This just lends more validation to our physiology as a major contributor to addiction. I never thought I’d get over my addiction to food and especially, to sugar — but it is possible. Two things really helped me. One was my initial visit to Rhonda Lenair (http://Lenair.com), a medical intuitive who specializes in ending addictions. She worked with me on my addiction to sugar as the biggest trigger to bulimia and it worked for 1.5 years. This gave me time to heal my body and confidence that I could kick the sugar addiction.

I think the reason I had a relapse after that was mainly due to the continuation of digestive distress, compounded by some challenging issues in my life at the time. Once I really looked at my life and made a commitment to change (leave my stressful job, create a simpler life, face my fears), I found the Body Ecology Diet (Donna Gates). This really helped me kick the addiction to sugar, plus it fixed my digestive problems.

Here’s what I did to get over sugar that time: Candida is a huge contributor to making us crave sugar. Adrenal fatigue is another contributor. Most people with addictions have adrenal fatigue — especially people recovering. When you are in recovery from an addiction, you no longer have the spike in adrenaline that gives you energy and euphoria. So you might start to feel really fatigued — and perhaps look for something else to raise your adrenaline. Enter sugar. So there’s a lot working against you physiologically.

To combat what’s happening in your body, it may help to try what I did. I made a Body Ecology lemonade — 1 fresh organic lemon, 8 oz. water and some stevia (herbal sweetener — only need a tiny bit). I drank this every time I wanted sweets or a snack. Since cravings also come from dehydration, you are helping in a few areas here. The lemon helps cleanse your liver, the water hydrates and the stevia calms your need for sugar. It’s even known to regulate blood sugar.

At the same time, I was eating the Body Ecology recommended grains and mostly veggies, following food combining rules. Animal protein is okay on Body Ecology. All of this served to give my body the nutrients it needed. One more combatant to cravings — having plenty of necessary nutrients instead of empty calories from processed foods.

If you are Bipolar, you may have issues with metabolism of B12, B6, B3 and folate. You might want to check your metabolism of B vitamins with a doctor who can do tests from Genova/Great Smokies Labs. If you have the blood, stool and urine tests, they can tell you about metabolism, vitamins, beneficial bacteria and candida. Very helpful info. It will also tell you about your need for essential fatty acids, a lack of which could contribute to depression.

I have to say that I once thought I had the kind of mood swings from extreme highs to lows that made me wonder about being bipolar. I have heard about people who’ve really gotten better through a body-repair diet like Body Ecology. Certainly, it’s important to work with your doctor on anything like this, but it never hurts to educate yourself about it.

There is a great book — Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism,ADD/ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,Depression,Schizophrenia
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD. This is similar to Body Ecology, with a few modifications. I’m working with one of my clients on this right now and I sell the book, since it’s hard to find in the US. If you are interested in it, do a google and see what you think. I’ll have my new website up soon ,where I’ll be selling this book and Body Ecology products, so you can buy it from me if you can’t find it (Amazon doesn’t sell it in the US, only in the UK).

Let me know how you are doing!

With love,
Heather

The good news about your daughter is that you know so much about health now — and the body heals from adrenal fatigue with the right diet and self-care. Thank heavens our bodies heal so well when we take care of them, huh?

With love,
Heather

We think there’s something wrong with us — and what’s really wrong is our digestive process. I’ve had some recent experiences that I will write about soon regarding eating foods that don’t agree with me — and resulting symptoms! It’s given me a much better understanding about my body and how eating foods that support my digestion enable me to stay strong & healthy.

Yes, you are supported here, Karen, and I’m so glad that you share your experience with us!

With love,
Heather

With love,
Heather

While pg with my second child and until she was 8 months I was pretty bad with chocolate. I figure she is a good candidate for sugar addiction (and adrenal burnout as well because of it). My mom won’t admit to being a sugar addict and when she took me up on the offer, she couldn’t go sugar-free, transfat-free and white flour-free for a week.

Luckily I got off sugar 1.5 years ago. I cut out grains at the time (though have recently added them back in). I think I just replaced the sugar addiction with nuts and nut butters but I suppose that is better. Now if only my poor teeth would be able to recover…

Shera

Love,
Frida