It's been too long since I made a post. I've been struggling the past couple weeks. I discovered two of our supplements contain sugars even though the label clearly states no sugar. Guess they ment table sugar. Ugh! So we immediately stopped using our CoQ10 and vitamin C. We managed to find new ones that only contain the substances we want. Nothing else. I hope this helps us get more results from the diet.

On a positive note, I've gotten really good at making yoghurt again and even managed a naturally fermented ketchup. My first fermented meat turned out good too. I made a beef brisket in the Nourishing Traditions style and then cooked it in the crock pot. It may sound nasty, but traditional cultures ate many fermented products including meat or raw meat.

On a very positive note, we will be doing another round of HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) with Ethan. He has had so much progress in his balance, strength, eye contact, etc. I cannot wait to get started. I also completed the GARS-2 again which is a diagnostic tool for determining autism. Originally two years ago, his raw score was 48, then last summer, his score was about 1/3 of that. This week, his score is 5! That puts him below even the unlikely to have autism catergory. I love it! He still struggles with shyness a bit and has some trouble forming proper full statements, but he is completely social, extremely intellegent and doing amazing. Cannot wait to have him reevaluated. 

To lear more about HBOT and see some of the possiblities, watch the videos below. It has been one of Ethan's most effective treatments.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dr+paul+harch&aq=o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbFs9NN__Mk
 
I had my mother in law visiting so I took a little break from posting. It was a little stressful thinking about not having all my mother in law's favorites around, but I did manage to have chocolate on her pillow and she tried the baked oatmeal that I had made just before starting the diet and kept in the freezer. So glad she liked it. I look forward to making it when the family is back on grains.

I needed to talk a bit about healing foods. Like homemade broth. http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2011/04/how-to-and-nourishing-traditions-recipe/ You can google Nourishing stock reciepes to find one that works for you. The main thing is to have organic bones and veggies to use when making the stock. Also, to cook it for a good length of time as suggested.  The broth is essential to rebuilding the intestinal walls. They provide needed nutrition and sooth the intestines as well. It also aids the digestion of meats. They should be consumed with all the fat. Good eating too! I have been having a difficult time getting the broth in and now that the temperature is rising, it might get even harder. Here's hoping.

I thank God that in the next life we will have no disease. When we get to the feast, there will be no concern about allergies, or weather or not the food is organic. God will delight to provide us with something wonderful and we will delight to be spending our time in unity with him. Lord bring your kingdom.
 
Today I wanted a sweet treat. I did resist, but I take comfort in the fact that it wasn't a specific desire, just the thought of wanting something sweet. I wonder if the intestinal flora that populates our intestines has something to do with our food cravings. If we have an overabundance of yeast that feeds on sugars, do we crave sugar. The yeast needs to be fed. Kind of reminds me of little shop of horors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGRN39oifsE I don't have scientific proof of this, but it seems logical. The tongue is coated with these bacteria and yeasts as well. Makes sense.

I was helping in surgery today and listened to the surger relay two separate accounts of recent surgery that were made necessary because of prescription drugs. Drugs may aleviate a symptom, but has multiple other actions on the body. Multiply the number of drugs one is taking and multiply the associated issues they cause. If you want to aleviate arthritis, go on an anti-inflamitory diet. My mother in law did this and now doesn't need knee replacement surgery and is much more active than ever. Dr. s are guilty of one of three things. Not knowing, not caring, or blatantly deceiving patients. The problem is so systemic and has been progressing over generations. It's time for people to take their health and the health of their children back from medicine and put it in the hands of God.
Why is conventional raised beef bad for us. Because it is riddled with cruelty. God cannot ignore the blatant misuse of his creation. But grass fed beef that is cared for and nurtured, will nourish the body. Conventional crops covered in pesticides will do nothing but burden our systems with toxins and lacks much of the nutrition necessary for healthy development and body maintenence. These practices ravage the environment, the soul, and naturally our bodies. Chronic disease is a disease of malnutrition. To me this fact is just one more thing that solidifies my faith. What we know is that God is the creator, when we do things his way, it leads to life. This fallen world is passing away, and will have to pass away for Him to make all things new. He is coming back to set things right. All we can do for now is follow Him, praise Him, and share Him. To be the people we were created to be.
 
