Tell Me Why?

I've been seeing a state licensed naturopathic practitioner for about 6 weeks. I love this holistic approach to health and healing. I've had blood test for nutritional deficiencies and allergies along with lab tests for parasites and candida overgrowth. I've had vitamin IV drips including mega doses of vitamin C. Ozone therapy is scheduled in the future.This is an attempt to stimulate my immune system to fight autoimmune disease. It's been wonderful.

What I don't understand is why this holistic doctor is trying to force me to eat meat. She insists that there is no way to get adequate protein without eating meat. She wants to "compromise" and have me eat fish. This is based on her own experiences where she said she would get dizzy and weak when she tried a vegan diet. I'm not having that problem regarding my diet. I've been getting weak and dizzy for years even when I was a meat eater. I've explained this more than once, but at each weekly appointment she continues to bring it up. I told her to stop discussing the idea of me adding dead animals to my diet because it will not happen and it feels harassing and stressful. I told her I would search for another healthcare practitioner if my choice isn't respected. Well, she apologized.

It's frustrating when other's do not respect another person's choice. I can't believe that I had to go through this.

The photo was uploaded to flickr by Sakurako Kitsa.

Green Smoothies & Other Stuff..

Sine I lasted posted I have completed the green smoothie challenge. Sorry I didn't post as promised. I challenged myself to a month of green smoothies. I thought it would be only green smoothies, but it wasn't. I decided to eat very little solid food and only vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts (I drank as many green smoothies to feel full and satisfied). I learned during this process that I am not vegan in the sense that I will not wear the leather items that I already own - shoes and bags. I haven't bought any new leather and don't plan to either, but I cannot afford to replace what I already own. I do not own leather coats or clothing or belts. I feel good about this decision.

The only animal product I missed eating during this time was butter. I only eat butter on bread and I'm not eating bread so I can live without the butter. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I dropped a few pounds - 17lbs to be exact without feeling hungry or deprived. If anyone is interested the Global Juice Feast began on March 7th and goes for 92 days. You are free to modify this juice feast to fit your life and needs. I haven't decided if I'm going to participate.

Now for the other stuff. When I first started this blog I wanted to talk about healing through nutrition and other natural means. I still plan to do that, but I'll also discuss what's going on with me in general from time to time. I want this to be a place I come to celebrate, to rant, to get support, to talk, to just be - sometimes with no agenda. For those who care I promise to not stay away so long. Next post I'll share some of the things I've been doing while I was away. Until then...

My Green Smoothie Challenge - Week 1

I have been trying to do a green smoothie challenge for a few months now. I am excited to report that I have had green smoothies for 7 days. So far so good. I notice that I'm feeling lighter and satisfied with no hunger pangs.

One reason it took a while is that I had to do research as to the best method to treat chronic systemic inflammation, which I have and have had for at least 7 years. Not one doctor has addressed the danger of chronic inflammation. In fact not one has even talked to me about how to rid the body of inflammation. I've done the research myself and the biggest culprit is a diet high in refined sugars, foods that a person is allergic (and probably does not know it such as wheat, dairy, & eggs). I believe, this is my opinion based on my experience, that most doctors in the US don't believe that nutrition is important. They are usually only educated about the USDA food pyramid. But enough about them.

Here is what I've been doing. I drink a minimum of one quart of green smoothies a day. I've learned to enjoy the taste with far less fruit than I would recommend to someone else, but I am correcting a candida (yeast) overgrowth that has contributed to, if not caused leaky gut syndrome. I'm not consuming a lot of fruit in order to avoid fruit sugars, but will increase my fruit intake after completing the yeast overgrowth treatment. I also consume 6 - 8 cloves of garlic a day with warm lemon water. I actually like it.

Acupuncture has really helped to "clear my head." I have this funny, hazy feeling in my head which no allopatic doctor ever addressed. Acupuncture has helped and helps me deal with my body pains. Therapeutic massage has with my anxiety, which is high most of the time. I'm looking into the art and spiritual practice of Tai Chi; once I find a place to go I'll start. Yoga is another interest of mine. I'll keep you posted.

I thought the oranges looked good; I wanted to see another color food other than green!

While I Was Away...

It's been a while since I posted, but it was a necessary absence. I've set out to start a green smoothie challenge, but instead of jumping in at the deep end of the pool I decided to ease into this regime. A month ago (or longer) I began to pay very close attention to what I was eating and when I ate, and how much. I stopped eating packaged foods and prepared foods from the deli and restaurants. I cooked all my meals using organic ingredients. I weighed and measured making sure I ate correct portion sizes. I ate according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman's guidelines as explained in Live To Eat.

I also began colonic sessions, massage therapy, and guided meditation. I have incorporated a detox program with help of my hydrotherapist who is also a registered nurse. I am supplementing with probiotics, milk thistle, and flax seed oil - to name a few - preparing my body for the fast that I will embark on.

I have replaced all harsh household cleaners, soaps, and detergents for safer eco friendly ones and have added plants to my house to aid in filtering the air.

I am in good place within right now. Tomorrow is the day. I will begin posting my daily journey of green smoothie fasting / feasting. Stay tuned.

Out With The Old

Literally...I've started a detox and colon cleanse regime that began 5 days ago. I consulted with a hydrotherapist who is also a registered nurse. The therapist instructed me to expect a healing crisis because it is coming - she guaranteed. That made me a little anxious to say the least. Who looks forward to feeling crappy (excuse the pun).

I am preparing for a 90 day green smoothie feast and didn't want to start it without first ridding my colon of some stuff that's been there probably for ages. After researching and learning how many who follow SAD never really empty their colon, I decided that I should start with a colon cleanse.

For the past 2 weeks I've eaten steamed veggies, brown rice, fruit, nuts & seeds, and beans. I've drank lemon juice and water and vegetable broth. I'm taking a whole body cleanse supplement along with digestive enzymes also. My face is breaking out, but I expected that. Otherwise I've had no problems. What is just crazy is that the during one colonic session, the hydrotherapist was able to tell me what I had eaten the day before. She told me that I was not chewing my food long enough so that it breaks down before going to the stomach and intestines. She also said that I probably don't have enough hydrochloric acid (digestive acid) to break the food particles down even more and that I am a good candidate for having yeast overgrowth. The best way to deal with candida albicans is to stop eating all sugars in every form even fruit sugar, to eliminate yeast based foods, fermented foods, and dairy. The except to no fruit sugar is tart, green apples in moderation. Candida Albicans loves sugar and feeds on it to multiple. Once the yeast is back to normal levels then fruit can be eaten again.

After a month of green smoothies I plan to have a month of vegetable juices, veggie broth, and herbal teas in order to kick this yeast overgrowth in the blankety - blank - blank (my niece's words of frustration).

In the meantime it's out with old.