Re: Day 17

ALB,

Giving up meat to me is not about living longer but living healthier during what time I have left. The same with giving up dairy and some other things that I love the taste of. If nothing else, it allows me to live with my hay fever and stops me waking up fully congested during the night.

Digesting meat, other animal products and processed 'foods' requires almost as much energy as we get from them and in many cases, actually robs us of minerals and vitamins when we eat them out of context. For example, according to Marti Fry, processed foods lack minerals including calcium which is required in metabolism so the body is forced to draw calcium from its reserves (bones and teeth.)

"Meats and dairy foods, as well as whole grains, are acid-forming in the body. Calcium is needed to neutralize the acidity and maintain the normal blood alkalinity of 7.40pH. After the calcium available in the body is used up, this mineral is taken from the bones and teeth." http://www.rawfoodexplained.com/carbohydrates/


So although personal choice comes in to it and the old adage "a little of what you like is good for you" certainly applies here, there are good reasons for redefining your priorities.

As for gout, I'm sure that I've read plenty about gout being another disease caused by excessive consumption of unnatural foods but for the life of me cannot find the references just yet. If you gain relief during the fast, that's a dead giveaway and if it returns when you resume eating, you can be fairly sure that it's something you're eating that is bringing it back.

Regards,
NH...