...and answer to your question about slippery elm and weight gain. Slippery Elm will help people gain weight that are undernourished and "starving" (or suffering from various types of "wasting syndromes"). It's not "high in calories" (or fat) or anything specific that would cause someone that need to lose weight, to gain weight. Besides, you're going to be juice-fasting shortly, and unless someone needs to gain weight, it's most likely that we lose weight when juice fasting.
I promise, I won't recommend anything that will "make you fat"...if you'll promise you won't worry more about being 'the perfect weight' than you worry about being healthy (not sayin' you are, I'm just sayin' :) Let's get the foundation of this house solid, the walls straight and the roof secure before we start worrying about how to decorate. Right? Of course right :)
Onward to the first half of my response
Okay here I go with all my questions. I apologize in advance for asking so much and once again say that you so very much for all you have done and continue to do for me. -You're more than welcome, of course. Sharing the truth and healing blessings of these great healers is what I do :)
When I make suggestions & recommendations for someone, I always include everything I can possibly think of that will be beneficial and enhance/speed someone's healing. Sometimes this ends up being more than just a bit overwhelming, and I recognize that completely. But I think the worst thing I could possibly do is not include everything I know would be beneficial (and what you need to know or learn to confirm it), only to have you hit a snag somewhere and then tell you, "well, I knew that you need this/that, or should have been doing that/this, but I didn't want to overwhelm you with it at the beginning" :( It's my job to do my best to share everything I think that would be beneficial - it's your job to examine the info, decide what to do (or not do) with it, and how to prioritize it all. On this forum most of us have 'been there done that' ourselves, so we'll do our best to help in whatever way we can Thank you, as you can tell I would always rather have too much information even if it is confusing. Helps me to know what else I might need or what might help. You have been incredible with all of the information and help you have provided.I do my best! I always think "too much" is better than "not enough" in just about everything.
Water: --how much water do you drink daily? (what kind of water? tap; filtered -what kind of filter?-; reverse osmosis (RO); distilled; spring/mineral; other) Your water should be distilled or reverse osmosis filtered (R/O, RO). The debates about various types of water are deep (and some are deeply ridiculous - with ample "evidence" on both sides of the debate). Some say that RO/distilled water is dangerous because of the lack of minerals and it's "emptiness". What we know for sure (2 things) - first, all three of the healers upon which we base our protocol (and many others) used ONLY distilled water (Dr. Schulze allowed RO water). They were dealing with people that were riddled with cancer & severely compromised (most in life-threatening condition). If distilled/RO water was as harmful as many say, these people couldn't have possibly been restored & healed. Secondly, there truly is NO clean, pure, naturally-energized source of water left on the planet - we must all do our best...and complete removing poisons (to me) is the baseline. If you feel uncomfortable drinking plain distilled or RO water, please feel free to 'remineralize & re-energize it' by adding a tablespoon or two of something like organic brown rice (or even a handful of fresh/clean grass). Please do not add "hard minerals" (like salt or other rocks), as humans are designed to get their minerals from plants - it's plants that uptake, assimilate and process rocks transforming them into a form that is both beneficial & harmless to the human body.I am confused by the water information. I assume I need to do more research, which I will. As you said there seems to be a lot of negative on distilled. Is distilled water what you buy in the jugs at the grocery store? Or is there a way to do it at home? I live in a small apartment with my Mom so I don’t have a lot of room. What would you suggest? In the meantime can I continue to use my Brita? You said “--One gallon of distilled or R/O filtered water daily.”I'm confused by the water thing, too! (who wouldn't be?) The most important part is that it's free of poisons and hard minerals that our body can't utilize, yet can't expel.. Those who discount and villainize distilled water are either not aware of (or ignoring) the fact that it's been used effectively by a vast array of healers for decades...as part of a complete healing protocol (that's ultra high in minerals/nutrition). They also seem to miss the fact that once a glass of water enters the body, it's mixed with saliva, digestive enzymes and stomach acid (and whatever food may be in the stomach). At that point, it's certainly not anything similar to the distilled water that's used for testing in petri dishes. After you research further, if you feel uncomfortable with distilled water, then simply re-energize/remineralize it with something that's "alive". In most areas, distilled & reverse osmosis filtered water is available in plastic jugs. You can get home distillers (the least expensive is around $100) and home R/O units (more expensive. The distillers give off a lot of heat (which is great in the winter, but not-so-great in the summer). Anne_33 just got one that's highly recommended (I can't remember the name of it); if you search her posts you should be able to find it quickly.
I sure hope you don't think I'm "criticizing…I do not think you are being “criticizing” at all, I appreciate all of your thoughts and help. Yay :)
Eating Plan:Okay, take a deep breath and get ready for what may be the biggest bomb of this whole post - the optimal diet for healing our bodies is raw (or low-cooked/steam) vegan...with as much juicing and juice-fasting as possible. And there really are seriously good reasons for this. I'll do my best to explain 'years worth' of learning as concisely as possible… Actually I am not shocked by this. When I did raw before I did a lot of research on it and know I have much more to learn! I have read all the links (I think) and I am confused about what exactly to do/drink in the beginning.
You said “It's easiest for most folks to get the bowel regulated to 3+ bms daily while still eating solid foods, and then wean onto juices (while still taking the IF#1 & IF#2). Any kind of fasting without adequate bowel activity is dangerous...however it seems Schulze did start some people on juice fasting at the same time.”
Would you suggest that I begin a raw food diet now while waiting to get my bowel regulated? Absolutely! I am not sure if I could go straight into 100% raw but I think I could start raw until dinner, would that be okay? Yes, that's fine. Dr. Schulze had 3 main food programs, vegan, raw vegan and juice fasting. Dr. Christopher allowed some cooked foods (low cooked/steamed mostly), and Dr. Gerson had a soup, steamed veggies and even a baked potato (along with all the juices). Simply set a reasonable goal and work up to it in the way that's most comfortable for you!
