Snapz, Being Sick, and Nashville

Since the last time I wrote it has been a mad house. I have had a stomach bug, Found a new addictive snack food, and when to Nashville with my daughter for Diabetic classes.

The stomach bug was the run to the bath room kind. Thankfully not the praying over the porcelain God type. My son and I caught it. I think it may have been something we ate. I am not sure because no one else in the house caught it. And he eats off my plate alot so he can try new things.

The new addictive snack food is Snapz. They are Apple Chips. They are available at Subway. (Haven't found them any where else yet) They rock. They have two ingredients. Apples and Lemon. They have a great crunch. My favorite part is that there is no sugar added. This makes it better for me to grab and go with it as a snack.

The Trip to Nashville was fun. My mom, my daughter and I went. We went to Vanderbilt Hospital and their clinic. We ate in the food court. I never knew that a hospital had such choices in food. At the little hospital we have (it us more of a joke than a hospital) they have a cafeteria that serves the standard hospital food. At Vanderbilt they have a Baja Fresh, A sandwich place, a Chinese place (strip mall type), Salad bar, Pizza, and a few different other options. If you have been to a Disney World Resort in their food court then you have been to this one. It is just about the same.

I talked to some people about my raw diet. They all think it is  a good idea. I think I will wait until I go talk to my Dr in October to start. That way I will have all my lab numbers and see their thoughts on this.   It has also been brought up about holidays and such. I don't know if I could go to someones home and not eat. Around here they find that very rude. You know us Southern cooks.

Until Next Time

Gerson Diet

I found this PDF file on my computer.  

www.gerson.org/pdfs/Foods_For_The_Gerson_Diet.pdf

It lays out what you can have and what you cant have in the Gerson Diet. It is much more limited than I first thought. It would still be worth looking into and doing if it got me off my current meds and helped fix my bodies problems.

Foods For The Gerson Diet

"Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food"

The two most important aspects of the Gerson approach to healing are freshness and purity. All of the foods ingested on the Gerson Therapy must be fresh, organically or biologically grown, and consumed in their most natural form.

We strongly recommend that the patient does not add to or change the dietary guidelines without the advice of a certified Gerson Therapy practitioner. While many patients have used appropriate, compatible additions or adjuncts to the diet that have helped their healing process, there are many others who have failed to heal because they made too many "minor modifications" to the Gerson Therapy protocol. The Gerson Therapy has been shown to be successful in achieving remission and cure in many different diseases when used as directed; modifications may or may not affect the outcome of your particular condition, but significant alteration without medical advice from someone knowledgeable about the biochemical basis of the Gerson approach may reduce one’s chances for recovery.

Desirable Foods

* Patients with collagen related illnesses must avoid citrus juices and fruits. For all others, citrus juice is optional. Only one citrus juice a day is allowed and may be replaced for a carrot and apple juice.

Asparagus

Mangoes

Apples

Melons

Apricots

Oatmeal

Artichoke

Onions

Arugula

Beets and tops

Oranges*

Broccoli

Parsley and parsley root

Brown sugar

Peaches

Horseradish (grated, not bottled)

Pears

Cabbage, red & leaves (smaller

Pepper, green and red Bell pepper

quantities–gas producing)

Plums

Carrots

Potatoes

Cauliflower

Radishes (not the leaves)

Celery Knob or stalks

Raw fruit

Chards, all kinds

Rhubarb

Cherries

Rice brown (if allowed)

Chicory

Romaine

Chives

Cilantro

Rye bread (unsalted, non-fat)

Corn (ONLY if allowed by physician)

Spices (small amounts only): allspice, anise, bay leaves,

Currants

Coriander, dill, fennel, mace, marjoram, rosemary, sage,

Eggplant

saffron, tarragon, thyme, sorrel, summer savory.

