what about alcohol?

[adovacado]

i have cleaned up my diet significantly in the past 6-9 months. i credit this forum with helping me through some stuff my immediate circle could not. -for that i want to sat thanks to all the posters - i really love to have a drink on the weekends - not every weekend - about every other - i really enjoy my time drinking with my friends . is it THAT bad for my health? im about 70 - 80 raw and feeling great -

[Veronica01]

A lot of raw fooders don't consume alcohol anymore. I just never liked the taste, so i haven't had any in over a year. I just pull up a glass of water with my friends who are drinking and they get over it. I've read about alcohol negating any benefits of wine and such, but here's an article with more reasons why it is harmful if you want to read: http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/overcoming-addictions/stimulation-effects.html

"Basically, foods affect our mental and emotional state in two ways:

They either furnish or deplete vital nutrients upon which our mental and emotional health depend, and

They either do or do not produce toxic by-products, in the body which poison the brain and contribute to emotional problems.
As for some examples, eating grapes furnishes the blood with readily-assimilated natural sugars and minerals that are conducive to mental activity; consuming white sugar, on the other hand, depletes the body of B-vitamins, and this leads to nervousness and mental depression. Eating fresh raw foods places little or no toxic matter in the body; whereas eating preserved and cooked foods saturates the bloodstream with toxins that poison the body and interfere with brain function.

We can deduce from the above observations that optimum nutrition for physical, mental and emotional health consists of selecting those foods that, first, can supply the body with all of its nutrient needs and that do not interfere with the nutritional balance, and, second, contribute little or no toxic by-products.

Foods that disrupt the nutritional balance of the body and toxify the system are the nutritional culprits of poor mental and emotional health. Most of these culprits are actually "nonfoods" (such as sugar, alcohol, caffeine drinks, etc.) and have no legitimate place in the human diet."

http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/nutrition-mind-and-the-emotions/how-foods-affect-mental-and-emotional-health.html


Also here's an alcohol on how eating raw foods decrease cravings and tolerance for alcohol.
http://www.wildhealthfood.com/how-food-can-reduce-alcohol-cravings

"A 1985 study put 32 people with high blood pressure on a 6-month diet which included 60 – 70% uncooked foods. This diet succeeded in lowering their blood pressure and balancing blood cholesterol and blood fats. However the researchers also discovered that 80% of those who regularly drank alcohol abstained without suggestion or encouragement. A similar percentage of smokers also quit. Amazing! "

[Humanist]

Alcohol is poison. End of discussion.

[jurence]

Alcohol is poison. End of discussion.

So is edamame, get over it. Be constructive to the topic.

High grade wine is usually raw if it is not heated.

[SimplyFabulush]

You really just have to try it out in addition to your mostly raw lifestyle and see. Alcohol isn't the best thing for you, but some people are perfectly fine with having certain non-raw things in their diet. I'm not 100% by any means. not even 100% vegetarian/vegan yet. Right now, I'm okay with this. Every once in a while I will still have fast food. This is my journey, and right now I feel better than I've ever felt in a long long time. Will I nix everything raw/vegan completed? Hopefully, maybe, I have no idea. Right now I am fine with what is, no matter what anyone else in the raw world says :)

[tylerdurden]

So is edamame, get over it. Be constructive to the topic.

Being constructive or are you being an enabler. Everyone wants to hear it’s ok to do certain things. We some times tell ourselves, “oh this isn’t THAT bad for me… right?” In the end alcohol is a poison but it’s your body so if it makes you happy I think you’ve answered your own question. In the end you should do the things that make you happy.

[Marco]

i have cleaned up my diet significantly in the past 6-9 months. i credit this forum with helping me through some stuff my immediate circle could not. -for that i want to sat thanks to all the posters - i really love to have a drink on the weekends - not every weekend - about every other - i really enjoy my time drinking with my friends . is it THAT bad for my health? im about 70 - 80 raw and feeling great -

I have to say it's all about doing what you feel is right for your body. If you are 70 - 80% and feeling great, well good on you. I wish you all the best enjoy feeling great and having a little fun when you can.