During this time I am eating solid food and waiting to juice fast, would I drink juice daily even though I was not fasting? Just as a supplement or something to my eating plan? If so, how much juice a day and what type would you suggest? Adding juice is always beneficial for health & healing (you be savvy-smart already!). You can use it as a 'supplement', or you could use it to replace a meal (some like to do that to 'ease into' juice fasting). How much? As much as you'd like :) It's a great way to have some fun and try out lots of different combinations (try them on for taste, and for possible sugar/candida reaction). Also mess around with diluting them with water (or with water kefir...yum). The juices are ultra high in nutritional value and many are very 'strong' tasting...so we can dilute them (to adjust flavor, cut down on sugar content and to save money!). I typically use pint-sized canning jars and put about an inch and a half of water in each jar before I fill it with juice. I usually dilute the carrot & beet juice a bit more than that. Dr. Schulze commonly recommends apple/carrot/parsley. One of Gerson's main juices was apple, carrot and mixed dark green veggies. There's all KINDS of great information in this thread: [FAQ] The Food Program: Working File Thread Have fun and enjoy the juice-feasting :)
When I get “regulated to 3+ bms daily” I would begin a juice fast, is this correct? Exactly. You can expect some changes in the 'bowel regulation' when you eliminate the solid foods (it's typical to need more IF#1). The "need" for IF#1 may differ substantially as you cleanse & restore. It also differs due to fiber content in our digestive tract & as individuals. For example, some people that have 1-2 bms per day add IF#2 and immediately have more bms; other people add the IF#2 and become more sluggish & clogged.
When I do the juice fast how long would you suggest? I see some do it for 30 days or more. I have to admit I think that would be tough but I would certainly try if you felt it was that important for me. If I'm remembering correctly, my first juice-fast was 12 days, then 17, then 30 (several times)...and short ones whenever I feel the need or desire. I suggest you do whatever you feel most comfortable doing; if you want/need to get over the "challenge" of switching from food to juices (and the empowerment that brings), be sure your first is 5-7 days (it takes at least 3-4 days for us to 'successfully fight down' the mental food cravings). If you can do 30 days from the 'get go' it will likely be the most empowering AND healing 30 days of your life...but it's not a 'failure' if you don't. Our ability to 'hear' our doctor within is enhanced amazingly when there's no 'food processing' (and associated mental cravings) to gum-up the channel.
You will see health benefits with any length of juice-fasting (assuming you do your best to ingest a full gallon of juice daily, and it's not an imbalanced selection). Be sure to do the IF#2 (with or without adding charcoal to each dose) for the entire length of the fast. This is not the same concept as 'water fasting' or The Master Cleanse - having the daily fiber and something to adsorb the large amount of toxins that will be released is important to the process (and the way you will feel). 'Don't know if you've noted it or not, but some people (as their bodies adjust to the difference in 'energy' and the way the body processes it), will be come chilly (or even uncomfortably cold) - this is typical, and no reason to abort a juice fast. Just pile on the sweaters & sweat pants and have more juice (and lots of warm/hot Potassium/mineral broth).
Obviously with Candida issues, we don't ever want to go overboard on 'sugary produce' – I am still a confused about fruit. If I am eating raw and not fasting are you suggesting that I stay away from fruit, meaning not in juice form? I do love eating fruit so I am wondering if I can eat it or not? You have said you're experiencing the symptoms of Candida overgrowth and from the other issues it seems to me that would likely be the case. However, there are many other 'root causes' that have many of the same symptoms. Depending upon the 'level' of the overgrowth, people typically "know" they have this issue because ingesting "sugar" causes various symptoms to exacerbate quickly (sometimes within a few minutes). On this issue, I'm a bit of a "renegade" (in comparison to the "traditional" recommendations). Thinking out loud: Too much healthy, organic fruit (if there is such a thing as 'too much') is not the cause of Candida overgrowth, so how does "too little" healthy organic fruit cure it? I can't see any evidence it does. I see evidence & reports that too much sugar (particularly processed sugar) triggers symptoms and worsens the symptoms...but does too much natural sugar in the form of healthy organic fruit actually increase the problem? I do not know.
If you have 'sugar reactions' from healthy organic fruit juices, then I suggest ingesting only limited amounts (and that they be diluted a bit more than the others that don't trigger symptoms). This is particularly imperative for any/all types of 'sugar sensitivity' issues: "Drink your solids and chew your juices":) Re: Chewing food 24 times?
“ one of the best juices is Gerson's "basic juice" which is heavy on greens with an apple and a carrot. Celery is great 'green' for juicing because it's so "juicy" and inexpensive - cucumbers too. “ On one of the links you previously sent me it said that people with candida should stay away from carrots? Thoughts on this? As above - plus a notation that all these healers used carrot juice (Christopher and Schulze...a LOT of carrot juice. Christopher's IP included a week of nothing but carrot juice, then a week of apple, then a week of grape). Initially his IP was based on Brandt's famous "Grape Cure" (which was nothing but grapes & grape juice). Due to the "overgrowth" of microbiota destroying/altering GM "foods, antibiotics, pesticides/herbicides (and other 'alternative' substances, like colloidal silver), it's likely safe to assume that these healers were not seeing the large amount of "candida issues" that we deal with now (which may indicate we should alter the juice types a bit or a lot). On the other hand, we're not dealing with "only" juices here; we're dealing with juices AND a very full & thorough protocol, that includes raw garlic, ACV, Echinacea, natural forms of probiotics and cleansing away the 'decaying organic matter' upon which they implant themselves and receive their nourishment. We could 'split hairs', make recommendations and debate the issue 'till the cows come home', but the fact is that each of our bodies may have the same diagnosis...with totally different responses. This is the reason you will hear "listen to your doctor within" SO frequently on this forum. I realize (oh so much) how we've been conditioned to not trust ourselves and our inner knowledge and intuition. And I also realize (just as much) how our congested organs, less than optimal diets, poisons/toxins (particularly fluoride), congested organs/bodies and lack of knowledge add up to it being almost impossible to know what a symptom or reaction actually indicates...just by "feel". But that WILL change very rapidly as you cleanse, nourish, continuing learning (and learn to listen and trust relying upon your own intuition and 'doctor within'). It used to be known as "the ART of healing" - doctors used to LISTEN to their patients to determine what was wrong (it used to be taught in medical school to doctors: ask the right questions and 'listen long enough' and you'll always be able to figure out what is wrong). In fact, many times all those various knee taps, stethoscope moves and various touches and pushes were all just 'an excuse' for the doctor asking questions and listening to our answers (it made us think they were doing something worthy of the bill they were about to present us with! lol). Now they're trained to do it in medical school to 'buy time' (seriously) until they can remember what drug to prescribe.
