Digesting dehydrated foods

[c'estlaviebelle]

Does anyone else have trouble digesting dehydrated foods? I have been as close to 100% raw as I can be the last 2, almost 3, weeks, and usually I am subsisting on fruits and large salads with avocados, and nuts. The most processed thing I usually eat is the mock walnut pate or occasionally raw corn chips. I have had a few gourmet-type raw meals, but they have been mostly veggies as well (tostada and lasagna).

I had a gourmet falafel type sandwich from a local raw deli which was delicious yesterday, and it was so good that I decided to get another one today. It consisted of dehydrated falafel, flax bread, and some veggies. (I started both mornings with green smoothies). Anyway, my digestion is really sluggish today. Sorry if TMI, but I had one (small) bm yesterday and today had only a tiny one. Since going raw I've had big, softish bm. (sorry if that info grosses anyone out).

Do you think the dehydrated food is the cause? I really don't want it to be since the sandwiches were so yummy, but if that is the case I may need to make it a rare occurence to have that sort of food.

Is there any way to speed digestion up? Do I need to just let things run their course? Should I get a colonic?

On another note, I have been detoxing, and now my sinuses feel awful and I feel a bit flu-like. Would the sluggish digestion perhaps just be a symptom of detox and not necessarily the food?

Thanks for any help. I'm getting confused as to how to handle this.

[lavendarJ]

I can't eat too many dehydrated foods in one day no matter how yummy and healthy- they have the same effect on me as processed S.A.D.foods. I guess because they are bulky and don't have have water content,etc. I tried Alissa's enzymes last year and they worked great for me. So now, if I'm planning to enjoy some dehydrated goodness I make sure to have some of Alissa's enzymes on hand....they are not harsh on my system at all and I can always count on a movement if you know what I mean:D

How long have you been detoxing & how long has the digestion been going on? If the sandwich is a recent addition to your eating then it could be your body adjusting to that. I know that no matter how much water I drink, I can't eat too many dehydrated foods. I made some onion bread last year and was so happy that I ate tomato/avocado/cucumber/sprout sandwiches for two days and then things came to a complete stop....

I'm thinking dehydrated foods could be a contributing factor to the change...If you are still having some bm's, maybe cut out the sandwiches and see what happens....if you are constipated then don't let a shut down linger too long-that's just my opinion though

[c'estlaviebelle]

Thanks so much for the reply lavendarj! I really appreciate the insight and I'm starting to think I'm like you and I shouldn't eat so much dehydrated food at once.

I have been detoxing for the last week I'd say. I've also stopped losing weight about a week ago. Its frustrating. Anyway, the sandwich is a recent addition and I'm thinking that (like you said) the lack of water content is backing me up. I'm drinking water at the moment, and I took some vitamin c, which for some reason usually stimulates my intestines if several grams are taken within a short period of time (its a European remedy a good friend let me know about- works well).

I think I may need to take it easy on the sandwiches, even though I love them. :(

[RawSweetie]

Hi~
Yes, I discovered that I have to be somewhat careful when, in my excitement to try them, I ate lots of flax/hemp crackers in a 3 day period. It was during the same week that I was also excited about some of the raw desserts I had made, with lots of nuts and dried fruits. Nothing like dried fruits, lots of nuts and lots of flax with not enough water to slow me down! it's all part of the process of me learning, so I try to keep a sense of humor about it. I do much better with more fruits and greens and a balance of everything else. There's so much to experiment with and to learn...it's pretty cool.

But yeah, constipation is not fun. :( It'll pass. Pun intended!