I keep keeping on. I still feel yucky and have some body odor which is to be expected. It is actually an indication that I am still detoxing. Interetingly I have more odor eminating on the left than on the right. What is that about? I'll have to reserach that one.
I want to speak today about our call to be discerning. John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many of us are asked on a regular basis to contribute to some cause. When Ethan was diagnosed with Autism, I joined a support group who in the first meeting was fervently discussing awareness and fundraising efforts. I needed support and knowledge, not to be asked if I would walk for awareness. In the following months, I was asked to give to many autism charities. I prayed to God, should I forget all the other causes of which there are so many. Previously I had done the Race for the Cure, I asked God do I abandon the women who are suffering. His answer did not come immediately, but over the next year showing me that most charities are not truely about helping those who are suffering, but lining the pockets of the executives, 'researchers', and drug companies which control how the money is used.

Race for the cure funds abortion through Planned Parenthood donations, and abortion is a major risk factor for breast cancer (killing babies is more important than cancer risk).
http://www.lifeissues.org/abortionbreastcancer/komen/fact_sheet.pdf  check it out for yourself. Also, we have all see the millions of pink ribbon doning packages of sweets. It is all for a good cause right, so why not indulge. Problem is obesity is a major risk factor for breast cancer as well. Where is the common sense? There is much more, but I'll let you check into it for yourself.

So do we just forget about giving? No, God calls us to help his people and creation, so how do we do it. We take the time to know where our money is going. Know the organizations. Preferably, help those around you directly instead of throwing money at a problem you don't understand and into the hands of people to "manage" for you. Be directly involved in the lives of others and look to God's nature for healing power.  So go HELP!
 
Today just happens to be my birthday and that is no joke. I am celebrating without any sweets. I feel ok about it and really don't miss it at all. I must finally have a mature attitude surrounding food and it's purpose. Luke 12:23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Food was made for the body and we are meant to rule our bodies, not be ruled by them. Paul further states in 1 Cor 6:13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.  The body is meant for the Lord, therefore I feel an obligation to care for my body and honor the Lord with it.  These scriptures give me courage and resolve to continue in my quest for health and to share with others what God is showing me.

If one has a sweet tooth stevia is probably the best option for those with candida issues or diabetes.  It doesn't feed candida and has no real effect on blood sugar.   http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_Article/Frequently_asked_questions_FAQ/2269 this site illustrates the FDA's interference on our food freedom. The motivations of the FDA are unknown, but from review of other FDA positions, it is difficult to believve the FDA has our best interests in mind. Rather, it is very likely they are once again using their power to line their own pockets. Diabetes is big big business. The more tools those suffering with diabetes have, the less money big Pharma will make. Be alert.

 
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Not really sure what to add today. I decided not to chew the garlic. Instead I am using my garlic press to crush it really good and then I just down it like a pill. It works really nice. Today was a bit hectic life wise and so I didn't get to do much of my normal routine. I know that I have had alot of die off symptoms, and believe that when I am able to take my vitamin C it helps alot. I am taking about 1000mg 3-4 times a day now. I have been getting tired and achy quite a bit, but know it is gonna be better. I did have the best looking stool I had had in forever last night. It was the most normal looking stool I think I've ever had. It was soft, but formed. Usually, I have suffered with constipation since I can remember and hope this is a new begining.

Coconut oil is probably somewhat helpful in making my stools easier to pass. Here you can find some of the many health benefits of coconut oil. Make sure you get organic virgin coconut oil. It can be used in baking, for frying, and as an addition to smoothies or other dishes. I love it on popcorn (of course I'm not eating popcorn right now) with 1/2 coconut oil, 1/2 ghee melted and poured generously on top. It is the best!

http://products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/ There are many sources for coconut oil, so don't think you have to get if from Dr. Mercola.

