Not Sure if Detoxing

[Michele Goldman]

Hi,

I'm new to this site and it seems fabulous so far. I've slowly gone more and more raw in the past year until about a month ago when I went full raw. I felt AMAZING the first week, just full of energy, clarity of mind, so cheerful, it was very exciting. Then the past three weeks things have gone back to kind of meh. I'm not certain if I'm having detox symptoms, but I am having some headaches, occasional loose stools (sorry TMI), tired, etc. But I do have a chronic illness so the tiredness is not that unusual for me.

I'm just wondering what your experiences have been with detox when going raw. I was already vegan, gluten-free and high-raw so I'm surprised I noticed such a difference. For sure my body has a lot to detox with all the medications I've been on and the stress, etc. I don't mind a detox at all, I expect it, but now I'm not sure if I'm detoxing or just unwell or possibly missing nutrients or something. I guess I was certain this was right for me and now I'm less sure. I live with my mom and while she's generally supportive/tolerant, I know she worries and doesn't think I'm 'getting enough protein', etc. None of my friends are anywhere near this lifestyle. My boyfriend was my biggest supporter but, long story, I don't live with him anymore. So basically, I guess I feel kind of lonely, confused and lost on this journey.

Any thoughts would be great. I'm doing a juice/smoothie cleanse today. Maybe this will help me get some zip back. I was doing lots of hot yoga at first which was wonderful but then I hurt my back. I almost wonder if the back pain may be part of a detox too, crazy as that may sound. I don't know.

[Michele Goldman]

Betty thank you so much. Interestingly enough I've been eating more citrus lately although I hadn't heard of that. I think you're right about exercise too, I'm focusing more on gentle exercise like walking and yoga. I've started doing meditation and this has been a surprising comfort and a way to realize how I'm truly doing each day. Thanks for writing, all the best.

[Betty]

Michele Peggy is so right with what she says. You do need to follow your own intuition, and life path. If people stopped to think about what they considered 'food' they would realize how far off the human race has gotten. How can most of the things in the grocery store even be considered 'food'?

anyway I digress....this sounds alot like detox to me as well. You can eat pretty good, doing vegan, mostly raw, and your body won't really trigger a detox, but if you go all out, and perhaps especially if you've increased your fruit intake, you can definitely fall into a detox. Sounds like you did this the last month.  Detox can take many forms, and yes, it will want to expunge the medications from your body.  Don't expect to feel much energy during this. The best thing to do is relax, rest and heal. Some folks think they should be doing exercise, but exercise builds up more acids in your body, and that's the last thing you want, until your body because a perfect working machine with your kidneys fully functioning.

You can push forward with this by focusing on citrus, which will pull out mucus, or if you feel it's too much, slow it down with steamed veggies. The start again when you feel up to it. It can be a long process, and also know that whatever problems you have healthwise, or old pains in your body, they will come back up again in order to be healed. So you feel pain 2 times in your life, when you are creating it, and when you are healing it, if that makes any sense.

Always follow your intuition though, you know your body better than anyone else. There are lots of great folks here on your side...

[Michele Goldman]

Yes Peggy you are so right! I know about listening to my intuition but it can be hard when, as you said, most people around me are eating differently and maintaining a different lifestyle.

Since posting this I've done some meditation and I feel more grounded about everything. I'm definitely eating a wide variety of fresh food, in fact all three people in my house got the flu except for me (so far, knock on wood), so I think it shows my immune is strong. Nothing bad is happening so I'm confident that sticking to full raw is right for me, at least for now.

Thanks so much for writing, it really does help to have support. Good luck with your juice 'feast' and be well.

[Peggy Speir]

if you are eating a variety of produce I doubt you are missing nutrients. With headaches and loose stool it sounds like detox.....especially if you have been taking alot of medications.

You know your mom is just being a mom, but you need to stay the course that is right for you - what speaks to you as being the best for you right now. You won't be lost on the journey if you just listen to your own inner voice. You are your own guide - listen to what your body is asking for and what you know in your heart is the right choice for you.....this might be not eating RAW all of the time....or might be staying high RAW. It might be many things - but whatever it is it is your choice based on what you intuitively know is right for beautiful you!

It's hard eating this way when 99% of the people around you are eating differently - it's for sure lonely. BUT that's why there is the Raw Food Rehab. When I start to feel frustrated or alienated I come and read people's posts and it lifts me up.

Your back could totally be part of a detox....but could also be you over did it. Be gentle and kind to  yourself right now - if you are detoxing your body is getting busy cleaning house and repairing all sorts of things. I'm juice feasting and going through all sorts of detox right now and I am just gentle stretching and light walking (ok, and shoveling A LOT of snow!!)

I find when I start the day out with a super green juice first thing in the morning I am ZINGY! My husband laughs at me and wonders where this live wire came from. I just say "green juice, baby - green juice" as I buzz past his lazy bum out the door.......