Questions and answers by Dr. Ruven Barak

Rachel,
I am a 27 years old female interested in a detox program. My story is that I
have been abusing of alcohol quite a bit for the past 8 years, reached a point
where it would get me depressed, horrible hangovers (mostly through binge
drinking) and would have a very bad digestion. 8 months ago as I was drinking
less but still was left with a poor immune system and digestive system, I caught
two bacterial infections (in the colon) as well as a parasite while I was on a
trip. I took antibiotics and I have change my diet completely ever since. Cut
off coffee, dairy, sugar, alcohol of course and gluten. I take a lot of
supplement under a naturopathe supervision as well as probiotics and make fresh
veggies juices every day. I bruise really easily, my teeth get dark spotted
which has never happened to me before and I feel tired although have trouble
getting good sleep. I recently cut my foot mildly deeply and of course, it got
infected... I feel like Im doing everything right and although things seems
better , Im still struggling with what seems to be a bad immune system, bad
digestion, tiredness. 

I wonder if this could help and if I would be safe juice fasting and
doing this retreat?? I feel this would be actually really great for me, I just
dont want to compromise my immune system. If this can help you answer my
question, I had all my organs tested and everything seemed fine except I had a
low level of white globules.

Dr. Barak

Dear Rachel,
First , may I congratulate you on your decision, and perseverance in changing your life style and habits.

Your decision to eliminate coffee, dairy, sugar, alcohol and gluten is very wise and I hope you succeed.
I am also very pleased with your taking probiotics and veggie juices.

I am not sure as to what is your source of proteins, if your diet lacks in proteins it may easily explain your low globules. I suggest you have a daily regular portion of legumes, such as beans, soya, tofu, or nuts etc.

The symptoms you describe are best explained in Traditional Chinese Medicine terms: all of them reveal a deficiency of Spleen Energy (Qi in Chinese or Ki in Japanese). Or, in other words, an imbalance in the Earth element. It manifests itself as a weak immune system, Fatigue (sometimes quite severe), easy bruising, muscular weakness, indigestion (bloating, loose stools and/or constipation), and many more various symptoms.

A juice fast and detox retreat could benefit you, but in the meanwhile (till we meet in March, I hope) I suggest you seek help from a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, who should attempt to tonify our Spleen and Immune system.

Please don't change your new diet, may I suggest you add to it lots of orangeish vegetables, like Yam and Pumpkin, take care to have enough protein and food rich in Calcium and Iron, and curcumin, either as turmeric or as a supplement.

Hope I was able to help,
Don't hesitate to ask again.

yours, truly,

Dr. Barak