Need Help Again!!

[victorlegge]

I posted on this group about 6 months ago. I have been getting dizzy spells with vomiting for about 6 years now. Sometimes I go 6 months without getting an attack which last 6 to 24 hours and then I will get several in a few weeks. I have been 99% raw for almost a year now. I still get the attacks though. The frequency has not changed but they are less severe. I do not exercise much because that seems to bring them on which I find very confusing because everybody says exercise is good. I go to acupuncture now - 3 times a week - it makes some difference but not a lot.
I am a bit disillusioned because everybody says raw will cure you of everything (well almost) but very little is happening for me. What am I doing wrong?
Here are some words about my diet. I purchased a vitamix blender 1 month ago and now I drink 6 glasses of green smoothie a day. I was using my old blender but it finally gave out on me. I was only drinking 3 glasses of green smoothie a day with my old blender. I eat soaked raw oats in the morning with raisins and raw nuts and fruit. I also have hemp protein powder with some supplements. I have a salad for lunch with raw cheese and flax crackers. Sorry, I am not vegan. For dinner I have a salad and I cook some fish to a temperature of 125 degrees in the dehydrator.
Also I get quite a few headaches - I am not sure if that is detox or part of being unwell.
Victor

[shashibala]

This sounds frustrating. I trust you have had it checked out by a doctor? Have you had a full blood panel to check blood sugar and liver and kidney function?
These symptoms can be caused by so many things from an inner ear issue to a
serious toxicity problem. (I am not a medical professional. )
I would really suggest the raw VEGAN lifestyle. Try it! See if you feel better. I wish you the best with this challenge!

[Revvell]

Suggestion: If you're not getting the results you want, do something different. Yes, raw will cure/heal most anything BUT, imo, you've not made the final leap. Raw cheese as in dairy? Fish? As in dead mercury-laden dead sea critter?

You are not "cooking" the fish in the dehydrator. You are heating it up. Think potential parasites.

I ditto what Shashibala said. 100%, 100% of the time for 30 days. Give it a shot and get back to us please.

Revvell

[pinkrosebud]

I agree with both posts. Make sure you have seen a doctor and had a full blood panel run, and at least cut out the fish, if not the cheese and the fish. I know making that leap is hard. I am a cheese maniac, I love the stuff. But try it for one month and see. What is in your green smoothies are you getting enough fruit? I have heard that some people have a hard time with some raw greens like kale and collard, but I urge you to try 100% raw vegan for one month and see what happens.

[JuneVarn]

Could you be gluten intolerant? I am and also have allergies to dairy, eggs, and yeast.

I used to have vomiting attacks out of the blue until I eliminated those foods.(along with shaking, palpitations and extreme anxiety).:( I also wouldn't get an attack immediately afterward. Sometimes it would take a few days of eating the offending substance. I also had gut parasites and infections since my immune system was depressed due to the allergies

Try eliminating those foods. You could also have a test done for gluten intolerance.

Hope you feel better soon.
Take care,
June:D

[JuneVarn]

Victor,

I also want to say that my vomiting attacks last 6 hours or more unless I take medications. Its awful so I really feel for you. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. The last attack I had was last month at my Mom's house in Florida. I had been to a restaurant the day before and there must have been something in the food I didn't know about.

My adrenals are still recovering from years of this(It started 12 years ago).I have low blood pressure and I feel dizzy sometimes. I was exercising a lot but now do gentle yoga and walking. I have to rebuild my body. I am also very thin and can't gain a pound. I am hoping this will do the trick.

Lets support each other on this journey.

Take care,
June:D

[rawmom2006]

I am sorry you have suffered from this for so long. That is not a pleasent way to live. I am sure you probably have done some of these suggestions. I would switch to a different dr and accupucturist if you are going that much and it has not completly gone away then they are not doing a proper job. if you have not seen one an ear throat nose doctor. Also get your blood checked out. Also try giving up the fish for a month to see if it helps. I am not sure if you use caffiene but if you do try to get it out of your diet. Have you tried cranial sacral massage.