I am living proof that coconut oil actually helps you lose weight. The saturated fat satisfies you and promotes brain health. Our cells need fat to function, especially our brains. Like cholesterol, fats have been given a bad name, but not all fats or cholesterol are created equal. One must be mindful when sifting through nutrition information. What is the motivation of those touting the information? Be deligent. Think historically, and think biblically. Also, think about your specific needs due to illness or disease. I am taking about 3 TBSP of coconut oil each day now in addition to using it to cook with. It is tasty and helps fight off candida. It also promotes thyroid health (of which I have suffered), immune function, metabolism and more. I hope you flee the modern deception surrounding fat and look into it for yourself. Besides, It tastes awesome!

 
Today was a great day. I had so much time to just think as I was volunteering at my kids school. I am developing a curriculum for homeschooled children on Health and Nutrition. It is a labor of love and something I look forward to completing. I hope to offer a class this fall and perhaps design a downloadable version for the internet. In my research for this and other research, it has become apparent to me how we have lost the wisdom of the past. We have abandoned what seemed second nature to our ancestors. Food preparation has become an industry instead of a spiritual expression, a communion with one another. God is three Persons in one God, totally interdependent and supporting of the oneness. We are created in the image of God, intended to be interdependent and submitting one to another in love and reverence. But because of the fall, because of selfishness and brokenness, we tend more toward treating others as a means to an end. When God asked Cain, "Where is your brother?", Cain's response is quite bold. He said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" God never answers his question, but I believe the answer is yes. We are all keepers of each other. We want to pretend that sin is individualistic (the way we see most things), but it never is. We do not live in a vacuum. All we do is intertwined with nature and with each other.

You might wonder what this has to do with Candida. It has a lot to do with it. Candida has many symptoms, many of which are behavioral in nature. If I do not take care of my body, I am more prone to treat others poorly. Think of how you might react toward others when you have a headache, or the flu. Also, the long term effects may cause chronic disease which would put reduce my ability to work and put undo economic stress on society. So I want to get well, not just for me, but for those around me. Not that I blame all my negative behavior on health issues, but we cannot sever the soul, mind, body connection or the person, environment, community connection.

Today was a maintenance day. I did want to mention that one thing that I have been very consistent in is getting my garlic. I am taking 3-5 cloves a day. Surprisingly, I do not smell of garlic. Except for the occasional belch that is a bit garlicky just after taking it, I notice no difference. I am very happy to be taking it because it has many good properties.

According to this site, http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/08/15/garlic-the-five-top-health-benefits-of-the-delicious-but-pungent-natural-miracle.htm I should be chewing my garlic before swallowing. I am not looking forward to that change. I have been crushing it with a knife and dicing it. I guess I should go one step further and try the garlic press or chew. I'm sure this would help the anticandida benefits in my mouth as well. I was particularly impressed with the benefits toward reducing cancer risk for many types of cancer. Also, I like the idea that the garlic reduces inflammation in the body. It makes sense that if it curbs Candida, it would have these benefits as well. I LOVE GARLIC. God made many healing foods.

 
I wish I had had time to blog the last couple days. It seems all I can do to get all the necessary foods in. I did order some Pau d'Arco tea which is supposed to be a mild antifungal. It has a very mild licorice flavor, not unpleasant, but not satisfying like other teas. I'm trying to drink several glasses a day in addition to the garlic cloves. I can't believe I'm posting this, but I also did my first enema ever. Even though I've given them before, I've never had one myself and so it was a bit ominous. It wasn't uncomfortable at all, and I opted for only one quart instead of two and made the coffee light. Yes, a coffee enema, which I have so fondly named the "crapacchino". It helps to laugh at yourself. I thought it would keep me awake at night, but not really. I felt very light afterwards and glad that it really wasn't a big deal. I'll probably do about one per week. After a few crapacchinos, some anticandida enemas and then I'll switch to a probiotic enemas to introduce good gut flora. It may sound gross and crazy, but my gut tells me it is effective. Plus I've seen tons of testimonials (don't look at this if you have a weak stomach  http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1112129#i. He gives details of the apple cider vinegar enema. Use a raw apple cider vinegar like Braggs if you are gonna try it and dilute as he states.

