Digestive Difficulties when Transitioning to Raw Food   by Dr. Timothy S. Trader N.D.(retired), PhD., D.D.  It is common knowledge among pet owners that digestive distress can occur when the diet of a beloved dog or cat is changed. A period of constipation or diarrhea may ensue. When we change our diet we expect no difficulties and are surprised when they occur. For example, if one experiences diarrhea due to vitamin c intake it is common for doctors to diagnose this patient as having an allergic reaction. Personally speaking, I do not endorse ingestion of pills. In reality the aforementioned diagnosis could be incorrect. The patient may not be experiencing an allergic response but a vital response. The vitamin may be giving the body of the patient the opportunity to clean itself. When the cleaning is done, the diarrhea will cease. Many of my patients report that bananas are constipating. I must say they are not! When one embarks on the raw, living food diet the bulk and fiber found in bananas can cause some intestinal disturbance. Impacted matter on the walls of the small intestine would soon be displaced by the bulk and fiber found in bananas. Similar to a river 'log-jam', the displaced matter in the intestinal tract slows the process of elimination. In reality, it is the food previously consumed such as bread which is causing the discomfort. The gluten in bread will plug-up the villi of the small intestine like nothing you have ever seen. If one continues with the process the whole matter will pass. One may never have a banana problem unless bread is eaten again. The biggest digestive challenge for many who increase 'raw' intake occurs when going back to cooked or junk food (bingeing). This can cause severe gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea and/or nausea. The answer is obvious. The body has gotten used to the superior nutrition of raw, living foods and reacts to the old norms. As most neophytes to this lifestyle will testify, slipping back to cooked or junk food is not as satisfying to the overall body as is the 'raw'. There is also a tendency to over-eat on cooked or junk food which causes even more distress. These binges continue to reaffirm the cause of discomfort and one may be less enticed to do it again. The more 'raw' one does and the greater the accumulated time living this way, one will experience increased vital responses. Pretty soon it becomes naturally evident that the body just doesn't want cooked or junk food! It is all about experimenting and finding out more about the body. What works and what does not. Dr. Herbert Shelton (the father of Natural Hygiene) said that "it takes a person ten years to become a hygienist." What he means is that it will take time to learn how to do a raw, living foods program that works and is comfortable for you. As long as one progresses to a healthier diet, one's lifestyle will continue to grow healthier and more energetic. Give it time, it is not necessary to be perfect at first. Know that the more you strive to achieve the best diet you can, it will serve you with the very best of health.