[victorlegge]

Thanks for your replies. Thanks for the offer of support June. I will take you up on that. I am scared to go 100% vegan because I have been diagnosed as protein deficient by a few people although scientific tests were not done. The ENT doctor thought I was and 2 chiropractors thought I was. Before the fish and cheese deal that I do now I was just eating cheese in the evening and just a small piece. I cannot believe that giving that up would have much impact. I bought myself a vitamix blender recently so my green smoothies are easier to digest. I drink about a quart of green smoothie a day. Is this enough? Will this give me the protein. Somebody also told me that men need more protein.
About 3 years ago I went on a high protein diet with cooked food I might add. I ate fairly healthy - a salad a day, fruit in the morning, whole grains but lots of cooked meat and fish. I actually felt pretty good for 6 months better than now. I ran about 10 miles a week and survived on less than about 7 1/2 hours a day sleep. But then I started pushing it, a habit I have. I'd see if I could go with less sleep, do more etc. Then I had another attack which was bad. So then I decided to go to raw. I feel much weaker with raw food. I sleep 9 hours sleep a night on average and run 1 mile a week!! I have lost weight - 20 pounds. I still have attacks just not as bad but more frequent. I am very confused. Logically raw food makes sense so why is it not helping me.
I think Im going to have to see another doctor.

[victorlegge]

Not doing caffeine. Have not done it since starting raw 10 months ago.

[victorlegge]

Your dizzy attacks sound very similar to mine. They used to last about 6 hours and I would throw up every 20 minutes. They were like that before I went raw. Now they last 24 hours and I do not throw up unless I get out of bed. I recover much quicker from these new attacks. Every so often I just feel slightly dizzy, in the background and I know I need to take it easy.

[victorlegge]

I did go to hospital the first time I got dizzy and they did many tests and found nothing wrong. They told me not to move my head so quickly. I kid you not.

[Revvell]

You might wish to do a bit of research on the difference between the fact that, in order to assimilate "protein" from dead animal carcasses, the protein has to be broken down into usable amino acids. In fruits, vegetables, greens, seeds and nuts, the amino acids are already available and assimilable.

Consider this ~ how many people do you know you have died from protein deficiency? People who cook their food kill about half of all nutrients. They still live on and then die from "natural causes". Usually cancer or heart disease caused by eating animal products. If you've not read it, I'd suggest you get "The China Study".

I think a quart is good depending on how much/many greens you are putting in. Add a couple of salads or wraps using collard greens and you'll be in even better shape.

Just know, ALL fruits, veggies, greens, seeds and nuts contain amino acid... just in varying quantities. Hmmm.. just thought of something... are you taking any B vitamins? Try that and make sure it's got b-12 in it and see if you can find something natural.. maybe an herbal blend.

[Gittel]

Dizzy is not normal. My twins both get dizzy periodically, one more-so than the other. Homeopathy, which heals, has cured this problem. I highly recommend finding a good homeopath in your area. I hope that everyone who feels dizzy feels much better very soon.

Gittel

[LNdolls]

Okay, so you have changed what you are putting into your body... BUT, have you considered what you are getting out?? Detox in the form of colonics, colemas and or enemas can only help that dizziness and vomiting. A colon cleanse, a few liver flushes and a parasite cleanse may be the key to unlocking your body's health.
These are safe, common and cheap procedures that have made a huge impact on my life and health.

[stteardrop]

I only have time to scan this thread (sorry). It doesn't appear that anyone has mentioned the possibility that this is hormonal too. Especially if you have been losing a lot of weight or your weight is below your norm. If you're eating extreme amounts of soy products, that could be causing some hormonal fluctuations. I'm not a doctor either. Some dizziness in women really is not a big deal on account of hormonal changes that are ongoing all the time. Dizziness to the point of vomiting is, in my opinion, extreme. I've had some significant dizziness in my lifetime from various causes but none of them caused vomiting. I'd put the homeopathic stuff to the side and see an MD. The sad part about my experience with homeopathic medicine is that just above everybody considers themself an expert - even though they have had minimal to no meaningful training. There are good reasons why most doctors have about 10 years of schooling under their belt. Doesn't make them perfect, but if you want meaningful advice, the more training the better. It could be something as simple as Helicobacter pylori. We get a lot of that around Wyoming for some reason. Such organisms tend to run rampant with organic foods since there is little to no processing to guard against opportunistic bugs/germs. I have such an aversion to vomiting that even 1 time sends me off for medical help. That's only my viewpoint on the matter.

