Really need help: Considering Huel-only for digestive issues but have concerns (any input appreciated!)

Hello,

Thank you in advance to anyone taking the time to read this.

I’ve read some people’s accounts on here about eating Huel-only for prolonged periods of time. I’m considering this myself for reasons I’ll expound upon, but have a number of concerns. I would really appreciate any input (and especially any guidance from Huel staff, if possible).

Concerns about Huel-only
I’ll start with my concerns, then give background on my particular health issues. I’d really appreciate input on any of these concerns.

  1. I tend to fare better with a higher percentage of carbs:protein in my macros (generally in the 65-68% carbs). However, this doesn’t seem possible to do with Huel powders (I cannot use any of the meals or other products). Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
  2. On #1, I recently ordered the “original” Huel as it seems to have a slightly higher carb:protein ratio, so I’m considering using that primarily vs the Black Edition, which is what I’ve been using.
  3. If eating my full caloric needs explicitly through Huel, I’ll be exceeding the nutrient recommendations of some nutrients that aren’t necessarily easily expelled by the body, or can interfere with thyroid labs (like iron, biotin, copper).
  4. Related to #3 I’m on a good number of supplements due to my digestive issues and absorption problems that come with them (I eat plenty of these nutrients, but am not absorbing them). I’m concerned that if I’m eating only Huel AND keep taking all my supplements, that I’ll surely get too much of some of them. Yet I’m equally concerned about not taking them, given I don’t know how much my body will absorb from Huel.
  5. I worry about altering my microbiome if eating only Huel, making it such that I’d have an even harder time digesting “real food” if trying to transition back (this is a known issue with restrictive diets).
  6. Similarly, I am afraid of developing food intolerances if eating only Huel for an extended period of time (also known issue with restrictive diets). Thus getting “locked in” to Huel-only
  7. I also worry this will result in my nutrient levels being “falsely” altered for the time I’m on Huel-only, then “crash” if transitioning back to regular food, making it harder to ever go back. (I eat a very balanced plant-based diet, but my body isn’t absorbing or digesting things properly).
  8. I’ve been eating Huel max 1 meal a day and have been using the Black Edition vanilla and chocolate. Given my SIBO/IMO/SIFO (see more below), I’ve just ordered the Unflavored/Unsweetened of the Black Edition and the “Original” (for higher carbs). I’m concerned that eating the unflavored/unsweetened only is going to be challenging in the realm of the “pleasure” of eating, which can be psychologically difficult. But I need to avoid added sugars.

My background & why I’m considering Huel-only
I’ve been dealing with extensive digestive issues for the past 6 months. I’ve been diagnosed with SIBO and IMO as well as suspected SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth, most likely Candida). I’ve been through 3 rounds of the duel RX antibiotics for SIBO/IMO (Xifaxan & Neomycin) and a trial of daily Diflucan for the fungal overgrowth. Initially, those treatments really helped, only for things to turn again.

I eat a very healthy, balanced, whole-food plant-based diet with a ton of fiber. I hydrate, I am active, I do “all the things” you’re supposed to do. But my body will not move my food through. I have ongoing motility issues (my stomach and bowels won’t contract and move things…this is not a matter of “eat more fiber and hydrate”).

Since I eat such high-volume foods, I become full of stool and undigested food very quickly, which leads to the SIBO/IMO/SIFO. And, in turn, they slow motility to a halt. I currently can’t get my system moving except with high doses of stimulant laxatives, which is highly inadvisable.

I have been to doctors, GI, functional doctors, etc. No one has answers for me. I’ve tried almost everything for motility short of the RX drugs that can have severe neurological and/or psychological side effects.

I’m at the point of not being able to eat enough to sustain my weight or nutrition. I tried an Elemental Diet (physician-grade meal replacement) and it gave me severe stomach pain.

At this point, Huel is one of the few things I can tolerate (I’ve been using the Black Edition, but also ordered the original to have slightly more carbohydrates.) And so I’m at the crossroads of going to Huel-only, with no idea how long.

This is scary to consider given the roller coaster I’ve been on the last few months. I don’t want to make things worse, or further wreck my microbiome, or make it such that I can never eat regular food again.

I realize this is a long and messy post, and that no one here can give medical advice. I’ve done my best to summarize, but there are so many other factors.

I’d so appreciate any input on the list of concerns or any part of this post.

Thank you again for your time!

Hey there!

First of all, I want to welcome you to the Huel US Forum! And I’m so sorry to hear that you’re experiencing these digestive challenges!

I’m going to get you in touch with our nutritionist, who will be the best positioned to address your concerns here, but there are a few things I can touch on:

It doesn’t quite hit your target, but your best bet for a higher carb ratio is going to be our Essential Powder, with 56% of the energy coming from carbohydrates! However, this is a different formula from the Black Edition that you’re familiar with, and only comes in Vanilla and Chocolate flavors (not Unflavored & Unsweetened), so that’s something to bear in mind. However, there’s no added sugar in the Essential, just sucralose. This is the case with our flavored white edition powder, as well.

Could you let us know what supplements you’re currently taking? This could help our nutritionist point you in the right direction!

You also might find the results of this pilot study helpful, where participants consumed only Huel for a month. The markers for some vitamins and minerals increased while others decreased–this might give you a better idea of how your body might absorb the nutrients in Huel! Copper and iron did see an increase over that period.

We also have some guidance in this article around elimination diets. Ehile this article in particular is about skin conditions/eczema, it could be useful here.

I’ll let our nutritionist take it from here!