If you’ve been reading my blog lately, you know it’s true. After years of raw veganism, working at the Tree of Life and raw food cafes, I am no longer vegan. I’m still a big believer in a high RAW seasonal diet, but the two things that I could never justify to myself about the vegan philosophy is that (1) there is no long-lived human cultures that is entirely vegan and (2) without supplementation (manufactured powders, pills, superfoods or tinctures) deficiencies can occur. So can this truly be the natural diet of humans? I have seen people thrive on it like Dr. Gabriel Cousens. But in my experience, he has been the exception.
The above and the fact that I was able to cure myself of two dis-eases recently, has convinced me that a vegan diet is not best for ME right now. To give you a brief recap:
Teeth Problems – Ouch!
A few months ago, I had SEVERE tooth pain. It was unbearable! After full mouth x-rays and various tests, the dentists couldn’t see anything wrong. They suggested it might be a hairline fracture and a root canal might be necessary! I was so upset and went home with a prescription for codeine Tylenol to ease the pain. I really didn’t want to take the pain meds, so in my frustration I threw away the prescription and started to research how I could possibly cure my teeth naturally. That’s when I came across Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel.
"Cure Tooth Decay by R. Nagel"
This book was a godsend! It proposed that dietary deficiencies cause teeth to be weak and more susceptible to infection and decay from the INSIDE out. So you can have the best dental hygiene ever BUT if you are nutritionally deficient, you may still get decay.
I was desperate, so I did what the book said and ate meat for the first time in a looong time. I also found a source for raw milk which is just amazing for teeth health. In a matter of days, the pain that had me on the verge of tears every day, subsided. And today 3 months later, it’s totally gone. No root canal, no drilling, no nada. Even the tooth sensitivity I had for years is gone as well. I really do believe that my dietary changes are healing my teeth and rebuilding my enamel.
Acne FINALLY Gone
The other thing that convinced me that a vegan diet was not for me, was my persistent acne. Even on the cleanest 100% raw food diet, I consistently had breakouts. I tried adding tons of fermented veggies into my diet and this helped to some degree. But it wasn’t until I added raw dairy and egg yolks that my face finally cleared up. I can’t tell you what a relief this is!
In my experience, I am finding that dairy products are not mucous-forming if they are raw and cultured and from animals raised ethically in their natural environment and diet. Homemade raw dairy kefir, yogurts, cultured butter and cream rich with healthy flora and fats, are teeming with probiotics multiplying by the minute, nurturing and healing. I recently read that Super Goji Girl had a similar experience with acne too. You can read her story on her blog.
"Yikes - No Make-up & Unretouched!"
Access to Better Quality
It also helps now that animal products raised by traditional methods on their natural diets are becoming more and more available at supermarkets, farmers’ markets, by delivery and through farm shares. This wasn’t the case just a few years ago, so I’m glad I avoided these products for several years. Now I chose very carefully – opting for local, organic and ethically raised animal foods and voting with my dollars to support these farmers.
Still Believe in High Raw
Like I said, I am still a HUGE proponent of raw foods especially lots of seasonal greens and veggies. I love ‘em and they make up the bulk of my diet. And I actually think the raw food diet came at a time in my life that saved me from serious disease. I can’t explain it but it was soooo healing for me at the time, that not until I had the contrast of what REALLY good health is, did I realize how unhealthy I was prior. I believe it’s a great cleansing diet, but after 100% raw vegan, a transition to including some animal products has proven best for me. My interest now lies in making foods traditionally from scratch with the best natural resources I can find.
I know food can be a very personal and touchy subject for a lot of people and I’m not interested in stirring up controversy and starting a debate. I’ve read strong cases for both sides. But at the end of the day, I can only do what feels right for me. Right now that the weather is warming up, I’m feeling drawn to lighter food. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Just trying to keep it real, follow my intuition and feed my body what it needs.
p.s. Check out Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays and the Food Renegade this week!!
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