Re: Fasting day 12

From what you wrote it sounds like you are suffering from some sort of fungus. Eating mushrooms is known to aggravate fungus (because they really are a fungus themselves). Also the red itchy rash is indicative of some type of fungal/yeast infection.

It does sound like you started to get some severe detox symptoms from the fasting. Probably a lot of the fungus started dying, spreading many toxins throughout the body and especially to the inflamed areas.

I know that you said that you already tried coconut oil and you didn't get relief from this, but coconut oil should be very good for helping to keep your symptoms under control. Coconut oil is anti-fungal but is also very gentle so it will take some time (maybe a month) before you can really feel the benefit. There are other things that you can use, but they tend to be more aggressive and may cause burning and further agitate the symptoms. So I would apply coconut oil to the problematic areas twice a day and give it some time.

You wrote "Nothing brings sustained relief. Daytimes are easier as I can be busier. Nights are hell; I am sleep-deprived and becoming grumpy, frustrated, even considering ways to end my life despite having much to live for - a wonderful, loving husband, son & daughter, a beautiful life in the country, big garden (still full of food) , no debts, many interests and friends". This is very worrisome to me and it the reason I am responding to your message. Have you been feeling this way for some time or did you start feeling this way after your fast? When is the last time that you remember feeling more happy and content with your life (regardless of health)? What was your diet like at that time?

Following mostly raw diets and doing long fasts (or a lot of intermittent fasting) can be very good for some people, but other people have a negative reaction to these regimens. I understand that your health problems are bothering you very much, but I am much more worried about your outlook on life, and sometimes being overly strict with certain diets can cause negative changes in our personality. My advice for the time being is to forget about trying to cure your disease and try to get your body and your mind back into balance. That is why I asked what your diet was like the last time you felt more happy and content as it is probably better for your specific body and personality type. I would try adding in more cooked foods, but do it slowly as it will take your digestive system some time to adjust to eating cooked foods again. DO NOT start eating meat and milk right away as your body is not ready to digest these at this time. You can add them in later if they make you feel good. For now I would start with a little brown rice and whatever foods make you feel good and don't aggravate your symptoms too much. Cooked foods should help you sleep better at night and may improve your outlook on life.

Some people think that you have to pummel your body with all types of herbs and extreme diets and fasting so you can get rid of the disease as fast as possible. My view is much different. I believe we should go slow and easy. Follow a nice balanced diet that feels good and most importantly MAKES YOU HAPPY. If you ever want your body to be healthy, you have to make it happy. In other words, stop trying to GET RID OF THE AILMENT and start trying to MAKE YOUR BODY HEALTHY. Make healthy choices that make you feel good. Add in a few herbs and supplements that improve health. I can't really give you any specific recommendations, you are the best one to know which foods to eat that will make you feel good. It seems like a lot of what you are doing is on the right track. Feel free to send me a private message if you want to discuss anything.

--Steven