Want to go 100%, afraid of detox

[earthmama]

Hi all, I need some help. I'm currently about 70-80%raw. would like to go 100%. My problem is I'm afraid to detox. I have CFS/Fibromyalgia and many other illnesses. Most days it's all I can do to get out of bed. I have a daughter who also has Cfs and can't really do much for herself. We are trying to get our house ready to sell, I'm struggling to even keep it clean. My neighbors seeing that I'm home all the time seem to think I'm here to care for their animals, parents, watch their houses. etc. so my problem is this, if I get a major detox, I'm sunk! Has anyone gone 100% without a major detox. So far I've had a couple of bad weeks because my blood pressure has come down really well, but makes me feel bad(not off all meds yet). I stuggle to walk, sometimes dragging myself around with my cane(did I mention I have a little Westie who thinks he must walk a block several times a day.LOL). Sorry to sound so whiney, but I don't know what to do next. I know raw will get us better, just not sure if we can handle doing ittoo quickly. thanks Earthmama

[sweetgoddess]

You can handle it! Listening to your description of how you are feeling makes me want to holler, dont wait one more minute to get started!
Detox is so different for everyone. You cannot predict how yours will be. Some get headaches or cold like symptoms, some get lethargic, some get nothing. But I tell you, a couple days of detox will land you in a whole different level of being.

You will feel different and you your body will function differently. So, its not something to fear, rather it is a huge blessing. Seriously!
You can prolong it, but why? Detox is the gateway to vibrant health.

WHat can make your detox a lot easier is: lots of rest, lots of water, skin brushing, enemas ( these can giv you instant relief ), essential oils, moist heat applied to the head and most importantly knowledge.

Have you read this chapter on detox by ALissa?
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3605
It helps so much more than I can say knowing what detox is while you are experiencing it, and knowing its incredible benefits.

It is nothing to be afraid of. It sounds like you are not feeling good now, so why worry about that? Lose that fear. Detox is actually a great friend.
You can be feeling like a whole different person in no time at all.

I send you my warmest well wishes and hope to hear about your healing journey.

Blessings~
Carmel

[earthmama]

Dear Carmel, thanks so much for the support. I probably didn't explain my fear too well. I'm not really afraid of the symptoms, just not being able to take care of my family. But, after reading your reply, I may just be prolonging the detox!! I tend to expect too much of myself, trying to be Donna Reed, or June Cleaver or something.LOL. I think i'm just going to get in a lot of supplies of things my family can prepare for themselves, write my letter of resignation as neghborhood Mommie and go for it. I was just concerned that if I end up in bed for a few days(a possiblity concidering I can barely get up now.LOL) that my family would suffer. But, heck, they have been suffering for years now and raw will help end it. My hubby and daughter are willing to go it with me. So keep your fingers crossed for us, and thanks again. I read your journal and it inspired me to get this far, now to just go all the way. Blessings Earthmama(Phyllis)

[calee]

Hello Earthmama,

Welcome and ditto on everything SG said. That's terrific that your husband and daughter support you in this. It doesn't get much better than that. My worst detox was getting what felt like a cold. It lasted for about 2 weeks while my body cleaned out. After that my energy soared and it was terrific. If you get detox symptoms, come here and talk about what's happening so that you can get good advice on how to get through it. We all get detox symtoms at different times along the journey, and in different ways. The great thing about this forum is all the sharing and support. It's good to know that we're not alone and that things will get better one day at a time. It doesn't sound like you have much to lose, and you certainly have a lot to gain by going the Raw route. Good luck and make sure to let us know how you're doing!

calee

[ReneeSC]

Yeah,listen to Calee... the woman walked the Great Wall of China in her 50's... she's no slouch!

and as tough as mine was - I get to start running again after 16 years! Don't fear the detox.. frankly, if you're illin'... I"d fear NOT doing it.

no.. really!

[Sunshine9]

Hey Earthmama!! A few things to consider--

-is there still anything that is part of your diet that needs to be eliminated (i.e. coffee, wheat, dairy..?) If there is something very addictive like that, perhaps eliminate them first while maintaining high raw. While it is important to go 100% nobody should have to endure true pain, and other raw food experts advocate a more gradual approach.

--Eating a lot of fat and dehydrated food will slow your detox down, while fruits and veggies will speed it up. If you are feeling unwell, include more avocado. Or if you need to slow detox for the sake of continuing life, eat "lesser evils" like a cooked veggie soup, some quinoa, or a yam. I think the theory of just doing 100% is super, but when somebody already has serious health ailments, it is wise to proceed with caution. Suddenly going 100% will stir up all sorts of toxins in your bloodstream, sometimes being too much for the person to handle if they are already ill.