Endives

Spinach (cooked only)

Escarole

Squash

Flax oil (organic, not high lignan)

Sweet potatoes

Fruit dried unsulphured as raisins,

Swiss chard

peaches, dates, figs, apricots and prunes (stewed or pre-soaked only)

Tangerines

Fruits fresh (except all berries and pineapple)

Tomatoes

Garlic

Vegetables (except mushrooms, leaves of: carrots,

Grapefruit*

radishes, spinach and mustard green)

Grapes

Vinegar (wine or cider)

Green beans

Watercress

Honey

Yams

Juices, freshly pressed, as prescribed

Yogurt, non-fat, organic Horizon, Brown Cow, 7 Stars

Kale

(after the sixth week on the Gerson Therapy

Leeks

or as allowed by the physician)

Lemons*

Occasionally Allowed Foods

Breads made from whole rye – 1
Sweeteners: maple syrup (grade B) or honey or unrefined blackstrap molasses may be used at 1
Brown or wild rice – once a week
Yams and sweet potatoes – once a week
Banana – ½ a week
Organic popcorn – a holiday treat only ‐2 slices a day (if all of the foods are eaten first) ‐2 teaspoons a day maximum.

Prohibited Foods

AlcoholIce creamAnimal fatsLegume-based food products AvocadosManufactured (processed) foodsBaking sodaMargarine or oil based spreadsBerriesMeatsBicarbonate of soda in food, toothpaste or gargleMushroomsBlack tea and other non-herbal teasMustardBottledNut butters and any other source of dietary fatsButterNuts and seedsCakeOils and fats, and any foods that contain them. CandyThis includes corn oil, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oilCannedexcept flaxseed oil, as specifically prescribedCheesePineapplesChocolatePreserved; refined, salted, smoked, and sulfured foodsCocoaProtein powders or supplements, including barley or Coconutsalgae based powdersCoffee as a regular beverageProteins and high-protein foodsCommercial beveragesSalt, table salt, sea salt, celery salt, Creamvegetable salt, Bragg Aminos, Cream and other dairy fatstamari, soy sauce, "lite salt" or salt substitutesCucumbersSeafood, and other animalsEpson salts, sodium-based baking powders, Soy and soy products and anything with "sodium" in its nameSpices, pepper, paprika, basil and oreganoFluorine in toothpasteSpinach (raw) (allowed cooked only)Frozen foodsSprouted alfalfa and other bean or seed sproutsHydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils’ White flourOlean, Olestra or other "fat substitutes"White sugar

The following is an explanation for some of the foods on the Prohibited List.

Salt and Sodium

Salt and sodium in all forms, including table salt, sea salt, celery salt, vegetable salt, Bragg Aminos, tamari, soy sauce, "lite salt", baking soda, Epsom salts, sodium-based baking powders, and anything with "sodium" in its name, as well as salt substitutes.

Oils and Fats

Oils and fats, and any foods that contain them. This includes corn oils, olive oils, canola oils, and all other vegetable oils except flax-seed oil as specifically prescribed; butter, cheese, cream and other dairy fats; all animal fats; all margarines or oil-based spreads; coconuts and avocado; all hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils; Olean, Olestra or other "fat substitutes"; nut butters; and any other source of dietary fats, except as naturally occurring in allowed foods.

Proteins and High-Protein Foods

Proteins and high-protein foods, such as meats, seafood, and other animal proteins; nuts and seeds; soy or other legume-based food products; all protein powders or supplements, including barley or spirulina and chlorella, unless specifically used when prescribed for protein supplementation.

Outside of these three categories, there are other foods that must be "off-limits" until the patient is completely healed, and in some cases, even after full recovery. Almost all packaged, prepared ("convenience") foods (frozen, bottled, or boxed) must be forsaken for health reasons. Restaurant food will almost always be unacceptable, both because it is rarely organic, and almost always cooked with added salt, fats, and other additives inappropriate to the Gerson diet.

Patients new to the Gerson Therapy often comment that Gerson’s list of prohibited foods is much longer and more restrictive than other "natural" or "holistic" approaches to healing and wellness. The Gerson approach looks at everything that goes into, or on, the body as important to the healing process. It is through this attention to detail that we are able to accomplish healing even in some extremely advanced cases, or in diseases that are otherwise not curable.

We have, whenever possible endeavored to provide a brief explanation why the various foods are not allowed on the diet.

General prohibitions

All manufactured (processed) foods: bottled, canned, frozen, preserved, refined, salted, smoked, and sulfured.

