ChristyLA's Journal, 06 September 2014

Much of this weight loss is due to water weight, because of my doctor's order to water fast, but it's nice to see nonetheless. I read some books on fasting and there is actually quite a bit of fat loss during it, since the body goes into ketosis, which means it's burning the body fat for fuel.

The reason I'm doing the fast is because I have GI Candidiasis, which is yeast overgrowth in my GI tract that has also affected other parts/processes of my body. I was really sick. Doing a "cleanse" should kill the candida and clean out my GI tract, and afterwards I should be healed (with the help of some supplements when I start eating) and be able to start fresh.

I'll be doing the Paleo diet (but no fruit or starches) after I break the fast. I'll be slowly reintroducing foods to see what agrees with me and what doesn't. I'm looking forward to doing the Paleo diet, because I always thought it seemed to be a really healthy way to eat.

Additionally, I've lost 4.75 inches in the last 3 weeks, which is great to see.

I do not recommend an extended fast unless instructed by your doctor. My doctor has checked in with me every day to see how I'm doing, which I'm grateful for. It's nice to let him know how I'm feeling.

I'm planning on doing Intermittent Fasting after the complete fasting ends, by not eating late at night and not eating breakfast until 11 am or 12 pm. I read that fasting is good for the health and the body, because it gives the GI tract a break from digesting food. Plus, the digestion process requires the most energy by the body, so the body is not able to cater to other ails in the body.

The fast has made me calmer. I'm less stressed, uptight, and on-edge. I was really round up before, but now I have more control over my emotions. I even make time for resting, and doing nothing but a little contemplation (kind of like meditating). I hope I can continue this lower-stress lifestyle afterwards.

I will be transitioning very slowly to eating. Plus, because I have a GI problem, I'll be observant as I introduce new foods, so that I won't experience pain - from eating and not eating - like I was.

I'm very leery of talking about fasting, because I know it's a very controversial topic. Plus, I was against fasting until I started working with my doctor. So please be assured that I only did it because my doctor prescribed it to me. He practices functional medicine, which is not traditional medicine, so he has different solutions to body ailments.

I was only able to get in 2 leisurely walks this week, both of which I did during the fasting. I'm actually proud of myself that I've been able to go days without food, when before I had a hard time going for 3 hours without eating. The fasting has made me realize that I can live without food and that it doesn't have to control me.

I'm not sure when I'll be breaking the fast, but I'm over the detox symptoms, so I'm hoping it will be this afternoon/evening. I wish you all luck with your health pursuits, and I hope you will understand that I did this to improve my health condition, not to lose weight. Take care.
159.8 lb Lost so far: 56.2 lb.    Still to go: 0 lb.    Diet followed reasonably well.
losing 6.6 lb a week

