Frequently Asked Questions
To clarify the most common questions about The Body Ecology Diet we've pulled together a sampling
of helpful, time-saving answers. Print a copy for your quick reference. If you have a question for
us, please contact us.
For Product FAQs, click here.
- Q. When I exercise I get leg cramps and miss the potassium I used to get
from bananas. Is there another source of potassium that would be acceptable
on the diet?
- A. Our Vitality Supergreen contains cereal grasses and algae and is an
excellent source of proteins and minerals including potassium. Many people
with candidiasis and other immune disorders are, like you, allergic to grains
but do tolerate the B.E.D. grains. In truth, B.E.D. grains (quinoa, amaranth,
millet and buckwheat) are not true cereal grains. They are actually more
seed-like. Some people cannot tolerate them at first, but can after the
inner eco-system is reestablished. Don't worry about potassium from bananas.
All you're losing is the sugar. You'll find potassium in buckwheat, millet,
red skin potatoes, ocean vegetables, fish, lean meats, a wide variety of
land vegetables, sunflower seeds and apple cider vinegar.
- Q. After going on the diet, my husband and I have both experienced itchy skin.
Why? Can it be relieved?
- A. In Chinese medicine the liver controls the skin, eyes and the joints. Since the Body
Ecology Diet is a cleansing and healing diet, this itching indicates that your liver is
cleansing and starting to heal. You must absolutely start a colon cleansing program.
(Read Chapter 17...How To Care For Your Colon). Also you will want to use flax seed oil
and Essential Balance™ (with its 1:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3) to help your skin. Use
these oils only in salad dressings and sprinkle on veggies. The precious omega-3 essential
fatty acids are destroyed by heat.
- Q. I have a weak liver. Can I take the flax seed oil medicinally?
- A. Absolutely. Weak livers, because of traditional eating habits in this country, are the
norm today. As a matter of fact, for over five generations we have consumed refined corn and
other vegetable oils. Since these refined oils have no essential fatty acids (neither does
olive oil), we have NOT been consuming the critical essential fatty acids needed to nourish
our brains, nervous systems, hearts, and eyes.
- As you can see from the many serious hormone-related problems facing us today, we also
haven't had the raw material needed to make critical hormones. Flax seed oil, rich in omega-3
essential fatty acids, DHA from marine algae (found in Vitality SuperGreen) and cold water fish
such as salmon give us these essential fatty acids. You'll be surprised to know that they also
aid the liver in cleansing those bad fats and oils from our systems.
- Q. Can I ever really become well and repair the damage done to my liver with drugs and bad oils?
- A. There are many things you can do and we cover this subject thoroughly in Chapter 20...
Healing At A Deeper Level. Briefly, here's what we MUST do to heal our livers. Substitute
organic, unrefined oils for bad oils. Eliminate drugs, alcohol, sugar etc., as well as eating
late at night. Follow the 80%/20% rule to avoid overeating. Use herbs (dandelion root, silymarin),
chlorophyll-rich green foods (Vitality SuperGreen), and good oils like flax seed oil.
- Do not consume high amounts of any oils when your liver is weak. Your liver uses up it's
important energy reserves when it digests fats. Small amounts (2-3 tsp. daily) are necessary
for rebuilding the liver. Taking digestive enzymes, high in lipase, is also highly recommended.
- Q. Coconut Oil causes high cholesterol. Why is it on the Body Ecology
Diet?
- A. Coconut oil does not cause a problem with cholesterol as we have been
misled to believe. In fact, it has wonderful therapeutic qualities and should
be a part of any diet that restores and nourishes a healthy immune system.
Use coconut oil for cooking.
- Coconut oil like palm kernel oil is a medium chain triglyceride and digests very quickly,
never causing cholesterol problems especially when the diet is balanced with the other oils
that are rich in essential fatty acids. Medium chain fats are easier to digest and do not tax
the liver like other saturated fats from animal foods.
- Q. I'm aware that animal proteins are not to be combined with oils or butter. I
haven't found too many recipes that don't involve butter or oil in some way when cooking
chicken. Does this mean I should never have stir-fried chicken again?