In regards to the Gerson’s juice I found some posts on the internet. Are these what you would recommend for juicing? I could also get some books from the library (also ones listed on the link you sent) on juicing if you think that would be helpful. I was just not sure if there was a plan with juicing I should follow especially when I am juice fasting.
Here is Dr. Gerson's Basic Vegetable Recipe: 10 Carrots and 2 Apples
From these BASICS you can add the following to your Carrot/Apple combination: Celery and their leaves,Cucumber,Green Cabbage,Red Cabbage (a bit stronger in taste),Beet Greens, Kale, Chard,Collard Greens,Cilantro,Rainbow Chard,Wheatgrass,Alfalfa Greens (very bitter but great for your liver),Dandelion Greens,Romaine Lettuce,Endive,Bok Choy,Brussell sprouts, Broccoli, String Beans Those are all good :)
I read thru the juicer post and was thinking I would buy a new one. It seemed to say that the Omega Juicer was the best for the money. Do you agree this one is best? If I am going to do this I want to do it right and give it 100% as I am able to. Since that info was compiled, Omega has created another juicer (a bit more expensive, but much easier to use). It's called the VRT (or Vert). You do not have to cut up the produce (at least not nearly as much), and it's "self feeding" so you don't have to do any "pushing". So it's much faster, too. BUT (and methinks this is a big "but") - it's recommended to use it for only 30 minutes at a time (and unless we're going to juice every time we need juice), this is not so great. I typically juice 2-3 'days worth' in a 3-4 hour session. I feel juicers needs to be 'work horses', and from what I'm reading of folks's experiences here, I'm not comfortable with that aspect of it. However, several on the forum have used their VRT for several hours, and not reported any problems (except it feeling 'hot'). Also, the Omega 8003/05/06 is able to extrude pasta, breadsticks, grind various grains/coffee beans, make nut butters/fruit sauces and turn frozen fruits into yummy 'frozen fruit sorbet-like' treat (which does still contain the fiber, but is something that we allow ourselves on a long juice fast as a well-deserved reward. The Vert/VRT makes juice. If I had plenty of moolah, I'd likely/maybe give the VRT a try (but that's because I already have my Omega 8005). Btw, the 8003/8005 are the same juicers (the 8003 is white, the 8005 is chrome) - 10 year warranty. The 8004/8006 are the same (8004 is white) - 15 year warranty (there's virtually no difference, except the 04/06 is supposed to have a 'harder' auger...which methinks was possibly-likely an 'excuse' to create a new model and raise the price). I recommend chrome (simply because it doesn't 'stain', and the white will stain extremely rapidly). The Champion is less expensive (and does all the various things the Omega does except extrude pasta/breadsticks). It also has a 'grain mill' attachment (optional) which supposedly will grind grains into both coarse and fine powder/flour (???). Champion has been making juicers since the 1950's, and they've definitely got a great reputation (and they are definitely workhorse juicers). Downside? Most reviews say the Champion just can't handle wheatgrass and leafy greens as well as the Omegas...and some say after an hour or two of juicing, the juice starts coming out warmer (something I've never experienced with my Omega). The Champion can be had (Household model) for $187 and the Commerical for $215 here: http://www.wisementrading.com/juicers/champion.htm
Always check eBay! There are many sellers which offer extremely low prices and free shipping. If the juicer is new and in the original box (which many are), the warranty is just as good as buying the juicer from the manufacturer or from a 'juicer company'. 'Just be sure to check the seller's feedback :) Here's an eBay search for all the models of Omegas mentioned above: http://tinyurl.com/2g7azjm And here's a search for Champion juicers: http://tinyurl.com/2vj39uwIt's not uncommon to find older/used Champions selling on eBay for less than $75
As you can probably tell I do best with exact plans..sorry! Basically I would like to know what your suggestion would be to do/drink each day, how much and for how long. Is there a link that shows a plan of what you should juice or a book that you would recommend? On the canning link it mentioned 1-20 cups of juice a day? I understand more about the raw thing since I did that for awhile. :::grin & a wink::: there's a good chance you ain't-a-gonna like what I'm about to relate (at least initially :) I understand (well, at least semi-understand) about the "exact plan thing" (particularly as it relates to 'doctoring ourselves'). And of course, no one wants to 'waste time or product' making mistakes that can be avoided.
However, it is very important to know & remember that this is all about simple foods, juices and herbs (many of which are actually 'food' in other countries, and some in this one)...and how they all relate and interact within your body. For example, when I take two droppersful of Cayenne Tincture #1, I feel "xyz" effects. My cousin (who weighs LESS than me) takes six droppersful to feel the same "xyz" effects. So the correct dosage is? Six for her, two for me...of that batch of our Cayenne Tincture #1 (the variances throughout the marketplace are MAJOR)
Echinacea? I've seen recommended dosages ranging from individual drops to several ounces. Echinacea is the herb I've researched and utilized the most. No matter how much Echinacea tincture I've taken at any one given time, it's never rivaled the experience I've had with fresh root! I'm always 'taste testing' the herbs I use for tincturing (not only the final tincture) - so when I got my first parcel of fresh Echinacea purpurea root (and knowing that Native Americans utilized Echinacea by chewing on the roots), the first thing I did was cut off an inch sized piece of one of the thickest roots and start chewing it. Whow-Wowzah-INTENSE!!! My entire mouth was 'novacaine numb' for well over 1/2 hour; I'd chewed it for only a few minutes before I had to spit it out (or I would have thrown up). I was totally flabbergasted. One thing's for sure, I never worried about "overdosing" on Echinacea tincture again! (insert typical 'safety disclaimer' here...everything within reason, of course).
