alaurena
07-13-2010, 04:25 PM
Hi! I joined this site over a year ago but I was having tremendous digestive problems and couldn't stick with the raw. It was so far in the distance because I knew how many layers of issues needed to be peeled away. I wasnīt digesting the foods and my appetite was never satiated. I was always hungry, bloated, and extremely exhaused (beyond normal detox symptoms).
There were legitimate issues that were hindering my progress: food allergies, leaky gut, candida, and parasites. The most important issue I had to get a handle on was the parasite(dientamoeba fragilis). This was no easy task! First I needed the tests to prove that I had a parasite. Since most allopathic doctors donīt even recognize that gastrointestinal distress can be caused by parasites, I couldnīt just walk into the urgent care department and request this test (I didnīt have health insurance so most of my doctor visits were in the urgent care centers located in Southern California, USA). Certified alternative practitioners offer the parasitology testing but I couldn't afford the cost of the visits and the tests. I was unemployed and living on food stamps.
My stomach was so bloated, at times, I thought it would explode! But that didnīt persuade me to change my lifestyle. I gave up completely on raw and went back to my SAD diet. My depression was also getting the best of me and I started drinking heavily. It wasnīt until I moved to the Netherlands last September that I snapped out of my alcoholic binging.
After moving to the Netherlands, I decided that since I now would receive mandatory health insurance and a little bit of income (my boyfriend and I live with relatives so I havenīt had to pay rent yet) every penny would be invested in my health. After receiving my insurance card, I immediately made an appointment with a doctor. In the back of my mind I knew I needed to follow a raw diet but I really had to get these issues solved. My doctor (general practitioner) didnīt know why I had such horrible digestive complaints but he wasnīt going to offer the parasitology testing, at first. After continually making appointments in his office complaining that his remedies and advice were not assuaging my symptoms he asked what I thought was wrong. Immediately I responded `A PARASITEī!!!!! That was the golden ticket. Luckily, he was willing to give me the test and after the results were positive, I got a treatment of antibiotics. Normally Iīd be against them and I knew my digestive flora was in bad shape but I wanted those buggers OUT OF ME!!!!
After I got rid of the amoeba, the next step was to see a naturopath. I had to be treated for candida and leaky gut. I also got blood work done and many deficiencies were discovered. Along with supplements for support, I went on a strict diet for over 4 months. I had to stay away from any food that encouraged candida growth, in addition to foods that I am allergic to (gluten, dairy, eggs, soy).
A couple weeks ago, still dealing with headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and a host of other bothersome symptoms, I made the decision that I would go 100% raw. I felt that my digestion is a lot better and I had gotten rid of the underlying conditions that had been hindering my earlier attempts to go raw.
Iīm really excited about this journey. Its been a challenge since I am also getting acquainted with a new country: Whole Foods is not around the corner. But Iīve figured out where the farmers sell their produce, I am scoping out all of the natural food stores, and I make a daily menu outlining every meal (I shop almost every day). It can also be expensive but I believe this is the right thing to do for my body, mind, and spirit.
At this point, I am 100% raw. Today is my 8th day! So, that is my story and I am happy to get reacquainted with this forum.
There were legitimate issues that were hindering my progress: food allergies, leaky gut, candida, and parasites. The most important issue I had to get a handle on was the parasite(dientamoeba fragilis). This was no easy task! First I needed the tests to prove that I had a parasite. Since most allopathic doctors donīt even recognize that gastrointestinal distress can be caused by parasites, I couldnīt just walk into the urgent care department and request this test (I didnīt have health insurance so most of my doctor visits were in the urgent care centers located in Southern California, USA). Certified alternative practitioners offer the parasitology testing but I couldn't afford the cost of the visits and the tests. I was unemployed and living on food stamps.
My stomach was so bloated, at times, I thought it would explode! But that didnīt persuade me to change my lifestyle. I gave up completely on raw and went back to my SAD diet. My depression was also getting the best of me and I started drinking heavily. It wasnīt until I moved to the Netherlands last September that I snapped out of my alcoholic binging.
After moving to the Netherlands, I decided that since I now would receive mandatory health insurance and a little bit of income (my boyfriend and I live with relatives so I havenīt had to pay rent yet) every penny would be invested in my health. After receiving my insurance card, I immediately made an appointment with a doctor. In the back of my mind I knew I needed to follow a raw diet but I really had to get these issues solved. My doctor (general practitioner) didnīt know why I had such horrible digestive complaints but he wasnīt going to offer the parasitology testing, at first. After continually making appointments in his office complaining that his remedies and advice were not assuaging my symptoms he asked what I thought was wrong. Immediately I responded `A PARASITEī!!!!! That was the golden ticket. Luckily, he was willing to give me the test and after the results were positive, I got a treatment of antibiotics. Normally Iīd be against them and I knew my digestive flora was in bad shape but I wanted those buggers OUT OF ME!!!!
After I got rid of the amoeba, the next step was to see a naturopath. I had to be treated for candida and leaky gut. I also got blood work done and many deficiencies were discovered. Along with supplements for support, I went on a strict diet for over 4 months. I had to stay away from any food that encouraged candida growth, in addition to foods that I am allergic to (gluten, dairy, eggs, soy).
A couple weeks ago, still dealing with headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and a host of other bothersome symptoms, I made the decision that I would go 100% raw. I felt that my digestion is a lot better and I had gotten rid of the underlying conditions that had been hindering my earlier attempts to go raw.
Iīm really excited about this journey. Its been a challenge since I am also getting acquainted with a new country: Whole Foods is not around the corner. But Iīve figured out where the farmers sell their produce, I am scoping out all of the natural food stores, and I make a daily menu outlining every meal (I shop almost every day). It can also be expensive but I believe this is the right thing to do for my body, mind, and spirit.
At this point, I am 100% raw. Today is my 8th day! So, that is my story and I am happy to get reacquainted with this forum.