- A. When I said do not use fats and animal proteins together, I meant in foods such as
tuna salad, egg salad, or chicken salad. This amount of oil combined with animal protein
inhibits the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and prevents digestion of the
animal food. Small amounts of animal protein can be combined with a small amount of the
medicinal oils during any meal.
- Q. I just found out I'm pregnant. Can I stay on the diet? What foods do I need to emphasize or add?
- A. Absolutely. Pregnancy increases a woman's protein needs. Since the algae family provides
excellent sources of concentrated, easily assimilated protein, Vitality SuperGreen would be an
ideal food during pregnancy. Women should also listen to their cravings for animal foods and eat
them accordingly. Consuming plenty of ocean vegetables and taking liquid trace minerals will
ensure that both baby and mother get enough minerals. Leafy greens provide calcium and should
be eaten as much as possible.
- The essential fatty acids are crucial to the developing fetus; salmon and unrefined oils
such as pumpkin and flax are wonderful sources. Aside from what she eats, the expectant mother
should pay careful attention to colon health since the elevated levels of progesterone during
pregnancy contribute to constipation. By doing occasional lower-bowel enemas if she becomes
constipated, she will protect her baby from toxins. And don't forget to take plenty of friendly
bacteria to establish the baby's ecosystem. Excellent sources include...Lifestart by Natren
(Bifidus Infantis) and Continental Liquid Acidophilus Culture. Kefir is an excellent source
of protein, minerals, B vitamins, Vitamin K and beneficial flora. It is excellent for a mother-to-be.
- Q. I am now getting too thin on the diet. How can I gain weight?
- A. A green drink, such as Vitality SuperGreen™, taken twice daily will strengthen a thin
person and aid in weight gain. Excessive thinness as well as obesity are often a result of
the body's inability to properly assimilate nutrients. Digestive enzymes can be taken with
and between meals to ensure assimilation. Remember to eat frequently and to include the
unrefined oils and coconut oil in the diet. Coconut oil especially helps regulate the
thyroid, a gland often out of balance in people with hormone and weight problems.
- Q. When and how often should I do colonics and enemas?
- A. When your body truly needs them. If you are overdoing them, your kidneys (lower back) will
ache and you may feel overly tired. Signs of cleansing such as swollen glands, sore throats, a tender
abdomen, depression, bloating, and constipation are your body's way of telling you that you need to
cleanse the colon. A competent colon therapist will be able to help you determine how often you
should schedule your colonics and home enemas.
- When first beginning the diet, I generally suggest a series of 10 colonics to facilitate
the cleansing process. Adding Pro-Flora cow whey to the water acidifies the colon and helps
prevent mineral loss. Be sure to get plenty of rest, replenish electrolytes by adding crystalloid
electrolyte trace minerals to the colonic water, drink apple cider vinegar, and take friendly
bacteria after getting a colonic or doing an enema. Please remember that these procedures are
used to help rid the body of toxins during a cleansing cycle, not to purge abuses such as bingeing
on junk foods, drugs, alcohol, and the feelings of guilt and self depreciation associated with
eating disorders. When these techniques are used for the wrong reasons and done excessively,
they can be harmful.
- Q. Can candida be transmitted sexually?
- A. Yes, although not systematically (throughout the entire body). It particularly lowers
sex drive in women and for that reason can cause a lot of problems in a relationship. Sperm
is alkaline and aggravates vaginal yeast while yeast in the vagina can pass into a man's
sexual organ system, causing discomfort and irritation. Women should take special care of
the vaginal area by using douches with tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, Pro-Seed Feminine
Rinse and friendly bacteria such as Continental Liquid Acidophilus.
- Q. My boyfriend thinks candidiasis is a "woman's disease." What can I
tell him about how candidiasis affects men?
- A. Candidiasis definitely does affect men. Allergies, digestive problems, "jock itch",
athlete's foot, and skin rashes are all common symptoms of the condition in men. In its
most deadly stage, the candida fungus can colonize around the heart, a phenomenon much
more prevalent in men than in women. Candidiasis tends to be more systemic in men, making
it potentially even more threatening to them than to the female population.
For your specific health profile, consider
a personal consultation with Donna Gates.
If you would like a referral to a Body Ecology Coach in your area,
trained personally by Donna, please visit our Body Ecology Coaches page.
