100% Raw but still got sick

[Sillybloss]

Hello, everyone! I'm new to this chat room. I've browsed a bit before, but don't have a lot of time to dwell, so I haven't really dived in. I'm writing tonight because I'm kind of down. :( I went 100% raw in May after a major illness. I've had immune system and sinus problems for many years and finally had enough. I also had been eating certain amounts of raw, but not 100% and realized that, for me, nothing less would work. I've been very dedicated and have not compromised, but I've found myself suffering a terrible cold now. I'm just so incredibly disappointed, since a cold is usually a 2 or 3 month illness for me, ending in tears and antibiotics because my body simply can't fight it. I drink a superior green drink every morning and take additional anti-yeast and antioxidant supplements, including vitamin C. I eat lots of leafy green veggies, some fruit, and balanced amounts of nuts and other vegetables.

Does anyone out there have any ideas, experiences, or advice to relate to me?

Thanks,

Christina aka sillybloss

[Rawkinlocs]

Please don't feel disappointed. A cold isn't what you've been taught to believe it is...well, in some cases it is. A cold is really the body's way of cleaning house...the respiratory system to be more precise.

You are going through a detoxification process..being raw doesn't exempt you from having cold symptoms...but eating all raw or drinking fresh-made juice or eating only fresh fruit can help you rid of it quicker (along with NOT taking medications).

Click on this link: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3605 and read the article to get more of an understanding.

But this is a GOOD thing, believe it or not, because your body is clearing out. It could be things in you from the past, it could be retracing of past illness...but it's very necessary. The best thing you can do is to work WITH your body and try to understand how it all works. Get as much rest as you possibly can and eat very lightly or minimally if at all...drink plenty of water!

Hope you feel better soon...again, it's necessary, though it's not the best feeling.

[Sillybloss]

Thanks, Rawkinlocs! (did I spell that right?!?) I do have Alissa's book and read and re-read that section you provided the link for. (I love Alissa's recipes! She's the only reason I've been able to stay raw!) However, I have had lots of healing crisises (spelling?) since I went raw in May - one that involved sinus clearing and a major headache for 3 weeks! - and they were different than this. My whole family have been fighting the "Autumn flu". First, a killer sore throat, then major congestion, fever. It hangs on for weeks. I've been playing nurse, all confident that I "can't get sick because I eat so great". Well, Friday, the sore throat hit and with a busy weekend, I had no time to rest so just in time for Halloween, the faucet nose started and now I'm fully plugged up. I took my hubby to the doctor today and he has a sinus infection and brochitis from having this lovely flu for a month. I'm scared to death! I'm the one that always used to get sick and he rarely does. To give myself sweet dreams tonight, though, I'm going to assume you're right and this is just a healing crisis! Hey, my PH has been between 6.5 and 7.2....how can I be sick!

[RawTruth]

Easy for me to say, huh? Seriously, every word that Rawkinlocs said is absolutely right. Detoxifying can be a recurrent, long-term process. "Sickness" including colds is your body cleansing itself; try not to panic about it.

It's most important to keep your mind positive and clear, remembering that what you're going through is not like it was when you were eating cooked foods. Just ride it out -- with the expectation that it will soon pass. The cold-for-months-antibiotic route is not inevitable, so banish that thought from your mind and spirit -- remember, what we focus on expands.

I hope you're feeling better soon after you've had a good cleansing session.

[Rawkinlocs]

Keep something in mind...people hate to hear it, it sounds cliche-ish and we've been very "programmed" to view sickness as something other than what it is...but ALL sickness is a form of detox. All symptoms are signals the body is giving off to let you know there is some toxicity in the body and it's trying to deal with it and rid of it. All disease, no matter what the name, is a result of a polluted body.

Colds can either be there because one has stopped giving it the offending things and it's finally able to "clean house" or they can be the result of a body that is just overtaxed and it's like an "overflow" of toxins pouring out.

