Raw Food
There’s a lot of talk about raw food diets when some folks think about when trying to keep to a healthy way of eating well Dr. William Howard Hay introduced food combining in 1911. After 16 yrs medical practice his own health began to deteriorate, and he developed high blood pressure, Brights disease (now more commonly known as acute or chronic nephritis, a kidney disease), and a dilated heart. There is no treatment available for a dilated heart at the time, Dr. Hay was inspired to treat his own symptoms. His basic premise is that there is one underlying cause for health problems and that is the wrong chemical condition in the body.
He did this by eating ‘fundamentally’ as he called it; taking foods in a natural form and not mixing proteins and starches at the same meal. The wrong chemical condition is acidity which is caused by the manufacture and accumulation of acid from the products of digestion and metabolism in amounts greater than the body can eliminate.
Along with dietary changes, Dr. Hay also advised fresh air, exercise, and general lifestyle changes. The basic rules of this diet are: starches and sugar should not be eaten with proteins and acid fruits at the same meal; vegetables, salads, and fruits should play a major part in the diet; proteins, starches, and fats should be eaten in small quantities and only wholegrain unprocessed starches should be used, and finally at least 4 hours should elapse between meals of different food groups. It is also known as the “food combining” diet. Acid foods are protein-rich, meat, fish, dairy, etc., and alkaline the carbohydrate-rich starch foods like rice, grains, and potatoes.
Following the simple rules of the Hay Diet can reverse chronic and degenerative conditions such as constipation, indigestion, and arthritis. It can be beneficial to asthma and allergy sufferers. It can also stimulate natural weight loss, thus reducing the health risks linked to obesity, such as diabetes, gallstones, and coronary heart disease.
Raw Foods Diet is Beneficial to Your Health The benefits advocated from eating such a diet seem endless: lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, eliminating cravings, preventing overeating, purging the body of accumulated toxins, balancing hormones, maintaining blood glucose levels, and reversing degenerative diseases.
Followers of a raw diet cite numerous health benefits, including increased energy levels, improved appearance of the skin, improved digestion, weight loss, and reduced risk of heart disease, just to name a few. Proponents believe that enzymes are the life force of food and that every food contains its own perfect mix. These enzymes help us digest foods completely, without relying on our body to produce its own cocktail of digestive enzymes.
There can be some side effects when you are first starting a raw food diet. Some detoxification effects may be experienced as your body attempts to shed some toxicity. This may include occasional headaches, nausea sensations, and mild depression. If these symptoms persist, you should seek the help of somebody who is experienced with detoxification symptoms.
Following a raw food, diet means that you have to carefully plan your meals to make sure you don’t fall short of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In some instances, it might be appropriate to consider taking dietary supplements, especially when just starting out. You’ll need to invest in some appliances so that you are able to prepare the food if you don’t already have them available. A durable juicer, a blender, and a large food processor make raw food preparation a breeze. You may also want to look into purchasing large containers to soak sprouts, grains, and beans, as well as for storage. A durable juice extractor for your fruits and vegetables
The smoothest way to begin a raw food lifestyle is to slowly transition into it. Try starting off by eating approximately 70 to 80 percent of raw foods in your diet. Have fruit and salads throughout the day and a cooked vegetable meal with a salad in the evening. This should help make the transition easier on your body and hopefully lessen side effects associated with detoxification. This is an emotional time as well, so you should allow yourself plenty of time to make the switch. Journaling during the process can help. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling the positive effects of a healthy, detoxifying raw foods diet.