[victorlegge]

I am going to take Revvell's suggestion and go vegan for 30 days and then get back to you guys. Thanks for all the suggestions. I will be back with a report end of June. If I do not notice any improvement I will look at your suggestions again.

[victorlegge]

Well I have been vegan for 2 months now and I cannot say I have noticed much difference - maybe a little. I am also seeing a chiropractor who approaches illness from a neurological viewpoint. It is a little weird but it seems to have done some good because I began feeling better immediately after starting it. However I started to push it again. I got up at 5 am in the morning to meditate at my local buddhist group and that was enough to give me another attack. Pretty bad one - vomiting every 10 minutes, extreme dizzyness for 4 hours. Going to try a liver flush as someone suggested. A few doctors have said my liver is a bit weak. I am still holding out for an alternative approach to work.
Any other suggestions?

[shashibala]

Hi again, I applaud you for your diligence in trying many things to help yourself. I wish I had a more helpful answer for you. I am really not sure. It is possible that it is neurological. Once I was taking Erythromycin for strep and I had 24 hours of vomiting and dizziness. The doctor who finally saw me said that in very rare cases this drug stimulates the vomiting center of the brain.
It was hell, so I can imagine how difficult this must be on a regular basis!
I'm so sorry you are going through this. As for alternative therapies, you might look into cranial sacral therapy. One of my friends had very good luck with this for migraine headaches. Just a thought, though. I hate to just give you more ways to spend your money! Go slowly and don't push yourself! I wish you all the best!

[souldanzer]

Have you ever been evaluated for vertigo? Sounds similar to me.

Souldanzer :)

[RawLibrarian]

I was thinking it might be Menier's disease:

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/meniere.asp

Check out the list of symptoms.

[victorlegge]

Several people have mentioned Menieres disease. I went to an ENT specialist and they thought it was not. They wanted me to see a specialist on Menieres to confirm their opinion but I did not go. Trouble is there is no cure for Menieres. They say that diet, managing stress help. So if I find out it is Menieres it does not help me.

[Bananna]

That was also my first thought....It would help you to have it diagnosed so that you can either rule it out or rule it in.

...and even if it's ruled in, when dealing with people, ie hospitals, you can officially tell them you have this, so they don't wonder if they spin you around a corner in a stretcher and you throw up, and proceed to misdiagnose you based on symptoms of something Else you have (which is why you're there). Like say you have an ovarian cyst rupture, and then you throw up too, they might be inclined to think it's appendicitis or something. Not that they wouldn't do tests to verify that before they cut you open, lol...

I used to not want to bother diagnosing my son with asperger's for example, because what difference does it make? Then a special ed teacher explained to me that it allows professionals to know what to Expect in dealing with him rather than walking in blind and think he's 'misbehaving' and him not get the understanding from his teachers when they counsel him.

So diagnoses have advantages Other than gaining treatment sometimes....

[victorlegge]

I think I will get diagnosed by western medicine. Thanks for the input, Bananna.
Victor

[victorlegge]

The other day I went to a fancy restaurant with my wife who does not encourage me with my raw food. I ate some cooked food. First time for a year. The next day I ate some more. I enjoyed it immensely. I had no ill effects. I am now having cravings for cooked food. I am seriously thinking of giving up this diet. Before being raw I was pretty health conscious and quite frankly I have noticed little change in my health since going raw and I have been raw for a year. I have a 2 week vacation planned in the UK and we will be going to some nice restaurants and I know I will be very tempted.
Is there anybody out there who went from a healthy to a raw diet and experienced dramatic health improvements because I have noticed few?
I sometimes believe health is 70% mental anyway.