--As sweetgoddess said, other things can support you very much! Skin brushing, enemas, lots of water, taking baths with apple cider vinegar, sun bathing, deep breathing, exercise, yoga, meditation, saunas.. all of these things will be a great support on your way to vibrant health!!

--how do you get your greens? a juice or smoothie would probably be very supportive in aiding your body towards alkalinity. Eat less nuts and seeds as they are raw but tends towards acidity. The body cannot continue to host disease in an alkaline environment, so that is where to be looking.

all just in my humble opinion.. email if you have any further questions! hope this helped.

[RawFoodieMom]

I feel for you as I've been feeling the same way. I'm feeling major detox symptoms as we speak. A headache has come on and I'm starting to feel very nauseous. Is it normal to feel like vomiting? I know the headache is normal.

I too am worried about being able to function. My hubby is working evenings this week so I have to get my daughter to bed, etc. And I just feel like taking some Tylenol right now so I can get through it, without her worrying about mommy being sick. :(

Debra

[yeahbethany]

Hey earthmama,
We feel for you...
If you think a slower transition may be the way to go, check out the Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose. Excellent book with how to transition at different levels.
that said, if you decide to go 100%, you may just have to ride the waves like the rest of us did. =). It's scary, but you feel better afterwards....

Good luck!
-Bethany

[calee]

Debra,
I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I don't think it's a bad thing for your daughter to see that somedays your energy isn't 100%. Energy has its ups and downs. I think because we eat so well, we want everyday to feel terrific, but that's not the case. Maybe you can do some quiet things with your daughter.

I'm sending you healing vibes
lee

[TimmyC]

I went from a hard core SAD diet to 100% raw over night. I didn't have many detox symptoms in the first two weeks.

You may consider this too...detox doesn't necessarily stop after week 1 or 2. I just went through a bad week, and I'm in week 7, and it started in week 3. I know my health is getting better as I feel it, but I know my body will be dealing with detox symptoms for the next few years I'm sure. I'm sure they won't be as bad, but still something to be aware of.

Best of luck,

Tim

[sweetgoddess]

That is Fabulous!!
You have a plan, and determination. GO FOR IT!
In a very short period of time, you will be able to offer your family so much more. Please, keep us posted on your process, because we are all rooting for you and confident in how tremendous you will soon be feeling.

Warmly~
Carmel

[earthmama]

Hi all, thank you all so much for the support and encouragement. Today is the day!!!! I'm sipping my green smoothie and planning the days foods. going to try to make some goodies, to help my family with the munchies.LOL. I figure I'll go for it and if I have to I will add things to slow things down a bit. You see, with my daughter being unable to care for herself sometimes, things like can't get out of the bathtub, difficulty standing, severe abdominal pain(we think, like abdominal migraines) I have to be able to help her. It's hard sometimes cause I'm not too good at the standing up thing either.LOL. Still, if I don't get really bad symptoms like Renee' or some of the others I've read about, I should be able to do it.
Thanks for the suggestions to help. I keep intending to do the dry brushing thing, I get in the tub THEN remember I was going to do that.LOL Sure am looking forward to some mental clarity.
Thanks again and blesss you all. I LOVE this site!!! Blessings Phyllis

[calee]

Hi Phyllis,

Blessings on you too! I'm so proud of you for giving this a go. How courageous of you to brave being different and going against what most of the world says to do. Everyone has different detox symtoms. Please don't wait for them because it may be awhile before they even happen and you just might have a detox and not even know it because you're used to feeling less than optimal right now. I bet you're going to have some real improvments.

Keep checking in so we can support you. We're all behind you in this!!

calee

[earthmama]

Hi all, thanks again for your support. I was 100% raw yesterday. Developed a massive migraine mid-day. However, I have lots of migraines, sometimes for weeks on end, so probably isn't detox only. I have been having one cup of coffee in the mornings. Could have been the trigger, didn't think I was addicited, but.... What do you all do if you get a really bad headache or other pain. I have been taking Darvocet for years for pain(only way I could sleep due to muscle and joint pain). It's not very effective, but I'm sure it helps a little, and would interfere with my healing. I use ice and heat sometimes that helps. Sure will be glad to get to the healthy life I'm going to have. I haven't been healthy since my childhood( I just turned 53 last week) so I don't really remember what it is like. Anxious to find out. Thanks again for all the help and encouragement. You all are wonderful!!!!! blessings Earthmama