My Juice Feast - Day 1

So I decided to try a 7 day juice feast. Initially I didn't think I needed the fast/feast but I've noticed more and more that I feel so much better after a juice versus and an actual meal. I'm also hoping it will put me on the fast track to alkalizing my body.  I've read a lot of mixed information online about whether or not juice fasts are good for those with Candida, but as I said before juicing has made me feel really good so far. Plus it should help to give my body a break while I'm on the Candida Yeast Answer program  by not having to work so hard to digest my food along with all the healing that needs to occur.

I am keeping the fruit minimal - only green apples and lemon. I am also continuing to use ground flaxseed for fiber while on the fast. It's crucial to have healthy bowel movements while fighting Candida and juicing removes the insoluble fiber from the fruits and vegetables.

Day one has not been too bad. Around 3pm I noticed a mild headache coming on that I still have but it's nothing too terrible. I had enough energy early in the day to do some yard work, but I'm definitely feeling tired now. I didn't having any hunger or cravings at all until dinner time came around. About 5pm I got really tempted to go out and get something to eat.

Luckily I timed this so that my boyfriend is out of town for the first four days of my juice feast. That way I don't have to watch or smell what he is eating while my body adjusts to not eating. I'm not sure I could do it if I had to watch him eat all the things I love while I just drank juice. That being said I really enjoy the taste of the juice, even the really green ones. They are definitely satisfying.

I prepared for this fast/feast by doing some major grocery shopping yesterday. I have a fridge full of vegetables including: kale, spinach, broccoli, parsley, cabbage, green apples, carrots, cucumbers, green peppers, celery, limes, brussel sprouts and ginger. Unfortunately the healthfood store was out of dandelion greens. I plan to track my expenses while on the juice feast to see just how much it really costs versus eating normally. Most of what I purchased was organic.

*I am not a medical professional and claim no medical expertise. Please consult your healthcare professional before beginning any diet program.

Benefits of Juicing - Part 2

Below is part 2 of my cheat sheet on the benefits of the fruits and vegetables I regularly juice. It is a continuation from part 1 where I covered parsley, cucumber, celery, kale and spinach.

Carrots - Organic

1. Rich source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is very helpful during pregnancy for fetal development.
2. Also contains B vitamins and foliate.
3. Great for eye health due to its abundance of luetin, beta carotene, zeaxanthin, antioxidants and phytonutrients.
4. Natural diuretic.
5. Boosts the immune system.
6. Reduces mucous from the ears, nose and throat, and clears away phlegm to aid breathing.
7. Cleanses and restores the liver.

Broccoli

1. Vitamins: C, A, iron and calcium.
2. Contains sulforaphane which prevents peptic ulcers and is also known to ease gastritis and indigestion.
3. Contains more calcium than milk per ounce.
4. Contains an anti-estrogenic compound known as glucosinolates which helps rid the body of excess estrogen associated with certain types of breast cancer.
5. High in antioxidants and lutien important for eye health.
6. Is thought to help prevent breast, colon, lung and stomach cancer.

*Juice away, it's impossible to drink too much broccoli juice.

Green Apples - Organic

1. Vitamins: A, B & C.
2. High in Pectin which can help lower cholesterol and prevent colon cancer.
3. High in Boron which prevents calcium loss and stimulates brain function.
4. Natural diuretic and laxative effects.
5. Apples also help to balance out the bitterness of dandelion greens and kale.

Ginger

1. Contains over 12 types of antioxidants.
2. Natural anticoagulant.
3. Natural aphrodisiac - better than viagra for S-E-X!
4. Soothes the symptoms of the common cold and cough.
5. Helps to relieve many digestive ailments including heartburn, nausea and indigestion.
6. Can be helpful for relieving muscle pain and soreness.
7. Anti-infammatory.
8. Can help lower cholesterol.
9. Helps to control diabetes.
10. Thought to prevent and slow the progression of cancer.

Beets - Organic

1. Loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The greens have a higher nutritional content than the root so be sure to juice them as well.
2. The greens have a higher iron content than spinach and are also high in chlorophyll.
3. Also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper phosphorus and sodium.
4. Blood purifier and blood builder that helps with the creation of red blood cells.
5. Dissolves liver, kidney and bladder stones.
6. Increases the production of glutathione which helps the body detoxify cancer-causing agents.
7. Regulates blood pressure.
8. Protects against stomach and colon cancer.
9. The cellulose beets contain helps to relieve constipation.
10. Contains choline, making it an excellent liver detoxifier.
11. Prevents varicose veins.

Dandelion Greens - Organic or from your yard if you don't use chemicals.

1. Ranked in the top 4 of all green vegetables and listed as one of the top 50 power herbs.
2. Vitamins: loaded with K, A, potassium and calcium.
3. Rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin - important for eye health.
4. Natural diuretic.
5. As good as milk thistle for liver detoxification.
6. Controls blood pressure.
7. Contains hormone balancing elements called taraxerol and taraxasterol. Can help to alleviate PMS.
8. Contains taraxacin which triggers the gall bladder and liver to create bile and stimulates the digestive system.
9. Thought to help treat indigestion, hepatitis, depression and irritability.

