Hi Folks,

I've been browsing the archives of this list, and noting people's experiences with great interest.

Since my health 'crashed' a few years ago - symptomatically something resembling what is called 'CFS' or CFIDS' - I've been pursuing 'natural' alternatives to get my health back. Some of it has worked, for example mercury filling removal (following which I experienced a dramatic detox and remarkable improvement  - not really from a special diet, but from high-dose magnesium supplementation - after initially getting much sicker from the mercury vapors from the drill). Some of it hasn't worked so well long-term - anti-Candida program and natural superhormones and supplements in general.

A natural diet does seem to be a crucial thing for me at this point, but in experimenting and trying different foods in differnt proportions have got into trouble at times from a few things - grains, pasteurized yogurt, too much fruit, not enough protein, too much cooked meat, etc. During one mostly raw, 90% vegetarian period, I really improved initially then lost too much weight (5' 8" 120# to 105# and developed a hypothyroid condition. I have only been able to gain a few pounds back since with some cooked meat.

In searching the web recently, I came across Ben Odom's site and it really got my attention! Ben and I sent a few messages back and forth, and on his suggestion ordered AV's 'We Want To Live' which I read with interest (and I think healthy skepticism. I remember too well when I thought the Candida thing was going to lead to a 'cure', but, alas...). However, it seems very possible that raw meat in conjunction with a mostly-raw diet overall could get me to where I need to be. So here I am!

I have been 90% raw the past week - mostly veggie but also have had for breakfast on 4 or 5 days a smoothie with 2 or 3 fertile raw egg yolks  - it seems to agree with me and the protein gives some staying power like meat in general does. I haven't tried raw beef, fish or chicken yet, but they could become very important in my diet. I also stopped all the supplements several days ago, even the thyroid hormone (looking for signs of hypothyroidism - cold hands and feet, sluggishness - nothing so far!).

Anyway, thats whats going on. I hope to be able to share my experiences as time goes on!

Thanks, Paul