Four-Month Progress Report

[Pailani]

I officially started my raw journey Jan 27, so it's been 4 months. I'm still not 100 percent raw, but I'm reeeeaally close. I did fine for a couple weeks, then thought I'd be really clever and send dh out to bring me home some raw sashimi, and what he brought home was actually sushi. I was going to throw out the rice and just eat the fish, but they had my favorite, inari (no fish, just a sweet sushi) so he bought it as a special treat for me with the other sushi. How could I refuse? ;) It was delicious, the best meal I think I've had in my entire life (he ordered it from a restaurant instead of picking up what the grocery store deli had). I enjoyed it without guilt, and I felt fine afterwards, no stomachache like I get from other foods like bread or beans, no lead-in-the-gut feeling, I felt fine. The only trouble is, I CRAVED sushi after that, I dreamed about, I could smell it, it's all I could think about. So I got more the next day. And two days later. :eek: It kind of turned into a sushi binge. So I need to watch that.

But, from my four months (mostly) raw, I've noticed:

I haven't noticed that I'm bursting with energy, yet I know that projects I had put off for years because it was too overwhelming, are slowly getting done. So, even though I don't feel it, the evidence shows that I do have more energy

A busy day (such as a weekend trip or day out with people) no longer wipes me out and makes me dead tired, taking two days to recover. Even on a busy day, I wake up the next day feeling ready to go. This is major for me! My previous lack of stamina was scaring me.

No more stomach aches. I was having stabbing abdominal pain every evening before raw, even on a vegan diet, even many times after I'd given up wheat. Now I am pain-free (except for the two times when I cheated on Ezekiel bread, and hummus months ago)

I no longer have hives (although my inner ears still itch)

My skin feels silky and smooth, no little acne bumps (the real test will come after I wean my toddler; I tend to have clearer skin when I'm pregnant and nursing, and then I start breaking out again after I wean)

What I thought was candida seems gone, I think I'm realizing that I'm getting it when I start to eat the energy bars made of dried fruit and nuts. As long as I stay away from those, I seem able to handle fruit. I still don't know that it's candida, but it's the best guess I have at the moment.

I've lost a total of 5 or 6 pounds (I'm about 5 pounds from my ideal "thin" weight, I haven't been this close since I was taking diet pills in high school)

Just this week, I'm noticing that the whites of my eyes look less blood-shot and less dingy, more white. And I'm losing that middle-aged tired look around the eyes.

All of this, and I'm eating (banana) ice cream every day!

[VeganVixen]

lol ,pailani I LOVE inari ,it NEVER makes me feel bad (sushi (especially vegan) in general is pretty healthy and small) -dont sweat it ,have you tried making some raw sushi though -it taste pretty dern good ;)

Congrats pailani

[tracyinfo]

I second what VV says. Raw nori, avocado, pates, julienned veggies... All of them can make some pretty delicious raw sushi! I am lucky that 2 of my 3 kids like the raw sushi, too.

Blessings.

[bellamausi]

Hey, congratulations!! You are doing really well!!! And that little bit of cheating with the sushie .... I wouldn't let it bother me at all. As long as it doesn't get you to go out and binge on other SAD foods, which would be my problem, I think, if I ate some SAD food.

[caramba]

That's great to hear your results Pailani...Thanks for sharing... :)

[RawTruth]

Hey, my 30-Day Challenge buddy! If it's 4 months for you, I guess it's a 4 month check-in for me, too.

I'm so glad that you've seen long-range changes. I know you were concerned and discouraged for a while there. And, finally, you've been able to pinpoint the cause of those candida-like symptoms. How freeing that must be! No more fruit restrictions.

As for me, I've managed to stay purely raw (except for one decaf soy latte back in February -- the soymilk knocked me for a loop and taught me not to venture off raw anymore), though I haven't been purely vegan (sashimi once and ceviche a couple of times). If I'd been preparing food for a family like you are, though, I don't know if I could have stayed 100%.

I've accidently lost 20 pounds and am now at my high school weight. Now, I see why my high school friends used to call me Zipper -- I still won't turn sideways and stick out my tongue! I'm not happy about the weight loss since I've lost my breasts and my butt and loathe the sight of the hangy, empty skin. But ... I'm confident that eventually it'll return ... in its own good time, and, meanwhile plan to start building muscle.

I also feel less tired and have more stamina.