Dairy products

All milk and milk products (including goat’s milk), such as cheese, cream, ice cream, ice milk, butter or buttermilk, except as specifically allowed under proteins. Dairy products are generally extremely high in fat; an 8 oz. Serving of 2% milk contains more fat than two strips of bacon! Cheeses can be as much as 65% fat, and are usually very high in sodium. Even "fat free" cheeses usually have undesirable additives, and are high in sodium. Buttermilk is prohibited because the commercial buttermilk now available is "cultured", rather than churned, and is high in fat and sodium. Except plain, organic, non-fat yogurt after 6-8 weeks.

Alcohol

Alcohol is prohibited because it limits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, places additional strain on the liver to detoxify and remove it from the body; and is, in general, toxic.

Pineapples and berries

Max Gerson found that a number of his patients were experiencing allergic reactions, apparently to the aromatic acids present in pineapple and berries. Dr. Gerson felt that the aromatics interfere with healing. For this reason, pineapples and berries are prohibited.

Avocados

Avocados are too high in fats.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers, in combination with the juices, are difficult to digest and are high in sodium.

Spices

Spices (black pepper, paprika, basil, oregano, and others not specifically permitted) are prohibited because of their high content of aromatic acids.

Soy Beans and Products

Soy beans and products, including tofu, tempeh, miso, tamari, and other soy sauces, Bragg’s Aminos, textured vegetable protein, soy milk, and all other soy-based products. These are prohibited for a variety of different reasons including high fat, sodium and/or protein content, and the presence of toxic inhibitors to nutrient absorption.

Dried beans and legumes

Lentils are introduced if patient is doing well at about 6 months at once every 2 weeks. Soak overnight and sprout for one day before cooking.

Sprouted Alfalfa and Other Bean or Seed Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts have been found to be high in l-canavanine, an immature amino acid that can cause immune suppression. Patients without a prior history who have used sprouts in juices have reported sudden onset of arthritic-like joint pains and other undesirable side effects. This has only been studied in alfalfa; we do not know if this effect applies to other sprouts, but we recommend caution. Before adding sprouts to your diet, discuss it with an experienced Gerson practitioner.

Oils and Fats

With the exception of fresh raw flax seed oil, no oils or fats of any kind are permitted.

Beef, Pork, Poultry, Eggs, Fish, Seafood, and All other Meat or Animal Flesh Products

These are high in protein, difficult to digest, often high in fat, and make additional work for the liver and excretory systems.

Black Tea and Other Non-Herbal or Caffeine-containing Teas

Black tea and other non-herbal teas are prohibited because they contain caffeine, which is undesirable when introduced by mouth, and because they often contain undesirable aromatic acids (see discussion under Berries above)

Candy, cake, muffins, pastries and other refined sweets

Candy, cakes, muffins, pastries, and other refined sweets are prohibited because they almost always contain one or more prohibited ingredients, such as fats, oils, refined sugars or flours, salt, soda, baking powder, or dairy products.

Note that some breads and pastries can be made using permitted ingredients; these can help to make the diet more interesting, but should not be consumed on a regular basis (i.e., only on special occasions)

Drinking water

Contrary to the commonly heard recommendation to "drink 8 glasses of water a day", Gerson strongly believed that a Gerson patient should not drink water, so as to avoid diluting the stomach acid, and to allow maximum capacity for nutrition from fresh foods and juices. If the patient is taking less than 13 juices, he/she may need to augment with tea or other fluid.

Mushrooms

Standard white mushrooms are not a vegetable, but a fungus. They are difficult to digest, and provide little nutrition.

Coffee and Coffee Substitutes by Mouth

Coffee and coffee substitutes by mouth, both with and without caffeine. Taken by mouth, coffee effects undesirable stimulation of the digestive system, and the caffeine acts as an undesirable stimulant to the central nervous system. Coffee is also virtually devoid of nutrients. However, when taken rectally, it has an entirely different, and desirable effect on the body.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds, including almonds, apricot kernels, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, peanuts, cashews, and all other nuts and seeds, are prohibited because they are high in protein, generally high in fat, often salted, difficult to digest and abundant in enzyme inhibitors.

