Are there problems? Yes, of course.

But with our collective wisdom, we will solve them and move ourselves beyond what we now think is possible.

The health benefits that I’ll talk about here are only for the Organic, Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. The brownish stuff that floats in it is called the "Mother," which is well-named as it nourishes the whole bottle of vinegar. We don’t consume any other variety, only the one with the "Mother."

Health Benefits

From the Mother to the Father … The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used this type of vinegar around 400 B.C. for its health-giving qualities. Apparently he used only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented. The vinegar contains vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, and iron.

Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. This vinegar helps extract calcium from whole, uncooked plant foods — the only way that the body can assimilate calcium to maintain strong bones is from nutrients in foods.

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium, which is needed to strengthen hair, finger nails, teeth, and sinuses. In addition, potassium in this vinegar helps to eliminate toxic waste from the body. Beta-carotene helps to reverse damage caused by free radicals, helping you to maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance.

For fat loss, Apple cider vinegar helps to break down fat which helps in natural weight reduction. It also serves as a mild appetite suppressant.

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which fights fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around joints, so that it can more easily be eliminated from the body, resulting in relief of joint pain.

Many people report that apple cider vinegar helps in conditions such as constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, along with many other ailments.

Get Your Daily Apple in Cider Vinegar

Again, I want to remind you to consume only the natural, organic, unfiltered variety of apple cider vinegar. Clear vinegar (white or amber) is over processed, yielding no health benefits.

Some like to drink it diluted, first thing in the morning. One method is to mix two tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of warm or room temperature water. (Personally, I prefer it without honey.) This helps the bowels to move, an especially helpful remedy if you are constipated or have a tendency to be constipated. You will feel more energetic and less cranky. Your skin will radiate and look more youthful.

Salads, of course, are a traditional way to enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You don’t need any oil, just pour this tangy tasting liquid over your leaves. Add herbs if you want, but the vinegar alone adds plenty of taste and nutrition.

Enjoy an apple cider vinegar cocktail before meals. This is non-alcoholic, of course. Just water and apple cider vinegar: 1-6 teaspoons in a glass of water. You can put it in a wine glass and sip it or in a tumbler and drink it down. It aids in digestion and produces a slight alkaline effect on the body.

Topical Applications

Apple Cider Vinegar is also wonderful for the skin. I keep a small spray bottle of ACV in the bathroom. I spray it on a cotton ball and rub it on my face and spray it directly on my hair. Be certain not to get it in your eyes; even the fumes can sting your eyes.

Many people report that gray hair returns to natural color, attributed to both internal and topical use.

Remember, get it organic, unfiltered, "mother" laced, nutrition filled, and healthful — apple cider vinegar.

I’m not here to persuade or argue with you. I’m here to help you to make the choice that is best for you. I offer experience and knowledge. I offer a perspective.

You must choose. Whatever you are doing right now with respect to your health is a choice. In other words, you have already chosen. And you get to choose again and again. And again.

Every decision is a choice.

In response to a reader, I wrote Lose Weight with Raw Foods. While I was addressing a specific reader question, this article is far more than just about weight loss. It presents an approach for making choices that supports you in adding more raw foods to your daily meals, which will result in more normal weight.

In this article, I suggest two approaches to healthier eating: (1) fewer refined foods and (2) more raw foods. I like to keep it simple. Sometimes people get overwhelmed with the idea of eating raw foods, thinking it must be a total commitment in order to be effective. Many raw foodists promote this idea, often because they themselves have chosen a 100% raw food diet.

Truly, it does not need to be a 100% commitment to be effective. In fact, that is extremely difficult for a variety of reasons. One slip and you’ve failed. That’s no fun! Check out Eating Raw: Must it be 100%? for encouragement to make a choice to eat MORE raw foods. Such a choice moves you in the direction of greater health.

You might make the initial choice to eat more raw foods for any number of rational reasons. When you have the direct experience of eating raw foods for a while, you continue to choose, but usually for different reasons than the ones that prompted the journey.

Most individuals turn to raw foods initially because of a health challenge, especially a health condition that has not been corrected with popular, traditional methods. Information has become more readily available thanks to the Internet (Thank you, Internet!). Not everything you read on the internet is accurate, but with a discerning eye you can find what you need.

Some people who have been eating primarily processed foods get discouraged when they consume raw foods, especially if they make a dramatic shift. Certainly it’s possible that Eating Raw Food Can Activate Detoxification, but the process can be moderated (see article). If you have such a reaction, it is proof that your body is toxic and is benefiting from the cleanse.

