In a message dated 10/5/02 4:43:52 AM, B writes:

Hi Rhio,

Wonderful new book.

So I am embarking on my 2nd attempt to eat mostly raw. I did not plan for the first time or ever consider it. I also have to add that I was not even completely vegetarian.

The first time started like this: I went on the Master Cleanse for 14 days. On day 10, I transitioned into juices and on day 14 my evening and first meal consisted of alkalizing foods including a salad, sea vegis, steamed vegis and barely some millet. The rest of my meals that followed were raw and I did so for a week then started the Arise and Shine cleanse with which I ate only raw. I felt great. High, blissful, healthy, thin.... I did not complete the Arise and Shine cleanse, but continued consuming raw foods. I was taking cleansing herbs which helped move things through my system (I have had a history of poor elimination...)

One of the problems I encountered which I feel may have brought me back to my weak ways was that included in the raw foods were desserts consisting of dates. I found that I tended to over eat dates and fruits; I COULD NOT EAT DATES IN SMALL QUANTITIES. It had become like a binge food. I think I may have a problem with sugar which brings me to my first question. I REALLY want to be healthy and feel good. I have had a history of mild depression that disappears when I cleanse, and eat the raw foods. I am wondering if my problem with sugar is a candida issue and if so HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO DO RAW FOODS? Dates are in everything AND SO DELICIOUS. I never really ate them before I started eating raw. I would love to again but my body is really sensitive to sugar. Any suggestions?

Also, I have had a history of poor digestion. I feel good when things are moving through my system (like when I was on the Arise and Shine) but I can't do that forever. I was told by a colon hydrotherapist that I should avoid almonds and she too said I have a problem with candida. What kind of raw foods do you suggest I start with or is the diet not for everyone?

I am sorry so many questions, but I am desperate and you seemed to be a good person to ask.

peace & love

Thank you!

Dear B.,

I'm glad you like my book!

First, I have to tell you that I am not a practitioner of any kind, so please accept the following only as an exchange of information and ideas.

The raw diet IS for everyone but you may have to fine tune and adjust it to your own particular needs. Usually the first thing that is corrected by going raw is the digestion. I don't understand how that could still be a problem if you are eating only raw fruits and vegetables. Two ideas come to mind:

1) Are you drinking enough water? You need to have two full quarts of water every day - that is eight 8 oz. glasses. It is very, very important. If you do a lot of exercise, you may need more. A good book to read on water is Your Bodies Many Cries for Water by Batmanghelidj.

2) Are you eating a good percentage of high water content fruits and vegetables? Try having a greater percentage of high water content food and a minimal percentage of the more concentrated foods, like desserts, dried fruits and nuts.

You may have excessive Candida as you suggest, and there are two ways that I know of that might handle it.

1) Remove all sweet fruit from the diet for an unspecified length of time (a practitioner could advise you better on this) and concentrate on vegetables, sea vegetables, some sprouted grains, legumes, leafy vegetables, edible weeds, if you can get them, etc. You could also have the non-sweet fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, squashes, asian pears, etc.

2) Roz Gruben, a Natural Hygienist from England, has a different approach. She says that excess Candida is present because the fungus is getting rid of the excess sugar in the system, but of course, as a result and consequence, you have more waste produced from the Candida which then gives you symptoms. Her suggestion is not to eliminate fruit, but to eliminate fat. She suggests you go on a diet of fruits and vegetables only, but no fat, for 2 to 3 weeks. She says that once you get through this initial period, you will feel better and then you can reintroduce the good raw fats but by then you won't want as much. Victoria Boutenko (of the Raw Family) who told me about this approach, said that she and her family have experimented with it with good effect. Roz has not written a book as yet.

Because you say that dates "had become like a binge food", I tend to like the 1st approach better.

Dates are very delicious and usually nutritious, but in your case, you may have to stay away from them for now. Dates are not in everything though. There are numerous raw recipes without dates.

Other protocols for excessive Candida are to take some kind of herbal preparation that helps clear it. I cannot suggest any brand or type but there are many available. You'll have to do a little research. Also, take a good probiotic. Use a type that is kept in the refrigerated section in your health food store.

With the digestion, perhaps it would help to take some form of extra fiber, like a tbsp or two of ground flax seed each day. Grind it fresh and put it into salads or juice. Also, good old fashioned prunes help (soak them overnight in filtered water). But only use the prunes if you choose to experiment with Roz Gruben's approach. If you are eliminating all fruit, then do not use the prunes.

Let me know how you are doing.

With blessings and peace,

Rhio

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