Without discounting the logical desire and need for "set plans & necessary details" (or even a compulsive-obsession, lol) - there is one factual aspect that we MUST understand & overcome (and there is AMPLE evidence of this. If/when you ever want to research it further here a great 'starting point The Medical Racket). The fact is:
Since the early 1900's, as a society and as individuals (medical professionals included), we have been intentionally & systematically conditioned/brainwashed to know & believe that we are NOT capable of safely & effectively tending to the needs of our own body without a licensed MD or other practitioner...and that natural herbs & healing methodologies (that have been utilized safely for centuries) are inherently dangerous & unsafe.
As this relates to your upcoming natural healing process, the things to keep foremost in your mind are things like this:
-- if you add a tablespoon more/less herbs to a batch of herbal tea (or cook it 10 minutes more/less), the only thing that's going to happen is that the tea will be a bit stronger or weaker. No harm done at all.
-- if you miss a dose of IF#2 (or tincture, or tea, or juice) the only thing that's going to happen is the wee-tiniest of a wee-tiny lack of progress...maybe.
-- if you inadvertently double a dose of something, the most likely thing that will happen is that you'll get better quicker. If you take WAY too much of something, most likely the worst thing that will happen is that you'll throw up. Dr. Christopher would say..."Great! More room for the next dose!" (Unlike pharmaceuticals or supplements, it's almost impossible to 'take too much'...especially accidentally). When we ingest things in their natural forms, we actually interact with them via taste and creating the dosages ourselves. If we make a tea correctly a few times, and then make it "accidentally" with 10x too many herbs (which is highly unlikely), we'll 'spew' the first sip! It's almost impossible to 'count out' enough extra droppersful of a tincture to cause any type of damage....same with the powdered blends (sure, we might mistake a teaspoon for a tablespoon when we reach in the drawer in the morning, but we're not going to mistake a tablespoon for a 1/2 cup!). Even the "sugar" stuff (like honey, maple syrup and other natural sweeteners) basically prevent you from ingesting too much. Think of it - there's 10-12 full teaspoons of white sugar and/or corn syrup in a 12 oz soda pop. But if we put 12 teaspoons of honey/maple syrup or Sucanat in a glass of lemonade...?...there's no WAY we could stand to drink it.
--Everything we're doing (in the combination that we're doing them) has been safely & effectively done before by thousands (tens of thousands) of the patients of the healers that formulated the herbal combinations and protocols.
--This doesn't mean that we can be silly or irresponsible (I'm not suggesting you will be). Always read the labels and instructions; always research mixing herbs with pharmaceuticals; never do or take anything that scares you or makes you feel uncomfortable. And never 'force yourself' to do or take anything if you've had (or are having) a bad reaction.
--Always remember to "qualify through knowledge" what you think your doctor within is saying. For example, when we start working on the liver, sometimes we'll experience various levels of gas, bloating and intestinal 'urps & burps' (same with the IF#1/IF#2). Don't immediately conclude "my doctor within is telling me this is bad and unsafe" and then stop doing it. If you're having a 'reaction' that's uncomfortable or doesn't seem right, then set 'whatever' aside until you can ask on the forum (or research on the net) and find out if the reaction is 'to be expected' or something that's unusual. Remember, it is NOT going to 'ruin your protocol' if you miss a dose or two.
The answer to your question? The goal when juice-fasting is one gallon of juice daily (that 8 pint jars full). There's only been a couple-three days I've ever been able to 'get in' more than seven pints.
Don't be worried, I'm going to answer all your questions "in full detail", I promise :)
If you do a juice fast while doing a bowel cleanse would I do green smoothies with my blender since my juicer separates the pulp? I'm not sure I understand the question exactly, so hopefully this is right (if not, just let me know). The basic point of juicing (macerating the produce and pressing out the juice & removing the fiber) is to:
1) give the body incredible amounts of nutrition (premium high-grade fuel) that's laden with enzymes and easy to assimilate. It's like a "nutritional IV", says Dr. Schulze.
2) to stop the body from having to expend vast amounts of energy on the process of digestion...freeing up the energy that would previously have been spent on digestion to use WITH the high grade fuel to heal itself.
3) whenever we fast, our body typically starts detoxifying itself (again, that's likely because it doesn't have to waste all that energy separating nutrients from pulp/fiber).
I did not understand before any of these reasons for juice fasting, this has been very helpful. I now see that I would be doing the juice fasting for healing not necessarily as a way of eating such as raw. I think I was looking at it wrong before. Exactly!
This is another reason why we utilize the IF#2. It's got activated charcoal and bentonite clay in it - these things adsorb toxins of all kinds. To adsorb is different than absorb - adsorbing is like a electro-magnetic "pulling to itself" (where absorbing is similar to a sponge). When we have bentonite clay or charcoal in our digestive tract, toxins/poisons from the bloodstream will actually be 'pulled to' the bentonite/charcoal in the digestive tract...and safely pooped/flushed away. Many folks choose to add extra activated charcoal to the IF#2 (particularly those with candida and/or parasites that are going to be experiencing "die off" issues). This also helps adsorb toxins in the digestive tract - and the charcoal helps lessen gas & bloating, too :)Is this something I should do, add extra activated charcoal to the IF#2? If so, can you give me an idea of how much and if there is a certain kind I should buy? It's totally up to you :::wink::: but yes, it is something I suggest. Because it can be a bit 'constipating' to some, it's a good idea to wait to start adding it until you've regulated the IF#1/IF#2 for a week or so. We have it in our Storefront if you want to get it from us (it's mainly there so folks can save on shipping). Here's where we get it: Activated Charcoal Powder (theirs is10 ounces for $8 (and you get a nice plastic jar); ours is 8 oz for $10 or a pound for $16 and it comes in a ziploc baggie)
One teaspoon of activated charcoal weighs approximate 2.5 grams. 5 teaspoons a day is 12.5 grams x 30.5 days = 381.5 grams. (One pound is 454 grams).
