My acupuncturist said "no raw foods." Now what??

[MrsJohnnyG]

I just started seeing an acupuncture practitioner because my husband and I have not been able to have a baby (we are able to conceive, but always lose the baby between 10 and 12 weeks).

I LOVED my first acupuncture session this afternoon... but during the consultation time, after a lengthy interview and exam, my acupuncturist told me that one of the reasons I keep miscarrying is because of too much "cold" in my body, and that I must not eat raw foods... I'm supposed to steam or stir-fry everything. :( (Before I even told her I eat raw now, she said "You've been consuming a lot of raw food, haven't you?" because of my symptoms.)

What the....???!! She sounded so logical and insistent about this, but I am already hooked on raw and don't want to give up the enzymes I'm getting from live food. Now I feel like I have to choose one or the other... and that my chances for having a healthy baby hinge on the decision I make. :(

Has anyone else been in this situation? Obviously you decided on raw if you are here... what made you decide, and how did you reconcile it with going against your TCM or acupuncturist's recommendation?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions... I want to stay raw but my desire to finally have a baby is much stronger than the desire to stay raw!

[iluvmangos]

If raw foods make the body too cold to concieve, then I wonder how anyone else can get pregnant on raw foods and they clearly do. Maybe you could eat foods that are warming to the body like ginger and cayenne. There are probably other foods like that, but I just don't know them off the top of my head.

[RawPaw]

Yeah, I'm surprised people can conceive on junk food, but they do. She doesn't seem all that logical to me.

[Coconutcutie]

I went through a health crisis in September and at that time I consulted an acupuncturist. He immediately told me to stop eating all raw food (at the time I was eating about 70% raw) and to eat cooked vegetables, rice, and small amounts of meat at every meal. Apparently he diagnosed me with a cold and damp condition and a spleen deficiency. I presented with insomnia, diarrhea, weight loss, nerve and liver issues, and hypothyroidism (all caused by a bad reaction to an antibiotic). He said that raw foods were exacerbating my condition. He also advised me to avoid all fruit.

After he effectively convinced me to give an all-cooked diet a try, I went for it. I was able to gain back a lot of the weight that I had lost, and I seemed to feel better for awhile. However, after a few months of this, I began to see my skin conditions getting worse and also became ridiculously depressed. This is when I decided to go back to raw FOR GOOD, and at 100%. I no longer visit that acupuncturist, but I did run into him at Whole Foods the other day, and with my cart full of fresh fruits and raw veggies :p

I have been meaning to post something along these lines, since I am curious as to what those who understand the TCM philosophy think about this dilemma. As the acupuncturist described it, in a cold and deficient condition, it takes the body too much energy to get enough nourishment from raw foods. He pretty much poo-pooed the enzyme theory. Also, the high water content of raw foods apparently causes an excess of damp....

For the record, I feel and look better while eating 100% raw so whatever breach in Chinese philosophy I have committed, I think I am doing better for it.

[Coconutcutie]

I also wanted to add that Gabriel Cousens somewhat addresses this issue in his book 'Conscious Eating' and he does advise using warming herbs such as ginger, cayenne, etc. to counteract the cooling effect of raw foods.

[shashibala]

We must always remember that whatever healing helpers we are seeing have their own set of tools. I imagine it as their tool box that they got when they were trained. This is the box they will always reach into to help others heal. Doctors will usually offer drugs, surgeons- surgery, raw foodists- raw foods;) , etc... This doesn't mean that these things are wrong, but it is our choice to say yes or no based on what resonates for us. We are in control of our decisions.
This acupuncturist might have something valuable to offer you, but you don't have to buy the whole package. I went to a renowned kinesiologist. He suggested that I needed to begin eating meat, raw eggs, and animal based supplements. That didn't work for me. I just wasn't gonna do it! I've heard that this person has helped lots of people heal, but I had to find my own way. That is the good and the bad news! If you feel like trying the acupuncturist's plan, don't feel guilty, but if it doesn't feel right, don't. Of course, I would say stay raw.:D
I wish you all the best!

[MrsJohnnyG]

Thank you for the warming foods suggestions... GREAT idea and I will add more cayenne etc. to my foods.

If raw foods make the body too cold to concieve, then I wonder how anyone else can get pregnant on raw foods and they clearly do.
From what was explained to me, it's often because they had the opposite condition... so raw foods were exactly what their body needed. (or so the theory goes.)

Yeah, I'm surprised people can conceive on junk food, but they do. She doesn't seem all that logical to me.
I know, those lucky people! :D People have also conceived while drunk in the back seat of a car, but it doesn't mean my aging body is able to do it. Some of us need a little help. Of course, if I knew for 100% certain I could conceive while drunk, in the back seat of a car, while eating cooked junk food, I would try it. ;)

Very interesting, Coconutcutie... thanks for sharing your experience. In TCM they talk about bringing the body back into balance. I'm wondering if it's a matter of needing to eat a certain way for a period of time, but then once the body is back into balance, it's fine to eat raw food again? I hadn't considered that but it's interesting that you felt better for a while, but then it stopped working so to speak.

Thank you, Shashibala... very very true. I know that in any case, I will eventually come back to raw... it's just a given for me... but if I have to give it up temporarily in order to have a baby (or two!), something I long for more than anything in the world, then I will do it... but then I have the whole rest of my life to eat raw again.

When I posted this I felt as though I had to choose one extreme or the other. Now, I'm wondering if I could simply eat warm soups (only heated to 113 degrees) and add more warming raw foods to my diet, and thereby skate that line right in between. hmmmm.....

Thanks for everyone's replies, it's much appreciated!

[Coconutcutie]

I think you are on to something MrsJohnnyG on several fronts....

I think it is possible that perhaps if we are in a state of imbalance that changing things for a short period of time (i.e. eating cooked food) may allow us to enter into a new stage of raw food living with a fresh slate, so to speak. However, it is soooo hard imagine eating cooked food after learning everything that we have learned about this lifestyle, know what I mean?

Also, I think when colder weather settles in here for the fall (about November here in AZ) I plan to continue with raw foods however I will be eating more blended raw soups (heated but not killed-enzymes intact) and more sprouted grains, squashes, pumpkins,sweet potatoes (dehydrated),etc. These are all warming foods according to TCM. Plus, the cooling fruits are just not as tasty or appropriate during this time.

I think in your case you could "straddle the fence" and remain raw with slightly warmed soups made with warming ingredients. If I remember correctly, in TCM your "condition" is associated with compromised assimilation and so anything blended and essentially pre-chewed and pre-digested would be helpful to you.

Shashibala,

You are so right that in terms of healing care, we must choose what works for us and discard the rest. I was so desperate for any help and relief when I sought treatment from the acupuncturist that I was willing to try anything. Also, at the time I was half-heartedly raw, and really hadn't researched raw foods benefits all that much before deciding to integrate more living foods into my diet. I have been thinking about getting some acupuncture done once again, and this time I would make it clear that my dedication to raw foods is unwavering!! I had some good arguments with him last time over this, but this time I am armed with so much more knowledge!

[RawHeaven]

We must always remember that whatever healing helpers we are seeing have their own set of tools. I imagine it as their tool box that they got when they were trained. This is the box they will always reach into to help others heal. Doctors will usually offer drugs, surgeons- surgery, raw foodists- raw foods;) , etc... This doesn't mean that these things are wrong, but it is our choice to say yes or no based on what resonates for us. We are in control of our decisions.
This acupuncturist might have something valuable to offer you, but you don't have to buy the whole package. I went to a renowned kinesiologist. He suggested that I needed to begin eating meat, raw eggs, and animal based supplements. That didn't work for me. I just wasn't gonna do it! I've heard that this person has helped lots of people heal, but I had to find my own way. That is the good and the bad news! If you feel like trying the acupuncturist's plan, don't feel guilty, but if it doesn't feel right, don't. Of course, I would say stay raw.:D
I wish you all the best!

Well said!

