Detox already?? Help!

[Ingunn]

I am on my second day of eating 100% raw after a week of dabbling. And I am in PAIN. I am nauseous and my head is pounding.

The problem is that I have a paper due tomorrow and I can't work when I'm like this! I am *this* close to going to get a burrito or potato chips - I'm craving salty things like a madman...

What should I do?

[Jay]

Gosh, I wish I could help you Ingunn!!

I know what you mean, I experienced it too, just shortly after I started, it does go away, but I was in a position where I didn't have to finish any papers! Maybe you can eat something different to slow down the detox effects... don't know what though, don't want to say anything because some other people might be in a better position to tell you what to do...

I do hope it gets better, maybe drinking a lot of water will flush out the toxins a little bit faster?

Hang in there! :o

ps: I started eating 100% raw during my holiday, so there was no pressure of any kind...

I wish you all the best!

[Rawkinlocs]

What are you eating?

Whip up some of Jinjee's (rawfaith) "Top Almonds" - if my memory serves me correctly, I think it's almonds, a little olive oil, some sea salt and seasonings. She said her neice (or nephew...forget which one) said it tastes like Top Ramen noodles.

I made it once and it was good! Just try and find a RAW something to curb your craving for salt and oil. Don't try to fight this urge with simple fruit and veggies because most times, it won't work! Trust me, I know!

But the headache and nausea you feel IS a detox symptom and/or withdrawal from the previous things you've eaten prior to going all raw for the past couple of days.

It's common and I experienced it too. But the important thing, as Alissa has stressed so many times, is to eat, eat, EAT! Don't allow your body to feel "hungry" and that's all that is...our minds have been conditioned to associate those exact feelings you are feeling with hunger and we've been conditioned to think that simple raw foods can't POSSIBLY satisfy hunger...that you need "real" food i.e. junk food or food from animal and that's what you have to begin reconditioning your mind from thinking.

Honey, I was the QUEEN of "never-making-it-beyond-2-or-3-days" when it came to eating raw or fasting!! LOL! But this last time after some peptalks from Todd, Alissa and others, I made up my mind and although I was most definitely tempted by day 2 and half-way into day 3 of my raw challenge, I fought my way through and now I'm on day 10 of being 100% raw!

You CAN do it...it's your mind playing tricks AND misreading the signals of your body. Whatever it is you enjoy eating the most that is raw, eat it and LOTS of it! If you have Alissa's book, get to whipping up SOME-thing and if you don't, get to looking around online for the MANY websites that have free raw recipes. But try and not give into temptation.

We're rootin' for ya!

"GO INGUNN GO INGUNN - RAW RAW RAW!!

P.S. I found that doing a light enema sometimes helps with headaches as headaches are usually a sign of toxins in the body. Clearing out the bowels during this time is impertinent!

[twinyoga]

I was about 70% raw yesterday till bedtime. Then I craved something sweet and ate some leftover cake. Today is a new day and I am going to bed in one hour and have been 100% raw! Yes! But I also feel kind of woozy. It seems to be better when I eat (even though it's not a hunger feeling). I also have been extremely thirsty today. Maybe that's part of the detox? All I know is that I'm craving bread and cookies!

I made raw cookies out of almond butter, oats and honey today. Roll into balls and roll in a cinnamon/carob mixture. Those are making me feel better.

I didn't know if the way I feel was a detox but I am thinking that it is(ecspecially after reading your e-mail).

Can I have a pep talk, please???

I want to make it another day 100%.

Thanks.
Debbie

[Alissa]

ok guys, rawkinlocs is right! This is normal and the first few days are the hardest. just 'decide' to do it. Sometimes you have to not think about it, like the chapter in my book that says - don’t indulge the thought-. Think about how good your going to feel in the morning instead.
nausea and your head pounding is a sign of detox and even though you may not be hungry you should eat, anything raw, just eat and you wont feel physically hungry and you’ll be able to deal with it better. If your hungry plus craving food its the kiss of death.
You can do it! Lets decide together to get through the next few days. Make a goal to get to Friday being 100% raw and we'll all be watching you! . You guys in?
who else wants to join this mini challenge? 100% raw till Friday! i know you can do it, look how far you’ve come already!

