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July 22, 2006   Table of Contents

Eat Your Pain Away

by Jackie Graff, RN

If you have fibromyalgia, the solution to your pain, fatigue, sleep problems, brain fog, headaches and other common symptoms can be as close as your kitchen!

Eight years ago I was obese, had joint pains, fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, chronic headaches, allergies, memory and concentration problems, hot flashes, and sleep problems. Although I was never diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I think that I was just a pizza, cookie, or ice cream cone away from this diagnosis. All of these conditions or symptoms have gone away since I started eating a diet of raw food eight years ago.

I've been a nurse for 37 years. I know many individuals suffering with fibromyalgia who relieved their symptoms and returned to a functional life by changing their diet. How does it work?

Let's look at the likely causes of this devastating chronic illness. Then I'll show you how a diet of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can reduce the inflammation and provide nutrients to heal the body.

Inflammation

As scientists delve into the causes of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, overlapping conditions of fibromyalgia and arthritis, they have started to see links between these disorders and an immunological defense mechanism called inflammation, which is a lifesaver most of the time. Doctors are finding evidence that inflammation plays a greater role in chronic diseases than they thought.

One of the most potent weapons produced by inflammatory cells are free radicals. These free radicals destroy or damage anything that crosses their path. There are antioxidants in foods that can neutralize these free radicals and heal the body with phytonutrients. There are hundreds of phytonutrients, but the benefits of the following have been well researched:

Flavonoids found in apples, cranberries, strawberries, and grapes eliminate carcinogens, inhibit blood clots, and guard against heart disease and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Carotenoids found in carrots, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, dark leafy greens, corn, pumpkin, and beets are also excellent for combating inflammatory conditions. Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that can prevent skin and lung cancer. Luten, another carotenoid, can reduce the risk of blindness or macular degeneration.

Turpenes found in citrus, spinach, and tomatoes eliminate cancer-causing free radicals and reduce blood levels of LDL cholesterol, lowering heart- disease risk.

Allyl sulfides found in garlic, chives, leeks, and onions reduce blood cholesterol and help the liver eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. They also have antibacterial properties.

Isothiocyanates found in cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, kale, turnips, mustard greens, and chard trigger enzymes that suppress cancer- related DNA damage.

Why does a diet of raw food decrease inflammation?

When cooked food is eaten, leucocytosis occurs. Individuals experience a rise in the white blood count, the body's natural immune response. Check your temperature before eating and again 30-40 minutes after eating a meal of cooked food, as the immune system goes into overdrive. This constant defense mechanism of the body has been proven to cause inflammation to many organs of the body. Many people eating a junk food diet have a chronic low-grade temperature.

A raw food diet consists of organic uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It is more desirable to eat them uncooked because heating these foods above 110 destroys most vitamins and all of the enzymes, and deranges the caloric nutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates).

All fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds contain varying amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Calories are not changed by heat, but fats are transformed to trans fatty acids. Carbohydrates are caramelized, and proteins, which are made up of amino acids, are coagulated - making them difficult to digest and assimilate. The immune system then has to treat them as foreign invaders. This can exhaust the immune system.

The Body Can Heal Itself

The body can heal itself. A raw food diet gives the body nutrition, but not food that's difficult to digest and assimilate, which can cause problems or toxicity. Physicians agree that most chronic diseases can be prevented, overcome or improved by a change in the diet.

The more raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds added to the diet, the healthier the person will become. Cooked foods have low nutrients in comparison to the calories they contain. Raw food is high in nutrients and enzymes compared to the calories.

A raw food diet eliminates items such as pasta, potatoes, bread, sugar, unhealthy fats, meats, and dairy. When I have gone back to eating cooked food, many of my symptoms recurred. I was addicted to cooked food, but now I am addicted to feeling good and being able to live life to the fullest. It is my passion to teach as many people as possible the benefits of a raw food diet.

There are some side affects to the raw food diet…… such as weight loss, more energy, smoother, glowing, more youthful skin and shinier hair. This lifestyle also reverses aging: eyesight improves, blood pressure drops, sinus problems and snoring disappear, digestive problems go away, breast lumps disappear, blood sugar normalizes, depression lifts, aches and pains are diminished or disappear, and thinking becomes clearer.

