posted
I am wondering what people think about going on a raw foods diet whilst sick with Lyme. I am very interested in its healing properties, but I don't know how safe it is. I am sorry if this has been covered before...too spaced out to look around for it.
Thank you!!!
Posts: 215 | From Student | Registered: Oct 2007
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Diet has had the greatest healing effect on me, so I research diet constantly.
By raw foods, are you referring just to veggies? There are people who swear by raw eggs and raw meat.
Anything raw will have all its nutrients intact but can also give you bacteria. Cooking kills the bacteria but also unfortunately kills the beneficial enzymes and many nutrients. I have eaten raw vegetarian and feel immensely better when I do it, but I can't keep it up on a steady basis. I just need warm food in my life. So I incorporate raw dishes into much of my daily food intake. I figure some is better than none.
I wash my veggies very well and I avoid bagged veggies. I eat lots of raw fruit mainly from the low sugar family which is berries, cherries. I also juice fruits and veggies adding garlic to the juices.
I personally could not stomach raw meat or eggs. Just my personal taste though.
Luvs
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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Thanks for your reply. I don't mean raw cheeses, meats, etc. I could NEVER eat that stuff! YUCK! I mean raw fruits and veggies. I just think it must help in some way, my body would be able to heal and spend all its energy on the Lyme, not breaking foods down.
Posts: 215 | From Student | Registered: Oct 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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It depends upon the strength of your liver and digestion. Raw foods require the body to work hard to break it down. Chewing is really important if you choose this. Obviously, salad greens and fruits are meant to be eaten w/o cooking.
I asked my naturopathic physician about doing this and she said, for me, that my liver would not support this. The liver has LOTS to do with digestion.
She suggesting very lightly steaming vegetables so as to open up the availabily of nutrients and ease digestion. Soups are great, adding the veggies just before serving.
However raw veggie JUICES are fantastic. Protein powders balance it out and I find best for breakfast.
The VITA-MIX would be best. Spendy, but you get all the pulp. That's better for glucose stability and detox bulk, too, as just juice can be too much sugar all by itself.
As far a protein goes, I was vegetarian for almost 18 years, on and off. I think I suffered for it. Others might do very well.
For myself now, I can barely function if I do not get animal MUSCLE protein at least once a day (and eggs, tofu, beans & rice, or a protein powder) to round up to three protein servings).
In addition to B-12, taurine and L-carnitine are in muscle meats. These are vital to our brain & heart. So it is important to get a chart of exactly what nutrients ( not just vitamins) are needed. And, often, in recovery of illness, higher levesl of protein are needed.
Average daily protein recommendation for adults is 60-75 grams, depending upon height and weight. People with any kidney problems, though, have special instructions around protein and must limit.
Another consideration with a raw foods diet - if you sprout stuff like nuts or legumes. Sprouting can cause mold or bacteria to flourish. So, you must be very clear how to do this safely.
Some people have done well with a macrobiotic diet, or at least in part, with the addition of fish as protein that is more easily digest if you can get wild fish that is low in mercury. Salmon, sardines, etc. Trader Joe's has good prices on frozen or canned wild salmon. I feel so much better with that.
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[ 12. November 2007, 04:52 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I would be concerned that an entirely raw diet would not provide enough protein for someone with a chronic infection. Check out this article that was previously posted here. http://medind.nic.in/iby/t06/i8/ibyt06i8p129.pdf
On the other hand, I don't think it's a bad idea to try to make about 50% of your diet raw/lightly steamed fruits and vegetables. I ate this way for years and was healthy despite the fact that I had chronic Lyme.
Diet alone is not enough to fight this .... but a good diet certainly gives your body the tools it needs to heal.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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The Malkmus "Hallelujah Diet" recommends 80% raw veggies/fruits, and 20% lightly cooked foods. My Vita-mix has been great for soups and smoothies with raw ingredients, and you can also use it to grind wholegrains for breads and other recipes. I got mine at Costco at a discount, as they have them around Mother's Day, and once more a year--call Costco to ask when they will be doing demonstrations in your area. It's pricey but much more powerful than a regular blender, and easier to use & clean.
Posts: 193 | From Virginia | Registered: Oct 2002
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
im on an 80% raw diet and its helping me immensely.
check out "the cure" by dr b
it gives some very good advice concerning raw diet.
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