Would you believe when I sought the advice of a non force chiropractor he told me to eat meat?! I was speechless when he told me that. He said my blood type probably warranted it and because my adrenals were fatigued at the time (per his diagnosis) it was the only way. (Red flag) - there's never an only way. Needless to say I sought out another chiro who was excellent and we spoke the same healing language.

Mrs Johnny, I visited an acupuncturist for several months after I injured myself and he was brilliant - just an amazing healer. He studied western medicine and traditional chinese medicine and I believe he also was very in touch with his intuition. Anyhow, he never told me to change or update my diet whatsoever. I think it depends on the acupuncturist you're visiting and their approach. I wasn't raw at the time...I was cooked vegan. I did heal and his treatments worked for me. Maybe find another one? Or as Shashibala mentions tailor it to your own needs and lifestyle. I find it hard to believe that eating raw foods doesn't contribute to whole body healing. Especially as I'm living proof right now, as are many. :confused:

A lot of my good friends are healers, body workers and a couple are nutritionists. I'm discovering there seems to be this underground universal thought that rawbies will eventually get sick over time or are building up commulative issues in their bodies. Isn't this a trip coming from people who are healers and I would assume have broader awareness? There seems to be some hidden, unspoken judgements which I was very surprised to discover. I just hope it's just not that widespread, but I've had a couple of conversations with people who are not 100% supportive, even though they're lovely people and know their stuff - like Reiki healers, etc. I think acupuncturists are included -- I've heard before they're not too fond of raw foods because they believe they harm the body. Balance is such a critical piece of this healing modality and so anything they believe takes the body out of balance perhaps is a big No-No. Again, I don't know how true this is or if it's a generalization. Maybe it's a part their tool bag Shashibala mentioned. In the Bay Area there is a high concentration of alternative healers and acupunturists so hmmm, I'm just wondering. Does anyone have any insight into this? I ask out of curiosity.

Best wishes to you Mrs Johnny.

[Eva]

I have not studied TCM per se, but I have read a good amount of information. I completely understand where your acupuncturist is coming from -- but this person seems to be generalizing the issue and not being so flexible.

I saw the post about warming foods. In a few minutes, I'll be back with more information from a book I have that goes deeply into this subject... :)

[Eva]

I'm paraphrasing a lot. Arky recommended this book, and I bought it. It is really a wealth of info. The author is not predisposed to raw in particular, but he promotes vegan food when possible and has some information about which animal products are helpful IF a person does not have success without them.

First off -- NO to the cayenne for you! (although it might be good for some people in some circumstances -- like in the winter for a person who doesn't have a chronic issue). It temporarily causes a warming affect but soon causes a cooling affect as the heat radiates out of the body. This is the last thing you want if you are deeply cold.

BUT ginger and parsnips are great! So are aduki, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, basil, rosemary, oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seed, sesame seed, walnujts, pinenuts, dill, fennel, anise, caraway, carob, cumin.

Corn, buckwheat and rye are neutral.

All grains not listed above are cooling and should be avoided.

More warming: parsley, mustard greens, winter squash, sweet potato, kale, onion, leek, chive, garlic, scallion, cherry, citrus peel, date.

All strong spices like cayenne, hot peppers, black pepper, etc. will have an initial warming effect but then a cooling effect shortly after. So avoid or limit them.

Plants that take longer to grow are more warming than ones that grow quickly -- stuff like carrots, rutabaga, parsnips, cabbage and ginseng are great.

Chemically fertilized plants are often cooling (so get all organic if possible).

Blue/green/purple food = cooling
Red/orange/yellow = either warming or at least less cooling

Cooking for a longer time on low heat is actually more warming than a short time on high heat. So -- crank up your dehydrator for stuff like the stuffed mushrooms and whathaveyou!

Manipulating food (cutting, Vitamixin', etc.) releases more energy and heat.

Chewing food thoroughly creates warmth. Even if it starts out cold, if you chew it for a long time before you swallow, it will become warming.

[Eva]

I'm sure your acupuncturist means well -- and I bet she knows a lot. I did notice that chronically cold people may have problems specifically with "sexual function." She may be onto something.

But you can work around this by not refrigerating your food when possible (like peppers, onions, tomatoes, apples -- many people put them in the fridge, but they can be left out), chewing well, using the dehydrator regularly, and using a good amount of the foods listed. :)

[Eva]

One more thing I JUST found!!! "People who are recently vegetarian tend toward coldness during a transition period of several months. It takes longer for a cold person to build warmth than for a hot person to lose excess heat."

[Raene]

Plus, acupuncturists were taught the Chinese or Japanese ways, and Asian foods are very cooked. My acupuncturist said the same thing and I haven't tried to conceive on raw, so I'll be interested to see if I'm really too cold to conceive. My hands and feet are like ice, but they always were, and I conceived after only one try with my first. I've always been cold...I don't know, but I think what other people suggested with the warming spices sounds like a great idea. Also make sure to let cold foods sit out before eating them and don't put fruit in the fridge when possible. Good luck :)

[juliebove]

That just doesn't make sense. I know some about the cold and warming foods and it really hasn't got much to do with being cooked.

I was eating plenty of raw foods when I got pregnant. So was my mom.

[Nurse in the Raw]

Temperature has absolutely NOTHING to do with an embryo planting in the womb. Has your doctor checked your progesterone levels?

[FloridaPatty]

400 cats were in the study. Half were fed raw food and the other half processed cat food. Second generation of cats - raw food cats were happy as first generation. Second a little more grumpy and not as well. 3rd generation - raw fine, processed worse. 4th generation - raw fine. There was no 4th generation from the processed food cats because they could not conceive.

[Eva]

FL patty, could you be more specific? What "raw food" was used in the study? Was this raw vegan or raw meat and other items as well?

Cats certainly do biologically have different dietary needs, so I want to be sure I understand what you're sharing.

Thanks!

[Eva]

Temperature has absolutely NOTHING to do with an embryo planting in the womb. Has your doctor checked your progesterone levels?

I think that, as with any other physical problem that affects us complicated human beings, every issue cannot be quantitatively measured.

Many people have had success with various solutions to their problems. MrsJohnnyG seems to be open to more than one solution and is trying to find out more information. Just because it is not taught in "traditional" medical programs on this side of the globe, does not make TCM or ideas about yin/yang NOTHING.

Just my opinion, which can always change as I am open to hearing additional information about any topic.

[Sugar Snap Pea]

Hi MrsJohnnyG, I've read your posts before and you seem like you have alot of common sense. I love this raw lifestyle, it is working well for me at this point in my life. You've been trying to have kids and have found someone you trust who may be able to help you. If you are happy with your plan of treatment with this person, go with it! It doesn't have to be for the rest of your life, but by all means give it a good try because it just may work!! I have no knowledge of accupuncture and the knowledge around it, but who are we to say that our way is the only way? I'm an RN, and some of the things I come across on this site are OUT THERE, but you know, I'm willing to try some of them!! Having kids is the BEST thing I ever did, and I wish you the very best!!! I think you are going to find a way!! ;)

[MrsJohnnyG]

I was eating plenty of raw foods when I got pregnant. So was my mom.
Yes, many women have. But internal "coldness" may not have been your issue (in the TCM scheme) so without a diagnosis it's hard to compare apples to oranges, kwim? :)


Temperature has absolutely NOTHING to do with an embryo planting in the womb. Has your doctor checked your progesterone levels?
Yes, I've had progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, as well as thyroid, insulin resistance, and many many many other things tested by a reproductive endocrinologist and all tests were well within normal range. This is an Eastern approach to health, not Western, and it's a completely different paradigm if you're only accustomed to Western medicine.

Eva - FABULOUS info!!!!! Thank you so so so much for taking time to type all that. I'm going to reread and absorb all that... so greatly appreciated! :)

Cindy - thank you... I really appreciate that... you're right, it certainly can't HURT to go with it for a course of several months... thank you for your encouragement. It's weird, having children is SO important to me, even as a child I was planning how I would parent and my children would help me grow an organic garden etc. etc. I just KNOW I'm meant to be a mom. I thought I would have 4 children by now... here I am a few years away from 40 and haven't had my first yet. :( You'd better believe I'm willing to try something that has worked for others... but like I said before, whatever happens I know I will be coming back to raw.