18 Supporters    Support   

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Comments 
Wishing the best for you in the health department. Pleased to read the benefits you're getting out of the fast. Take care. 
06 Sep 14 by member: ClassicRocker
Excellent loss and you are so close to goal. You are definitely winning. 
06 Sep 14 by member: C67241
Sounds like the fast is doing what is needed and helping you. Hope the yeast problem is taken care of and you can get back to normal soon. 
06 Sep 14 by member: jmb3450
Glad you're feeling better - keep up the good work!  
06 Sep 14 by member: MontanasMom
Thanks, all! I really appreciate your support. C67241, I'm actually lower than my goal weight. I'll have to adjust it :) 
06 Sep 14 by member: ChristyLA
Take care and I hope this solves your problems! 
06 Sep 14 by member: skwhite
Christy, you have a wonderful, caring doctor guiding you. Your plan looks perfect. Wishing you all the best for your health! 
06 Sep 14 by member: Deb_N
You do not need to explain or justify what your doing to anyone out there who tries to suggest you should not do this needs to keep to themselves. Your a smart person who has a doctor who cares and checks in with you. Finding out what foods bother you by reintroducing to your system wise. Finding out I was Gluten Intolerant made a huge difference in what I can and cannot it now and how much better I feel. Good luck and God Bless.  
06 Sep 14 by member: MomjjjaLou
You are doing a great job looking out for yourself. Sounds like this plan is taking care of the health issues you are having. It is wonderful your doctor is checking up on you consistently. I don't know of any doctor or nurse practioner around here that would do that for any patient. Good for you!  
06 Sep 14 by member: kattay
wow Christy! hope all goes well and it sounds like it is; how did you find out about the GI candidiasis? have you heard of the alcat test? it's a blood test that itemizes food sensitivities; might be worth looking into; i did it and found it tremendously helpful. . .  
06 Sep 14 by member: Tulipgirl6
Good luck! Fasting is great and shouldn't be controversial. 
06 Sep 14 by member: marissastewart
Thanks, all. I just didn't want anyone attacking me for fasting, lol. Tulipgirl, I have not heard of the alcat test. I took a written questionnaire and provided other information, in which the doctor analyzed it and determined that diagnosis for me. I also likely have adrenal burnout and will likely be taking an advanced adrenal test soon. Stress affects both of these medical issues, so I will be making some lifestyle changes as well as taking supplements temporarily. The adrenals control the body's hormones, which affects the thyroid, which is what the cause of my hair loss could be. The hair loss was my initial reason for seeing the doctor! I'm really looking forward to eating a diet that does not include grains/starches or fruit. I think eating those things was part of my digestive and weight problems. 
06 Sep 14 by member: ChristyLA
Please keep us posted; I've been trying gluten 1x / week (after not having any for over 6 months) and it still gives me issues; I'm undecided about other grains / starches / most fruits as of now; I'm going to read the grain brain book next . . . . The Alcat Test is a blood test that analyzes food sensitivities; once you eliminate those foods your digestion and weight and joint issues and skin improves a lot . . . . It is very detailed.  
06 Sep 14 by member: Tulipgirl6
I did the Alcat testing.  
06 Sep 14 by member: wendyleeb
Draglist, I remember when you suggested IF to me before and I didn't think it was a good idea because of the whole "slow the metabolism" thing. But I read that it doesn't slow the metabolism and that it's healthy for the digestive tract to give it a break and because it's not ready to function first thing in the morning. So I'm going to do the same fast as you, daily as well :) I think it will be a piece of cake (not literally) after doing this 4-day water fast, lol. 
07 Sep 14 by member: ChristyLA
That sounds like a great test, Tulipgirl. I haven't heard of it. I'm going to pay close attention to my body as I introduce new foods to see what I can tolerate and what I can't. My doctor said that someone who reacts badly when they consume gluten or dairy, for instance, might not show up on a test, but they should still avoid those foods because they don't agree with them. But it would definitely be a good thing to have the test done as well. 
07 Sep 14 by member: ChristyLA
Your doctor is an Angel. I think you will come to love the Paleo way of eating as I too am doing a LCHF Ketogenic Diet with Intermittent Fasting for 17 hours, and it is not because I want to, but because of health reasons, I have to. Great job! 
07 Sep 14 by member: C67241
Thanks, C. My doctor practices "functional medicine," which is like a holistic approach, so he's not your typical "traditional medicine" doctor, which is what is most common these days. I'm so grateful to have found him. It happened coincidentally, just going in to see a doctor at my usual clinic to see if they would prescribe me a low-dose of thyroid medication for my hair loss, since my thyroid is sluggish (but not abnormal). After I told him this, he said that my "suboptimal thyroid" might be due to "burnt out" adrenal glands, and if he were to prescribe me thyroid medication it would only make my adrenals worse! So he asked me about all of the symptoms I've been experiencing (which were many, seemingly unrelated symptoms). He said it sounds like I have a GI problem and asked me if I would like to fill out a "comprehensive survey" to see and fix the cause of my problems, rather than just treat the symptoms. So I did and it went from there. My adrenals ARE burnt out, so I'll likely be taking some supplements to help support them, but after I take the "advanced adrenal test" to confirm it is the case. 
07 Sep 14 by member: ChristyLA
Fantastic to have a holistic health approach - candidiasis is an irritating issue. Diet change and probiotics helped me. I like your cautious approach. How long is the water fast? I have done intermittent fasting with success and will probably start again on the days opposite my workout days. Hope you feel much better soon! 
07 Sep 14 by member: HCB
sounds like you have a great dr! so glad you're getting to the root of it all! 
07 Sep 14 by member: Tulipgirl6

     
 

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