[Shay]

100% raw till Friday....and beyond!!!
I was doing so well, really well, nothing but raw, even when the family had pizza on Sunday and I *wanted* just a taste, I didn't. Then I don't know what happened yesterday I absentmindedly grabbed a tortilla chip and salsa and then proceeded to eat a whole bowl!!! Well in fact I DO know what happened, I was under stress about a project I'm working on and self sabotaged myself, that is a pattern in my life.....right at a breakthrough and *I* slam a door in my own face!!! The other thing was I was told I'm looking great and *slam* had to do something to prove it's just a fluke.
But on a clear headed day, I can see that I am....I've been wearing make-up since Jr. High and within these past weeks have been *able* to go without when I feel like it...what a great feeling!!!

Anyways, I'm coming back to my senses and realize I need a better strategy then this, and some defense tactics against my sometimes evil self, any ideas?!?
This challenge is a great start.

~~~Shay

[Helen Of Tennessee]

I'm not ready for the mini challenge this week. I'm on another challenge on another board where I working on eating 5+ servings of fruits and veggies daily for the rest of this month.

I'm seriously tempted to do the 30 day challenge in November.

Currently I working on trying to find "good" fruits. Hopefully between now and Nov. 1st I will have a system down where I can tell if something is probably good, getting enough in the house and having them ripen at different stages. I just hate it when I really want an avocado wrap, only to open the avocado up and it's bad. Then I'm not prepared for an alternative food. So I'm working on this the rest of this month and hope to jump into 100% raw Nov. 1. :eek: Kind of scary. Still haven't found a raw salad dressing yet :eek: Never done a green juice before, but I'm visiting a friend up in Michigan this weekend who is going to make me one. I sure do hope I like it!!!! I may have to juice all my greens and eat my fruit for the month!

----------------------------------
I just saw that "my friend" that I'm going to visit in Michigan, that is going to make me a green juice, posted just below me . . . Edda :) Edda and I have never met. She lives in Michigan and I live in Tennessee. We met on another bulletin board and I learned she lives in the same town I use to, so when I go up this weekend to see my family, I get to meet Edda!!!!

Isn't the Internet wonderful? We get to meet other people who believe in the raw food diet that we would have never met before!

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[ehartmanf]

Shay,

I can so relate. This very thing happened to me the other day and it seemed like it was my evil twin who was eating the bread and cheese and two of my husband's cookies. When it was over I couldn't believe it. BUT....I am back on track and doing well.

I guess I need to be really aware of what I'm doing and have plenty of the right things available. That usually cuts down on the temptation factor. It's tough when I'm preparing food for my husband who is not raw.

[twinyoga]

Ok, I'm up for it.

I was all raw today with no detox side effects at all. Yesterday was rough. I was seriously woozy for a while even during the night. But after a banana, yoga class and lots of water, I got it back together today.

I didn't even try hard to be raw today. I just did it. I had so much in my house that it wasn't a problem.

I'm just trying not to think about it. I have to say that my face looks really clear already and does have a glow. Can that happen this quickly?

Both my husband and best friend are the only two that know I'm doing the raw thing. I keep asking them if they think I'm neurotic or healthy. Both are saying that I'm healthy. Why is this so scary?? Maybe I just need more confidence.
Debbie

[rawal]

Hello, This is my first post and second day raw. I felt ok yesterday however, today I feel AWFUL. My head is killing and also have felt nauseous. I also feel slightly disoriented. I am really freaked out and wonder if this is normal. I have read the previous posts on this today but I just needed some encouragement that this is ok and will go away soon. Does anyone know how long this lasts and if it gets better each day or does it keep getting worse before it gets better? I have 3 small kids and homeschool so I really need to be able to function tomorrow! I don't feel hungry at all. All of my senses feel heightened as well. Sorry this is so long. Help please. Thanks!

[rawal]

Also, is the detox from food, meds or other herbal supplements or just from cooked food? Should I avoid Advil for the pain? I can't even lie down to sleep. Thanks again.

[Rawkinlocs]

Rawal,

Please try not to fear the detox. I think the only reason people "fear" it is because they are anticipating it. But we have all "caught" colds, gotten headaches or other aches, etc. at varying periods of time during our lives and it was never something feared.

