Can raw food cause temporary rectal itching?

[musicbebe]

Hi all!

I am new to raw food and loving it! I have been eating raw for about a week plus. A few days ago, I started experiencing a very itchy case of rectal itching! I did not have this problem before starting raw foods. Has anyone else had this problem AFTER starting raw foods? I know many people have this problem BEFORE starting raw food and then experience relief. So why am I having it now? My diet currently consists of green smoothies, fruits and veggies, not too much fat. I am 100 percent raw most days; on the days I am not I am still about 90 percent Raw and eating cooked vegetarian foods on the other days. I was thinking maybe I picked up a case of parasites from not washing my veggies and fruits. I was told that some people think you get B12 from tiny insects on fruits and veggies and so not to wash and scrub them clean. Two days after I started itching my husband complained of rectal itching too (we had not had "relations" since I starting being itchy). I've been feeding him the green smoothies (with unwashed organic veggies) lately. He still eats mostly cooked foods with dairy and some meat.

So if it is because of unwashed fruits and veggies, will it go away on it's own as I keep eating this healthy diet? Are we "expelling" parasites now? If we are "expelling" them, shouldn't they be dead? I've also been taking a probiotic for the last 2 weeks, should that help?

I know itchy anus is a sign of low HCL, but then, I didn't have this itchy problem before the green smoothies, so why would I be experiencing it now?

I would love to hear your ideas, thoughts and insights!!!!

PS: I had a thought to rub coconut oil "down there," externally and a little bit internally (because of it's anti-microbial properties etc...), would that HELP or be BAD in any way?

[justinesmith]

Well, I am not a proctologist but my guess would be that you are not, um, wiping well enough. Since our stools can be much looser on raw sometimes it's hard to get clean. My dh and I have had to use the childrens wet wipes on occasion as we've both experienced what you are describing and it solved our problem. I've also used wet toilet paper and that works great too. Best of luck to you ~ I know it can be frustrating, we've been there. :)

[Revvell]

You've not "picked up" parasites. We all have them in us. You're eliminating them.

If you don't have it, get some liquid (and/or caps) GSE (grapefruit seed extract). Take the caps daily and put about 10 drops in a tub of water and sit in it or, just take a paper towel, dip it in a small bowl of water with a few drops in it and wash that area after going.

Revvell

[musicbebe]

Thank you Justine for your input. I have been paying close attention to how well I've been wiping. I'd tried wetting tissue paper to try to help, but sadly it did not:(

[blix]

It could be that your body is producing more acid to digest the raw food and that, if you don't wipe properly, the acid burns the rectum. This is something I experienced when I have had too much acid.

[D'vorah]

Did you make a switch from high fat diet to low fat and high fruit? For me, a diet high in fat and high in sugars produces candida. If you overlapped between high fat and lots of fruit, you might be experiencing a temporary candida bloom.

I've had the symptoms you describe during a candida bloom and die-off.

Deborah

[musicbebe]

Devorah,

Yes, I drastically increased my fruit intake. My fat probably came down a good bit too. If it is due to a candida problem, will it go away on it's own, or do I need to do something about it?

[musicbebe]

on the other hand, we are probably eating the same amount of sugar as before, only now it's in the form of fructose instead of glucose...do both forms of sugar affect candida in the same way?

[Raw Mom]

Is it only happening at night? Then that would be parasites. I had them after going raw. Take the GSE or buy any parasite cleanse from the local Health food store or online. Banana parasite cleanse ideas on this forum. I take for a couple of weeks and then a break. Start again when I have the same symptoms. And yes, microscopic parasites can travel from family member to family member. Get rid of bar soaps, don't share towels. Good luck....seems to be a run on parasites lately. Have you seen that documentary about parasites? EW! Be happy you have this kind and not the ones that can be seen. :D

[D'vorah]

If it is candida, not saying it for sure is, and your fat intake is low, your body should balance itself out.

Deborah

[Revvell]

Devorah,

Yes, I drastically increased my fruit intake. My fat probably came down a good bit too. If it is due to a candida problem, will it go away on it's own, or do I need to do something about it?

Same answer from me on the possible parasites ~ although you seem to have overlooked it. :rolleyes:

[musicbebe]

Revvel, Thanks for your insight. That also sounds like something to try!

[musicbebe]

Okay, now I'm noticing other symptoms. Maybe this is really detox. I have teeny, teeny, tiny dark red bumps (they almost look like someone poked me with a tooth pick) all over my torso. You have to look up close to see them and then you notice they are all around. And that same rash is on the back of my head, in my hair and itches like CRAZY. My itching "down there" seems to have gone away (coconut oil?) but now the rash on my head is baaaad. Sounds like detox?

[mel_s12]

Rashes are actually a symptom of parasites/candida too. It could be detox too. I would do a parasite cleanse since 95% of the population has it.

As for the sucrose/fructose question.. they are a little different. Sucrose (especially the refined kind) creates acidic conditions in the body. So while doing a parasite cleanse, you can still eat fruit, but try not to eat overly sweet fruits like melons, grapes, etc.