The only way to optimum health and weight loss is:
Sep 27 '00
The last epinion that I wrote was on Augusts 2nd.
Please note that I have missed all of you and I look forward to resuming my writing, reviewing and rating. Hopefully and with the help of God, I will be able to soon.
Some of my epinion friends know why I have not been writing or reviewing. To those that were sincere and cared enough to ask why, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Until I return full swing, I thought that I should take the opportunity to share my experience with all of you with good faith that it may be helpful to others.
I became very ill. It was not sudden, but rather a slow, gradual, build-up over a long period of time.
What were my symptoms?
Extreme weight gain, bloating, depression, irritability, weakness, exhaustion, near syncopal attacks, panic, anxiety, hypoglycemic attacks, asthma, severe allergies, chemical sensitivities and severe G/I disorders to the point of vomiting blood!
Why did I let this happen?
Beats me but I will say that I am the type of person that puts my whole heart into anything that I get involved in, often neglecting my own needs. Many may look at this as an admirable trait but it is outright stupidity. Always health conscious and quite fit, my deep, time consuming commitment to my American Legion Post took priority over everything in my life!
Prior to my involvement with The Legion, I ran / walked five miles a day and came home to a daily aerobic / weight training program, all before leaving for work. My job was a high stress, managerial position in the field of data processing and was beyond a full-time commitment, though my real job was that of being a Housewife and Mom. I also performed with an adult dance group. A lot of time was devoted to complex tap and jazz routines. I loved it and it was great exercise. I had a demanding, grueling schedule, but it did keep me fit as a fiddle. In order to keep up with this intense lifestyle, it was a MUST that I eat properly.
One day I will write an editorial about the obsessions and dangers of those too committed to a volunteer position. I believe that I can even analyze why some are prone to over-commitment.
I was not eating or sleeping properly. I was not exercising or indulging in any of my creative outlets. In essence, I lost my sense of self! Number one rule for not being or eating healthy!
What did I do about my situation?
To start, I sat my fiance down and explained that we were over-commited to The Legion and that we had to take measures to rectify that. It took a lot of effort and stress, but we managed to accomplish that goal.
I went to several conventional physicians and all were not happy with my symptoms. Each doctor recommended the same battery of tests. Initially, I postponed the tests and visited a Nutritionist / Herbalist. One vast difference between the conventional and holistic approach is that the conventional practitioner will be more apt to treat the symptom, whereas the holistic practitioner will get to the root of the problem. I am in no way putting conventional medicine down, or suggesting that you do not see your doctor when ill. It is just my opinion and experience that the perfect healing / weight control method for optimum health provides treatment in the form of a combination from each world.
The nutritionist diagnosed me with Candida Albicans or Candidiasis. This is an overgrowth of yeast, in my case, it was / is in my intestinal tract. I will not elaborate here but you should know that we all have a certain "normal" amount of this parasite. When it is excessive, it creates a wide-variety of symptoms, all of which I described above! He also recognized that my liver was not functioning as well as it should be. He prescribed several supplements, a liquid herbal tincture that was custom made for my liver problem and a strict anti-yeast diet. Besides the obvious yeast based products found in breads and beer that need to be avoided while on this diet, all yeast feeding items must be avoided as well. All sugars, excessive carbohydrates, starches, molds, aged products, fermented products, preservatives such as ascorbic acid and chemicals feed the yeast and increase the overgrowth, thereby increasing symptoms.
I immediately began my regimen, knowing from past experience that I would get worse before I got better. I will not say that it is easy. It is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges and requires an inordinate amount of dedication and discipline. The most important factor is the will to succeed.
In just three days, much of the bloating disappeared and for the first time in a very long time, I began to see my bone structure! Although the first eight weeks are not geared toward weight loss, in 5 weeks, I have lost over 25 pounds! For me, that is enough motivation for me to keep going. I am eating more than ever and my body is now absorbing the nutrients that I put into it. Again, it is not easy and I have very bad days but I do understand that I am detoxing and withdrawing from many foods and chemicals that are toxic to my body. In many cases, this will prove to be temporary. From rotating acceptable foods, I have discovered many to stay away from. For instance, I am a garlic lover. For most, garlic is healthy and provides many benefits. It also acts as an anti-fungal. In my case however, it had been increasing my symptoms, so I have to avoid it now. Some supplements are also not good for me. Those are a little more difficult to identify. I have also discovered that dairy products that are pasteurized, make me ill. Goat milk and raw, unpasteurized milk products are ok for me on occasion.
During my last visit to my conventional physician, I was informed that with the exception of slight anemia, that my blood work was all normal. He told me that my cholesterol was low. It was never high. I asked him if it was abnormally low and he asked whether I was a vegetarian again. I started laughing because I told him that sometimes I eat beef three times a day. The difference is that I am avoiding bad food and the meats that I do eat are all organic. He was amazed. I finally did go for a G/I Series that was negative and he still wants me to see a gastroenterologist but he does realize that my body may very well have healed itself of a possible bleeding ulcer. Cabbage juice and a supplement called DGL are said to heal ulcers in two weeks.
I will schedule an appointment for the G/I doctor and have complete faith that the results will be favorable. I also plan on continuing my diet regimen and pay close attention to my body. It will let me know what to avoid.
The main question posed by the epinions board is, What's the best way to determine the right weight loss plan for you? What should you look for to ensure that your diet will help you lose weight AND stay healthy?
I firmly believe that we all have the ability to heal ourselves and maintain an optimum weight. The road to do so, varies for each of us. There is not one right way. As unique as our fingerprints, so is our chemical balance and make-up. It is up to each of us to discover which is right for us. Lifestyle too plays a huge role.
If you want more information on Candida, the yeast-free diet, nutrition and herbs, please feel free to E-mail me at Msxbja1@aol.com.
Remember, when you loose sight of who you are, there is no life!
May God Bless all of you and I wish you all the best in finding your right path.
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Epinions.com ID:
Barbarajo
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Member: Barbara Jo Acosta
Reviews written: 97
Trusted by: 58 members
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