Remember, activated charcoal definitely lessens the blood level of most all pharmaceuticals. So you might have to take more of a pharmaceutical to get the same effect if you have a lot activated charcoal in your digestive tract (so you might want to consider waiting to add it until you've seen whether the herbs are going to knock-out or lessen your migraine pain). The small amount that's in the IF#2 isn't typically enough to do this. But if someone is weaning off a highly addictive drug, the charcoal/bentonite in the IF#2 can adsorb enough to be noticeable.
Since smoothies typically have fiber of some sort or another (that the body has to digest/process and expend energy to utilize), smoothies are not as effective as true juicing. BUT breaking up the fiber in a blender and mixing it with fresh juices is much better than 'wolfing down solids' :) The fiber issue is what I have read before in debates in the raw community on juice versus green smoothies. You have confirmed some of what I read in regards to the fiber. A lot of raw foodists seem to say that green smoothies are better because of the fiber.For typical daily diet (when not using something like IF#2, or ingesting ample fiber otherwise), this might be an issue. But if I understand you correctly you are saying that when one is using juice to heal you do not want the fiber due because you are expending energy to digest it. Perhaps you not saying that green smoothies are not healthy to drink but if you are juice fasting for healing that green smoothies would not be as “effective as true juice”. Correct. Technically, we never actually "digest" many fibers; our digestive system just has to work very hard to break the various nutrients out & away from the fiber so they can be assimilated (and if we have a lack of stomach acid, digestive enzymes or bile/other and/or the villi that do the assimilating are coated in mucous and/or we have imbalanced gut flora and/or leaky gut, then we don't get 'full nutrients' from the fiber). The fiber (whether it still has nutrients in it or not) is the biggest percentage of our fecal matter. No fiber, no poopy (or very little). Oooh-ooh, when I typed "poopy" I remembered I hadn't posted this link (good info about diverticulitis, and images, too). How poopy is made :) +Edit/addition +reason to juice Re: Thin stools
And that reminds me to ask, where exactly in your colon was the perforation/issue that required surgery?
While I am waiting for my bowel movements to regulate and eating a regular (or raw) diet) would it be beneficial to drink green smoothies since I am not fasting or would I still drink juice (as I asked above?) Smoothies are great...especially for adding in the Superfood :)
Side Effects from meds: Thank you for the info on side effects from my medicines. I have started to realize more than ever the effects these meds have on me but until now I could not find another thing to do. Glad to have this now instead to try/do!
Current- B12 Shots weekly why? For energy Soon (likely very soon), you won't 'need no steeenking injections' for energy...yay! Superfood IS awesome!
***These below are hard to guess it all depends on my pain and migraine cycle for the month and how bad it is for how much I take I realize you're not taking these for the fun of it :( And I'm sorry that 'modern medicine' hasn't done anything for all these years of your pain (except to offer you 'toxic bandaids that only cause more symptoms). Seriously Jackie, I admire your tenacity and your willingness to start taking control of your health and your life! When I first saw this drug list, I was astounded that you're not much sicker & more disabled than you are. And it certainly proves that you are extremely strong-willed and 'in control' to have not become addicted to the Xanax, Clonazepam, Valium (which can cause life-destroying addictions in as little as 4 weeks of regular use) - and the Percoset & Dilaudid are also addictive. Woman, you ARE to be truly commended (and so is your liver)!!!
Thank you for your thoughts. I am sure these have and are having more of an effect on me than I realize especially since my surgeries. I am sure that is part of what has debilitated me further since I have been taking much more of the narcotics and such since June 2009. I look forward to a time hopefully when I can stop them all for good.
Prednisone Tablets (as needed for migraine perhaps 1 round a month at most). Also did a at home treatment of IV steroids in May of 1010, and in 2009. Be sure to check out the adverse-effects of this one...and do your best to stay away from steroids. Without ANY doubt, steroids are likely 100% responsible for your knee issues and osteopenia :
I know even more now how bad these are for me and again hope that I can totally stay off them especially if I can get my migraines under control. As I mentioned in a recent post I did just start taking them again. I could find no other way to stop the migraine cycle I had. Hopefully this can be the last time. Whether you get there fast or slow, you will get there! If the colon cleansing and various herbs & cleanses don't do the trick, they'll certainly 'lessen the symptoms', and we'll take it from there. Another question - I remember you mentioning 'massages', and I'd expect you've consulted a chiropractor regarding the migraines. Yes/no? If yes, what was recommended and what was done?
Supplements: 'Super glad to hear you're off the major-majority of the supplements.Would I take any supplements at all? I am sure that I am brainwashed about the need for supplements. I did see your links on it. I just wonder if I will be getting all that I need from juice fasting or eating raw. Such as B vitamins. Magnesium, etc, , Or am I getting all that I need in the superfoods/ACV bomb/kefir etc? I notice that on the superfoods link it said “SuperFood will give you 2 to 7 times the vitamins you need for the entire day. “ I'm pretty sure Dr. Schulze may have exaggerated a bit on the "2-7x" thing - but when you add in the juices and the various herbs, you'll definitely be "over" rather than "under". The Superfood definitely knocks out the need for B supplements (that's the nutritional yeast), and the combination of the Superfood & juices take care of the protein requirements too. Nutritional yeast is 50% protein by volume and Superfood Original is 50% nutritional yeast. So you're getting 1 1/2 tablespoons of pure, easily assimilated protein with 6T of Superfood (and you're not going to get that much protein assimilated from a hunk of meat). This (old) link contains the closest thing to a 'nutritional breakdown' of Superfood that I've ever found: http://web.archive.org/web/20070831083351/http://soul-centered-healing.com/su...
