top.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

*To make this dish Paleo, simply omit the feta.
*According the BTVC (Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall)fetal is illegal, but may be used after about 6 months of improvement. But used only in small amounts.

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