We often get in the way when we use medications and things or when we continue to eat the offending foods (in the case of SAD eaters or cooked food eaters getting sick).

I highly recommend reading "Dying to Get Well" (http://dyingtogetwell.com) there is the soft cover that you pay for, but there is the ebook version that is free.

I'm not sure what your past diet or history with taking medications for illness was like, but your body seems to be trying desperately to get rid of SOME-thing that it's been holding in. I know it's hard to ride through it when you've got to work or have to take care of the family...we want to feel better and get better fast!

I'm not going to tell you what or what not to do because I'm not in your shoes...I can only give suggestions based on my personal experiences and things I've learned along the way.

But I really do hope that this all passes and passes soon for you and that you won't have to go through it again!

[Sunshine9]

Everything already said is totally right on! This is a blessing, and a sign that your body is gettin' all the old stuff OUT! According to natural hygiene the best way to heal your body is to fast. I think that does make sense in many ways, so if you have a few days where you can rest and do only fluids, juices, and maybe some light fruit (D. Wolfe recommends cantaloupe) that would probably speed things along. If that isn't a possibility even just drinking water through the morning, eating a late lunch, and an early light fruit dinner can give your body more rest time to work on healin'.

I hope you feel better, and it sounds like you are on the right path!! Happy healing !

[Angelic Light]

Hope you're feeling better soon! I too am eating great and have the cold just now. It doesn't mean you are a failure. You are doing great - keep up the good work!!

Big hugs to you!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[dreamrawalwz]

I agree with what everyone above says and suggests. I just want to add a tiny bit. I would strongly advise you NOT to give in to the antibiotics. Those will only stop the symptoms in their tracks, but eventually they'll fight through and come back until you let them go through the process finally. Antibiotics will just put it on pause. Once the toxins are out then it should go away for a long long time (i would say "forever" but you could have another detox depending on how toxic your body is now).

[ReneeSC]

I've had reoccuring lung infections since I was very young - I then had a major exposure to tuberculosis while working in a hospital as I had yet been immunized according to hospital standards. I was warned my lungs would be weak for the rest of my life if the exposure was bad enough.

I've had pnuemonia somewhere around 4 or 5 times - numerous accounts of bronchitis, also. Colds and flu always scared me because I would literally feel like I was fighting for my life. My last stint through this was earlier this year when I spent 6 weeks in bed recovering from a lung infection I just couldn't fight anymore. I was _not_ by any means imaginably raw.

Now that I am, though, I've had flu-like symptoms ( sneezing, coughing, over all malaise, bone and body aches, dizziness. etc. ).. once really bad last week and a bit before. I still don't know what that was. I'm not sure if the last round was a hard detox mess or I'd really caught something ...errr I'd already had it and it manifested itself outwards like that.

However, I recovered miraculously well. I'm gaining strength every day once more, and I feel really confident I can handle this through the winter months - although dh is mandated his flu shot from the VA today. They serve dead viruses though... ( except I'd overhead a conversation at a VA hospital that they really had live componants in them... try arguing that! ), so I don't suppose he'll bring me home anything _ buggy_.

I wouldn't be discouraged, honestly. It is going to take time for your body to rebuild if it was anywhere near as weak as mine was when I also joined in. This rebuilding process, for me, has been really exhilerating - while also very hard. It's worth it, though, because I literally SEE ( my eyesight has improved ) - the difference in many portions of my body. I'm still fighting infections as we speak, but I came into raw this way - and for this very reason, I just have to be patient while they die.

Hang in there! REST, REST, REST!

[MoniDew]

I'm studying to become a naturopathic physician, and my textbooks say that all disease originated with a cold that was improperly handled (medicated.) If we would let our body catch a cold, and run through it on its own, we would shed the toxins from the body and become well.

So, (and I'm just being silly here,) every time one of us catches a cold, another will say, "congratulations!! you're getting rid of toxins!!" :p

Hang in there baby, things are about to get a whole lot better.

