[Ellie]

I am starting off my books (which I listed in my other post, while searching for a raw diet). I figured the nice thing to do, is read the weight loss book for him first (as it also does address problems people have weight gain/being underweight, yay for me).

So far, it has covered quite a bit that I feel confident in giving it a try. It doesn't seem like a typical 'fad diet' that could cause health problems (some seem too pushy on cutting things out or bringing things in, in excess). I found one part intriguing as it talked about underweight people having just as hard of a time gaining weight and that many will have intestinal problems (which I have).

I've hit a block because in this book he goes over his studies, and all of his subjects who had lost weight or had a major increase in overall health were on a semi-strict 'diet' (I didn't make it to the actual diet yet, hehe). He mentioned they all drink alkaline water. I have been googling and googling and they have these stupid machines, which - no, I don't care if it makes me walk on water, it's not worth $2-3,000.00! I looked at drops, but when I see red text saying these can burn your skin, I am kind of scared of them.

I've seen various brands, prices (for same size bottle) vary from $5.00 up to $40.00 per bottle which is said to be a one-month supply. If it's essentially the same thing, would it hurt - do you think - to get the cheap one? I mean, it's drops that go in water (or tea or coffee).

Here's a link to some I found: http://www.nextag.com/alkaline-drops/search-html

I also found this, off of that link: http://www.myhealthpro.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/D3900

I don't really know the difference and I am still learning about this whole alkaline and acidic thing. It's all terribly confusing. Also, on Amazon I saw one suggested you buy them (the expensive ones) with test strips but didn't state if they were for people or for water! Like, I saw some that are for urine or saliva; and others that you use to dip in your water to test it. I'm afraid to get it and then OD my SO or myself on alkaline. :O

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mrsD]

is that the alkaline water bit, is bogus:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA98873

Fad diets can be very expensive. Try to choose a diet you can follow without alot of devices or $$ support to an outside person. Use that $$ to choose
good quality food instead.

I think the only real value in a fad diet is that engages you...gives your need for a belief system an outlet. We all have a need to "believe". And unscrupulous people prey upon that need.

[Ellie]

Yeah, I read that before. I'd been going back and forth reading and the main reason I stuck with the alkaline-type 'diet' was because of the proof it had provided. I've looked at blood slides (both live and dried) and there's a huge difference - big enough to convince me, and I hate fad things. They also showed these 'before and after bacon and eggs' slide which was probably one of the most disturbing things I've seen that has me certain that I will never eat bacon again (hey, I like eggs - it's about compromise, right?).

It's hard to find anything where there's not going to be another thing out there to contradict it. I figure I'll aim for what's safest and what sick people seem to be using and claiming is keeping their health stabilized or improving it.

I found in this one book that baking soda does the trick. So I guess that's truly the cheapest way.

[mrsD]

You want to make sure you don't overdo the bicarb.

Our bodies are designed to be acidic in the stomach. And then when the stomach contents are acted upon by the acid...proteins broken up, etc, certain nutrients activated, when the stomach contents move into the small intestine, then bicarb is added by the pancreas to neutralize the acidic stomach contents.

If you interrupt this system in a drastic way, you can negatively affect what happens in the stomach. Heavy use of antacids which is what bicarb is leads to Milk-alkali syndrome. Here is an explanation:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000332.htm

So please be careful and moderate.

[Ellie]

Oh, I don't plan to follow it fully - as I still think my body 'needs' some things these professionals tag as being evil (like meat). I've never heard of that, and it's kind of scary because when I get sick, of all things, I crave milk. I don't normally drink but a glass a week but when I am sick, I will drink a half of a gallon a day (2% organic, if it matters). It's usually in splurges though, lasts 4-5 days and then I go back to juice, coffee or water.

This diet seems to insinuate fruit isn't all that good, which is stupid - in my opinion. I wont ever cut fruit out, or bread. I love both too much.

[naturalgirl]

Ellie

How are you doing on the "diet"? This is my first post. I tried this out about 4years ago. I had been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and on a whim I decided to start testing my PH balance. I was at about 6.2. I basically drank/juiced beggies and fruits, ate meat about 3 times a week, seldom ate grains or sugar, didn't eat much dairy. I don't anyway. It took about 3 months and my ph got up to 6.9-7.0 and I felt a lot better and looked a lot better and healthier.

I just quit a high blood pressure drug that really did a number on me and I look like I've aged about 10 years in 2, so I'm going to do it again. My ph is under 6 most all the time and I've been eating most of the things they say not to. I had a short list before and recently downloaded a more complete list and honestly I don't know what's left to eat. If I'd had such a list before I think I would have given up on it.

[Vowel Lady]

First of all...what is the purpose of your interest in changing your diet? Is it weight loss or do you have health issues that need to be addressed?

I recall there was a period in my life when I was very sick that I did (with modification) the diet in the book Fit for Life, Personally, I do not believe in living a life of deprivation. I do believe in eating healthy foods, portion control, exercise and making wise choices. I think, generally speaking, most of us know in our hearts the difference between a healthy food choice and one that is unhealthy. And the higher percentage of healthy foods we eat...well it makes sense...that this is what we should strive for when seeking good health.

In the book, Fit for Life, author Diamond, advocates drinking distilled water. I think his main concern was purity. IMHO, purity probably should be the priority. When I was trying to follow his plan, I sometimes drank the distilled water...but really didn't care for the taste of it. So, sometimes I had other bottled waters. The bottom line: I cut out soda, including diet soda. I sometimes had some pure/fresh squeezed juices. But I never had anything unhealthy.

I wonder if there was a way you might be able to find like minded people in your area. A few visits with a nutritionist might be fun. I vaguely recall a group that called themselves "natural hygienists," that advocated the things you have mentioned. Also, there are lots of good books at Wild Oats (is this store in your area?). I believe Wild Oats has those test strips, BTW.

One more thing...it has been my experience that often, the body will give us an indication when we are not doing the right thing. If we allergic to something for example...a clue will be provided. If we ate something too processed, too salty or with too much fat, weight will be gained.
If we "listen," and if we are honest each moment and seek "healthy," I think we will gravitate toward the right foods. Then use measurements, like the scale and a check up at doctor's office to re-evaluate and confirm.