I've never known anyone to need any extra "supplements" when juice-fasting along with 4-6 T daily of Superfood. But if you/anyone does, then pick the nutrient, go to google and find the richest vegetable/fruit source, and then juice plenty of it.
Are there other things like the calcium formula that I should be taking to naturally supplement? Yeppers, you may be a bit on the brainwashed side :::grin:::, but it is very likely that you're only assimilating a small percentage of what you ingest - and with your bone situation, I totally understand why you'd be concerned. Remember, 8oz of carrot juice is equivalent to 4-6 large carrots (and all the other produce is similar). So if you happen to have 32 oz of carrot juice daily, that's like eating 16-24 carrots a day (and you'll be assimilating virtually all of the nutrients!). Check out the nutrient profile:
Carrot juice is one of the richest sources of vitamin A that can be used in the daily diet. It also ranks high as a source of the other vitamins, especially those of the B complex. Its mineral content is equally rich, and includes calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron. And that's just the carrot juice!
Slippery Elm contains calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iodine, sodium, selenium and some potassium. It also contains phosphorus and vitamins A, B, C, D, E, F, K, and P
It's really really hard to imagine a couple-three pints of "little ole juices" could provide the nutrition of a full meal...but once you start seriously juicing and see just how many "major salads" fits into ONE pint jar, you'll start to get the picture (and become MUCH more comfortable with the process)
Parasite Cleanse: Doing a parasite cleanse with your colon cleansing/healing is easy (and not very expensive) - so that's definitely on the 'to do' list below...but it may be something you want to wait to do until after the first 30 days of cleansing and healing restoration. So you feel it would be best to do a 30-Day colon cleanse and then do the parasite cleanse instead of doing them together? I does not matter to me, I would go on what you would think is best for me. I noticed with the ACV bomb the bomb you said “If you add UnyWorm AntiParasite liquid to this, it's a Uny Bomb”. So would you suggest I do the colon cleanse first for 1 month along with the ACV bomb (without the parasite addition) and then in month two (perhaps) do an additional colon cleanse and do the ACV bomb with the parasite cleanse?I suggest you do the colon cleanse WITH the parasite cleanse, here's why (from here Reply + "Unyworm Instructions" - Re: parasites unknown ):
Doing a parasite cleanse without doing a simultaneous DEEP colon cleanse...not like colonics, or oxypowders, or weeny lil', ineffective "5 days cleanses...is a major waste of time & money! Everybody that hasn't done a thorough, deep colon cleanse (and regular maintenance cleanses) has a thick layer of putrid, rotting/degrading, rubbery build-up (commonly referred to as "mucoid plaque") throughout their colons. And this is the MAIN feeding, breeding and hiding place of parasites. If you take parasite herbs without disturbing and cleansing out this layer of junk, the parasites will just burrow into it to get away from the parasite herbs. Oh yeah, you'll kill some, but you'll likely never get to the root of the problem without doing a deep cleanse at the same time.
For this cleansing/healing regime, I suggest IF#2 (and IF#1 if you're not already having 3-5 healthy/normal bms daily), and a liquid and dry/ground herbal blend we make/offer called Unyworm. All these are available in our Storefront :) Here's an overview of the ingredients, and how the IF#1 & IF#2 work: http://curezone.com/schulze/handbook/intestinal.asp#1
Here are the instructions for utilizing Unyworm effectively:
You will be taking the IF#2 five times daily. You will be wanting to take (maximum strength) 1 teaspoon of the ground/dry herbs 3x daily. So in 3 of the 5 doses of IF#2 (the deep colon cleanser), you would add 1 teaspoon of the ground/dry herbs. That's how you use the dry/ground herbs.
For the Unyworm liquid, in order it to be MOST effective, it needs to have your own Cayenne powder and fresh/raw garlic and raw/organic apple cider vinegar added (ACV = apple cider vinegar). We call this the "Apple Cider Vinegar Bomb". You'll be doing this 3x daily. To make the "ACV Bomb":
1 tablespoon of raw organic ACV; 1 tablespoon of organic blackstrap molasses (or raw local honey); one dose of cayenne top-grade therapeutic cayenne powder (the goal is one teaspoon, but you'll start at 1/8 teaspoon per dose and work up from there); 1-2 cloves of raw garlic (minced), and one teaspoon of Unyworm liquid. Do this three times daily (on an empty stomach before meals is most effective). By the way, Dr. Christopher's standard/healthy daily diet includes all of the above without the parasite herbs - so this is something we ALL should be doing daily anyway (ACV, cayenne, garlic, blackstrap/honey.
Yes, there ARE easier "parasite programs", but it's HIGHLY doubtable that any could ever be as effective as this!
The UnyWorm dry herbs (to mix into 3 of the 5 doses of IF#2) are very effective, and when you combine that with the ACV, raw garlic & cayenne, you've actually got a great 'parasite regime' even without the UnyWorm liquid (especially since you'll be using plenty of Cayenne powder). Since you don't have a 'known' parasite issue, I suggest getting 30 days worth of the UnyWorm dry/ground herbs, and if you end up seeing something other than liver flukes (which the garlic will kill all by itself), then you can go ahead and order/add the UnyWorm liquid. There's really no need to spend the extra money on the liquid when the dry herbs and cayenne/garlic are more than effective enough to 'show them up'.