Commercial Beverages, Juices, Sodas of All Types

Commercial beverages, juices, sodas of all types almost always have refined sugars, carbonation, or other undesirable additives, and are all but devoid of essential nutrients. In addition, consumption of these beverages reduces capacity for desirable fresh, organic foods and juices.

Hot Peppers

Hot peppers (jalapeños, etc) contain the same strong aromatics found in prohibited spices. These may inhibit healing responses and should be avoided. Green, yellow, and sweet red peppers may be used without limitation.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Almost all baking powders contain alum (aluminum), which is believed to be toxic. Those that are aluminum-free and also sodium-free may occasionally be used with the consent of your doctor. (Featherweight is a potassium-based powder that may be used occasionally.)

Other Prohibited Items

Fluoride in water, toothpaste, gargle, hair dyes, permanents, cosmetic, underarm deodorants, lipstick, lotions.


The Simply Raw diet has its on web site too. http://www.rawfor30days.com/blog/  Here is the blog on the site. I have not found much useful information on here as to what to eat on your diet. They want to sell you the information.

Natural Cures

I have been watching documentaries on natural cures. There are two that I have found. The Gerson Diet and Simply Raw. (There are two Gerson Documentaries here. One under Gerson and one under Diet)  They are similar but there are two major differences. In the Raw diet you can have avocado. In the Gerson diet you do not get avocado and you have to take Organic Coffee Eminas. Yes that one is a biggy for me. It is cold coffee and it is supposed to detoxify your body. The thing that is the same is it has to be organic. That is the problem here. Kroger has a three foot section of fresh organic produce. Walmart has even less. I am two hours away from organic markets in two directions.


 I have a friend SmallFootPrints that has given me some links.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/raw-food-diet  This one is from WebMD. It explains a raw vegan diet.

http://www.veganrawdiet.com/   This one has several articles that will help you out when going Raw Vegan from your normal eating.

http://goneraw.com/  This one is full of recipes. I have found alot of ones I would like to try.

I am working toward doing this in one way or another. I may have to start off vegetarian and work my way into vegan. I have a love of cheese and every once in a while eggs. I do not have any problem giving up the meat. Fish and seafood would be more difficult to give up. I have done the vegetarian diet before and done fine. My hubby looked at me like I was nuts. He is a southern boy. Beans, Taters, Meat and corn bread for every meal. He would die if he had to give up his meat and bread. That also means I would have to fix two dinners each day. My kids love it when I make vegetarian or vegan food. They would rather have it instead of what I fixed hubby. Last time I tried to go vegetarian they would eat all my food until I started fixing enough for all of us.

We grow alot of our own food but it cant be organic as we have farm fields in the back and front of the house that they spray and the run off makes it to the ground water.

The other draw back to this is the withdrawal your body has. No caffeine, sugar and all the preservatives and chemicals in your food. The first two weeks would be a little rough. They say it doesn't take that long to get over it. I think that would be a small price to pay if I got to get off all the drugs. I hate putting chemicals in my body and then there is the price of them too.

I think this works for several reasons. You lose weight, you detoxify your body, you get alot of vitamins and minerals you don't get when you eat the standard American diet, and no bad fats.

This will take some thinking and planning. I am hoping to start this soon. We will have to see where it leads.

Introduction

I am 36 years old. I am a mother, wife, farmer, recipe writer, cook, home school teacher and Internet addict. I am also diabetic. It does not define me. I have kidney damage, high blood pressure, trouble controlling my blood sugar, joint problems (Not the 420 type), and I retain fluid. I am on 8 different medicines at any give time.

When I say I retain fluid it is a big problem. When I left the hospital in February they had almost all the fluid drawn off my body and I was a size 12. I am now back up to a 24 when I have a flare up. Most of the time I do good on the medicine they have me on. Some times I have flare ups. When this happens it is mostly due to stress. My blood pressure and sugar sky rocket, my body retains fluid, and my kidneys slow way down.

I am on a quest to figure out how to make things better. I hope you will join me on my journey. I am researching different natural ways to cure my self, going to different doctors, and changing my diet around.

I will update this blog every other day if not daily as time permits.