I am optimistic and in good spirits most of the time, with few mood swings. And, when I do feel low, it's not extreme.

I sleep really well and am in much closer touch with my body now -- I know when I'm tired whereas before I'd push myself way too far.

I no longer cough nor have a runny nose. No evidence of allergies this Spring. No colds or sickness other than detoxing.

Even though there's no evidence of it, I intuitively know that there is much more going on -- my body is healing itself -- than I can quantify. There are imbalances - adrenals, hormones ... and that dang parasite - that are being treated by alternative health professionals. And, that freeloading parasite is evicted once and for all, and once everything's in balance, I know my body can more fully take advantage of the wonderful raw, ripe, nature's bounty that I've been nourishing it with.

Also, since I've gone raw, I've been drawn to make other important growth changes in my life, including recharging my spirituality.

And -- the most important part -- I, too, get to eat ice cream every day!! :D

[Pailani]

Hey, my 30-Day Challenge Buddy! I'm glad to see that you're also feeling some long-term, if not dramatic, changes. Remember when we decided that it would probably just take us longer? And that seems to be the case.

I wonder if that parasite would eventually be gone on a raw diet alone, maybe the alkalinity of the blood might prove to be an inhospitable environment for it, or the body would get so efficient that it would get rid of the parasite like it gets rid of germs?

Thanks for the support, everyone, I've been resisting the raw sushi, but maybe I need to go ahead and try it.

[RawTruth]

I wonder if that parasite would eventually be gone on a raw diet alone, maybe the alkalinity of the blood might prove to be an inhospitable environment for it, or the body would get so efficient that it would get rid of the parasite like it gets rid of germs?I've been on a 5+ week regime of herbs from my chiropractor, but I still have symptoms. If this doesn't do it, next will be a parasite fast, I think. My natural M.D. has given up and says to just use the antibiotic he prescribed (this is a notoriously difficult parasite to get rid of -- some people have suffered with it for 7+ years - lost their jobs, their health - it's very debilitating -- and disgusting), but that's my absolutely last resort. The last thing I want is to mess up the balance of my body with antibiotics. So ... we'll see. I've wondered also, Pailani, whether just a continued raw diet will eventually do it. But ... the symptoms are so awful that I just can't wait on that possibility. It's been over a year already.

Anyway -- so you think you'll give sashimi a chance, huh? Did you catch the other thread on this?

[VeganVixen]

Ohh , how I long to be very lean !!!! R.T. Have you been eating enough nuts and greens??? I must say , I wish I was very skinny , but I guess being on the slightly chubby side as a child will do that to you!

Maybe whole hemp seeds would help you put on weight???Also have you tried a blend of red clover ,cascarda sagrasda(not too much) sasparilla,prickly ash,,rosemary,licorice,eucinacea,and rumex acetolla???

I have this GREAT combo from the h.f.s.my variation of the red clover cleanser is made by natures way and is VERY gentle but cleans your bowels and blood.....It can assist in purging parasites.

[RawTruth]

R.T. Have you been eating enough nuts and greens???Yep, yep, yep. I do not skimp on eating. I eat when I'm hungry and eat till I'm full. A wide range of raw foods -- including green smoothies and at least one big salad a day. Also grawnola with hemp seed milk. And banana ice cream with nuts almost every night. Oh, yeah, can't forget the avocados! I've just always been thin and raw has caused me to drop even more. I didn't go raw in order to lose weight; it's just been a by-product :p While I'd prefer that I hadn't lost, I'm not worried about it; I have no doubt my weight will equalize at some point, though, a number of looooong-time raw fooders (5+ yrs.) that I've met are very very lean.


Also have you tried a blend of red clover ,cascarda sagrasda(not too much) sasparilla,prickly ash,,rosemary,licorice,eucinacea,and rumex acetolla??? For what?


I have this GREAT combo from the h.f.s.my variation of the red clover cleanser is made by natures way and is VERY gentle but cleans your bowels and blood.....It can assist in purging parasites.If only it were that simple. This isn't the place to go into it, but I will say that this isn't your average parasite. It's kinda like the guerilla terrorist CIA-trained super-subversive version -- on steroids.

Thanks, VV, smudging faerie girl :)

[VeganVixen]

a number of looooong-time raw fooders (5+ yrs.) that I've met are very very lean so ,theres still hope for me! ;)

The mixture is the cleanser I was talking about ,but it seems like that wont do it - Im sorry for your "uninvited guest" , I have LOVED this combination as a general cleaner (of course I dont ,as far as I know, have a major parasite)!