After your body is cleansed, you will feel lighter, more energetic, and more conscious. You will have greater mental clarity and enjoy your work and play more. You will be more creative, motivated, and relaxed. Feeling lighter will also translate to the scale if your current weight is not ideal.

Please don’t take my word for it. It’s your choice.

The Skinny on Your Skin

Your whole body is covered with it. On average for an adult, it covers about 3000 square inches and weighs about 6 pounds.

It grows as you grow. It contracts as you get slim. It regenerates and repairs itself after most injuries to it.

Your skin is an important organ for releasing toxins from the body, through what many people prefer not to talk about — sweat. The skin also absorbs substances directly — topical remedies, environmental toxins, components of the water you soak in.

Your skin protects vital organs, aids in regulating body temperature, and gives you information through touch or sensations.

People spend thousands of dollars on skin preparations  to make their skin look a certain way, for example, younger or more radiant. Many of these products introduce chemicals into the body. Healthy facial products are also available for sale.

Raw Foods on Your Skin

Many health food advocates know the value of placing certain organic raw or living foods directly on the skin. Avocado, coconut oil, raw honey, aloe vera, raw apple cider vinegar, are among the popular favorites.

Cucumber slices soothe the eyes when you close your eyes, lie down, and put slices on your eyes. Raw honey soothes burns and heals abrasions. Raw apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent and fast facial cleanser.

We use a lot of aloe vera, directly from the plant leaf. We cut pieces for smoothies, raw soups, and salad dressings and then rub the rest on our faces. Topical application of aloe vera takes the discomfort and discoloration from a bruise.

Eating Raw Foods for Your Skin

When you start to eat raw foods after a long time of eating highly processed foods, you can have a healing reaction that shows on your skin. Acne, rashes, or other conditions can show that you are releasing toxins. When all your other releasing organs are working at maximum capacity, this is minor or non existent.

When your body is finished with its cleansing, though, you will see changes in the texture, tone, and vitality of your skin. Your skin will radiate. It will be well worth the discomfort (which you may not even experience).

Organic, living, raw foods provide you with the vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids your body needs for your skin. Raw foods are filled with water, so that you add moisture to your skin, from the inside out.

When your systems and organs are fed the nutrition they need to function properly, your skin advertises your health. When you get your nutrients and moisture from foods like leafy greens and apples and sprouts, you will know the real meaning of phrases like "inner beauty" and "inner glow."

When your body and skin are getting their nutrition with organic, raw, living foods, you’ll look and feel your best, naturally. Show the world your health with the glow of your skin!

Through my days of being a vegetarian and a vegan, dark leafy vegetables were part of many meals. Occasionally, they were predominant as the meal. More often, I thought of them as something to add to a meal rather than be the meal. Often they were cooked.

Greens and Beyond

Sometimes leafy vegetables are so dark they are beyond green — red or purple. The color is an indication of the mineral content.

Specifically, I am referring to such foods as arugula, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mesclun, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, watercress. They are readily accessible superfoods — that is, nutrient-dense, unprocessed plant foods.

Cravings

I’ve had various food cravings over the years, some I would classify as healthy, others as unhealthy. I think that most people consider that a "craving" is associated with an unhealthy food. The dictionary defines it as "an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing."

Many years ago, I studied Chinese herbs with Ron Teeguarden in his Santa Monica shop. In a conversation with him just before a class, he talked about eating greens, mentioning his "craving" for them.

Envy overtook me. My first instinct, which I believe I also voiced, was "I wish I had a craving like that!"

I haven’t made any in-depth study of cravings, but I do know that eating the thing I have a tendency to crave makes me crave it more intensely the next day. Also, if I keep eating that food regularly and then stop, the craving is usually quite intense and uncomfortable.

Eating More Greens

I decided to apply my knowledge and experience to eating greens. I began to eat them more regularly and at more meals and only raw — and I must admit, not always enjoying them. Sometimes I disguised the taste, making them either savory or sweet.

I added them to each meal, although I know that I got the most nutrients from them after putting them into a blender in raw soups and smoothies. I like to blend the greens well, but short of being fully liquified. I prefer it when my smoothie has something to chew, otherwise I just drink it. With bits of leaves, I am reminded to chew, which is very important for digestion.

Craving Greens Now

And then one day it happened! I began to crave dark green leafy vegetables. It was subtle at first, and now it’s strong enough to keep me eating my greens several times each day and enjoying them.

In fact, as I write this and think about them, I am salivating. Pardon me. I’m going to go fix myself a green smoothie with kale, banana, and water.

The short best answer is: It depends.

Expanding on that answer a little : Yes, it’s likely, but everyone is different. Besides the differences in individuals, there are many other variables: what you were eating before, how quickly you make the transition, what foods are in your raw diet, what you’re doing to moderate the detoxification symptoms.