I know, because I experienced all these changes after going on a diet of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These are good side effects; compare them to some of the bad side affects of medications.

How do you establish a raw food diet?

First, get rid of all processed junk food in your diet. Eliminate sugar and trans fatty acids, colas, caffeine, alcohol and preservatives. Eat only whole foods. Add as many uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds as possible to your diet. It can be as simple as eating fruit and salads. To prevent boredom and a return to cooked foods, I developed many recipes that can substitute for just about every cooked food. You can have raw pie, cake, cookies, nut loaf, pizza, lasagna, tacos, and many other delicious recipes all made with raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

The following are quick and easy ways to get more raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet:

Blend your favorite fruits together for a breakfast fruit smoothie
Eat fruit for breakfast
Blend a bunch of your favorite vegetables for a lunch vegetable smoothie or soup
Eat a big salad for lunch
Make salad dressing from a lemon and olive or flax oil
Take a bunch of your favorite vegetables, fresh fruit, a mix of organic raisins, dates, figs, and apricots, or a mix of raw nuts and seeds with you for snacks on the go
Drink plenty of water
Drink a fresh (not pasteurized) vegetable juice every day

The more raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds you add to your diet, the better you will feel. Some may think this is too restrictive. But being sick with a chronic, debilitating disease like fibromyalgia is more restrictive.

Go to the market and eat your way back to health!

NOTE: Consult with your doctor before initiating any dietary changes.

Jackie Graff, RN, has 37 years of experience in patient care and education. She is a gourmet living foods chef, educator, health consultant, and a 100% live foodist. She opened the country's first raw food café, learning center and organic market in June 2002 in Atlanta. In 2003, she established Sprout Raw Food, to provide education to people interested in the raw food lifestyle. Jackie is currently working on a comprehensive raw food lifestyle and recipe book to be published later this year. We'd love to hear how you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms and what kinds of accommodations you have made for FM in your life. If you have a story you'd like to submit to “In My Own Words,” email it to edeffner@fmaware.org and editor@chidiet.com.

Peace and blessings to all of you,

Jackie & Gideon Graff
Sprout Raw Food
(770) 992-9218
info@sproutrawfood.org
www.sproutrawfood.org

Back issues of the Living Foods News articles and editorials are available at: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/feature_articles/index.html.

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Free (electronic) Copies of Why Suffer?

Why Suffer?: How I Overcame Illness & Pain Naturally
by Dr. Ann Wigmore, DD, ND. An Inspiring Classic.

Dr. Ann's autobiography about growing up with her homeopath Grandmother in Lithuania, healing herself of gangrene as a teenager, and discovering wheatgrass juice and raw living foods as the treatment for her cancer, after the doctors gave up on her. The findings and Wigmore Diet Program of Dr. Ann, used by thousands to reverse dis-ease, detoxify and rejuvenate. Paperback, 182 pages.

Thanks to the efforts of Harold Dillard and Donald Haughey, this life-changing book is now available for free via download (you'll have to supply the printer and paper, or read it on your computer): http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/books/whysuffer.pdf.

Though out-of-print, a few printed copies are still available: http://chidiet.com/books.htm#Why.

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Raw Living Foods Education at Home

Surrounded, as we are, with increasing toxicity in our food and environment, eating a pure and healthy diet is more important than ever. That's why the Raw Living Foods Movement is growing so fast.

There's a lot more to being a Raw Fooder than eating fruits and veggies. Now you can learn about the Raw Living Foods Lifestyle in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Learn how to detox your body, what to eat, why to eat it, and how to prepare yummy raw food meals that leave you feeling full and satisfied. The home study version of the Dr. Ann Wigmore Raw Living Foods Lifestyle includes over 45 hours of video instruction, and a comprehensive manual.

The Raw Living Foods Lifestyle has been taught by a series of visionaries in the past century. Dr. Ann Wigmore used it to cure herself of colon cancer in the 1950's, and then taught it for decades at Hippocrates Institute in Boston and Creative Health Institute in Michigan, teaching others to heal themselves naturally.