[theresaann]

I read a post on Nora Lenz's site where she said she had her third and worst cleansing experience about 9 (?) months into being raw, and it lasted a few weeks. Then she was a lot healthier after that. But I will say, there are some NASTY bugs going around-natural or sprayed on us, I'm not sure (that's a whole other subject...) what I"ve learned in immunology is that the more close we are to perfect pH (7.4 for blood) our immune system is the strongest, plus having all the nutrients we need. this is what I think of in terms of if I get sick on raw. Blessings!

[Revvell]

I'm going to take issue with the "bugs", viruses, etc. "going around". They are going around, they will always go around ~ question is, what are they feeding on? IF your immune system is compromised; IF everytime you get "the sniffles" or a sore throat you put some drugs into your body to stop the symptoms; IF you've got a clogged intestinal system ~ THAT is what they are going to feed on and THAT is what needs to come out of those tissues, the lymphatics, the colon and every other part of you so they will have nothing to feed on.

If you envision a septic tank ~ clean, before it gets installed, what bugs hang around it? None. Now, after that tank has been installed and used, what bugs are attracted? None I wish to speak of here.

R.

[Sillybloss]

Thank you, all, for your kind words, encouragement, and good advice! You are all so wonderfully supportive! I am following your advice as best I can and, since a fast is not an option with my hectic life, I'm eating just a bit of fruit today and drinking water. I don't have a juicer (hoping for one for Christmas!), so I'm not doing any juices. I have to admit I do feel better than last night, so I AM encouraged! :D

I thought I'd give a bit of health background for those who might read this thread for their own enrichment and perhaps be able to relate to my experience:

Since my kids are lactose intolerant, I know I was as a baby. I was fed inferior cow's milk formula from a can my first year of life, then switched to basic milk. I had chronic and continual ear infections (treated with penicillin) until age 2, when my adnoids and toncills (spelling?) were removed. I have vivid recollections of being so itchy "down there" at age 6 that I would scatch myself raw (Obviously, I had MAJOR candida!!!! :eek: UNTREATED) . At age 15, I began getting severe bronchitis at least once a year (lived with smokers), treated with antibiotics. At age 17, I went on long term antibiotic therapy for my acne - which I stayed on until age 19. At age 19, I began getting SEVERE sinus infections 3 or 4 times a year, treated with antibiotics. By this time, I was becoming resistant, so I had to take higher-than-normal doses. The sinus infections have never ceased. I am now in my 40's. Add it up and I've been on at least 4 courses of antibiotics every year for 20+ years.....that's over 80 times :eek: not counting the first 18 months of my life and the 2 years in my late teens. When I am put on antibiotics now, I take enough to treat a 350 lb. adult male (I weigh 100 lbs.)

When I read what balancing one's PH could do for you, I started there, with about 70% raw. I was great for a while, but that gray 70/30 line was easy to cross, so I strayed a lot. Then the illness in May. I tried to fight it myself. Went 100% raw the day I realized I was in trouble. Did herbs, vitamins, homeopathic, EVERYTHING. I was very, very close to having to be hospitalized when I finally let them give me the antibiotics. My body simply wasn't up for the fight!

So, yes, I'm PARANOID of getting sick. A cold in the past was close to a death sentence. After a year of health, I'll be more confident. Even the avian flu has me scared, because my immune system has a LONG way to go!!! I don't know if anyone out there is like me, but I never again want to hear someone say to me, "Oh, you're not really sick, it's all in your head!"

Blessings to all of you for your love and support! I really appreciate it!

[Sillybloss]

Oops, forgot to mention that when I went raw in May, I did swear off all medication. Yes, I forgo the tylenol for my "time of the month" migraines and EVERYTHING! I never did take much cold medicine anyway because most don't agree with me, but did rely on sedative a lot to sleep through the pain. I just POWER through it now.....YEA!