Kefir: We currently have a supply of water kefir grains so you can make your own water kefir (just be sure to ask in the 'Note section' when you place your order and we'll be sure to send you some free) Thank you for the free grains, I will ask for them and will definitely start this. I have heard a lot about kefir but previously had not done much research. Since your post I have been doing a little web research and trying to watch some videos to learn about Water Kefir and also dairy kefir. It seems the water kefir is super easy. The dairy one seems a little more complicated in regards to keeping the kefir up. I will still look into that as well. Am I guessing there are different benefits to each and therefore reasons to do them both. I will be looking into this as well. You're doing GREAT research! I understand why you'd think the water kefir is easier, but (to me anyway) the dairy kefir is far & away the easiest. I take 1-2 tablespoons of dairy kefir grains and put them in a quart jar, add milk, and 24 hours later - poof, milk kefir. Just strain out the grains and put it in the fridge and you're ready to make more. If you put too many grains in the milk, it'll turn 'yogurt-ish' in consistency in 24 hours or less. I actually prefer it that way myself. I add a bit of honey, cinnamon/nutmegs/cloves (and maybe some dried apple pieces) and put it into 8oz jars and it's "total nums"! I think it's "better thicker" for smoothies, too (and you can always add some to your juices to make thicker, more satisfying "juice"). The milk kefir grains will 'eat you out of house & home' if you're not careful (a tablespoon of grains is enough to 'kefirize' 2-4 cups of milk...which is more than you'll likely ever want/need in one day). But all you have to do is put the grains in some fresh milk and put them in the refrigerator, and they be very healthy and alive when you need them again in a few days (assuming you've got 'clean' organic milk - if you can get raw milk? that's even better). On the dairy kefir, start with about 1/2 cup a day (any more than that might cause a bit of diarrhea), and take it from there.
On the link in making the water kefir they recommended ¼ cup organic sugar per quart of water:Evaporated cane crystals or rapadura work best-(e.g. Rapadura, Succanat, etc). Would you agree with this? I am not familiar with Rapadura, Succanat, what would you recommend? Is this something I would be able to get at whole foods or somewhere else cheaper? Water Kefir grains are AMAZINGLY resilient! And there's tons of different "suggested recipes". What you have there (1/4 cup of natural sugar to a quart of water) is a good set-up for around 1/2 cup of grains. I'd add a couple-three raisins (or a date), a pinch of baking soda, a scant teaspoon of molasses and 1/4 of a lemon. These guys love the extra minerals...but people make it all the time with nothing but white sugar (argh) and mineral water. We'll be sending dehydrated grains that will rehydrate into around 2 cups of grains - so only rehydrate 1/2 of them if you'll be making a quart at a time (once you've made your first batch and your grains are full out of 'dehydration', the grains in your 'quart' will usually double in size in 2 days).
Turbinado, Rapadura, Demerara (etc) are all names for "evaporated cane juice" - it's basically made by crushing the freshly-cut sugar cane to squeeze out the juice, rich in, vitamins and minerals. The cane juice is evaporated and spun in a centrifuge, or turbine, to produce the large sparkling golden crystals. Sucanat is an acronym for sugar cane natural...but that's really not technically correct, because sucanat has added molasses (it's much darker visually and in taste). These sugars are much less "sweet" than white sugar, and because they contain all the natural vitamins, minerals and cofactors, they're healthier and more satisfying. Of course, always get organic. I use the sucanat when I don't mind a molasses 'overtone' (because I like getting the extra minerals in the molasses).
The best place to get all these various 'staples' (that I've found) is a company called Azure Standard. http://www.azurestandard.com If you live west of the Mississippi river there's a possibility they deliver to your area (town or city). Their trucks deliver once monthly...but the "minimum order" for truck delivery is around $400. If you don't live in a delivery area (or like me, can't afford the minimum), they ship UPS. (My cousin and I go together for a 'delivery order' every 2-3 months - the prices on 'organic staples' like ACV, BSM, sugar, oils, dried beans/fruits, grains, etc).
Even though A/S is not a "wholesale only" company, they have VERY inexpensive pricing (and sell to many co-ops & retail stores). Once you create an account, you can see the prices on the website and place orders (all you need to create an account is your name, address and email). What you'll find is that almost always, even with the additional UPS shipping charges, the prices are substantially less than anything at Whole Foods. AND, they have organic produce!!! By each item of produce it says "not shippable by UPS", but this is NOT the case. If you want to order produce and have it shipped, all you need to do when you place your order is add a "note" when checking out that says "I want this produce shipped to me, and I take full responsibility for the condition of the produce when it arrives". You might think that shipping boxes of produce would be too expensive, but when you see the pricing you'll likely be happily surprised. UPS shipping is 'cheaper per pound' the more pounds you have shipped, so once you get into the 30-40 pound range, shipping is about $1 per pound.
Right now, A/S has:
20 pounds of organic Gala apples for $21.00. If you add another $20 for shipping, that's 20 pounds of apples for $41.00 (only $2 buck a pound!)
Organic #2 carrots (who needs "pretty ones" for juicing?) - 25 pounds for $18
Organic mango - 9 for $15
Organic #2 oranges - 38 pounds for $20
They've got (all organic) beets, cukes, ginger root, garlic, pears, celery, papaya...an incredible selection. I've had produce shipped to me (they're in Oregon, I'm in Iowa) many times, and it's always arrived 'beautifully' (oh yeah, there may be a couple-three 'duds' in 20 pounds, but that happens when I meet the delivery truck, too).. Of course, I never have any produce shipped in the 'heat of the summer' or the 'freeze of the winter', and I place/time my orders so that nothing will end up sitting in a hot/cold UPS truck over a weekend. And I would never have anything "delicate" like leafy greens shipped via UPS (for me, it takes 4 working days to get to me from when they ship it).