Common Detox Symptoms and How to Think About Them

Not everyone has all or any of these symptoms. Here are some, just to give you an idea: (1) headaches, (2) grogginess, (3) fatigue and/or sleepiness, (4) sleep problems, (5) cravings for the familiar foods, (6) releasing from the releasing organs, such as runny nose, coughing, shift in bowel function, (7) increase in aches and pains, especially old injuries or conditions, (8) stress or irritability, (9) and others.

I name these to give you a broad perspective, and to more easily say this … when you notice symptoms such as this, think of them as part of the "healing" and not as a "sickness."

If think of yourself as sick, you might be inclined to reach for some over-the-counter remedy to lessen the symptoms, or stop the raw food eating. The symptoms are uncomfortable, for sure, but there are healthier ways to deal with them, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you think of yourself as now providing the nutrients to clear your system of toxins, you are well on your way to optimal health. With a perspective such as this, you are more like to reach for truly healthy ways to moderate the symptoms and stick to the raw food eating.

Transition May be the Key for You

I speak about transitioning gradually in Eating Raw: Must it be 100%? This one strategy alone can make a difference for many people. As you add more organic, fresh, uncooked food to every meal, you will likely have fewer detoxifying symptoms.

The transition can continue for many months until you reach a high percentage of raw, living foods, maybe even to 100%. Not many people achieve that, as it’s not easy socially. But you can still experience enormous health benefits at a lower percentage, and you are likely to have fewer or less intense detox symptoms if you take your time.

Your Pre-Raw Food Eating and Purpose for Eating Raw

Some people decide to adopt a raw food or mostly raw food eating plan for general well being; others for specific health conditions, especially losing weight. A raw food diet plan is a way to release unwanted pounds. The excess pounds are filled with toxins. When you get rid of toxins and waste from the body, you lose weight.

I write more about Losing Weight with Raw Foods, in answer to another reader’s question.

Many other conditions — related to excess weight or not — occur because of the body’s toxicity level. So if your purpose is to release the toxins or to lessen the negative impact of the specific condition, you must be prepared for some toxic release.

When you understand that you are purifying your body, the discomfort can be easier to endure. You might even be able to say (happily!), oh, goody, it’s working!

You want to feel better on the inside and look better on the outside. A raw food eating style can do that for you, over time.

Moderating the Discomfort of Detox

• Simplify Your Meals. For example, combine similar or compatible foods at one meal.
• Eat More Greens. Greens — especially when broken down in a high-speed blender — carry off the toxins more quickly and efficiently.
• Minimize Fruit. Fruit is an acceptable food for a raw foodist; however, by its nature, it’s a cleansing food. If you’re detoxifying too fast, reducing fruit may slow it down.
• Do Not Combine Fruit with Other Foods. Certain food combinations can be distressful to the digestive system, and be counter productive to the detoxification you want. However, apples, cucumbers, and lemons usually combine well with non-fruit foods.
• Drink Lots of Good Water. When you’re on a 100% raw food eating plan, you may find you need less water (because the foods contain water). However, if you’re still consuming or detoxifying from processed foods, drink plenty of water. The prevailing formula is: take your body weight in pounds, divide by 2, and drink that many ounces.
• Eat Small Meals. Eating very small meals is much easier on your system. Many raw foodists eat 5 smaller meals rather than 3 larger ones.
• Balance Rest and Exercise. Exercise is important, and so is rest. That’s true anytime, but especially when you’re detoxifying. Meditation is also powerful.

A Nice Blended Raw Meal

Here’s a wonderful raw meal you can prepare quickly to reduce the detoxifying symptoms. In any blender, add some water (1/2 cup – 2 cups depending on desired liquidity) and then add:

1 head dark red and green lettuce
5- 10 leaves of dark leafy green vegetables (examples include kale, spinach, collards, dandelion greens)
1-2 celery stalks
1 whole lemon, juiced with at least some of the rind
2 apples, cored (optional)

Blend until it is as smooth as possible and enjoy this healthy concoction!

(P.S. Thanks, Ray, for your question.)

Inflammation is a NATURAL response of the body to protect itself (and its parts) against harmful stimuli. The inflammation is like a cushion or protective shield that allows the impacted part of the body to heal.

BUT — and this is a BIG BUT — when the body contains too much inflammation over long periods of time, many different symptoms and dysfunctions can occur. As with many dynamics in life, a good thing is a good thing in the proper amount. Too much is no longer a good thing.

On David Wolfe’s pod cast, he talks about the foods that are most likely to increase the inflammation in your body: for example, foods you’re allergic to and foods high in protein.

