alkaline diet

[sazy123]

Hya

Ive started eating an alkaline diet. I have abit of rocesea (mild). And im thinking that the dry eyes may also be occular rocesea. Some people on the rocesea website have improved rocesea and occular rocesea by eating about 70% alkaline and 30% acid, which is what the diet should be. But in the western world we eat to much acid foods. Which means unbalanced PH levels, and a higher risk for diseases. By creating an alkaline enviroment cells can regenerate and inflammation is also reduced.

You may have already tried or thought about this already, if anything it will benefit overall health and prevent other health problems.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popu...kalinediet.htm

http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfoods.html

This girl improved her occular rocesea http://forum.rosaceagroup.org/viewtopic.php?t=1830.

xxx

[Jeff]

Drinking water

Hi Sazy123,

I just thought I would throw this out for you. There is a machine for your drinking water (I have been using one for about 5-6 years) that will adjust the alkaline for your water intake. It sits on the counter top, plugs into the wall and hooks easily to your faucet. Let me know if you would like more information.
Jeff

[Cindy]

Thank you Sazy for taking the time to start this thread with information on an alkaline diet. You too, Jeff. - WARNING *Long and Winding Post ahead* -

Man did I need a kick to get back on track. I had been doing so well with lifestyle changes, food and beverage changes... but it all went to heck in the past two weeks and what's worse is I blew it for no good reason.

Almost 4 months ago I quit smoking, banished the "-ito" food group (Doritos, Fritos and my absolute favorite -Cheetos) and after dabbling for what's seemed like ages, my family made the change to organic/free range/whole foods/lotsa raw stuff. All of this around or about Oct. 11, 2005.

I wanted to stop taking so many supplements and instead get as many vitamins, minerals, EFAs, Amino acids etc. etc. from our meal and beverage choices as possible. I've studied and sudied to make sure I knew what I was doing. I bought a juicer, unplugged the microwave, tossed out my Teflon pots and pans - replaced them with stainless - and threw myself heart and soul into this so far 3.5 month blast-off to a healthier life.

I wanted to give my eyes (and body) a crack at better health. I had come to a stand still and believed there could be no more forward motion unless I addressed - for good - my (bad) coping and eating habits.

I didn't notice much in the way of positive developments to speak of initially. Mostly I just wanted a bag of cookies, Cheetos and a cigarette. But within a week I was breathing better and sleeping better but no wow factor. I was enjoying the shopping at Whole Foods and creating new meals for my family. I cut my coffe intake to one small cup in the morning. I have 2-4 cups of green tea every day. I used to hate (HATE) green tea. I even made it through Christmas and the baking. So did my family and my friends. They all loved my chocolate chip cookies made with organic ingredients. Organic or not, they were still a sinful sugar and fat rush but at least less toxic.

I went on a short trip to Florida a couple of weeks ago and even though I tried to be careful, I fell off the wagon bigtime. I even ate a whole bag of Cheetos last weekend. One week led to another of making excuses for eating processed food and, while it tastes great for the moment, I have paid a very big price.

I noticed sometime in November that my sinus problems and some of my eye and all of my ear pain had subsided. I'd had sinus problems for the first time in my life post-LASIK. I had a chronic pain in my left eye/cheek/ear that made me miserable. Those had finally, for the last two months, gone away. It was truly a relief to not have those nagging pains. Well, guess what?? In the past two weeks they have come back with a vengeance. I can't believe I lived like this for 4.5 years.

Sazy, your post inspired me to get back on track. About 2 years ago (yes, it's taken two years for this 'make-over' to begin in earnest) learning about ph and acid/alkaline foods is what started my interest in a healthier lifestyle. For me, a primarily alkaline diet has been beneficial. To generalize, at home I have my family on an organic (as much as possible) mostly mediterranean diet. I'm sure my husband and son cheat.

Sazy (or anyone else), would you be interested in swapping healthy recipes and tips? Simple ones...I have several that are hits with my family and friends and I'd sure like to have some more that come recommended and that don't require the learning curve.

I bet we could start a new healthy recipe forum if there is any interest whatsoever.

[calli66]

Pep Talk!

Thanks for the lengthy reminder to eat a healthy diet. I have never really eaten "junk" foods, but I don't digest food very well (that's a long story that started 30 years ago with a trip to southern Mexico...). I have started several herbs, supplements, and also the Omega-3 oils in an effort to combat dry eyes and cranky digestion. And it really does work! I feel so much better. (But I back-slide at times and eat candy; who doesn't?).