First, let's just remember that detox is nothing more than the body cleaning house...getting things out of you that shouldn't be there. If you develop cold symptoms and you're coughing up phlegm or your nose is running like crazy or you have a slight fever...then know that your body is getting rid of garbage and if you take anything for it to suppress the symptoms you are stopping the process, adding MORE toxins to your body (the meds) and causing the body to end up reabsorbing the very thing it's trying to get rid of.

Headaches are usually a sign that toxins are being stirred up in your blood stream, etc. I have found that doing an enema to help get rid of some of that from out of the bowels helped me tremendously whenever I'd get those "stirred up toxin" headaches!

I, too, have children at home and homeschool but be thankful that you ARE at home and don't have to go out to work! It'll be much easier for you to deal with any detox symptoms that occur being able to be at home! :)

Also, keep in mind that oftentimes when your body goes through detox, old symptoms of old ailments may come up as the body clears things out. Don't be frightened of this...try and welcome it and know that your body is doing what is necessary to make you well!

As for how long it'll last...that is very atypical. Not everyone is the same. It depends on how you ate in the past, what types of things ailed you in the past, etc. Remember, if you at cooked foods and processed foods and junk foods over a period of years, you can't expect it to only take the body a few days, weeks or months to rid of all that.

Try and hang in there...believe me when I tell you it DOES get better!

[rawal]

Thanks for the message!!! I appreciate it so much. I will try to hang in there. When you talk about old ailments does that include past depression episodes? I have suffered from those in the past and DEFINITELY don't want to go through that again! That is a big reason I wanted to try going raw. So, if I take anything, I will have to start this OVER? Well, I hope I feel better tomorrow! :) That's really neat you homeschool-I don't know many around me who do. This is only our first year. Thanks again-I was praying someone would answer soon!

[Rawkinlocs]

Twinyoga,

Sounds like you're doing wonderfully! I especially like how you said you don't even think about it...you just do it! That's great!!

I think the reason it may be scary for you is because it's SO simple! I mean, the thought that one can actually LIVE on simple, raw foods AND be healthy or regain their health is so unheard of...so not taught to us by the mainstream. So many would have you believe it's false and that it's dangerous, etc. But think about the hidden motives and agendas - if you began eating all raw and your health went through the roof...do you know what you are doing? You are no longer dependent on doctors, no longer dependent on medications or even herbal supplements, no longer dependent on the pharmacist, no longer dependent on OTC stuff; and that all boils down to no longer putting money into their pockets! If EVERYONE got wind of this and took heed to it, that would be detrimental to a lot of folks livelihoods!

So, of course you're gonna find articles and statements from doctors and nutritionists and even some vegetarian/vegan folks and natural doctors that say eating an all raw food diet is unwise.

And, because of those things and because it's not the norm and we've been taught that we NEED to eat certain things cooked and we NEED to have rice and legumes and we NEED to have animal protein...it's scary when you step back from all of that "sound" teaching and step into something such as an all raw, primarily fruit-based diet! It's just ridiculously simple...but you have a lot of folks right here on this very board who are living examples that as simple as it is, it's true and it works!


Ok, I'm up for it.

I was all raw today with no detox side effects at all. Yesterday was rough. I was seriously woozy for a while even during the night. But after a banana, yoga class and lots of water, I got it back together today.

I didn't even try hard to be raw today. I just did it. I had so much in my house that it wasn't a problem.

I'm just trying not to think about it. I have to say that my face looks really clear already and does have a glow. Can that happen this quickly?

Both my husband and best friend are the only two that know I'm doing the raw thing. I keep asking them if they think I'm neurotic or healthy. Both are saying that I'm healthy. Why is this so scary?? Maybe I just need more confidence.
Debbie

[Rawkinlocs]

You're welcome! It's possible that even old emotional issues may arise...but the thing is, depression doesn't just happen. SOMETHING or someONE brings it on and those are the things you have to deal with rather than suppressing them.

I went through a mild depression a few year back and it was very diffiicult to even admit to that because who wants to admit their going through depression? But I was. I never took any meds for it because it wasn't until after it was over and after I worked through it that I even acknowledged or realized what it actually was! If you believe in God (or higher power, Creator, etc.) then make sure you have a strong connection!