[pixie_333]

alcohol to me is posion to the mind, body and spirit for every single indiviual regardless how much one intakes or often or not it's consumed. it also attracts and feeds negative energy and negative entites on the other dimensions. it's not worth it. just makes things worse.

[Raw Joy]

No, alcohol is not good.

No, alcohol (with the exception of organic, unsulfered wines) is not raw

Yes, I still have a few glasses of wine almost every weekend.

Yes, I still occasionally have a mixed drink when out at a happy hour or event.

shrug.

It depends on how "raw" or how "pure" you want to be, how much you worry or don't worry about it, and how it affects you. If it makes you crave other stuff, or makes you loosen up to the point that you start thinking, yeah, a pizza or pretzels are okay too, or it affects your emotions in a negative way, don't do it.

I've gotten to the point that balance while enjoying life to the fullest, whether "raw" or not, is more important than BEING 100% PERCENT ALL RAW ALL THE TIME BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT I HAVE TO DO. I'm very high raw. I just don't sweat the few times or things when I'm not, or even the few times or things when it's not completely healthy. I realize that this doesn't work for everyone, but it seems to be very much working for me. :)

[LilacLavender]

I still drink on VERY rare occasions...such as once per month. My abstinence from alcohol just happaned naturally as well. Although I do enjoy good wine from time to time. I don't see the tiny amount I drink as a problem.

Historically I've eliminated things from my diet that I've noticed I do better without. At this point to eliminate alcohol completely wouldn't make me any difference one way or the other, and I'd just see it as an unnecessary restriction. Perhaps somewhere down the line I will change my mind. It happens.

It all started with me giving up meat when I was in high school, sugar a few years later, dairy and eggs, fried foods, preservatives, and then becoming high raw. And I love it.

[jacsam]

So your question was "is it THAT bad for my health?" By saying that, you already know that alchol isn't good for you so it's just a matter of what you want to do. Personally, I don't drink alchol because it isn't good for you and it alters your thinking/personality etc. For me raw food is all about health, vibrance, clear thinking and a glass of fresh juice or water is what gives me that. Everyone that knows me, knows that I don't drink and it's never been an issue..... infact they would probably take it away from me if I even tried. Good friends support you in choices that make you the best you can be. Good luck in your decision.

[Revvell]

Ditto below.


So your question was "is it THAT bad for my health?" By saying that, you already know that alchol isn't good for you so it's just a matter of what you want to do. Personally, I don't drink alchol because it isn't good for you and it alters your thinking/personality etc. For me raw food is all about health, vibrance, clear thinking and a glass of fresh juice or water is what gives me that. Everyone that knows me, knows that I don't drink and it's never been an issue..... infact they would probably take it away from me if I even tried. Good friends support you in choices that make you the best you can be. Good luck in your decision.

[boocake]

It's a personal choice, so do what feels right to you (and only you!) :)

I enjoy a glass of raw wine or even unfiltered sake once or twice a month. I like the aroma and the way it accentuates certain foods that I eat. I especially like it with room temperature mango.
I've never felt bounded by negative energy due to wine, and if anything, it casts a warm and intimate glow around that particular meal i'm enjoying. That's just me though, I grew up in wine country and view winemaking as an art :)

Either way, it's up to you! Wishing you the best on your raw journey!

xoxox

[Raw Angel Mom]

Congratulations on your accomplishment and be proud of you.

Why did you choose to add more raw in your life?

I would go from there.

I didn't go cold turkey to be where i am today, it was a journey. I would eliminate toxic thing gradually from my diet. I would start with the worst that i thought it was. I was vegetarian for 7 years before i did the 100% raw vegan food.

Alcohol definitely slow down your effort and progress and i would seriously consider to drop it. You deserve the best.