C

[shells]

Sazy,

Thanks so much for sharing this information. I have been trying to eat healthier since my eye problems started, but I am certainly not sticking to anything strictly. I don't know much about the acid vs. alkaline diet, and your post was the first I had heard of it. I am interested in researching it further though.

Cindy, I feel you on the Dorito and Cheeto front! As a matter of fact, I had Cool Ranch Doritos for dinner on Friday night! However, I feel that now is a good time to change things!! It is great to hear that your diet changes did help with some of your problems. I would definitely be interested in swapping some healthy recipes with you or anyone else who wants to share. It is good to know that there are others out there trying to make the switch to eating healthier...perhaps knowing there are others to hold me accountable will help fight those cravings!

Shells

[sazy123]

Hiya, i haden't noticed anything posted about this so thought id throw it out there. It makes alot of sense, if you think about it. I dont know loads about it but the girl on the rosecea forum goes into detail, and foods which are good alkaline sources suchas quinoa for breakfast with fruit, instead of fried or other cerals.

Jeff: thanks, dont think i will be able to because nowhere to put it, but thanks.

Cindy: im afraid i dont have many tips, its is very hard to eat healthy when you live in UNI halls, while most peoples plates in the diner hall consist of meats, chips etc. I Just fill mine with veg, some meat, poatoe, and some salad. I eat salad with hommus and seeds. Organic milk, so much better for you and 10p more than supermarket milk. And lots of fruit. It is quite hard because it doesnt fill me up alot of the time. I think it would if you did it properly, bought a varity of alkaline foods.
Its amazing what we pump into our bodies, for example diet coke, first its obviously acidict, second because it doesn't contain sugar they use Aspartame, and there are debates about safety. Its in anything that says sugar free on the lable. http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blasp.htm

I have seen an improvement in my eyes in the last 3 weeks. The last week has been great. Still nowhere what it should be, and mornings are still really bad. Not due to the diet because i havent been doing it for long. I think it may be (GLA) borage oil. has helped, fingures crossed that things will keep on improving. This improvement is futher inspiring me to eat healthy, beacuse the supplement have nutional value.

I went to the NHS eye doctor for a follow up today, i dont know why i bothered, they totaly depress you, 'its no big deal, just use drops, theres nothing else, BLAHBLAH' i took my mum along, mum agreed that she seemed agressive about it.

I might hold my trip to the US off a while to see if my eyes improve anymore, Im going to do acupunture for sinus, rosecea problems, and may indirectly help the eyes.

[jcorbett]

Healthy eating

This is one thing I have a major problem with. Chocolate is my downfall. That and teenagers and a very busy life with both my sons actively involved in sports. That means many meals are on the road or at concession stands.
Cindy, keep up the posts and let us know how you do on your healthy diet. It is something I know I need to do. Hearing from someone who feels better because of a change in diet helps. I tend to think that diet really doesn't make that much of a difference....so why bother. But I am intrigued by the improvement you mention...sounds like that was a big deal if that pain went away.
I like your idea about sharing good and easy recipes. I am at a loss when it comes to that. Anybody know of any good websites? The emphasis is on EASY, as most recipes I find take way too long to make. When the kids have a half hour before leaving for practice, and mom just got home, time is of the essence. And truthfully, I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Maybe a separate section on diet/healthy eating where we could encourage each other?
Sazy - keep us posted about your progress. I swear the borage oil made a difference for me.

[Rebecca Petris]

I was talking with a patient on the phone yesterday who mentioned that caffeine and artificial sweeteners both make a noticeable difference to how her eyes are.

[Lucy]

Cindy, I can't wait to visit so you can try your "new" stuff on me. Meaning the healthy food you're serving. I volunteer as "eater/tester." You're almost a virgin now, you're so pure.

I am soooooo full of Diet Coke and artificial sweetner, I'm far from being a virgin. Tainted with diet cola, I am. No, I'm not about to give it up. I didn't know your faves were 'itos. Pop-tarts are mine. I bought one box around the holidays, all for me.

You've set the stage for a very nice discussion at the conference. Come prepared to talk.

[dianat]

Cindy,

Yes, be prepared to talk...and share your favorite recipes in Florida! (I saw the menu and know we are most certainly NOT on an -ito diet in Tampa!)

[Cindy]

Websites, recipes etc.

