For Women

[bee_lop]

I am on day four of my cleanse.. and i'm feeling a little annoyance in my lower abdomen. UTI? Possibly. It just seems like a light pressure and soreness. It doesn't burn when i pee or anything.. but still.. i'm a little worried. Should i continue? Im going to drink a lax tea tonight, and do the SWF in the morning, and see if the soreness subsides. Has anyone else experienced this? Should i stop with the clease? Or would it be alright to have a shot of pure organic cranberry juice.. ugh. haha.

[Benni]

Bee_Lop; You may want to check to see if you have Candida. I have seen somewhere on the net, a way to check at home. If I remember correctly, you spit in a glass of water, first thing in the morning and leave it undisturbed. If it turns cloudy, or the spit forms string in the water, then you have Candida. I know, it sounded gross to me also . Otherwise you can also have your MD check for it. In that case, you may not be able to use Maple Syrup.

[bee_lop]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated! The dull pain has gone away today.. but i did some reading on Candida and I can really relate to some of the symptoms. It's actually been going on for quite some time now, but i never thought anything of it. I suddenly developed allgeries about 4 months ago, my whole life never being allergic to a thing! The bloating of the lower abdomen, worsening of allergies in mouldy buildings (ie: my work! haha), craving starches like crazy, bc pill being taken for more than 2 years (try 7, yikes! ever since i was 16). I'm gonna root around through these posts for more info on if i can continue the cleanse without maple syrup and still have the same beneficial effects.. humm.

[Evita]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated! The dull pain has gone away today.. but i did some reading on Candida and I can really relate to some of the symptoms. It's actually been going on for quite some time now, but i never thought anything of it. I suddenly developed allgeries about 4 months ago, my whole life never being allergic to a thing! The bloating of the lower abdomen, worsening of allergies in mouldy buildings (ie: my work! haha), craving starches like crazy, bc pill being taken for more than 2 years (try 7, yikes! ever since i was 16). I'm gonna root around through these posts for more info on if i can continue the cleanse without maple syrup and still have the same beneficial effects.. humm.

I've never had this on the MC and am happy you're feeling better today. People have used Agave as a substitute for MS. I've also seen cane sugar but most of these people lived in areas where they could get it fresh. Black strap mollasses is also used and recommended for diabetics. I have tried mollasses and never really liked the taste. I've switched back and forth at times with the Agave and have never had a problem with that. It's lighter tasting than the MS. Hope this is helpful. I think I'd address candida with a naturopathic doctor. They tend to tackle the problem systemically and more effectively than western doctors. This has been my experience. That's why I have a naturopath and a western doctor.

[bee_lop]

I've never had this on the MC and am happy you're feeling better today. People have used Agave as a substitute for MS. I've also seen cane sugar but most of these people lived in areas where they could get it fresh. Black strap mollasses is also used and recommended for diabetics. I have tried mollasses and never really liked the taste. I've switched back and forth at times with the Agave and have never had a problem with that. It's lighter tasting than the MS. Hope this is helpful. I think I'd address candida with a naturopathic doctor. They tend to tackle the problem systemically and more effectively than western doctors. This has been my experience. That's why I have a naturopath and a western doctor.

I'm on day 9 now, and i feel great, thanks! It feels like i could go on doing this forever. I've actually heard that cane juice and agave aren't really good substitues because they don't provide you with the vitimins and minerals that molasses or maple syrup does. So, I guess if you don't need much energy during the cleanse the substitution would be okay. Also.. I'm a little iffy on the agave altogether. Even though you can get it organic and pure, etc etc it's produced the same way as corn syrup is and your body processes it as such. So i try to steer clear.

http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/

[Jennifar]

I am scheduled to get my period in 6 days, is it ok to stay on the MC even after I get my period.
Also, when is it recommended to women to begin: before, after of during their period.

[peterbrowns]

Your menstrual cycle is a catharsis. When time is up (no blood), is if you want to say. However, it has never been a even during menstruation.

[tnslove]

I'm considering doing the cleanse. My husband did it in 2006 with positive results. He has been bugging me to do it since then. Molasses and lemonade.....seriously? Not looking forward to that honestly. I have bulging disc issues (L4/L5) which cause sciatica down my right leg. Lots of pain. I've read a little about back pain associated with this according to previous posts. My hope would be that the cleanse would improve sciatica overall. Should I be concerned about the back pain related to the cleanse? I would not want to make the sciatica any worse. I'm 38, 5ft 3, 140 lbs and have 2 children. I love to play tennis but the sciatica is a major hindrance to daily activities, especially this winter. The pain was greatest the end of last spring season. No tennis for now. I've had an epidural block but will not have another due to quick weight gain and little relief. Seems a cleanse would improve overall health but I'm really not up for more back pain. Any thoughts or experience in common? I hope it's ok to post this in this particular place. Wasn't sure since I'm new.

[rachel1213]

I am on day 10 of the cleanse. I got my period last night and have had terrible back cramps, and am over all feeling just terrible. My kids are home from school for Christmas break and I've got a few errands to run, otherwise I'd be laying in bed all day. I really wish I could take something for the cramps. I do normally have heavy bleeding and lots of big clots in the first 3 days of my period, so this is nothing out of the ordinary, but man it sucks not being able to take anything for the pain and discomfort.

[Jennifar]

I started today, the first day of my cleanse. Is the cleanse to blame? (I have sarsaparilla tea the night before