[jami]

I have had many of the same issues. I can completely relate, these are just suggestions and I am in no way a Dr.. For the dizziness it was partially my blood sugar and at this point spirulina( a complete protein) helps. I take what would be two servings a day. Do a little research it needs to be a good one, Dr. cousins has some info on a good spirulina.

Along with that, from having a child with Autism I learned about sensory integration dysfunction. I would take my son into therapy in this room they called the sensory integration gym, everything moves fast and up and down, sideways along with lots of bright colors. i would get so sick after being in there that I could not watch him in therapy.

The long and the short of it I went/need to go some more to a ocupational therapist that worked with me on this specific issue. That I thought only kids have. It is something that you can over come and food related allergies actually can make it worse! As I have eliminated my allergy foods and see the OT, I have decrease vertigo( my vertigo was so bad that I could not drive or walk) along with all the other things that go with being dizzy frequently.

SID(sensory integration dysfunction) is affecting the vestibular system within the inner ear. Anyhow, one of the other issues that came up with this whole mystery with me was that, apparently there are these liitle bones inside your inner ear where the vestibular system is and they can come out, this created a dizziness to the point where I was unable to walk, had to crawl to the bathroom, very bad!! My Do helped with that. Very weird things she did to put them back in. No surgery though just moving my head and laying certain ways for a few days.Would be happy to share if you are interested!

I am not sure that any of this information is new or not to you, but maybe something will be able to help as you try to help yourself!

Awesome Job, by the way! Most people would have not tried to find the root of the cause as you appear to be doing! I love that, more Dr's were like that we would have less health issues, I think!!

Take care Jami:)

[victorlegge]

Jami,
I take blue-green algae which I believe to be a really good source of protein.
Interesting idea about the ear though. I would like more information on that. I do think this has a lot to do with my ability to handle stress as mentioned by somebody else.

[jami]

victorlegge,

I just got home and have a lot to do, but this evening I will try to find a website or any information I pass on to you about the vestibular system. I would probabley start with wikipedia for some basics.

As a parent of an autistic child I know first hand what stress can do to a person. I do not remember my childs first 2 years of life so say the least. I know several other moms who are in my situation who can say the same thing. Stress is a hard one! I am slowly learning, I still get bad GI problems when I am stress or nervous. That has occured since i can remember. So this is very much a possibility.

Let me get back to you on the other info. As see what I can help out with. I think many other great ideas where suggested. Good luck to you in the mean time. Quiting is harder then it seems!!

Jami

[shashibala]

I wish you all the best whatever you decide to do about diet. I hope you have a lovely trip!!
If diet doesn't seem to be helping and you think it is stress related, I recommend meditation. It is powerful. I use Kundalini meditation techniques, but Transcendental Meditation is also very helpful for regulation of stress responses.

[RawVegRon]

Hi Victor,

I would sure go vegan, if I were you! I'd also quit coffee and stimulants, sugar, chemicals and preservatives, salt and nuts. You may have some allergies. Have you ever tried testing foods by elimination?

Ron

[GlimR]

Victor........great that you have found what works for you...BUT this is a site that encourages and supports those that DO want to be raw vegan.

[RawHeaven]

It is my belief, which is not going to be popular with a lot of you but I do not care, that the raw food diet especially the vegan one is extremely dangerous because there is not enough protein in it. Also it is hard to get enough calories because lets face it the food is weird so it takes time to get to like it. Apart from that I think it is a good diet!!!

Victor, I respect your belief and I'm sincerely glad you found the diet that works for you as I know you've been struggling to find your answers. But you know this is a raw vegan site with many people who are walking examples of how there is plenty of protein - oh wait a minute - I mean amino acid building foods that build protein in the body (in the raw vegan diet). I used to eat way too much protein as a vegetarian and wasn't absorbing it anyway and was too heavy with regard to my body weight as a result. As a raw vegan I have never had so much energy in my life and even when I do feel like I'm picking up a virus or something or am depleted in energy which is very rare now - I bounce back immediately. I'm glad you found what works for you, but I'm sure your intent wasn't to come across harsh and bashing raw was it? Peace.