Just as important to know are foods that are anti-inflammatory, for example, sulfur-containing foods, aloe vera, whole fresh noni.

But, don’t take my word for it. Please listen to his podcast directly, as he says more. In only THREE minutes he gives enough information to help you to change the amount of inflammation in your body just by adjusting your food intake.

Many people dislike the taste of dark, green leafy vegetables; others don’t understand the value of them. Many who eat (or try to eat, or want to eat, or think they should eat) them in large quantities, often want to camouflage the taste. I understand and have great compassion for that.

If you’re new to increasing your raw food consumption, I encourage you to find ways that help you to eat these nutrient-rich foods easily. If that involves camouflaging the chlorophyll taste, do it! If you don’t eat them, you won’t benefit from them. As long as you don’t cook these foods, the nutrients won’t be lost.

In our family, we rarely make juice from our vegetables and fruits any more because so much is lost in the juicing process. Instead, we make raw soups and raw smoothies in a blender. Any blender is suitable, although if you make smoothies regularly, you will prefer a high speed blender.

Do you have food cravings? The minerals in dark, leafy vegetables and other smoothie ingredients will stop the cravings quickly. Do have have digestive problems? Many people find that the enzymes in raw plant foods help rather quickly. Are you overweight? Give green smoothies a try and watch yourself get slim and strong!

Below are (1) a video with a demonstration making a green smoothie and (2) a recommended book, Green for Life.

Green Smoothie with
Victoria Boutenko and Adrienne Martin

 

Victoria Boutenko and her family are well-known proponents of the raw food lifestyle. They lecture. They write. They appear on shows and videos. They inspire.

This book provides encouragement, recipes, and testimonials. She includes the science behind the choices she makes and suggests to readers.

While the origin of Valentine’s Day is associated with romance, love is relevant in all relationships. Families and friends celebrate in many different ways all around the time of February 14. While the random acts of love and kindness may not be as ubiquitous as at Christmas time, this day is filled with flowers and sweets and connections.

Offices fill their candy dishes and some businesses give free candy. Individuals send cards, often accompanied with treats as a means of expressing appreciation.

As you’re thinking about how to express your love this weekend, perhaps you will consider healthy treats. Keeping your food simple and healthy will be the most loving thing you can do for yourself and others. Finding ways that are heart-felt and playful will mean more than foods laden with sugar and processed foods.

You can choose fruits for sweets and nuts for decadent treats. Honey is very sweet (but only use if you have no sugar sensitivity) and stevia are choices to sweeten your foods. Cacao all by itself is awesome!

Celebrate love!

Transition Gradually

For someone new to exploring a raw food lifestyle, just “adding more raw foods” is a great strategy. Later you can decide percentage, but “more” will make a difference in your life, especially if you add “more” on a regular basis.

And speaking of more … the more nutrients you consume, the less food you need. Raw organic plant foods have more nutrients than cooked foods.

It is not necessary to eat 100% raw to benefit from raw foods. Often a little shift will be easier to maintain. For example, if you are eating cooked jams/jelly with sugar, change to whole berries without any added sweetener. If you use sugar in your coffee or tea, substitute stevia.

Organically grown plant foods taste better than those treated with pesticides, so avoid conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. Instead of regular packaged crackers, look for raw, organic flax seed crackers. Simple adjustments like these are easier to make than strict rules that make you feel like a failure when you can’t or don’t follow the rules.

Drink the best water available to you and you will have less of a craving for bottled juices or soda or milk. Want a little flavoring in your water? Add some fresh lemon or cayenne pepper or cinnamon. If you want a sweet drink, select some of your favorite fruits, prepare for eating, put in blender with some water, blend and enjoy.

Honor Your Preferences

Your own habits and preferences are important. If you like the idea of a raw food eating style, honor your preferences, take your time, and transition slowly.

As you are discovering the proper percentage for you, ask yourself this question repeatedly: how does this taste to me? As you regularly have more raw foods in your meals, your tastes will change. Likely you will find that raw foods become more delicious and cooked foods become less delicious. Or perhaps, you will find that everything you choose is tasty and perfect for you.

Remember: if after one bite the food does not taste good, stop eating! If it tastes good at first and you continue to eat and it begins to not taste good, stop eating! Let your feelings and taste guide you.

Meal times are often social times for most people. You may find that by deciding to eat raw foods at home and cooked foods when you are with friends or on a business trip that you find the right balance for you.

Find Your Way

Experiment. Read. Ask questions. Find your own way. Be gentle with yourself. Enjoy the process. Keep a positive attitude. When you decide that your own well being is the priority, you will find the right balance or percentage.

What is the best percentage of raw for you? The one you can maintain!