[RawTruth]

Well, supposedly many, if not most, humans have some. But ... you'd definitely know if you had a "major" one. Well, actually, it took a really long time to diagnose mine. I had most tests imaginable ... and some unimaginably invasive ones, too. It just took a simple stool test to identify the problem, though, of course, it was a natural M.D. who even thought to do that. By then, I'd done my own research, found an Australian woman's website dedicated to this particular parasite since she'd struggled for over 7 years with hers, so I knew even what lab the test should be sent to. So ... it was good knowing that it wasn't "in my head" like the regular docs tried to make it seem ... but, also, disgusting to know exactly what it is and disheartening to learn how extraordinarily resistent it is to both conventional and alternative treatment.

Anyway ... didn't mean to go on about it. I'm really bored with having it, so I'll shut up now.

Thanks for your sympathy.

[sailaway]

Congrats Pailina!
I too have had great blessings from raw, even with 2 days of cooked tossed in. I finally feel that I am regaining my health or at least taking control of it. Since staring March 28th I have lost 42 lbs. I am half way to where I was before my body started to shut down. Like you, I have at times started to second guess if I really have made the changes that raw is suppose to do ( other than weight) Then I listed all the large and small things different in me and they really add up to quite a bit! I have decided to make it part of my monthly run down. Sort of the Where I was vs. where I am now monthly report. Mainly so I don't lose sight of how important it is for me to stay raw.
Even if I don't have something "cooked"on occassion.

RawTruth
I was wondering if you could post to me or post the website you went to, what parasite you have as I have struggled for years with one that all they Dr gave was huge antibiotics and then it would go away (?) only to return. Also I have an adopted son who has had multiple parasite issues and I am not concinved he is done.

[Sharon in Colorado]

Diana I'd also be interested in what kind of parasite this is and perhaps the website if you'll indulge me.

I'm so glad you are doing great. As you know, I'm also naturally thin. I think my thinnest was something like 118 at 6'0 in high school also. After marriage I was around 132 and now I'm around 142-150 which I know if a lot of excess weight for me since I'm small framed. I never felt bad or weak when I was so thin. But I always have a mind to do weight training to build some muscle, which I lack.

Anyway, congrats to both of you for your sucess in 4 months. That is quite an accomplishment!

[Pailani]

Since staring March 28th I have lost 42 lbs. I am half way to where I was before my body started to shut down.

42 pounds! Wow! That's incredible!!

You know, at the time I started this, I also felt like my body was starting to change. Not shut down so much, but I had the baby at age 43 and at that point, it felt like I had turned a corner. I felt stiff a lot and my digestion got worse, everything seemed to disagree with me. I think I had started a downward spiral and would have only gotten worse and worse if I hadn't started eating this way.

[RawTruth]

It's Blastocysistis hominis

The site is:

http://www.badbugs.org/

There's a lot on the site -- many long pages and sometimes convoluted-seeming links, but it's the best by far. Great research, real authentic descriptions of what works (hardly anything :( ) and what doesn't. And ... usable suggestions like about where to have your gastroenterologist get stool samples.

Good luck to both of you!! We all need it on this one.

[Rawkinlocs]

Just wanted to pop in and say CONGRATS Pailani for all of your wonderful "wins" since going raw! :)

[annieH]

raw truth....did they tell you how you picked up this parasite? Thats one of the reasons i stopped eating sushi( REAL sushi)...years ago.

How can we make sure that if we are eating raw...that we dont pick up bugs like that?

[RawTruth]

raw truth....did they tell you how you picked up this parasite? Thats one of the reasons i stopped eating sushi( REAL sushi)...years ago.This particular parasite is not from sushi.

Actually, no one can factually say where any parasite came from, though there are some guesses, especially for the ones located only in specific geographical areas. This one is a protozoa (single-celled organism). It is not a worm or a fluke, though many people think that all parasites are worms (and most of the people selling products and services to get rid of parasites promote this misinformation -- it does have a gross-out factor that, perhaps, gets people to buy their products to make sure they don't have these disgusting things living in them - also, I've found that many people "guess" that they have them rather than have stool tests which is the only way to diagnose and identify them - TMI?).