Thank you, petalouda - esp. after what Eva found, I will be laying off the cayenne! :)

Thank you again for all your replies!!

[cara4art]

In addition to other comments made here, keep in mind that in much of Asia, it is not safe to eat raw foods due to disease, for one thing, so I think that affects traditional acupuncturists' training, as well as Ayurvedic practitioners. However, there are some acupuncturists and healers who are more eclectic in their approach, allowing for and being sympathetic to raw foodists' concerns. Dr. Gabriel Cousens, for instance, although he is well-versed in Ayurvedic medicine and diet, has brought that knowledge and adapted that to raw food recommendations for different constitutional types. All foods, whether they are raw or cooked have either a warm, neutral, or cold energetic signature to them, and can be worked around to create balance. What is very helpful for those feeling too cold is to take the foods out of the refrigerator to warm up to room temperature(this is fine for simple fruits and veggies), and add some warming herbs and spices to them. Also including some denser of the raw foods is helpful. While on the other hand, someone who is overheated will benefit from cooling herbs like mint, cilantro, and lots of salads with plenty of the lighter, more watery greens(like spring mixes, etc.) there's a huge variety of foods at our disposal in the plant kingdom ranging from plant-based superfoods, raw nut butters, seeds/nuts, legumes, certain grains, and the whole rainbow of fruits and veggies that range from very light and hydrating to the more dense forms. There's something for everyone, I believe. Part of this will be affected by one's location and region too. In the northern climes, it is harder to even get highly-cooling tropical fruits, while ones closer to home like apples, pears and cherries may resonate better, for instance(cheaper too).
And in regards to a practitioner's recs, if one honestly doesn't feel right about going with those, it's time to look for someone else who IS more sympathetic to raw foodists. I think as the movement and prevalence of raw foodists increases, this will change so it will be easier to find someone who is sympathetic and help one refine one's path and health. I sure hope so!

[Nurse in the Raw]

Just because it is not taught in "traditional" medical programs on this side of the globe, does not make TCM or ideas about yin/yang NOTHING.

I don't think I said that......I said temperature has nothing to do with the implantation of an embryo. The womb is a very resilient place and even in the most dire of circumstances, be it freezing in a pond of ice or in the desert heat, the body has a way of regulating temperature so that life can flourish so I find it hard to believe that food can alter the BBT and cause a miscarriage. If this were so, we would see a trend in the medical community and studies would be published to support it. That's not to say that TCM is not a valid study, I think it is just her Practioner's opinion, which is not necessarily backed by science.

[MrsJohnnyG]

I don't think I said that......I said temperature has nothing to do with the implantation of an embryo. The womb is a very resilient place and even in the most dire of circumstances, be it freezing in a pond of ice or in the desert heat, the body has a way of regulating temperature so that life can flourish so I find it hard to believe that food can alter the BBT and cause a miscarriage.
Nurse in the Raw, I do appreciate your opinions! Just to clarify, this practitioner did not claim that a temperature problem caused my miscarriages. She simply diagnosed, according to TCM/Eastern medicine, a condition that needs to be brought into balance.

FWIW, my problem has absolutely nothing to do with implantation. I have had little trouble conceiving (so implantation was not an issue). But, I keep having miscarriages at 10-12 weeks. Again, ALL my hormones tested "normal" according to Western medicine. My tubes, uterus, everything is "perfect" according to my reproductive endocrinologist. But, obviously something is wrong since I keep miscarrying, right? So I'm not sure why you are so against my wanting to look at my situation from a totally different paradigm... since Western medicine obviously isn't able to help me?

[Rawkinlocs]

May I just step in here for a moment please?

After reading the last several or so posts (mainly the last ones from Nurse in the Raw, Eva and MrsJohnnyG and more specifically this comment: "So I'm not sure why you are so against my wanting to look at my situation from a totally different paradigm... since Western medicine obviously isn't able to help me?")

I am wondering exactly what response was expected.

Have you made up in your mind that you are going to work with your acupuncturist and utilize the suggestions given and NOT eat raw foods? If you did that is your decision... your prerogative...your choice and your right to do so especially if you feel it may lessen your risk of miscarrying and as it's been said, it can be a temporary solution and then once you've successfully conceived and delivered (I'm assuming that you will have to be non-raw the duration of your pregnancy) then you can always go back to raw foods later.

Your subject is, "Acupunturist says no raw food, now what?" and the "now what" makes it seem as though you were seeking an alternative to the advice given to you but some of your latter posts sound as though you have settled on giving it a try and you're defending your decision (?) - which you don't have to do.

But the thing is, when you post that someone has told you "Don't eat raw food" on a raw food forum...the expectation should be that people are going to counter that advice. Just like if you went on a vegan forum (I know yall get tired of me using this analogy! :p ) and said, "My __________ said I need to eat meat, now what?"...those vegans on that vegan forum are naturally going to give you every reason why that _________ is wrong and that you don't need meat, etc. etc.

So again I'm just curious as to what type of reaction were you hoping, expecting, looking to get to stating that your practitioner suggested that you stop eating all raw foods?

Bringing a life into the world and having complications when trying to do so...that is a very personal thing and if you and your husband/partner have decided that it's worth taking your practioner up on their advice so you can have a chance at bringing a life into the world then that is your decision to make...yours alone. But you also have to understand and expect the type of reactions you might get when you announce that on a raw food forum.

I hope I was general and unbiased as possible in my reply because it's not about how "I" personally feel about if you should or shouldn't because "I" personally say to do what you feel is best and that it's between you and your partner.

[iluvmangos]

MrsJohnnyG,

I don't mean to be nosey, but has your husband's sperm quality been checked? I realize that you've been able to concieve, but that doesn't necessarily mean that his sperm quality is good enough to keep you pregnant. What's his diet like? It could be that he needs to make some dietary changes to improve his sperm quality. You might want to look into that. I realize it's kind of a personal question and if you don't want to answer it here, that's okay. It's just something to think about, if you haven't already.

[plucked]

MrsJohnnyG,

(((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))

[RawHeaven]

In addition to other comments made here, keep in mind that in much of Asia, it is not safe to eat raw foods due to disease, for one thing, so I think that affects traditional acupuncturists' training, as well as Ayurvedic practitioners. However, there are some acupuncturists and healers who are more eclectic in their approach, allowing for and being sympathetic to raw foodists' concerns.

Cara4art, I hadn't considered what you've shared. Your comment about it not being very safe to eat raw foods in certain parts of Asia and it impacting training rings very true to me. I so appreciate your insight...answered a zillion questions that I've had on the subject in one fell swoop. Thanks!

[beckx]

cooling and warming foods in tcm often do correlate with the physical temperature of the foods, but nuts, cayenne, ginger, onion and garlic are all warming also. i do put some weight into this kind of thing because its so reflective of the delicate balances in the body that need to be maintained (and will be maintained through learning intuitive eating, not through worrying about balancing them and tracking your micronutrient intake)... but i don't think there's a hard and fast approach to achieving that balance that works for everyone.

you're the only person who knows what works for your body. look at it this way: generally speaking, people who are strictly into ayurveda, tcm, and macrobiotics (among other lifestyles/diets) just wouldn't take on this lifestyle... they believe something different about the body and the conditions it needs to heal than people who are successful living raw do. that is based on tradition and often based on their experience and there are certainly valuable aspects of nearly every dietary approach (even SAD - isn't it awesome to feel like you can eat whatever you want? ;))... but you shouldn't let that sway you from something that is working for you in other ways.

so i'd say the best thing to do is find a natural health practitioner who is more aligned with your personal philosophy around health, and/or keep making appointments with this person and take their dietary advice with a grain of salt.

a couple of things to think about:
how long have you been eating raw food? did you try to conceive before going raw? if this was an issue before changing your diet, i'm not sure why the diet would be to blame (although i do understand your interest in trying new approaches)... your body may still be working through some things before it can maintain a pregnancy. you might be interested in looking at juice feasting if this resonates with you at all.

this must be really stressful and upsetting and i wish you the best in moving past it and having a healthy pregnancy and birth.

[Halo Aglow]

Since you've had lots of tests done, I'm sure you're not since you would know but is your blood rh negative?

[Autumn]

I'm reading this thread with interest and still don't know what to make of the conflicting info. For what it's worth, I've had 7 miscarriages. During those times I've been SAD, vegetarian, cooked vegan and raw vegan. Didn't seem to matter in my experience.

[Rawmommie]

So I'm not sure why you are so against my wanting to look at my situation from a totally different paradigm... since Western medicine obviously isn't able to help me?

I think my only worry is that you haven't given RAW a chance yet before you are moving on to something else! Have you conceived and miscarried while eating raw? I know it must be awful to feel the pressure of getting pregnant and like time is running out, but if you haven't given RAW a fair shot before you start listening to someone else about another way of eating, then you may be passing up your opportunity.

I have seen AMAZING miracles happen to people's bodies when they go raw. I think if anything were to help you stay pregnant, it would be raw. I urge you to put his comments aside for just 6 months or so, stay raw and see if it heals your body!

[MrsJohnnyG]

Your subject is, "Acupunturist says no raw food, now what?" and the "now what" makes it seem as though you were seeking an alternative to the advice given to you but some of your latter posts sound as though you have settled on giving it a try and you're defending your decision (?) - which you don't have to do.
Hi, Rawkinlocs - thank you for taking time to reply! :) The reason I came here to ask how I should process this practitioner's advices is that I WANT to stay raw. I didn't post on my infertility forum because I knew they would give the blanket advice, "Stop eating that raw food and listen to your acupuncturist!" Even though I've been raw for such a short time, I am committed to it and asked here hoping to find a way I could somehow do both.

And, I'm glad I did, because (largely in part of what Eva and others posted) I realized there is a way I can do both! (My last reply to Nurse in the Raw was admittedly out of a bit of frustration in that I felt a non-Western point of view was being dismissed, when we are all ABOUT a non-Western point of view here, IMO. Does that make sense?

MrsJohnnyG,


I don't mean to be nosey, but has your husband's sperm quality been checked? I realize that you've been able to concieve, but that doesn't necessarily mean that his sperm quality is good enough to keep you pregnant. What's his diet like? It could be that he needs to make some dietary changes to improve his sperm quality. You might want to look into that. I realize it's kind of a personal question and if you don't want to answer it here, that's okay. It's just something to think about, if you haven't already.
Not nosey at all, and that's a great question. No, we hadn't had it checked since he's able to impregnate me :o , BUT, I've wondered the very same thing you have. I have been able to get him eating more and more raw with me (in fact, the heavens opened and the angels sang the other evening when he told me he was craving the spinach salad I'd made a few times... YAY, he is now craving raw food for dinner!!!!!). He has also been on several medications that I am hoping raw food will break him free from (stomach and cholesterol medicine -- he's already off the evil cholesterol pills -- a man of 36 should NOT be on cholesterol pills!!).


Since you've had lots of tests done, I'm sure you're not since you would know but is your blood rh negative?
Unfortunately, yes, my blood is rh negative... and my husband's is rh positive... so I've had the Rhogam shot after each miscarriage to prevent antibodies from forming. Since I don't have the antibodies, they don't believe this has anything to do with the miscarriages, but it's still a bad situation to be in.

The other replies are on the last page so I will reply to those separately! :D

[Revvell]

Have you considered other things besides food? I know what your Ac said yet, there are other ways to warm the body and get better circulation to the extremities. I counseled one woman who did yoga with me. She conceived w/in a few weeks. Qigong is also a vary viable solution.

I always had cold hands/feet until doing qigong which is like acupuncture without the needs. Brings one's body into balance through movement.

I also agree with warming in the "d" if that feels good to you and not eating food out of the fridge.

Just remember, it's not just about the food. There's a whole system around health and food is just a part of it. Get out and get fresh air, meditation (talk to your body and find out its resistance ~ it's possible you're blocking it from conceiving through "pushing the river" ~ everything in this universe does NOT work on OUR timetable), movement, pure water... etc.

Revvell

[MrsJohnnyG]

I'm reading this thread with interest and still don't know what to make of the conflicting info. For what it's worth, I've had 7 miscarriages. During those times I've been SAD, vegetarian, cooked vegan and raw vegan. Didn't seem to matter in my experience.
Oh Autumn... big hugs to you... I'm so very sorry. Have you been able to have children, or not yet? Please email if you'd like... in my years of trying to have a baby I've learned so much, and maybe we could share what we've learned about treatments etc. It's heartbreaking to have only go through this three times; I can't even imagine the sorrow of going through it seven...... (((hugs)))

I think my only worry is that you haven't given RAW a chance yet before you are moving on to something else! Have you conceived and miscarried while eating raw? I know it must be awful to feel the pressure of getting pregnant and like time is running out, but if you haven't given RAW a fair shot before you start listening to someone else about another way of eating, then you may be passing up your opportunity.

I have seen AMAZING miracles happen to people's bodies when they go raw. I think if anything were to help you stay pregnant, it would be raw. I urge you to put his comments aside for just 6 months or so, stay raw and see if it heals your body!
I totally agree, and that's why (especially after reading Eva's posts) I am going to do BOTH!! I will continue to eat raw but focus on the "warming" raw foods... as well as fill my diet more with soups warmed to 113 degrees and foods fresh from the dehydrator rather than foods straight from the fridge. This way, I'm still eating raw, but also following my acupuncturist's recommendations. Make sense?

Eating raw is addictive, and I knew I couldn't give up on it that easily! :D

[MrsJohnnyG]

Have you considered other things besides food? I know what your Ac said yet, there are other ways to warm the body and get better circulation to the extremities. I counseled one woman who did yoga with me. She conceived w/in a few weeks. Qigong is also a vary viable solution.

I always had cold hands/feet until doing qigong which is like acupuncture without the needs. Brings one's body into balance through movement.

I also agree with warming in the "d" if that feels good to you and not eating food out of the fridge.

Just remember, it's not just about the food. There's a whole system around health and food is just a part of it. Get out and get fresh air, meditation (talk to your body and find out its resistance ~ it's possible you're blocking it from conceiving through "pushing the river" ~ everything in this universe does NOT work on OUR timetable), movement, pure water... etc.

Revvell
YES, YES, YES!!! I didn't want to get into it here since it was a bit off track, but I do have a whole-body game plan to nurture my body back into full fertility. And it involves much of what you've suggested... yoga, qi gong, getting fresh air and sunshine and exercise outdoors, getting enough sleep (I had always been a chronic work-till-2am type person, until I went raw), visualization, etc.

My entire lifestyle, not just my eating, had become SAD. (Which is sad indeed, considering I had always been a health nut until a few years ago when I had the first miscarriage.) I had fallen into habits of not exercising... never getting fresh air and sunshine (btw, sunlight promotes healthy ovulation!)... way way WAY too much stress and not enough sleep... etc. Not to mention a lot of depression and anger building, the more miscarriages I had.

Thank God, raw eating has been a huge part of my putting an end to that poisonous way of life! My mornings used to begin with a frantic couple of cups of coffee while I worked. Now, they begin with gentle yoga on my back deck while breezes rustle in the trees and the birds sing to me. It all fits into this new way of life. And btw, all of the acupuncturists's other recommendations fit into this new way of life, too... quite perfectly, in fact... it was just that one jarring conflict that threw me off... but now that I've reconciled that into my raw lifestyle, I am happy and hopeful! :)

[iluvmangos]

Not nosey at all, and that's a great question. No, we hadn't had it checked since he's able to impregnate me :o , BUT, I've wondered the very same thing you have. I have been able to get him eating more and more raw with me (in fact, the heavens opened and the angels sang the other evening when he told me he was craving the spinach salad I'd made a few times... YAY, he is now craving raw food for dinner!!!!!). He has also been on several medications that I am hoping raw food will break him free from (stomach and cholesterol medicine -- he's already off the evil cholesterol pills -- a man of 36should NOT be on cholesterol pills!!).

We all know that prescription drugs can have harmful effects on the body. Those cholesterol drugs can be nasty, too. I'm guessing that some of his drugs may have impaired his sperm quality. In fact, I remember watching a commercial for some cholesterol drug a long time ago and they said that women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not even handle the drug. I can't remember the name of the drug, but I wonder what it and other cholesterol drugs could do to male fertility if they can be that bad for females that they shouldn't even handle it.

I'm sure you already know this, but I think if your husband would go raw, he could probably get off of any other medications he's on. I would really encourage your husband to go raw, too, because if the fertility problem really lies with him, and not with you, you can do a million things to try to improve your fertility and you're still not gonna carry a baby to term. Let him know that if he goes raw, he can have whatever he wants as long as it's raw. Make him yummy raw treats, whatever he wants to get him to go completely raw and stay raw. Ask him to at least try it for you. Get that man on maca, too. It's supposed to be good for both male and female infertility.

[Eva]

Julia -- You're so very welcome.

I actually talked to my husband (I hope you don't mind!) about your situation, just expressing how frustrating it must be.

His viewpoint won't keep a baby in your embryo to term, either -- but he has seen what raw food has done for me, and sometimes I drag him over to the computer to see befores and afters, and sometimes I was just blab on and on about how silly I am when I stop eating 100% raw food, etc.

Speaking of blabbing on and on, here I go again. I'll cut to the chase. I was telling him all the changes you're making and that you're new to raw. He says, "What? She's new to the raw foods. Oh. They gonna be fiiiiine."

You really have gotten some great info here. I (and apparently my husband does too) truly believe that if you give it some time and stick with all of the wonderful changes you're making with your diet and life, you will have a child. [Although no one knows at this point if your husband will also need to make more changes, but you'll know that in time.]

:)

[MrsJohnnyG]

Thank you again, girls! :) Yes, I'm trying to ease my hubby into raw (if I start lecturing him, he will resist... it's all about gradually introducing it to him, and so far that seems to be working). And yes, my goal is to get him off of medication and let RAW FOOD be his medicine!!

Eva, that's cute what your husband said! :) I'll keep you posted on any developments in the months ahead!

THANK YOU again everyone!!

[RawHeaven]

I think you're a courageous and smart lady Mrs Johnny G. Big hugs to you and I hope you resolve this and find your answers. Thanks for sharing with us.

It's sometimes difficult when you're straddling the western/alternative medicine fence. Alternative medicine was not equipped to mend my broken bones for example, but it certainly helped me rebalance my body and process & release the trauma I endured. There is a place for both in my experience.

I felt there was some dismissal of the alternative medicine discussion in some parts of the thread and I was scratching my head, thinking "how did it take this this turn? When I peaked in before we were talking about acupuncture." lol.

Anywho, I'm rambling and am writing again to say it will work out because you're going to make it work. Most of my ortho surgeons "tolerated" my otherworldly views on healing my body. :p After the 25th month of therapy and operations and I was healing exponentially after not healing at all, they were taking notes and asking me what I was doing! :D

The best of luck to you.

xxxxxx

[MrsJohnnyG]

Thank you, Crystal! :)

It's sometimes difficult when you're straddling the western/alternative medicine fence. Alternative medicine was not equipped to mend my broken bones for example, but it certainly helped me rebalance my body and process & release the trauma I endured. There is a place for both in my experience.
VERY well said! That sums it up beautifully. (and yes, I was a little mystified for a minute there too... ;) but I'm all about good discussions, so it's all good!)

Thank you again... I've been greatly inspired by your story and posts!

[Halo Aglow]

MrsJohnnyG, a loving hug from one rh negative-er to another. :)

[Raene]

Me too, being rhesus negative. It can be so hard sometimes! I'm so anti-rhogam shot, but who knows what's really best. I did the shot, not knowing better, with my first pregnancy, and now with my second I plan not to get it. There's a great book, Anti-D, about the shot and the positives/negatives.

[MrsJohnnyG]

Me too, being rhesus negative. It can be so hard sometimes! I'm so anti-rhogam shot, but who knows what's really best. I did the shot, not knowing better, with my first pregnancy, and now with my second I plan not to get it. There's a great book, Anti-D, about the shot and the positives/negatives.

I am 100% anti-vaccination and if I am blessed to make it to the point in late pregnancy where they make you get it, I will refuse it... I will NOT endanger my baby.

But, I don't know what the other options are re: not getting the shot... I also don't want to keep getting pregnant and KNOW that my body is going to kill the baby. KWIM? So, I keep getting the shot with every miscarriage... terrified of developing an antibody that will kill future babies.

Thanks for mentioning that book, Raine... I will buy that, because I would LOVE not to have to take something artificial to prevent my body from killing a baby.

I had heard that there are people who go from Rh- to +... does this book talk about that?

[Clare]

MrsJohnnyG,

First, I am so very sorry for the little ones you've lost. I cannot know the pain that must be, but I do know the pain of infertility, since my husband's sperm is 100% malformed due to a Y-chromosome mutation (we had very detailed testing done - interestingly his dad had had testicular cancer, but anyway...). Rawkinlocs is right though to look at that since it might be an issue...

Have you had progesterone levels checked? I know 2 women who have needed some progesterone support to keep the baby to term...

[Halo Aglow]

I had heard that there are people who go from Rh- to +... does this book talk about that?

I would like to know about this as well. I want to buy that book, but it will need to wait, that price is too much right now lol.

edit: Hmmm, found it for $27 at Barnes and Noble. I wonder if its available at the library as well.

[MrsJohnnyG]

Hi, Clare - thank you for your reply; I'm so sorry to hear that you've gone through infertility struggles too. Did you end up having a child in some other way? Anyway, my progesterone seems to be normal, although I was on Prometrium (to supplement progesterone) during my last pregnancy... unfortunately it was a chromosomal problem so progesterone couldn't do anything to save it.

[SharonC]

Regarding testing for progesterone (as well as other hormones), the saliva test is the one used by more natural minded doctors and compounding pharmacies. It shows your levels throughout the month (they fluctuate). The blood test only shows the levels on the day of the test.

If you can find a compounding pharmacy in your area, you can just do it through them - the pharmacist will read the results and can talk to your doctor about prescribing what is needed. I know several people who do it, and am friends with a pharmacist at one of the largest compounding pharmacies in the country.
Compounding pharmacies in the US - http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/Pharm.shtml

My sister was told she would never get pregnant (she has been taking birth control pills since she was a teenager because her cycle has always been so off). She got off the birth control pills in her mid 30's and was prescribed progesterone by a natural minded doctor, and around that time she got pregnant. Not positive if it was related. I don't think she continued throughout her pregnancy, and her son was born very premature, but he is great now - 6 years old now!

She had a miscarriage with her second pregnancy. She did not take progesterone at any point again after that first time. She has been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for years. A mystery to me why she doesn't at least try taking progesterone again.

Wish you the best!

[Clare]

OK, if there was a chromosomal problem then you or your husband might have some sort of genetic issue, right? Sometimes a simple inversion of a portion of a chromosome causes no problem at all in the parent until the sex cells are produced (the gametes?) and then a certain proportion of them are lacking some genes or have some genes in excess. I was in med school for a year before I lost heart in medicine and left, but anyway, I remember learning that it is worth genetic testing in many cases where a couple experiences multiple miscarriages. The silver lining of this problem is that a certain % of the conceptions, say 25%, will be totally healthy.

Yes, we went on to adopt two (so far) beautiful baby boys, now 2 1/2 and 16 months. There was no way we could have gotten pregnant without another man's sperm and/or IVF with sperm injection and we are faithful Catholics. But I can't say enough about adoption. We are so blessed. Our first is a paper-white towhead and our "baby" who just started walking is a beautifully dark African-American. Next we probably want a girl, at least half black. Then maybe one more girl :-) The babies are out there ready to be loved!

[Theogirl]

Julia, I am RH- and got the shot with my first child but reconsidered during my second pregnancy and did not take the shot due to personal conscience reasons (the vaccine is harvested from blood). My daughter was born RH + but I got tested after to make sure and my body had not made antibodies to her blood. So if I chose to have another baby, it would be fine. The only time there's a problem to my understanding is if you suffer trauma while pregnant and for some reason your blood and baby's mix. IMHO they try to scare everybody RH- into taking something that may or may not be useful.

BTW as an incentive to hubby to go raw, DO pack his lunch! He will feel loved, and have no excuses such as not being able to locate veggies!! :)

[MrsJohnnyG]

Sharon, thank you for that info and link! I suspect the test was correct about my progesterone being fine, because usually when a woman has low progesterone, she has a short luteal phase (the number of days between ovulation and the start of the next cycle)... my luteal phase is perfect... and my temps are good and high during the luteal phase, which often isn't the case if there is low progesterone. I will look into getting it tested through my cycle just in case, though... never hurts!


OK, if there was a chromosomal problem then you or your husband might have some sort of genetic issue, right? Sometimes a simple inversion of a portion of a chromosome causes no problem at all in the parent until the sex cells are produced (the gametes?) and then a certain proportion of them are lacking some genes or have some genes in excess. I was in med school for a year before I lost heart in medicine and left, but anyway, I remember learning that it is worth genetic testing in many cases where a couple experiences multiple miscarriages. The silver lining of this problem is that a certain % of the conceptions, say 25%, will be totally healthy.
The chromosome issue we had with the last pregnancy is supposedly 90% of the time due to a bad egg. Of course, the question is, are MOST of my eggs "bad," or was it a fluke... but, I know that diet and other lifestyle choices DO affect egg quality (even though no new eggs are created in our bodies, they still can improve or degrade in quality as they mature), so that's why I'm focused on improving my overall health with raw eating, exercise, yoga, acupuncture to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, etc.

That is wonderful about your sweet boys! My husband and I will never consider IVF or other aggressive measures when there are so many babies in the world who need loving parents. We have already decided we will do inter-racial adoption... I would love to have a "rainbow family"! Thanks for sharing your story! :)


The only time there's a problem to my understanding is if you suffer trauma while pregnant and for some reason your blood and baby's mix.
See, this is my worst nightmare. With my second miscarriage, I lost the baby at 10 weeks but was bleeding nearly the ENTIRE pregnancy. I can only hope there was no intermingling of blood during that time... :(

[lydias]

Dr. Taitelbaum has some info on checking thyroid and ferritin levels.

Also can research sensiblehealth.com for fertility issues.

But accupuncture is suppose to work well for conceiving.

[Portia2012]

On a side note, does anyone know ways to slow down menopause coming on to fast.? My mom went through her's in her 30's and finally had to have a hysterectomy done. I am still possibly wanting to have one more baby when I get married again.


~Portia~

[Rawmommie]

Portia-You may want to read up on Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus). I have been doing some research on it and just ordered some b/c I have a bad hormone imbalance that raw has not fixed and it needs a little nudge. It is known for BALANCING hormones and has helped people get pregnant, ease menopause, help acne, & painful periods. I'm getting it b/c I have acne that will not go away and seems to be controlled by my cycle. I also have facial hair which can be excess progesterone.

It is NOT a hormone, it's just a plant that has been used for years to help balance the hormones. HTH

[Portia2012]

Thank you rawmommie :)

Yes, I was trying to avoid any hormone therapy. I want to be as natural as possible, and even plan to learn about the natural family planning to figure out when to have a baby. I am not married yet, so I have a little time to get my body in shape and healthy after years of self abuse.


~Portia~

[Pookietooth]

Interested in this, because my acupuncturist says the same thing and at 42 I don't have a lot of time to experiment!

[rawforthesoul]

We must always remember that whatever healing helpers we are seeing have their own set of tools. I imagine it as their tool box that they got when they were trained. This is the box they will always reach into to help others heal. Doctors will usually offer drugs, surgeons- surgery, raw foodists- raw foods;) , etc... This doesn't mean that these things are wrong, but it is our choice to say yes or no based on what resonates for us. We are in control of our decisions.
This acupuncturist might have something valuable to offer you, but you don't have to buy the whole package. I went to a renowned kinesiologist. He suggested that I needed to begin eating meat, raw eggs, and animal based supplements. That didn't work for me. I just wasn't gonna do it! I've heard that this person has helped lots of people heal, but I had to find my own way. That is the good and the bad news! If you feel like trying the acupuncturist's plan, don't feel guilty, but if it doesn't feel right, don't. Of course, I would say stay raw.:D
I wish you all the best!


Great info! I never thought of it that way before. :)

[LifeNourishment]

If you don't mind me asking.. How many times have you lost a baby at 10-12 weeks and were you strictly eating all raw during all of them?

[MrsJohnnyG]

Wow... I have a whopper of an update (will post separately about this)... but, even though AF isn't due until Wednesday, I peed on a stick yesterday and got a faint-faint-faint second line... so I tried a digital this morning and it gave me those amazing words, "Pregnant"!!

Obviously, with my history, it's hard to get TOO excited about a positive pregnancy test. Somehow, though.... I AM excited!!! :)


If you don't mind me asking.. How many times have you lost a baby at 10-12 weeks and were you strictly eating all raw during all of them?
Three times. No, I was not raw for any of them.

With the first pg, I was eating what I believed was a wonderful diet at the time... nasty yucky dead processed "diet" foods (I must have had a Lean Cuisine every day for years).

The second time, I reverted to a SAD-type diet (eek!). I avoided the things you're supposed to avoid and I continued to eat raw veggies because I love them, but I splurged on chocolate (NOT a raw version!) and all kinds of processed junk.

The third time was this past January through March. I made an effort to eat organic vegan probably 70-80% of the time but was still consuming fish and dairy. In fact, that hideous "The Fertility Diet" recommended full-fat dairy so there I was loading up on it. :eek: (It was organic, but pasteurized and, well, an animal product).

In April, I found Alissa's site. It triggered memories from 10 years earlier when a friend of mine in Boston went 100% raw. I was intrigued, bought Alissa's book and DVD (and many other books since then), and I knew immediately this was what I needed to do.

BUT, I am still not 100%. I am consuming as many raw "warming" foods as I can, but I'm still mostly raw. I am following my acupuncturist's other recommendations however.

It is really amazing to me that this happened so quickly. This was the FIRST month we were given the all-clear to try again after the last miscarriage (we waited 2 months to give my body time to heal). Bam, I am pregnant, after all those years of being "infertile"... we had gone through years of trying with no pregnancies resulting at all!

The weird thing is... I fully expected to get pregnant this month. I am 100% convinced that once your body is healthy and in balance, through living plant foods, exercise, breathing, sunshine, fresh air, good sleep, and happiness, your natural fertility returns.


Interested in this, because my acupuncturist says the same thing and at 42 I don't have a lot of time to experiment!
I'm glad you're doing acupuncture! I am firmly convinced that that was a key factor in my becoming pregnant this time. And, I'm hopeful that it helped with egg quality to ensure this baby will be chromosomally healthy. I'm glad you're still trying... 42 is considered young in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Feel free to email me (julia dot greer at gmail dot com) if you want to chat about anything... I've read some fabulous books about conceiving healthy babies in your 40's... there is plenty of hope for you! :)

[Thick]

Oh Julia, I am so happy for you!!

Don't try not to be excited--tell that baby how much you love it and want it! Help it feel so much acceptance and love from you. Sing to it, rock yourself and hug yourself a lot!

Could there be a luckier baby than the child of a mother who wants one so much? You are going to be an excellent mother, Julia.

[MrsJohnnyG]

Oh Julia, I am so happy for you!!

Don't try not to be excited--tell that baby how much you love it and want it! Help it feel so much acceptance and love from you. Sing to it, rock yourself and hug yourself a lot!

Could there be a luckier baby than the child of a mother who wants one so much? You are going to be an excellent mother, Julia.

THANK YOU!!! I needed to hear this! :) The fact is I am SUPER-excited... I keep picturing what the teeny cluster of cells looks like and visualizing blood and nourishment and love flowing to it as it grows... *scream* in all my four pregnancies, even though the other ones didn't make it, I am the most excited and hopeful about this one. I think this is finally the one!!!

[iluvmangos]

I am so happy for you! :)

[Pookietooth]

Yeah, congratulations!

[Eva]

Wowee This Is Great News!!!

[Vegan Princess]

oh my goodness!! Congratulations!!! This is wondeful news!!

You may remember me from the thread about maca - I had asked if it changed anyone's cycle length. Well it turns out it wasn't the maca that altered things - I am pregnant too!!!:D

Cindy

[iluvmangos]

oh my goodness!! Congratulations!!! This is wondeful news!!

You may remember me from the thread about maca - I had asked if it changed anyone's cycle length. Well it turns out it wasn't the maca that altered things - I am pregnant too!!!:D

Cindy

Congrats to you, too! :)

[MrsJohnnyG]

Thank you everyone!!


You may remember me from the thread about maca - I had asked if it changed anyone's cycle length. Well it turns out it wasn't the maca that altered things - I am pregnant too!!! :D
WOWIEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is great!!!!!!!!!!!! Huge congrats!! (um yeah, I'd say it DID alter your cycle! ;) )

[Gittel]

MrsJohnnyG and Vegan Princess,

I'm so excited for you both! What lucky little babies these are to have such loving mommies! I wish you an easy and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Gittel

[Vegan Princess]

Thanks guys! Sorry to hijack the post. ;)

[raven]

Oh, how exciting! I wish you the best!

Suzy

[JuanaV]

Congrats Julia! I had 2 miscarriages then got pregnant a 3rd time and bled alot. My doc put me on Vitamin P (one of the bioflavinoids) to strengthen my capillaries. I also took hormone shots, but am unsure of what the hormone was. That was 25 years ago. I did have 2 more miscarriages in the years that followed, and now am pregnant with #12 - our 8th living child.

With Richelle - I was bleeding and a threatened miscarriage. The doc didn't think I would keep her over the weekend when I saw him on Friday afternoon. From the doc's office I went to see a friend, she gave me some red raspberry leaves in capsule form. I started that immediately - Richelle celebrated her 11th birthday a month ago.

Now some docs will say that raspberry will cause a miscarriage - I took it with William and with this one and found it to be helpful.

I pray that you and your little one have a healthy pregnancy and delivery!

[Whisper]

Congratulations. I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and a great time with the end product!!!

keep us up to date!!

hugs,
Whisper!

[RawKnitster]

Have you ruled out other possibilities? Chromosome tests solved the mystery of why my sister-in-law lost 4 babies in a row. Problem was my brother had 2 rods (strings) of chromosomes that were broken off and switched, (yet were still even). It didn't mix well and the babies were miscarried, or stillborn. Eventually they had two wonderful children, a boy with the same type chromosomes as his mother, and a girl with the same type as her father. She will also have problems conceiving a healthy child. This was a long time ago. Both children are in their twenties. I'm sure my terminology is lame, but that's how I remember it being explained to me. I had the genetic testing done just to make sure I didn't carry those same switched chromosomes. You've probably already looked at it from lots of angles. I'm just feeling for you and wanted to throw this info into the mix. Good Luck. UPDATE: Wrote this before I saw that last page of posts! Not sure how I missed that...but anyway....CONGRATULATIONS!

[Raw Angel Mom]

I am 100% raw food and i rarely eat cold.

Here are some trick to eat warm food.

When you know the food, you will preparre take them out of the fridge prior to preparration to give time to reach room temperature.

I use the dehydrator to warm up burger or any thing.

I make miso soup and would use warm water bath to get my soup to a nice warm soup. Enzymes get preserve below heat of 115F there is a higher treshold but i typically stay below then 105F.

In truth, we don't need food warmer then what our body can tolerate, if this would burn your skin you don't want to eat it at this temperature. You just need room temperature or slightely warmer by using the dehydrator or warming up your food with warm water bath (Take a big boll of water and then place your food in it within an another boll)

[Raw Angel Mom]

Congratulations! I am so happy for you!

All is well beautiful mommy, all is well and please just enjoy your prenancy. She or he was only waiting for the right timing and so it is.


Ton of love to you and your family!

[MrsJohnnyG]

THANK YOU so much again, everyone!! So far so good with this pregnancy... my hCG numbers are doubling every bit as fast as they're supposed to this time!

(Yes, we had chromosomes tested, hormones, insulin resistance, glucose, etc. etc. and I was deemed "normal" in every way... still not sure why I lost my first three pregnancies. I am just glad that this baby seems to be a keeper!! :D)

[Raene]

Wow, CONGRATS!!!!

[Pookietooth]

That's great news for you, and reassuring that raw foods didn't deter you from being able to be pregnant -- although my situation is a bit different (I have a diagnosis -- PCOS), I was also told to avoid cold, raw foods (as well as very hot foods) by my acupuncturist. She told me raw foods were too difficult to digest and that wet, mushy foods like cooked grains and cooked sweet potatoes would be better for me. I was thinking maybe pureed raw soups, sprouted grains could sub for the cooked foods. I know that cooked grains are very bad for me, as someone with PCOS, because they cause such a blood sugar spike and resulting insulin spike.

[Xanadu]

That's great news for you, and reassuring that raw foods didn't deter you from being able to be pregnant -- although my situation is a bit different (I have a diagnosis -- PCOS), I was also told to avoid cold, raw foods (as well as very hot foods) by my acupuncturist. She told me raw foods were too difficult to digest and that wet, mushy foods like cooked grains and cooked sweet potatoes would be better for me. I was thinking maybe pureed raw soups, sprouted grains could sub for the cooked foods. I know that cooked grains are very bad for me, as someone with PCOS, because they cause such a blood sugar spike and resulting insulin spike.

Pookietooth, you can read, hear or see anything you are inclined to believe if you look around enough. You could easily find an acupuncturist who has a diametrically oposite "opinion" to the one whose "opinion" you are referencing here. I would instead listen to the teachings of someone who has a much wider and varied knowledge base coming not from listening to traditions, views and opinions but from practical testing which would be Alissa and Dr. Gabriel Cousens. They, along with many others who have real life experience with the Raw Living Diet have proved both scientifically and in practical experience that cooked/dead/damaged (enzyme, vitamen and protein wise) foods are the ones that are hard to digest as the body has to utilize it's own enzymes, etc to digest that food which takes them away from the jobs they were designed to do like fighting illness, building and repairing tissues, providing energy to our cells, building babies, etc. I would say that when you hear an "opinion" that disagrees with common sense to reject it and go with what you know to be true in that God didn't put cooking stoves in the Garden of Eden and if you don't believe in God ask yourself which animal on this earth is having the most trouble with conception. It is only the ones (humans, dogs, cats) that eat foods processed by humans or in rare instances those that have been affected by human encroachment on their previously healthy environments and diets.

Xanadu1jw
Certified Living on Live Foods Chef/ Instructor/Teacher

[myssi]

I am currently working on a Master's degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and also highly recommend Paul Pitchfod's book, "Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition." It will put things into perspective for you about the properties of food and where your acupuncturist is coming from in making this recommendation. (As mentioned in a previous post, remember the choice is yours on taking this advice or not). Chinese medicine is based on thousands of years of practice. BUT, current lifestyles aren't always accounted for. Sometimes we need to tweak it a bit. That is the beauty of this medicine.

My thoughts are that you should tell your acupuncturist that you eat raw foods and would like other alternatives rather than eating cooked. But be very open about your lifestyle! (It won't do any good if your acupuncturist doesn't know you eat only raw food, thinks your taking the dietary advice, and wonders why you still have such cold pathologies).

I would think a good practitioner should have no problems modifying your treatment taking this into consideration. It might not be "textbook" but it's definitely do-able! There are plenty of ways around this without giving up on Chinese medicine! I would however be cautious of ANY healthcare practitioner who says "this is the only way."

Myssi

[Revvell]

... ask yourself which animal on this earth is having the most trouble with conception. It is only the ones (humans, dogs, cats) that eat foods processed by humans or in rare instances those that have been affected by human encroachment on their previously healthy environments and diets.


If that were true, then people in poor countries wouldn't be having so many children.

What's interesting having read this is that, where there is little food/water, animals don't have as many spawn yet, people seem to. How is it we are so contrary to nature?

[Pookietooth]

I know plenty of people who eat tons of processed foods who have had no problem with conception. I, on the other hand, have stayed away from processed foods but cannot get pregnant, or when I do manage, with presciption fertility medicines, to get pregnant, I can't seem to hold on to the pregnancy. Although I did before, when I was younger, despite eating all kinds of junk.

[Raene]

I had heard that there are people who go from Rh- to +... does this book talk about that?

I'm not sure, I actually haven't read most of it yet. I've read that too though, and raspberry leaf is supposed to be one of the herbs to help change it. Who knows?
I will not take that shot though after what I've read online about the dangers. Looks like you only need the shot if you're in a car accident or some similar situation in which your blood may mix with your baby's. After birth they give the shot to protect *the next* baby, and for me, 2 is good, I'm all set...but if I wanted another, I think I'd still opt out. The shot's only been around since the 70s...I'm sure babies were born just fine before that.

[kailaniece]

Very interesting. I didn't really think about whether or not the starting temperature of foods might affect body temperature. I tend to be cold, raw or not, but I've always been drawn to many of those warming foods... especially cinnamon. I grew up on hot milk with cinnamon before bed and now slip it into nearly everything!! I'm also crazy about garlic... so maybe I've been unconsciously trying to balance myself out. Maybe the body will tell you what you really need if you listen closely enough

[kailaniece]

Xandu!! Where is the link to that study for the animal protein=cancer in mice? I'd lke to read it!

[Raene]

That's a study...The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. :)

[linda7276]

I just started seeing an acupuncture practitioner because my husband and I have not been able to have a baby (we are able to conceive, but always lose the baby between 10 and 12 weeks).


Hi, I doubt that I'll be much help, sorry, and sorry about your repeated miscarriages too. I have my son, thank God, but I went through a similar thing when I was younger. I had 7 miscarriages, all at the 6 week mark to the day. No doctor could ever tell me why, anatomically no problems, they did genetic studies which were normal, you know they always said if something was wrong the body just naturally got rid of it...but not the case.

One of the things I found out this year after many years, I'm 54, of suffering with fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, being anorexic like thin, pale, etc....that I'm sensitive to gluten. Which is in all wheat products, barley and rye and because of cross contamination, can be on oats, lots of different theory's on the oats, some say yea, some nay.

Anyway to make a long story short....when you are gluten sensitive, the theory is that you have or can have, don't want to be too lengthy here, a leaky gut, which can lead to malabsorption, which I definitely had, the normal value is <300 mine was 647, so I was not absorbing my nutrients, hence all of my symptoms. That and it sets off an immune reaction and that reaction is different for everyone. I can't help but wonder now if that was my problem because I've since read in many many sources that miscarriage is common when one is gluten sensitive.

I don't know if you eat wheat, chances are not since you're raw, but I wanted to throw that out there just in case, because a lot of vegans eat whole grains which are the worst thing you can do in that case. I sympathize with you, and know what that's like for sure. I had no problem conceiving either...just couldn't stay pregnant. I am so thankful for my son. I had him first and after that no more.

And BTW gluten sensitivity can cause a myriad of symptoms, I had a sister who died in her 40's from MS, and I am almost positive that she was gluten sensitive, many cases masquerade as all kinds of neurological diseases. One would never think to look at wheat. She was an addict to bread and pizza and all of that stuff. Cases of MS and ALS have responded to removal of gluten. Anyway another HUGE subject....I've been studying it for months now. I am recovering nicely!! That's what led me to discover this raw diet.

I had to let you know this, just in case. I wish you well and hope you can have that baby...:)

[linda7276]

I'm paraphrasing a lot. Arky recommended this book, and I bought it. It is really a wealth of info. The author is not predisposed to raw in particular, but he promotes vegan food when possible and has some information about which animal products are helpful IF a person does not have success without them.

First off -- NO to the cayenne for you! (although it might be good for some people in some circumstances -- like in the winter for a person who doesn't have a chronic issue). It temporarily causes a warming affect but soon causes a cooling affect as the heat radiates out of the body. This is the last thing you want if you are deeply cold.

BUT ginger and parsnips are great! So are aduki, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, basil, rosemary, oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seed, sesame seed, walnujts, pinenuts, dill, fennel, anise, caraway, carob, cumin.

Corn, buckwheat and rye are neutral.

All grains not listed above are cooling and should be avoided.

More warming: parsley, mustard greens, winter squash, sweet potato, kale, onion, leek, chive, garlic, scallion, cherry, citrus peel, date.

All strong spices like cayenne, hot peppers, black pepper, etc. will have an initial warming effect but then a cooling effect shortly after. So avoid or limit them.

Plants that take longer to grow are more warming than ones that grow quickly -- stuff like carrots, rutabaga, parsnips, cabbage and ginseng are great.

Chemically fertilized plants are often cooling (so get all organic if possible).

Blue/green/purple food = cooling
Red/orange/yellow = either warming or at least less cooling

Cooking for a longer time on low heat is actually more warming than a short time on high heat. So -- crank up your dehydrator for stuff like the stuffed mushrooms and whathaveyou!

Manipulating food (cutting, Vitamixin', etc.) releases more energy and heat.

Chewing food thoroughly creates warmth. Even if it starts out cold, if you chew it for a long time before you swallow, it will become warming.


Eva thank you this is great information, copied and pasted...:)

[linda7276]

Woops I didn't read the whole thread....congratulations!! I hope you'll keep us informed of your progress. I feel sure this is going to be the one for you...:)

[Pookietooth]

So Amaranth and rice are cooling? That's too bad as spelt and oats are out for me (I am gluten sensitive as well, although removing gluten hasn't helped that much).

[kailaniece]

CONGRATS!!! So happy to hear that everything is going well with your current pregnancy!! Mazal Tov!!!

K

[Pookietooth]

Manipulating food (cutting, Vitamixin', etc.) releases more energy and heat.

Chewing food thoroughly creates warmth. Even if it starts out cold, if you chew it for a long time before you swallow, it will become warming.

Do you mean that cutting it makes it cooler?

[Eva]

Do you mean that cutting it makes it cooler?

No, I don't. I meant that it makes it warmer.

[goobygirl]

Also, many acupuncturists are trained on a body system that was NOT based on very much scientific knowledge of the body (no autopsies 1000s of years ago or understanding of scientific function of body). These forms of acupuncture were based on the meridian energy system.

There are more scientific methods of acupuncture that having NOTHING to do with the old systems and work very well.

I don't have the book's title now, but there is a medical, scientific type of acupuncture by a gentleman in England that explains the difference and how acupuncture based on science does work.

So while a traditionally based acupuncturist can bring relief, there is a more scientific method that's not so hit and miss.

The whole reason of my post is that if the traditional acupuncturist is using a "hit or miss" method, how right can they be about food? I even had a doctor tell me it was better to steam my veggies as they were more bioavailable or some such. Ok. So for thousands of years people should have been dying left and right from not cooking?? Yeah...uh huh.

[goobygirl]

the book about the more modern approach to acupuncture is called Acupucunture in Practice, byond pointsand meridians, by Anthony Campbell.