If you can't get into a residential program, then the home study program is for you. There's so much material in the home study program - 15 lessons, 30+ videos, 350+ page handbook - that you'd have to spend at least a month at a place like Creative Health to learn as much.

The First Lesson is Free - Examine the program in your home for 30 days. Even if you don't elect to continue your subscription, the first lesson is still yours to keep.

JULY SPECIAL

When you order the complete raw living foods lifestyle Home Study Program this month we'll also include over $100 worth of bonus materials:

Personal Raw Coaching: 30 minutes of free coaching and consultation (by telephone) with Hiawatha Cromer, "The Wise Woman of Raw Foods"
Bonus Book: "Green for Life," by Victoria Boutenko (read the Book Review)
Bonus Video: "Greens can Save Your Life," with Victoria Boutenko (2 Tapes or DVDs)
Bonus Video: "Dr. Ann Wigmore's Kitchen," with Dr. Ann and Dr. Flora van Orden III
Bonus Video: "Out of the Ordinary," with Robert Taylor, Steven Gibb and Dr. Jim Carey
Bonus Book: "Finding Health in Hodunk," by Thom Hartmann
Bonus Video: A surprise title.

For purchase information and more details, please visit http://chidiet.com/lessons.htm.

What people are saying about this program: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/feedback_home_study_program/index.html.

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Backslider's Corner

Backsliding but progressing is NOT about feeling guilty about slipping. Even if you weren't 100% raw this week, how much better are you feeling than when you were on the SAD?

One of the important steps of going and staying Raw is having a support group.

If you can't find a Raw Foodies support group in your area, it's not hard to start one. Forward a copy of the Raw Living Foods newsletter (www.chidiet.com/news/) to people you know that are sick and tired of being sick and tired, with a personal note at the top about why you're forwarding the newsletter.

Use this initial contact to open a dialog about raw foods and what you've learned about them. Suggest you meet one evening - perhaps at a local park - and each bring your own favorite raw yummie.

Before you know it you'll have the support group you need.
- Jim Carey

Back issues of Backslider's Corner: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/backsliders_corner/index.html.

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In The News

Americans are no longer willing to eat whatever is easiest or cheapest. Better-educated consumers are searching for fresh, unprocessed, healthy foods - and this dietary change is fueling what we predict will be the next big trend in franchising: fresh-food franchises: http://www.thestreet.com/smallbiz/entrepreneur/10295310.html.

Raw Food Restaurants: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/restaurants_raw_living_foods/index.html.

(Pocono Record) Bill Yaroschak of McMichaels swears by wheatgrass juice. Organic food enthusiasts consider wheatgrass a superfood, dense in nutrients that cleanse and energize the body: http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060706/NEWS01/607060308.

More about Wheatgrass: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/wheatgrass/index.html.

Amazingly there are still "expert" delusional physicians in the U.S. who oppose the healthy use of sun exposure: http://www.mercola.com/2006/jul/18/vitamin_d_sunshine_advocate_still_under_attack.htm.

Eat Raw, Stay Healthy, or else - half of all bankruptcies are caused by medical bills (75% of them had insurance coverage when they got sick): http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20050102023437data_trunc_sys.shtml.

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More News: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/in_the_news/index.html.

Audios and Podcasts: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/podcasts_and_audio/index.html.

Cancer and Raw Living Foods: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/cancer_and_raw_living_foods/index.html.

Diabetes: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/diabetes_and_raw_living_foods/index.html.

Films: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/film/index.html.

Food and Drink: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/food_and_drink/index.html.

For Men: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/for_men/index.html.

For Women: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/for_women/index.html.

Genetically Modified Food: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/gmo_foods/index.html.

Microwaves and Radiation: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/microwave_ovens_and_irradiation/index.html.

Obesity and Raw Living Foods: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/obesity_and_raw_living_foods/index.html.

Organic Standards: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/organic_standards/index.html.

Science: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/science/index.html.

Soy Issues: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/soy_issues/index.html.

Vaccination Issues: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/vaccination_issues/index.html.

Water: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/water_its_importance_to_life/index.html.

Wheatgrass: http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/wheatgrass/index.html.