How can we make sure that if we are eating raw...that we dont pick up bugs like that?Actually, parasites can be acquired from eating raw produce since a fair amount of unhygienic activities happens in the fields and during transport. Some people soak their fruits and veggies in a bleach-water solution, some grow their own and make sure animals stay away so there's no possible fecal contamination, and some people just pray!

Interestingly, though, most humans have some form of parasite living in their intestines already; it just may not be the type that has symptoms, so they don't realize it.

*spooky music* What evil lurks in the dark!

[annieH]

bleach water solution? I think i have heard about that but i am not sure how it works. i really had thought about parasites but after reading your post it got me to thinking. I would like to do something to make my food cleaner...whats the best thing to do.... what about that bleach thing?

[Carlene]

I'm with you Annie. I don't want those things. I had a friend who picked up parasites in a trip to Canada. They just about killed her although with real heavy drugging she got rid of them. She has never regained her health and since has had all sorts of problems.

At Wild Oats they sell a spray for washing vegetables. I think I'll pick some up.

RawTruth, have you checking into the whole vibrational thing. Sounds odd, I agree, but at least it can't hurt you.

[annieH]

WOW ! Thanks Carlene.... thats not a plesant thought about your friend....i will definately look into getting that spray as well...i am sure my local natrual foods store sells it.

[swingbolder]

I had parasites and all sorts of digestive problems last fall. I was crapping out big long worms that were as long as a 12-inch ruler. Not fun. NOt sure where I got them from, definitely could have been sushi.

I read that eating raw can cause parasites to go away bc you are cleaning out your system, making it alkaline and thus making it an inhospitable environment for them to hang out in. I don't know if this is true. I DO know though that since doing a month-long juice fast (back in December), then going straight into raw right after that seems to have alleviated the problem. I feel great, I'm eliminating regularly and I haven't seen any signs of the critters.

[annieH]

GOD GOD Swing! Thats totally disgusting LOL!
I am glad to hear you are doing better.... all the more reason now to go out and get that cleaning spray for the fruit and veg.
WOW!

[Sharon in Colorado]

I have a friend who swears by kombucha. She used to grow it herself even. Not sure if that's something that might help or hinder, since it is also a type of bacteria, although a beneficial bacteria.

[solarliving]

I am reading 12 steps to Raw foods by Victoria Boutenko. She discusses parasites and claims that a raw diet will completely rid the body of them because of the alkaline environment and well the body is so clean. Her family even got tested after being on a raw diet for 1 1/2 years, and no trace. Also parasites (I'm not sure if all or just some) don't like pumpkin seeds, garlic, and black walnut hull. Oh, And swingbolder, I guess you made it through that moment by the grace of god. You are one strong woman!

[sweetgoddess]

Pailani and RawTruth, congratulations to you both for staying with your vision these past 4 months, and for being brilliant enough to be flexible with your expectations. I am so proud of and greatly respect you both. You are both very inspiring.

It was wonderful reading both your experiences and changes, and I am glad you are able to see some gifts after your hard work. You certainly earned them.

Three cheers for you both! \ :D /\ :) /\ :p /
Much warmth,
Carmel

PS~~has anyone dealing with parasites tried collodial silver?

[RawTruth]

Thanks, Carmel. It's so good to see you back -- I've missed you. Guess that move and settling in is taking all your focus! *pout*

[sweetgoddess]

Actually, I think it's the burning of karma that is taking all my focus HA!

This move has brought up one challenge after another. Staying at my inlaws , with 14 people, having to sleep on an air mattress with a leak in the basement while sick and fevered....to my husbands brandnew digital camera being stolen, the first thing he has bought in the 4 years I have known him.....to both our rear tires blowing out a mile from east glacier on his way to his first day of work, to a month of looking at awful rentals ( theres a housing crisis in montana), to the place we rented having no water for the first few days, the heating system not working at all and it is still snowing here, to someone running over the drain field and ruining the septic, to our computer breaking down, someone ripping the phone box off and to top it all off, last night the fridge broke down and 150 dollars worth of groceries spoiling.

Ok, seems it felt good to get it all out.

sheesh~thank God/goddess I have love. Yesterday I spent 6 hours taking my computer apart, messing with the cmos and bios and calling motherboard manufacturers, tech support etc--and thankfully I fixed it enough to get the dsl installed. Now I can come here and draw on all the lovely energy while I see what life brings next. LOL

It was very inspiring to come back here and read about yours and pailanis 4 month progress as I begin anew. Thank you for that and for the kind words.

Blessings to you
Carmel