It is a myth to be pressure to drink with friends in order to socialize with them. Yes at first, it creates questions etc... but they soon get use to you and do accept that you simply don't drink. You can have a chit chat with them that you want to go out but you won't be drinking for health reason. There isn't any reason for you to stop going out with them to remain sober. You certainly can go out and not to drink

On the other hand, if you are the one not ready to let go the alcohol, then you can focus on your accomplishment and make sure not to make excuse to justify your choice. Because it makes the desire stronger. In perfect time, you are going to wake up and not wanted to drink period.

Have fun with this raw journey.

[snoops]

More on this in my blog when I get home but - I was at Cafe Gratitude in Berkely last night. They had an awesome red organic raw sulphite free wine from Sonoma. It was really nice. They said most wines use cow bones in the clarification process so watch out for that vegans. They got a winery to produce of vegan organic wine just for them. It was an awesome experience there by the way. Back Sunday night and I'll tell you all about it!!

[pixie_333]

More on this in my blog when I get home but - I was at Cafe Gratitude in Berkely last night. They had an awesome red organic raw sulphite free wine from Sonoma. It was really nice. They said most wines use cow bones in the clarification process so watch out for that vegans. They got a winery to produce of vegan organic wine just for them. It was an awesome experience there by the way. Back Sunday night and I'll tell you all about it!!

yeah, i was stunned when i found out about animal ingrediants beng added to beer and wine.
there's a list of vegan beers and wines on the internet.. can google... even some cheap ghetto beers are vegan, but some are not.

[SekhemNefer]

I love my wine. And I love a nice glass with a big plate of salad as a glamorous treat. I don't do this every day. Maybe once or twice a month.

I like a good beer once in a while, but beer to me tastes good with cooked foods mostly, except for a few beers I know that are tasty enough to drink all by itself.


Right now, I am studying about wine in order to become a wine expert aka Sommelier. I have no intentions of giving up wine. I find it extremely fascinating that I want to become part of the wine business one day.

[SekhemNefer]

alcohol to me is posion to the mind, body and spirit for every single indiviual regardless how much one intakes or often or not it's consumed. it also attracts and feeds negative energy and negative entites on the other dimensions. it's not worth it. just makes things worse.

Nah, that is a personal belief thing. I doubt the spirit world cares. I mean, many cultures have it that deceased ancestors, gods and goddesses and spirits can not be appeased unless you give them good quality alcohol for libation. They get pissed if you don't offer any wine, rum or beer. :D

[pixie_333]

Nah, that is a personal belief thing. I doubt the spirit world cares. I mean, many cultures have it that deceased ancestors, gods and goddesses and spirits can not be appeased unless you give them good quality alcohol for libation. They get pissed if you don't offer any wine, rum or beer. :D

i am able to see entities. also am a psychic medium and a healer and can see what happens to people. and i am not the only one who can see these things litteraly.

i am not going to get into the god therories etc and not just because this forum doesn't want religion involved. but if something is going to get pissed off at you for not doing something.. then i'd be quite alarmed what i'd be praising.

[ZeeMox]

Kava is a really fun alcohol substitute with little to no toxic side effects. There was some controversy over it several years back in the UK due to inexperienced distributors using the upper parts of the Kava plant to create kavalactone extracts with extremely liver toxic side effects. Extracts sold in America are made only from the root of the Kava plant, and can be found in most health food stores.

That said, you probably won't get much effect from an extract. If you want to replace alcohol buy some powdered "waka kava" from a reputable ebay vendor. These is from the lower portion of the root and is the best part of the plant. Weigh about an ounce of this out and put it in a nut milk bad, then knead the bag with your hands or a potato masher in a bowl of water (approx 2 quarts) for around 15 minutes, or until the water turns a milky tan/brownish color. Drink this - it will have an interesting mouth numbing effect. While waiting for your uplifting Kava buzz, add some water and keep making more! You can do this with the same bag all night long.