Here are some of the products and organic brands that I've been happy with and that are really easy to find in chain grocery stores. Most stores have an organic produce section with ready-to-use salad ingredients like baby spinach, mixed baby greens, pine nuts, dried cranberries...

Organic products

Eden Foods (recipes): http://www.edenfoods.com/recipes/index.html

Food For Life (Cinnamon Raisin Ezekial bread): http://www.foodforlife.com/index.asp

Nature's Path (cereal, crackers etc): http://www.naturespath.com/

Nature's Path Optimum Power cereal (yum): http://www.naturespath.com/products/optimum__1

Muir Glen Organics recipes: http://www.muirglen.com/muirglen/rec....asp?catid=309

Muir Glen products: http://www.muirglen.com/muirglen/products/default.aspx

Amy's organic products (frozen, canned - pizzas, Country potpie, Shepherd's pie, lasagne and breakfast 'poptarts' are good): http://www.amys.com/

Organic Valley products and recipes (dairy, poultry, soy etc): http://organicvalley.coop/products_r...4&cat=9&sub=37

Horizon Organic products (mostly dairy, great site for kids and kid-friendly recipes): http://www.horizonorganic.com/

Newman's Own (products and recipes): http://www.newmansown.com/

Stores

Whole Foods Market: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Better Health Stores: http://www.thebetterhealthstore.com/

Health Websites

Whole Health MD (Alternative medicine, recipes etc) http://www.wholehealthmd.com/

Dr. Mercola and "The Most Visited Health Sites on the Net" (has links to the popular sites): http://www.mercola.com/2001/may/19/health_sites.htm

The Doctor Within (favorite motivational chapter: The Last Resort ):
http://thedoctorwithin.com/index_fr....ast_resort.php
http://thedoctorwithin.com/

So there's a pretty good start. For a super easy shortcut to organic 'convenience' foods: Ragu and Prego have gone organic with a few spaghetti sauce offerings. Organic pasta to go with the organic Ragu is easy to find and tastes no different from 'regular' pasta.

My husband and I like the Ezekial cinnamon raisin bread lightly toasted with organic peanut or almond butter for breakfast. A market close by makes fresh organic peanut butter everyday so I'm a little spoiled. It's really good. My son and I love the Nature's Path Optimum Power cereal (has flax seeds)with Silk Plain Soy Milk.

There's nothing hard about any of this unless you want to start talking power shopping at Whole Foods Market with my friend who makes her own whey (for I don't know what reason). She's hardcore and she wears my feet and conscience out. I make most of our meals from scratch (and always have) but I also successfully use many, many of the convenience products from the links above.

I don't use the ready-made foods so much any more but I'm glad they are available.

[calli66]

More Stores

In my area (USA southwest) we have Trader Joes's, Sunflower Market and Wild Oats. The first two have pretty reasonable prices.

Also, don't forget Asian markets, if you are lucky enough to live in an area that has one. Our's (Ta-Lin) has a huge selection of fresh vegetables--many are so unusual, that it's inspiring to just try them. They get a lot of their produce direct from Los Angeles--from growers and distributors that specialize in oriental foods. The food is fresh, and prices good for things like herbs (basil, dill, cilantro, etc.), bok choy, many mushroom varieties, for example. And best of all, they don't continually spray water on the veggies like the chain grocery stores do.

And if you like fish, the oriental markets are great--whole fish (some huge), shellfish, live crabs.

C66

[Cindy]

Acid/Alkaline article

I received this pdf article written by Shelley Redford Young when I registered for a tele-seminar featuring Udo Erasmus. It's a a good primer on pH, acidity and alkalizing your diet.

http://www.dietforanewlife.com/specialreport.pdf

If the article interests you as it did me, consider reading the book The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health written by Robert O. Young, PhD, and Shelley Redford Young.

[Gaye]

Alkaline diet

This is an excellent article and I have forwarded it on to my daughter and friends.

[Cindy]

alkalizing sandwich recipe

My husband and son love this sandwich (me too):

2 slices Ezekial 4:9 sprouted grain bread (orange label/wrapper)
sliced avocado
thinly sliced tomato
baby spinach - a good thick layer
sprinkling of shredded parmesan cheese
pesto
onion -thin slice (optional)

Lightly toast the Ezekial bread. Spread pesto on both pieces of bread. Layer parmesan, avocado, tomato, spinach, (onion slice) on one piece of bread and cover with the second piece of bread.