I’ve had some interesting developments lately in my pursuit of health and feeling good, so I knew I needed to kick my perfectionism to the curb, and just jump on here and talk about it.
It has been a long 7 months since last posting ~ I sort of just fell off into oblivion due to life’s struggles. Since my last post, I’m still in sort of a holding pattern with my personal life, although moving slowly forward. I’m hoping things will be resolved by the end of 2011.
So far on this blog I’ve talked about my venturing into raw veganism, and my pursuit of disease prevention. Then I began to slightly mellow out on the raw aspects and incorporate some cooked veggies.
Biggest Health Complaint
My biggest health struggle/complaint has been chronic sinusitis. Over the past 6 months, I began developing a theory that maybe my problems are related to fungal issues (candida). After all, I had undergone massive antibiotic therapy in high school and college for acne. I have been out of balance ever since. After much research, everything pointed to that. So I began once again to pursue a zero sugar diet (very similar to the Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine), plus anti-fungal supplements. I had great results, but the problem is, the results didn’t last! My sinus problems returned when I began eating anything containing sugar again.
Then I decided to implement a series of juice fasts, and a colonic. Unfortunately, I swung back to the opposite extreme, with intense sugar/chocolate/carb cravings, even though I replenished with high levels of probiotics. Obviously I didn’t know what I was doing!!
A Different Kind of Practitioner
Fast forward a few months to my very first visit to an herbalist/nutritionist, here in San Diego (Encinitas to be exact). I found someone that came highly recommended, with years of experience: Steve Marmor of Herbs and More. I felt that this type of practitioner might finally be what I’ve been looking for!
The visit was over an hour, and included going over my health history (including diet, sleep, exercise habits, bowel habits), live blood analysis, hands on Applied Kinesiology, Iridology, and blood type testing.
The whole experience blew me away! He is not even a trained naturopath, but this level of intense physical evaluation is unlike anything I’ve experienced from any medical doctor. Despite the fact that I have been eating a very high raw, mostly vegan diet, including lots of greens and green juices, my blood analysis showed oxidative damage to my cells, as well as dehydration.
Applied Kinesiology
The Applied Kinesiology diagnostic techniques were used in addition to the live blood analysis, as well as taking into account a subjective description of my symptoms. Applied Kisnesiology is questionable to many, and often seen as “quackery”. I feel it’s up to the individual to determine whether the practitioner is accurately assessing, using this method.
I felt that using it as a supportive diagnostic tool, rather than the only tool, was helpful. The results that he found were right in line with what I’ve been feeling. Ultimately, you know your own body, and how you feel. If you feel the results of such tests are way off, you could question the particular practitioner’s abilities. I could tell that Steve was very confident in his findings, and could see distinct differences from one area to the next.
Through AK, it was found that my stomach was out of alignment, which he re-positioned manually, while lying on a table. He found my energy was completely out of balance, and gave me the following diagnosis:
“You body battery is tired or exhausted, and your nervous system is depleted.”
That is exactly in line with how I’ve been feeling!
He recommended resting every day, get plenty of sleep, reduce or eliminate my exercise for the time being, and increase my water intake.
Also interesting to note, is that through the Applied Kinesiology, I was tested for internal fungal issues, and did not test positively for it. He said that it doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t have a problem with it, but it is not very prominent. So he is looking to heal, and bring into alignment, other issues that he feels are more prominent at this time.
Blood Type – A New Way of Thinking (For Me!)
The thing that had the greatest impact on my way of thinking was the testing of my blood type, and the discovery that the type O positive blood is the blood type that absolutely thrives on meat! Here I’ve been living as a vegan/raw vegan for so long, and while I have felt good, it hasn’t been the extent I would’ve hoped.
Another aspect of learning about blood type, is how to eat according to your blood type. I’ve heard about this, but never really believed it. But now I’m convinced to at least try it.
There has been lots of research in this area. Here is a quote from the mini guidebook to Blood Type O:
“Your blood type is the key to your body’s entire immune system, and as such is the essential defining factor in your health profile. Your blood type antigen serves as the guardian at the gate, creating antibodies to ward off dangerous interlopers.
When an antibody encounters the antigen of a microbial invader, a reaction called “agglutination” (literally, gluing) occurs. The antibody attached to the viral antigen and makes it very sticky. When cells, viruses, parasites, and bacteria are agglutinated, they stick together and clump up, which makes the job of their disposal all the easier.
But there is much more to the agglutination story. Scientists have learned that many foods agglutinate the cells of certain blood types, but not others, meaning that a food that may be harmful to the cells of one blood type may be beneficial to the cells of another.
A chemical reaction occurs between your blood and the foods you eat.”
So for me:
“The Type O diet is a way to restore the natural protective functions of your immune system, reset your metabolic clock, and clear your blood of dangerous agglutinating lectins” (proteins found in food that have agglutinating properties that affect your blood).
My Prescription for Health (For Now)
Overall, these are the recommendations I’ll be following over the next 5 weeks, until my followup appointment:
- Eat according to my blood type, following the Blood Type O Booklet, which includes the addition of meat to my currently vegan diet (avoiding dairy).
- Rest as much as possible, and avoid stressful situations.
- Drink lots of water (I have always fallen short in this area)
- See a chiropractor for a whole body adjustment, in particular, upper cervicals.
- Take the following supplements: two types of herbal blends for sinuses and histamine blocking, bee pollen, and a daily fiber supplement.
The plan is to get me to a point where I am noticing marked improvement in the basic symptoms I came in complaining about. Then, the goal will be to attack underlying issues on a deeper level, such as liver/gallbladder strengthening, improved digestion, increasing my overall balance, and energy.
For the first time, in a very long time, I feel hope that I can attain the health and vitality I’ve been longing for!
I hope the very best for you too.
Thanks for stopping by!
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