[Sweet lips]

I think you have the right idea - also comes to mind, what is in your home - what fabric and type of pillows are you sleeping on - is there carpet there? How old are your mattress and what type of material - what kind of tissues, toilet paper and paper towels are using, what type of detergent? Are there any pets, have they been out of doors - there are so many things to exam here. Do you take Vitamin C or for that matter any homopathetic doses?

Keep where you are, as you heal, you will appreciate the journey!


Oops, forgot to mention that when I went raw in May, I did swear off all medication. Yes, I forgo the tylenol for my "time of the month" migraines and EVERYTHING! I never did take much cold medicine anyway because most don't agree with me, but did rely on sedative a lot to sleep through the pain. I just POWER through it now.....YEA!

[ReneeSC]

Sweet Lips is on to something!

Our environments have a lot to do with our overall health as well. We had to escape a toxic home ( beautiful - on the lake ) because it was filled with toxic ( lab tested ) mold that was making my family very ill. I wanted to throw something at that man Dr. Dean Adel ( who gave him his liscense anyway?) who said there's no such thing as such organisms. Well, go check the lab, Sir!

I've spent $$$ ( after going raw for a month so I could work in the food buying schedule ) this month.. switching out toothpaste, mouthwashes, laundry detergents, soaps, hair products, home cleaners and the like.

Just switching out the home cleaners did WONDERS!

We're also working with daily aromatherapy oils. I'll have to go back and get the oregano/clove stuff. I stuffed up a bunch today looking for the morning formula, and wow.. I was literally LIFTED... and it wasn't psychosomatic. :)

[Sillybloss]

Well, most of my home is probably pretty clean, except the carpet which is a standard wall-to-wall type, 6 years old. I spend the majority of my time, though, in the kitchen and family room which is wood. I switched to all natural products several years ago in an attempt to improve my health. Didn't notice much difference, but I've stuck with them because I believe they are better for you. All-natural toothpaste, detergent, bath soap, papers, etc. Cotton on the bed, we're getting ready to replace our 7 year-old mattress. I lived in a rented house for 3 1/2 years that was a toxic mold site - lost $1,000 leaving that place but I'd be dead now if I didn't. Take a green drink every day with blue-green algae supplements, a fresh fruit smoothie with Vit C & E and MSM and Maca added (LOVE that!), a huge salad every day for lunch, and something yummy for dinner. To address my long-standing yeast problem, I take a yeast-cleanser, N-A-C, ALA, Chlorella, EFA's and occasionally oregano. I don't find I need further supplementation. What do you think?


... what is in your home - what fabric and type of pillows are you sleeping on - is there carpet there? How old are your mattress and what type of material - what kind of tissues, toilet paper and paper towels are using, what type of detergent? Are there any pets, have they been out of doors - there are so many things to exam here. Do you take Vitamin C or for that matter any homopathetic doses?

[Sillybloss]

Oops, Sweet lips, I forgot to add that it's a standard-made mattress and also I have a dog, just had him for about 10 months. He eats raw, too (yippee!) - except the type of raw that's right for him - meat! He's in perfect health....we're RAWING together! Oooo, and I have a cat (I'm NOT a cat person! My daughter wanted it!) She hides all day, comes out at night. I have not shown any signs of allergy to either of them.

[deb2005]

I had to laugh when I read that about your dog, Sillybloss. I've been feeding my cats raw meat and bones since June and it literally saved their lives. They were terribly sick! It's amazing how many people think I'm doing the wrong thing with them. But now they look like feline body builders and they are healthy.

So I decided to follow their lead and go raw. I tried to start a few weeks ago, but hurricane Wilma blew in and took our electricity. A lot of the fruits got moldy without the refrigerator. (Thankfully, the freezer stayed cold until we could plug into a neighbor's generator, so we didn't lose any cat food.) Anyway, I didn't have my book yet and couldn't flounder without guidance. So I got delayed two weeks and started again yesterday. ( I'm reading all the posts now since I finally have power AND internet.) I felt good all day, but then got really sleepy last evening. This morning I felt like I had a hangover, started coughing and sneezing, and have a bad headache. I'm thinking I might take a nap. This might be detox ... it feels a lot like a cold.