They also say to use “Non-chlorinated water (avoid distilled water or water filtered through a carbon activated filter such as Britta or Pur) (for water kefir)”. Is this what you recommended as well? What is Non-chlorinated water? All tap water contains chlorine and some contains chloramine; most all contains fluoride. Nothing removes it all but a distiller or a reverse osmosis system. Chorine, chloramine and fluoride ALL kill microorganisms and poison us. The only water we can use for water kefiring is distilled, reverse osmosis filtered or true spring water (many bottled 'spring waters' are not really water from springs at all...and some that are are taken from toxic springs and then treated with chemicals. Some sites say you "must" use mineralized spring water, but this is NOT true. With the organic "whole sugar", molasses, pinch of baking soda and a piece of lemon and a few raisins or dates, you'll have PLENTY of minerals.You can tell I am pretty uninformed when it comes to water or perhaps misinformed would be a better way to put it since I thought Brita/Pur were good. You're not even close to being the first person on this forum to think that Brita was good, so don't worry about it. Teaching and learning is what this forum is all about!
Are there other links or info I should read on water kefir? The most complete site for kefiring is here: Doms About Kefir In-siteThis site is SO huge/complete that it's easy to 'get lost in it', but you won't likely find any site with more information. (Dom is one that says we need to use spring-water for water kefir...and he also says to add egg shells or coral calcium - but it's not necessary at all). However, if you want more bio-available calcium, adding a couple of crushed boiled egg shells will work (but then you'd have to pick all the shell pieces out of the kefir grains...argh!) Don't get hung-up on all the "persnickety details" of ANY of this. Almost always, the best way to learn to do these things is to DO them. Plan on the first time not being "persnickety perfect" - kefiring, fermenting (even cooking) is MUCH more of an art than it is a 'science'. Getting in there and figuring out what works & why is always much more effective than trying to follow a set of instructions for everything. Let your inner child/artist come out and play/experiment!!! The worst thing that can happen is that you'll waste a bit of sugar and a few raisins and a piece of a lemon. The grains'll survive anything except 'death by chemicals'!
“…and you'll likely want to get some milk kefir grains so you can start making your own dairy kefir (very inexpensive and extremely effective).I will look into trying this as well. I did not see instructions on how to make the milk kefir. Do you have links or information on this? Just wondering what I would need to buy etc. Is there a recommended amount of how much of each type of kefir should I consume each day and when in the day? I may just start with the water kefir since it seems the easiest. I was VERY impressed with the dairy kefir grains from "kefir lady"Real Kefir Grains · Quality Probiotic Cultures! There's a great overview on the site, and they come with "persnickety detailed" printed instructions (you'll love it! :::wink:::) The dairy kefir has about 50 different strains of microorganisms, the water kefir has around 20. If you're going to 'do dairy' then start with about 1/2 cup a day. You can likely have a cup or two of the water kefir without any type of digestive disturbance, but there's no reason you can't take it slow & easy.
You can save a few of those expensive capsules and mix some in with the kefirs (if you want to experiment :).You mentioned I might add in the probitics to the kefir. Is that a good thing to do or is the kefir enough? I have a nature’s way optima one that I bought but have not opened (it is a refrigerated version). I also have another type from my doctor’s office that is PureBiotic but it not a refrigerated kind. I think the Nature’s Way might be a superior one. I wouldn't use the one that's not refrigerated; your intestinal & lymphatic systems doesn't need to dealing with millions of dead critters. Like I said, IF you want to experiment. I'd wait on the experimenting until you've got the kefiring 'downpat'. Then if you want to experiment, start by adding one 'capsules worth' into a batch of either kefir at the beginning of the batch...and sit back and see what happens (and if you feel comfortable ingesting the final result). When you get there (ready to experiment), I'd post that you'd like to try it and then PM "grzbear" with a link to your post and see what he suggests doing/trying. He is far & away the "probiotic king of Curezone"!
Just be sure to utilize only organic, non-homogenized milk (raw if at all possible). I believe they sell raw milk at whole foods and other local places around. That'd be terrific. In Iowa, raw milk is "seriously illegal" (grrrrr). You can find sources in your state for raw milk here (if it's legal): http://www.realmilk.com/where2.html
Goat milk is far better for humans than cow milk...but after a couple of days, goat milk develops (to me) a very "gamey flavor" that I cannot tolerate. So if you can find raw goat milk, buy a small amount and give it try first before spending the money on a full gallon. Maybe you already know whether you like it or not; many people don't have a problem with it at all (it tastes exactly like cow milk to me for the first 2-3 days).
Replenish intestinal microorganisms via natural sources - raw/unpasteurized fermented foods (sauerkraut is ultra easy to make, and right now cabbage is cheap, too) - you can juice all fermented produce. Water kefir, dairy kefir, and some say Kombucha.I mentioned to you previously that I really enjoyed the store bought Kombucha so perhaps I can look into this as well. Kombucha has many health benefits, but it's not known to be a solid source of intestinal microbiota (although that is something that's commonly attributed to it). It's VERY easy to make your own Kombucha (kefir lady sells the SCOBY's that you use to make it), or in about 12-15 days I'll likely have a new baby SCOBY I could give/send to you. The one thing you want to be careful of with Kombucha is the caffeine content (from the tea). It's possible to make Kombucha totally without tea, but I've always used it. I was thinking in my next batch I'm going to use a very weak tea solution and maybe add some bee pollen (full of all kinds of good things, plus lots of B5 which is great for the adrenals). If you're buying it commercially prepared, be sure it's been made with pure water. I am a little leery of sauerkraut, never been a big fan …lol. But as with everything else I would certainly be willing to try if it is to benefit my health. You don't "have" to have sauerkraut! It's just something I suggested that's a good option. If you do decide to have it, it must be raw and unpasteurized to have any intestinal microbiota. All "cabbage" is good for the intestinal tract, but raw/fermented is best...so be sure to add some cabbage juice into the mix when you're juice fasting.
Wow, I have seriously (again) underestimated how long it's taking me to type all this. It's 10:30 am now (CST), so I'm going to post this and immediately get to work on the rest. I'll get it posted as soon as I'm done (and if for some reason I can't finish it in the next 4-5 hours, I'll post what I've finished before I go to bed).