I try to buy organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible to reduce the amount of pesticide intake. It can get expensive but if you try to juice foods that are in season it helps keep the cost down. I also grew my own zucchini, beets and cucumbers in my garden this summer. 

*I am not a medical professional and claim no medical expertise. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any diet.

Benefits of Juicing - Part 1

I keep looking up the benefits of all the vegetables I've been juicing and then promptly forgetting them and having to look them up again. So I decided to make myself a cheat sheet and share it with everyone. Please note that these are just the points I felt were important to me and is not all inclusive. I've also noted to the side which ones I think are important to buy organic based on pesticide load and conventional farming processes.

Parsley

1. Vitamins: B12, K & C, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, folic acid and iron.
2. Natural diuretic and laxative effect.
3. Breath Freshener.
4. Commonly used for anemia because of it's high iron concentration.
5. Kidney cleanser and liver detoxifier.
6. High antioxidant content and cancer fighter.
7. Anti-inflammatory.

  *Parsley juice is very potent and you should not drink it on its own or more than 2-3 ounces at a time. It should not be juiced by pregnant women or those taking blood thinners. It should also be used with caution if you have kidney disease.

Cucumber - Organic

1. Vitamins: C & A, foliate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfer and lesser amounts of B complex, sodium*, calcium and phosphorus.
2. Regulates blood pressure.
3. Regulates body temperature.
4. Promotes hair growth.
5. Skin clarifier.
6. Supplies electrolytes necessary for hydrating cells in the body.
7. Strengthens connective tissues, dissolves kidney stones and alleviates arthritis.

*It should be noted that the natural sodium contained in fruits and vegetables is not the same as table salt and the two should not be confused. The organic sodium found in fruits and vegetables is necessary for our bodies to function properly. Organic sodium is essential for calcium uptake, digestion, fluid balance, bile production and the proper functioning of all major organs. Most Americans are actually deficient in this good type of sodium. And unlike table salt, if there is an excess of organic sodium in your body, it is easily excreted.

Celery - Organic

1. Vitamins: B1, B2, B6 and C, potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids.
2. Regulates and calms the nervous system, it is known to help alleviate insomnia.
3. Fights cancer and prevents free radicals. Specifically stomach and colon cancers.
4. Natural laxative aiding in healthy bowel movements.
5. Natural Diuretic.
6. Reduces cholesterol.
7. Helps regulate blood pressure.
8. Eliminates and prevents kidney and gall stones.
9. Detoxifies.
10. Reduces cravings for sweets and aids in weight loss.

Kale - Organic

1. Vitamins: K, A, E & C, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, iron, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, B1, B2, B3, protein, foliate and phosphorus.
2. Rich source of lutein, an antioxidant important for eye health. I prevents and heals sun damage from UV rays. It is also thought to improve your skin.
3. Excellent detoxifier due to its high content of flavonoids and carotenoids.
4. Lowers the risk of bladder, breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancer. And possibly aids in the treatment of cancer as well.
5. Anti-inflammatory.

*Use kale with care if you take blood thinners or have kidney or gallbladder problems.

Spinach - Organic

1. Vitamins: K, A, C & E, manganese, foliate, calcium, potassium, iron, riboflavin, copper, magnesium, copper, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, selenium and niacin.
2. High in chlorophyll which increases the oxygen intake in blood and neutralizes free radicals.
3. Natural laxative.

*Spinach contains oxalic acid which requires exercise to be metabolized. Too much oxalic acid in your body can cause you to actually loose nutrients. However, it takes 1lb of spinach to make 4 ounces of juice so a couple of handfuls in your juice each morning shouldn't be a problem for most people.

To be continued...

**Please note that I am not a medical professional nor do I claim any medical expertise. You should always consult your healthcare professional before beginning any diet.

A Cure for the Common Cold

Every cold I've had for the last 5+ years has lasted at least 10 days and has twice turned into bronchitis. Because of this I've become quite the germophobe. So needless to say when I woke up Monday morning with a sore throat after being on vacation I was not a happy girl. I was especially irritated with the sniffling, sneezing family in front of me on the airplane. I had been hoping that using Biotic Silver as part of the Candida Yeast Answer program I might be lucky enough to avoid the cold and flu altogether this winter. But while on vacation I was unable to take it for a few days.

Biotic Silver is a natural, full spectrum antibiotic. While most antibiotics only kill a handful of disease causing organisms, Biotic Silver is known to kill around 650 organisms. And unlike most antibiotics it does not harm the good bacteria. Organisms are also unable to mutate and develop resistant strains against it based on research I've read. Sounds to good to be true right? Well the literature that came with my program included a section on using Biotic Silver to treat colds and flus. Since I had plenty on hand I thought I would give it a shot against my cold. Please note that if you choose to do your own research on Biotic Silver make sure you don't confuse it with Colloidal Silver, they are not the same thing.