As for homeschooling - yes, there are a few others here and in fact, there is a thread that was started a little while ago and here is the link to it if you'd like to read and/or contribute to it: http://rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=380


Thanks for the message!!! I appreciate it so much. I will try to hang in there. When you talk about old ailments does that include past depression episodes? I have suffered from those in the past and DEFINITELY don't want to go through that again! That is a big reason I wanted to try going raw. So, if I take anything, I will have to start this OVER? Well, I hope I feel better tomorrow! :) That's really neat you homeschool-I don't know many around me who do. This is only our first year. Thanks again-I was praying someone would answer soon!

[rawal]

You're welcome! It's possible that even old emotional issues may arise...but the thing is, depression doesn't just happen. SOMETHING or someONE brings it on and those are the things you have to deal with rather than suppressing them.

I went through a mild depression a few year back and it was very diffiicult to even admit to that because who wants to admit their going through depression? But I was. I never took any meds for it because it wasn't until after it was over and after I worked through it that I even acknowledged or realized what it actually was! If you believe in God (or higher power, Creator, etc.) then make sure you have a strong connection!

As for homeschooling - yes, there are a few others here and in fact, there is a thread that was started a little while ago and here is the link to it if you'd like to read and/or contribute to it: http://rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=380
Thanks again! I just didn't anticipate detox to be like this. I feel "off" as well as the physical stuff. It's reassuring I'm not alone though! God definitely got me through this so far-He is faithful. Thanks for the homeschool thread!

[corky]

I have broken out in big pimples on my back and shoulders on my 2nd day raw and about 7th day 90% raw. I do mean big hard red things!! Any ideas?? I will also check out that homeschooling thread as i have 2 boys i homeschool. Thanks all!

[vegbaby]

I am on my second day of eating 100% raw after a week of dabbling. And I am in PAIN. I am nauseous and my head is pounding.

The problem is that I have a paper due tomorrow and I can't work when I'm like this! I am *this* close to going to get a burrito or potato chips - I'm craving salty things like a madman...

What should I do?

Ingunn,

I knew I was going to be majorly detoxing from caffeine and sugar when I first went 100% raw, so I made sure I had nothing to do, which allowed me to sit on the couch and watch Alissa's video for two days and absolutely veg out (no pun intended). I was DEAD. I felt horrible for three days. Then I started to feel better, but honestly, for a month I felt lightheaded, had body aches off and on, and I started second guessing myself: is this really detox? maybe I'm sick? this can't be good for me!? something must be wrong!?

After about a month it all went away, and then the real benefits started to show: weight loss, increased energy, clear skin, etc. I had one woman tell me that every time she ran into me I seemed to be getting younger! That was a nice boost!

On the other hand, I have met raw fooders who experienced no detox and lost no weight. How strange that we are all so different. Trust in yourself and your body's ability to heal itself. It WILL happen!

Melanie

[Rawkinlocs]

I have broken out in big pimples on my back and shoulders on my 2nd day raw and about 7th day 90% raw. I do mean big hard red things!! Any ideas?? I will also check out that homeschooling thread as i have 2 boys i homeschool. Thanks all!

I'm experiencing this now as I type Corky. I have a huge, hard, painful bump on my back and a couple of not-so-huge ones and one I can feel inside of my ear (at the top, not inside the canal) I am chalking it up to my body getting rid of toxins through my skin as I am also noticing a few pimples popping up on my face as well. It's all your body trying to get crap outta ya!

When I was in my teens and early adulthood, my face, back, shoulders and chest would break out something terrible! I also used to get bad yeast infections and even had thrush in my mouth! I am now experiencing a mild recurrance of these things since having been all raw for little over a week.

But as vegbaby stated, not everyone goes through it or much anyways! It really all depends on your past history I think and each body is different and eliminates waste/toxins differently. This is why one person may end up with psoriasis while the other may have eczema...both are the body's way of signalling there are some TOXIC issues going on inside and it manifests itself via the skin.

[rawal]