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Special Events

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Regular Meetings and Events

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Andressohn Family Update

Victoria Boutenko has donated a case of her powerful book, Green for Life, toward the Andressohn cause. Each of these books has a special emblem attached, like the one on the right, representing her nomination. If you're not familiar with the case visit http://www.rawfriends.com/andressohns.html to learn the details. Then be sure to read the updates page at http://www.rawfriends.com/updates.htm.

In the past we've been asking for your help and are VERY grateful to those of you who have helped from the depths of your heart. Now we're able to give you something for your donation. Anyone who would like a copy of Green For Life may send a check/cash/money order made out to “Joseph Andressohn” in the amount of $17.95. This equates to $14.95 and $3.00 for shipping. These books are packaged and ready for shipment. As soon as we get your check we will send you this dynamic book.

If you would like to donate via PayPal or credit card you may go to http://www.rawfriends.com/opendonations.php. Be sure to enter $17.95 for the book and shipping! This case of books equates to a total of $900.00 to help the Andressohns furnish their new home to reunite their family. Please send an e-mail to Victoria Boutenko at info@rawfamily.com and thank her for being so generous!!!

We only have a few of these books left; please support a worthy cause.

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For the backstory of the Andressohns - including new information from Dr. Flora - visit http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/andressohn_family_updates/index.html.

For more articles by Dr. Flora, Dr. Ann Wigmore's longtime assistant, including a rough draft of her upcoming book, visit http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com/1/letters_from_dr_flora/index.html.

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Raw Living Foods Information and Resources

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Raw Living Foods Weblog

Articles are now being posted to http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com as they come to my attention, making it easier for me to assemble the newsletter when Saturday rolls around.

I used to say, "All the news that fits, we print." Now I can publish ALL the news; I just pick out the highlights for the weekly newsletter.

In addition, I've cut/copy/pasted almost three years of the newsletter archives into the new website, appropriately categorized. Now you don't have to dig through old issues of the newsletter on chiDiet.com; everything is organized by subject. As of today there are 691 articles online.

Many have written and told me that they set their browser's homepage to each week's version of the newsletter (chiDiet.com/news/current.htm). The new website at http://rawlivingfoods.typepad.com should be even better for that, since there are new articles being posted regularly throughout the week.

While the new website doesn't have full search capabilities yet, it's possible to do searches from within your browser, within each category. That and several other tips are posted online in the FAQ (frequently asked questions) page.

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Raw Living Food Recipes

Puree and Fruit Smoothie Techniques

Purees: Any fruit can be blended and eaten. A ripe banana can be added for more sweetness. Apples also give body to purees.

Fruit Smoothies can include any of these items:

For Body:
- apple and or banana or watermelon

To Add Living Vitamins and Enzymes:
- sprouted grains such as wheat and rye

Liquid:
- pure water or fruit juice
- Rejuvelac (Note: Rejuvelac acts as a preservative and adds more nutrition.)

For Calories and a Smooth Texture:
- Avocado (Always blend as the last item. Do not over-blend.)

To Add Protein, Minerals, or for a Different Texture:
- sunflower seed sprouts (high in complete protein)
- pumpkin seed sprouts (high in zinc)
- soaked almonds (rich in calcium)
- ground hulled white sesame (especially rich in calcium and magnesium)

Seasonings (Note: These are optional and most people should avoid these while detoxifying):
- cinnamon
- cloves
- allspice
- pumpkin spice
- ginger

Note: Purees and Smoothies made with Rejuvelac can be blended in the morning and small amounts eaten throughout the day. This can be a nutritional breakthrough for busy people because they do not have to stop at each "meal" and decide what to eat that is good for them. All they have to do is keep this blended food in the fridge. Leftover smoothies can be dehydrated and made into fruit roll-ups.

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About the editor: www.jcarey.com.

This newsletter is an expression of opinions and not professional medical or dental advice. You are solely responsible for the use of the ideas, concepts and content, and agree to hold the publishers and their associates and affiliates harmless in any event or claim. The information in this newsletter is not meant to be a substitute for professional advice.

© 2006 by chiDiet.com. Please feel free to reproduce this newsletter, in whole or in part, giving credit where credit is due, of course, and giving a link to http://chidiet.com/news/.

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