Now to be clear this wasn't just a little sniffle and sore throat. By Tuesday morning I was miserable. I was completely congested, coughing, sneezing and my muscles and joints were aching. I never took my temperature but I was definitely warm to the touch so I suspect a fever as well. I also had a massive sinus headache.

When using Biotic Silver on the Candida Yeast Answer program, I take 1 teaspoon mixed in 8 ounces of water three times per day 1/2 hour before meals along with the Candicyn and Defend as per the instructions. When treating a cold or flu they suggest using 1 tablespoon every two hours up to 6 times per day until your symptoms are gone. I was concerned that at that high of a dose I would have some major die off symptoms and didn't want to add those on top of how bad I already felt. So I adjusted to 1 tablespoon 4 times per day. After only 2 1/2 days I noticed my symptoms began to substantially subside and by day 5 I was completely over it. I suppose it could be a coincidence but that is half the time it normally takes me to get over a cold.

Because I was already so sick it's hard to say if I had any die off symptoms from upping the dose. I did feel worse on the 2nd day, but that's common for me when I'm sick.

* Please note that I am not a medical professional and I claim no medical expertise. The things that I feel help me may or may not work for you. You should always consult your healthcare professional before starting any supplement or treatment program.

Week Four Update

Wow, I actually can't believe I've already been on the Candida Yeast Answer program for a month now. The first two week were a rough, but after hitting the two week mark things seem to have taken a turn for the better. I've definitely been noticeably less itchy. I also just have a general sense of feeling better, stronger and having more energy.

I did take a four day vacation. While on vacation my diet wasn't so great and I wasn't juicing. I noticed a difference in my energy levels on the days I didn't juice. I missed the boost of energy I get right after drinking a juice.

It's all but impossible to follow an anti-candida diet when you have to eat out every meal. I did the best I could and as soon as I returned I went back to my diet. I did take the Candicyn, Defend and probiotics as usual while I was gone but I wasn't able to take the Biotic Silver. So when I got back I actually upped the Biotic Silver dose to treat a cold I caught, probably from the airplane. I'll cover that further in my next post as I was very impressed.

I am not up to the full dose of the supplements on the program yet. I had to slow down a little due to die-off in the first couple of weeks. I should be at the full dose by the end of week five if all continues to go well.

* I am not a medical professional and claim no medical expertise. You should always consult your healthcare professional before beginning any diet or treatment program.

Dandelion Greens & Juicing

Today I added dandelion greens to my morning juice after reading about all of its benefits. Next to milk thistle, dandelion greens are one of the best liver detoxifiers out there. They are also thought to be a strong diuretic, improve bowel function, dissolve kidney stones, lower cholesterol and support gastro-intestinal health. Not to mention they are loaded with vitamins and minerals. One cup of greens contains 10% of the RDA for calcium. Other vitamins and minerals include A, C, E, K, B6, iron, zinc and copper.

I found them at my local healthfood store. You can use the ones growing in your backyard as long as you don't spray your lawn with chemicals/pesticides. You should also note that they don't last very long in your refrigerator so once you buy them they need to be used within a couple of days.

Below is a picture of all the items including the dandelion greens (on the left) I juiced this morning. Obviously I didn't use the whole bag of kale, only about 3 handfuls. The other items are parsley, ginger, 4 celery stalks, 1 green apple, 2 carrots and a beet.

All of the above makes about 1 1/2 glasses of juice (see below). If you have never juiced before don't be turned off by the color. It does actually taste good or at least not bad. This one was slightly bitter from all the kale & dandelion. I think next time I will replace the kale with spinach when using dandelion greens and also maybe add an extra carrot.

*Please note that I am not a medical professional and do not claim any medical expertise. You should always consult your healthcare professional before starting any diet program.

Week Two - Die-off and Milk Thistle

I made it through week two of the Candida Yeast Answer Program. This has been a tough week. I haven't felt great and work has been crazy.

I've had a lot of die-off or at least I hope that's what it is. My yeast infection still seems to be improving but I've felt weak, achy and had headaches on and off all week. Mostly I just want to sleep all the time. I usually feel pretty good for a couple of hours after my morning juice but it all seems to go downhill from there most days. Saturday was the worst day so far. I upped my dosage that day so I may need to stay at this dose a little longer than three days.

The diet has been rough. I have been really good about avoiding sugar and white flour. Avoiding cheese has been much more difficult and I've definitely eaten more than I should. One thing I've discovered is that plain low-fat yogurt is actually quite good. I've never been much of yogurt eater but it was mentioned and encouraged on the program so I gave it a try. A small bowl with a few blueberries is almost as good as ice cream.

I also started taking milk thistle this week to help with the die-off.  Milk thistle is considered to be one of the best liver detoxifiers out there. It helps support, protect and cleanse your liver which in turn should help it deal more efficiently and effectively with the toxins caused by the dying Candida. It's also thought to lower cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar levels and be a powerful antioxidant. I'm taking 300 mg a day for now.

*I am not a medical professional nor do I claim any medical expertise.  You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any herb or supplement.