Coffee enema instructions http://www.gallbladderattack.com/coffeeenemastepbystep.shtml

Why do a coffee enema http://www.gallbladderattack.com/coffeeenema.shtml

More info to come on probiotic enemas.

 
Ugh! Feeling a bit frustrated today. I had to abandon the Raw Milk Diet and not only that, but all of my raw milk products which I love to make. I obviously still have yeast (candida) issues, which I was hoping I had taken care of. Unfortunately, I didn't do an anticandida diet long enough and with strict enforcement enough to really kill the candida off. You never kill it completely, but it needs to be under control before indulging in such things as fruit, milk, and other foods that have sugar in them naturally. So where did I decide to turn for more info? I found a website with great info and it even has some homemade supplements you can take in order to combat the yeast beast. http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/index.php Contains a great deal of information, most of which I knew already, but some new stuff as well. I have already started because most of the knowledge is not new since I did something similar for about 4 weeks before. I now know that I need to hit it harder and longer for my relief from infestation. Soooo Gross. So my Raw Milk Blog Has turned into an anticandida blog for those still interested.

The reason I know that I still have issues with Candida is the symptoms that I was having from drinking the Raw milk. Some of them could be considered detox symptoms, but with the completely coated white tongue, I knew that it was once again Candida. So what did I do. I already eat an almost exclusively organic diet so I simply started by eliminating all foods with sugar, including my beloved milk. That means no fruit, except lemons and limes (and those in moderation). All starchy vegetables, grains, and molds or fungi. I will eat no milk products for a total of three months minimum. I don't want to do this, but I have to. I also started immediately with a few things that I hadn't done the last time. One was to take my krill and cod liver oil like I was on the milk diet, but in addition, I am taking a crushed clove of garlic 3-5 times a day to kill the candida off. I am also eating coconut oil as a supplement in addition to cooking with it.  To combat the die off reaction, I will take some Vitamin C in high doses and do some other recomendations like, enemas. This should help my constipation as well.

The rest of my family will be joining me on this endevor as they most likely have issues still. My husband never did the previous diet, so this is totally new for him, but he is on board. God give us the strength, wisdom and resolve to complete this task. Help us to be st
 
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   Wow, still lovin the milk! Stinkin again though. I cannot belive how I am emiting a steady stream of stink. Not completely overwhelming, but definitely not appealing. I hope it is gonna stop soon. Between the completely white tongue and the smell, I must admit I am feeling a bit self conscious. Oh well, here's hoping it will pass. And speaking of passing, I finally had a BM last night after writing my blog, but again it wasn't easy. So I added even more prunes to my diet today. Ugh. I hope I have a breakthrough. I was expecting things to be worse before they get better, so I am not supprised by my little irritations. 
    Today I thought I'd discuss eggs. Food has become demonized in our culture, and there is so much conflicting information. Eggs are good for you, if they are really eggs. Real Eggs are ones from chickens that are living a chicken life. Not cooped up chickens inside, crowded, disease ridden chickens like the ones above. I'm talking roaming the pasture pecking at the ground chickens. Chickens living the way God intended. Instead of reinventing the wheel, visit the following link to explain further. It is no wonder that the information we receive is so confusing, are they comparing apples to apples or eggs to eggs?  http://www.nakedfoodcooking.com/truth-isfree-range-eggs-healthier-store-bought-eggs/ 

After doing some additional research concerning lactose and candida, I'm pretty sure I still have major candida issues. There is no doubt in my mind that my tongue turning almost completely white and the trouble I'm having with body odor are related to candida overgrowth.