[midgemcgrath]

Seems like there was a lot of support for this, so here 'tis, a thread on alternative medicine. I know that there is a lot of talk about this stuff in bits and pieces on other threads, but it seems like such a popular topic these days that it really deserved its own. Anything about herbs, naturopathy, accupuncture, nutrition, etc., bring it on!

I'll start: has anyone ever used slippery elm root for digestive problems? I bought some, but I'm scared to try it, and don't know anyone who has! It's supposed to help heal irritated digestive systems...

[turbojenn]

ht - yup, your poop is a good indicator of a lot of things. I'd recommend taking 3 chlorophyll capsules everymorning - makes your poop vibrantly green!...but also helps clean out your intestines. It sounds like you eat a great diet, but things are still literally fermenting in there...which is the smell. How well do you chew your food? With lots of raw foods and whole grains, unless you chew your food really well, your poops can get a little gross.

The oiliness is odd though, and the only thing I can think of is that you can't quite fully digest the soy. I'm that way, so I pretty much cut out the soy except for the occasional soy cheese pizza. Also I know that I really have to be careful about my olive oil (any oil) consumption...I can't have much of it before my body talks to me about it.

I think the important thing about starting cleanses is really being aware and listening to your body...and having professional support your first time out. If you start to feel odd, overly tired, twitchy, just stop. I know that for me, I need to use a medical food product like BioCleanse that is designed for cleansing gently and maintaining energy....and its wheat/dairy/egg/gluten free, which is important to me.