I'm beginning my 3rd day raw and so far I feel way better than I did yesterday-although, yesterday's pains didn't start getting bad until noontime. It's so great reading everyone's posts-very encouraging. I am going to try to drink lots of water today and eat more often-it seems like my symptoms ease a little after I've eaten. I'm going for the mini challenge to be raw til Friday ( and beyond, of course ) but I'll focus on baby steps for now. How long do the meals last in the fridge?

[Sweet lips]

Rawkinlocs and Corky,

Do you think those things are boils? or carbuncles - both which are results of poisions being eliminated from the body. Sometimes, you will experience heat around them, which will verify what they are. If they come to a head, or get white in the middle and are still uncomfortable, I use an old remedy - creating a poultice with dry mustard and water -into a paste and that bring the posions out. I have done that when those things were in the places that wouldn't allow me to rest or sit well.

This might not be on topic - sorry

[Sweet lips]

Rawkinlocs and Corky,

Do you think those things are boils? or carbuncles - both which are results of poisions being eliminated from the body. Sometimes, you will experience heat around them, which will verify what they are. If they come to a head, or get white in the middle and are still uncomfortable, I use an old remedy - creating a poultice with dry mustard and water -into a paste and that bring the posions out. I have done that when those things were in the places that wouldn't allow me to rest or sit well.

This might not be on topic - sorry

[Curtis]

Remember most folks have no concept of detox. What is detox? Think back to all the years, for some of us that is, of eating cooked and prepackaged food and fast food. Food additives, preservatives, dyes, sugar, caffeine, etc. can be kept in our tissues for years. As one allows the liver and the whole digestive system to cleansed by eating healthy food this stuff is released and can be very unpleasant for awhile. Is it painful? Can be, but is worth the feeling of being alive when it is over. :)

[Rawkinlocs]

I don't think so in my case. The largest one isn't that big, but a little larger than your average facial pimple. No heat around them either. But thanks, though!


Rawkinlocs and Corky,

Do you think those things are boils? or carbuncles - both which are results of poisions being eliminated from the body. Sometimes, you will experience heat around them, which will verify what they are. If they come to a head, or get white in the middle and are still uncomfortable, I use an old remedy - creating a poultice with dry mustard and water -into a paste and that bring the posions out. I have done that when those things were in the places that wouldn't allow me to rest or sit well.

This might not be on topic - sorry

[rawal]

Hi everyone!! Well, today is day seven 100% raw! I can't believe I've made it one week. Well, I have felt WAY better since Wednesday from detoxing. Thanks to all for the encouragement and listening to my crying about detox. I just couldn't get over how simply eating differently could cause my body to react in such an intense way! It really solidified how poisonous the SAD diet is! I'm doing ok-have only wanted cooked foods a few times but I'm sure the cravings will come and go. The saying, "this too will pass" has helped alot. Anyway, thanks again to all of you for listening and being so supportive-I agree, this board is so sweet and loving!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Rawal,

Congratulations on 7 full days of 100% RAW. I start mine Nov. 1st, so it will be my turn to cry and come to the board for support and encouragement; and this time it will be you doing the supporting and encouraging.

Because I have have been raw off and on, I know that starting the first day is the hardest and you did it!!!!!! I'm so glad you are feeling so much better now. Just think how you're going to feel further down the road!!!

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[rawal]

Thanks Helen! I'm sure you'll do great Nov 1! I'll definitely be here for you as well as everyone else! :) I'm really new to this so I don't know if I'll ever have any good advice but I can be supportive! Best Wishes, Rawal

[Mical]

I've been 100% raw 9 days now, and this detox thing is working me over pretty hard too. I've had some pretty bad headahes, one woke me up in the middle of the night. Thank Goddess that went away after a couple of days. Then my aches: bursitis and back pain got worse (which is why I'm going raw, seeing if I can heal that), and now I've had a sore throat and a very strange, "out of the blue" phlegm coughs that just pops up on occassion. No other symptoms. Kind of like a mini-flu. This has lasted about two days.

Here's a question for members in the "know". A couple of years ago, I hit juice fasts pretty hard and frequently. But at that time I was running a lot. I didn't experience the detox symptoms I am this time around. I'm starting to wonder if exercise might not help move the lymphatic fluids (don't ask me what those are though!) out and help move the toxins out? I read about that on another sight. Does anyone have any feedback on that :rolleyes: