How Raw Food Has Kept Me Alive

[domestic goddess]

...or at least that is how it feels to me :)

I have been mostly a lurker here...posting now and again. I haven't been around much because I have been pretty sick, and felt like a failure of sorts as I was living a raw lifestyle, but never felt that glow and vibrancy all the raw foodists speak of. I was depressed and discouraged.

I became very sick at the end of June and just recently found out I have Hashimotos (thyroid disorder) and Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS) due to several viral infections that caused my immune system to go into hyper mode and create quite a mess. Apparently, I have some sort of genetic auto-immune 'issue' that causes my immune system to create antibodies that attack various systems in my body causing dis-ease. It explained alot.

My Dr. is wonderful, and very respectful of my natural lifestyle and wanting to avoid drugs at all costs. (I have needed to go on certian meds for this illness which was a very difficult decision for me, and not open to debate)She said the reason I was not any sicker was due to my raw lifestyle! She also said that it was the best possible lifestyle to help manage this disorder. I was thrilled to hear this, as I was about ready to give up, even though I knew in my heart there was no other way to live than raw. I was even prepared to consider flesh food! I was so depressed! But, something in my heart told me not to give up. And I didn't :D People who see me can't even tell I am sick, they think I look great! Other than some weight loss, no one is the wiser.

I guess my point is, for those of you struggling with raw...keep at it. I am convinced it has saved my life. When I did not have the strength to prepare a meal, I had green smoothies. It is possible. Whatever you are able to do, just keep on doing it. You don't always know the value it has in your life! I didn't!

[Veganforlife]

Awwww, I'm so glad for you. Keep up the good work. You'll be off meds soon!

[rawstrength]

Terrific work! You are so strong and courageous.
A year ago I had a nasty little bout with mononucleiosis. My doctors told me that I would always have remnants of the virus in my blood. They very were puzzled when a recent blood test looked exactly the same as blood from someone who had never experienced mono.
My immune system is like a stealthy ninja on raw . . . it cleanly, silently, quickly and efficiently kills everything that tries to hurt me, but it never attacks the good guys. Have you tried any adaptogenic herbs like tulsi and astragalus? They really make a difference.
Wishing you all the best!

[rayofsunshine]

Congratulations on your determination to listen to yourself and follow you inner knowings.

I think others have similar experiences where they may not outwardly see the good that is happening in the beginning, BUT GOOD STUFF IS HAPPENING ON THE INSIDE!

I appreciate your insights. I struggle with 100% raw, 24/7, but can see improvements in my health by the progress I have made. I KNOW this is the best way to eat for a healthy body.

[jacsam]

Thanks for sharing!!!!!

[Raw Yogini]

Wonderful! Thanks so much for the post.

[loodles]

Thank you for sharing your story. I identify so much with what you shared. I too have an autoimmune condition which has led to many unpleasant symptoms affecting how I feel every day (chronic pain, poor digestion, etc.). One of the main reasons I started on Raw was as a desperate attempt to try and help myself recover and feel better in my body and mind. While I have not had the miraculous recovery story that so many others have shared here and elsewhere, I certainly feel it has benefitted my life and health in many tangible and intangible ways. My doctor at one point also said to me that the reason I am not worse off is probably because of my raw diet. It has helped as much as it can help, given what it is up against. I hope in time that it will help even more and that I will have one of those miraculous recovery stories to share. But until then, it is still worth it to me. Here's to putting our health first, even if it is still an uphill climb. Thanks so much for sharing, I feel more validated in my struggle to make this diet live up to the potential I know is there.

[HolyGuacamole]

Wonderful.
Thank you for sharing your exciting and encouraging story!

[debilana]

your doctor ROCKS! wow!
HUGS!

[RawHeaven]

Domestic Goddess thank you for sharing. I really can understand where you're coming from and I'm so glad you're doing better. I have talked and met with individuals who experienced similar traumas with their knees and legs as I have and the biggest difference is I'm not addicted to pain medication, carrying more weight than my knees can handle and not undergoing endless operations. I really believe that being raw has helped me beyond my wildest expectations. I just wanted to feel better and I know that something amazing is taking place within my body even as I type this. Every day I can bend my knee a little further and I was told I wouldn't even be able to walk without a cane. I am doing both and then some. Raw has saved my life too and I really appreciate your post and the reminder to be grateful. Wishing all the best and continued, sustained abundant health.

((((Hugs))))

Crystal

[shashibala]

Thank you for that beautiful story. I wish you all the best!

[domestic goddess]

Thank you for all the wonderful responses!
I felt compelled to post, as I knew there had to be some other people out there struggling with an illness AND trying to stay raw. Its a tough road sometimes, but I think in the end it will be SO worth it! I read so many stories of other people with my illness just struggling so much and I am so grateful that I am not in that place!

Raw really is the key to health!

[tanishamarshall]

Thanks for sharing. So glad to hear that you didn't give up on raw...

[Apple^^]

I was just feeling the same way!!!

Until a few weeks back before I realized I had Candida I had been on the verge of giving up raw ... feeling the opposite of 'glowing' 'mental clarity' 'energized' which others claim

It took me half a year to realize but at least now I know - I thank going raw which lead me to juice fasting to help realize. Now that I understand, now I knew why it was so hard for me, cos I was 95% raw. I bet 5% was enough to trigger candida and keep it alive

I still have poor digestion and tired all the time but at least my stomache does not hurt all the time anymore, at least I can go to school (how could I have forgotten what a wreck I was before??) Just my dissatisfaction of not having achieved the health I want had be blinded to the enormous improvements I suppose :p

Now I'm out to battle candida, it's hard with all the conflicting advice of no sugar/ low fat... but I'm holding on ... I know just being raw can cure this! Just it seems to take time but hey, steady wins the race

Thank you for sharing :)

[shine72]

So good to see you here again! I'm SO glad you stuck with it and are taking care of YOU! :D

[spicyfull]

My Best to you....I am So happy for you.