I hope you're feeling better by now!

[Sillybloss]

Hi, Deb2005! Well, I've felt better, then worse, then better, then worse this week. That tells me it really is detox, like they said at the top of this thread. I'm resting today, so that will help a lot (don't get a lot of chance to rest!). Congratulations on going for the raw diet yourself! You will LOVE Alissa's book! Really think about getting the DVD, too, if you didn't. It's very inspirational and might give you some ideas on ways to easily prepare the food (lots of people feel overwhelmed!)

Personally, whenever I get a headache, that always means I'm detoxing. I actually now I feel kind of happy when I get that ache now - weird, huh? The sleepiness, too.

Did your cat's teeth get really white? You almost have to wear sunglasses when you look at my dog's teeth in the sun! Just think how clean raw makes us on the inside!!!!

Hope you feel better, but stick with the diet because you'll end up feeling GREAT!

[deb2005]

Hi, Sillybloss! Gosh, you are on a roller coaster. My book came and I do love it! I can't read fast enough and I really can't wait to try more recipes! Our week one food list cost $187 at Whole Foods, but we were able to get everything there. We had to buy a food processor (I was the only person on the planet who never had one before), and now we have to fix the hurricane damage ... maybe I'll put Alissa's DVD on my Christmas list.

I KNOW I'm detoxing and it's good to know it. It's a big lesson in listening to your body, isn't it? Feel sleepy? Lie down! No, I don't think it's weird that you get happy when you know it's happening. When my kitty (the male, especially) gets a skin inflamation, the vet tells me that's a good thing because the toxins are coming out instead of attacking his organs. :)

The cats had stomatitis and their gums looked like hamburger! Now they are in the gingivitis stage ... just the red line. It's a great improvement and always getting better. Their teeth are very white! One of them had a dead canine that we wanted to come out naturally and it broke off yesterday ... now he might have to get dental surgery after all. The good news is that he's SO much healthier now that I'm not as afraid. We're giving him tissue salts until our vet can get here (he comes to the house) and take a look at him.

I got my sister to feed her dogs raw a few months ago. She kept saying she needed to find a holistic vet. I kept saying she needed to give them good food. She would say that they get "high-quality kibble" and I would say there's no such thing. She finally decided to try raw and the dogs are doing great! What is our resistance to natural food, anyway?

Don't worry, I'll stick to the diet. It's not like the food is horrible! I just had a salad with Alissa's dressing on it and it was just delicious!

[Sillybloss]

Good for you!!! It sounds like you're doing great! How horrible to deal with Hurricane damage so close to the holidays!

People (all of us!) are brain-washed with societal thinking. If everyone does it, it must be right! This is why if a bunch of cows is walking in a direction and the leader doesn't realize there's a cliff right ahead, they'll all just go over the edge. I've always been the analyst on the sidelines going, "But why?" So it make sense I'd find a diet that's right, but not mainstream.

My sister-in-law is very smart, but also very swept up in mainstream thinking and she's debated with me about this diet's merits (her father/my FIL has cancer) because she's never HEARD about it curing people. They just can't take that next step in thinking outside the box.

So glad your cats are doing better! Interesting about the gingivitis....I'd love to know if it fully clears up with the diet! Take care!

[deb2005]

Thanks. I just made the mudslide from Alissa's book and had it for a snack. My husband keeps saying he wants "real food" but then finds the food delicious and satisfying. How funny! He's on the sofa drinking his mudslide, just as content as can be.

I have no doubt that the gingivitis will clear up completely. The difference already is so amazing! I've noticed, also, that their ears are cleaner and their fur is so soft, like a rabbit (heh ... I guess it's true, you are what you eat?).