Kava has a reverse tolerance, so you will find it takes less to get a greater effect the more you do it. Also, it's strongly recommended that you drink Kava on an empty stomach (try not eating for 3 to 4 hours beforehand). After you've gotten to where you want to be, eat up! And, as with anything, don't over do it. Kava can have negative side effects on the skin if consumed all day for a couple weeks straight. You can abuse anything.

In case you're curious about the effects, Kava works on the same brain receptors that alcohol does, but without the toxicity. It's a jolly, uncoordinated drunk, but not quite as stupifying. It's an immensely popular drink in Fiji, and is also frequently enjoyed in Hawaii, since it grows natively in these places. Give it a shot!

[kaleboy]

I cringe when I hear/read doctors supporting that red wine in moderation can be good for you because of the antioxidents etc. What about a bunch of grapes, skins and all ?

[January Noir]

I drink organic wine or sake (ala Sarma Melngailis) from time to time and I personally love it. My journey is mine and mine alone. Whoever chooses to or not is their business. Live and let live. I still claim the mantle of Raw!

My favorite is a Master-Cleanse Tini made with organic sake, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper.

[James Carmichael]

I'm finding the more Raw i get the less alcohol i can actually take. This is a good thing. I'm coming round to thinking I'm better off without it.

[Eva]

I have exactly ZERO interest in any alcohol (organic/sulfite-free or otherwise). I'm so happy, free, and so dang RAW (say whatever I say without much filter except love love love and compassion)... why bother? If I want to relax and loosen up, there is yoga, walks, the sofa, a nice tea. If all else fails, I can pester my husband to give me a massage, although that is often useless because then he just wants to make out with me. :wuv

But I'm SURE (and in fact I know several) there are people who include alcohol in some form or another and enjoy it without it being a terribly big deal. :)

[scyn]

I've found non-alcoholic beers to be a nice alternative on a hot summers day - especially when others are drinking, it's nice to crack open a bottle and chill out. Though someone is bound to post some horror story as to how alcohol-free beers are made ;). Shhh!

[Aleesha Sattva]

how about a nice glass of kombucha in place of beer or wine? how about a gorgeous looking freshly made juice?

it doesn't have to be bottled... it can be healthy for you!

and scyn... yup... you probably will. after all this is a raw forum here to support people who are choosing to be raw. so unless it's raw... you'll find many neighsayers here!

[mcster]

Since I was 14, I drank beer or whiskey and smoked pot socially. One day, about six years ago, it dawned on me that I hadn't had a drink or a joint in three months. I felt great and had saved myself a lot of money and wasted time. That's the day I realized I didn't need either of them so I replaced whiskey and pot with meditation. That's a much more productive practice for me.

I'm still very social and for that very rare occasion like my 20th high school grad anniversary when I put together a weekend trip of debauchery for 10 of my still-good buds, I can make an exception.

Do whatever feels right for you. I think the important part is keeping in mind that drinking is neither healthy nor productive. That can help you guide you in your decision process when presented with a social situation.

[RawSar]

Zero alcohol here!! :)
In the past it has gotten me no where except into trouble. I am so much better without it. I never even think about it. It took my friends and family a little while to adjust but now they get it and see the difference.

[lusterwings]

I want to know if Heineken beer is raw? I would really like to know! Thank you!

[Revvell]

I want to know if Heineken beer is raw? I would really like to know! Thank you!

Beer is brewed. The brand doesn't matter.

[therawmichelle]

I personally believe it really depends on what you are drinking and how much. but when you are discussing topics like alcohol, people are usually prone to having very strong feelings about it. I believe that anything consumed in large quantities can be poisonous, but i wouldn't go as far as saying alcohol is poison itself. It has been used medicinally for centuries.
Organic wine is pretty much raw and it has been shown to benefit human health in a number of ways, such as by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. this is a fact, supported scientifically.
BUT, this hardly equates to going out and having a few drinks on Saturday nights. I think every person should decide for themselves whether they want to consume alcohol in moderate quantities or not, and there's no reason to chastise those who do consume it.