I freely admit that discovering a candida overgrowth, a parasite and heavy metal toxicity was initially a bit of a blow to me. I’d spent time and money and effort clearing myself of H Pylori from my gut and healing the damage it had done back in 2007/08, and really didn’t feel like doing all of that again.
Once I’d got over the initial shock and disappointment, I chose to view these new discoveries as a total blessing. I had noticed a few things going on health-wise and had now found the root cause of them. I could now address and get rid of these issues, and take my health to an even higher level.
Catherine and I discussed the way forward; following the anti-fungal diet as laid out by Dr Doug Kaufmann in his book ‘The Fungus Link’ coupled with supplements to eliminate the parasites and candida, and gently leach the lead from my body.
I’m following this for around 10 weeks (currently just over 4 weeks in) and will follow up with pro-biotics to re-colonise the gut with healthy bacteria and bring it back into balance.
Catherine ordered the relevant supplements for me and told me she’d forward them to me when they arrived.
She doesn’t like extremely restrictive diets (her latest newsletter confirms this), preferring those that are strict enough to get the job done. She told me my diet was fine as it was and that no major changes were needed other than to avoid all the items I’d tested as sensitive too.
She advised me that once I’d purged the candida, parasite and lead from my system I could re-introduce the foods I’m sensitive to.
I decided that I’d follow the anti-fungal diet as strictly as I had before, with the exception that I’d allow myself rice once a week if it was part of the Sunday lunch recipe that my Mum usually cooks for my brother and I.
I also decided I’d start the detox as soon as possible, and that means I’ve gone through Christmas without the usual chocolate and gluten-free treats.
Instead I had a mix of raw organic pecans, macadamia nuts, cacao nibs and blueberries to pick at when Christmas Day and Boxing Day rolled around, and very nice it was too. I’ll remember that for when I’m allowed ice-cream again.
It’s been a little challenging, though I’ve kept my mind firmly set on the prize of better health. The treats can come back in at a later date.
Catherine and I finished up our session and clarified everything that I needed to do when I got home.
We had a snack and then she drove me to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (M.A.R.T.A. for short), which is like Atlanta’s version of the London Underground.
We talked all the way and Catherine told me that Sue intended to hold Level 5 of her internship in Atlanta in January, and that Sue thought it would be quite ok for me to attend even though I’ve yet to do Levels 1 to 4. I took that as a compliment and told Catherine I’d see how things panned out before committing. I’d taken in so much from my 4 days here that I really wanted to let it all sink in.
We said our goodbyes and I thanked Catherine for a wonderful trip and all her help and healing.
My flight was due to leave at 5.15pm and I wanted to be there with plenty of time. I caught the MARTA at around 3pm and was at the airport by 3.30.
I checked in using the automated checking system (after a few false starts with it) and made my way through airport security. I went through a Full Body Scanner which was interesting, though apparently very unhealthy for you if you go by Dr Mercola’s (and other natural MDs) advice. Oh well, I was wearing my Q Link and about to spend 8 to 9 hours in a plane which isn’t meant to be great for you either, so c’est la vie.
I was cleared through and ready to go by 4.30 and bought myself a couple of litres of water for the trip home. I had snacks I’d bought from Whole Foods ready for the journey home.
We actually boarded early and were ready to fly by 5pm. ‘Fantastic!’ I thought, ‘With the tail-winds as they are, I’ll be home earlier than expected’.
We taxied for take-off, stopped and then taxied some more. By now it was 5.45 and we’d not taken off.
The pilot then announced they had a technical problem that they couldn’t resolve without returning to the airport terminal. Once they’d rectified it and re-fuelled, we’d be on our way.
So much for getting home early. Still, I was quite happy for the airport ground crew to take their time, sort the problem out and re-fuel us properly. That way I’d have the best chance of actually making it home in one piece.
Well they’d kept the in-flight entertainment systems working so I amused myself by brushing up on my geography using the GPS map system, and then flicked through the films on offer.
On the flight out to Atlanta I’d chosen to sleep or read as much as possible. On the flight home I was ’buzzing’ a bit, and decided to watch some movies instead. I picked ‘Kick Ass’ with Nicholas Cage to begin with, and was well into it by the time we took off around 7.15pm (midnight UK time).
Having dispatched ‘Kick Ass’ and enjoyed it, I picked ‘The Other Guys’ with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Another good choice which I also enjoyed.
With around of couple of hours left until landing at Gatwick, I went for ‘Predators’ starring Adrien Brody and just ran out of time to see the end of it.
I could’ve picked ‘Avatar’ and ‘Inception’ to watch, though saved these to watch on a bigger screen. According to my friends, I need to see both of these films either on HD TV or on a cinema screen to fully appreciate them.
I touched down around 8am UK time, and at under 8 hours the flight had been quicker than I’d expected.
Having left rain in Atlanta, I was greeted by sunshine in the UK. The opposite of what occurred when I flew out the previous Thursday.
After negotiating customs etc, I made my way back to dear old Southend-on-Sea by train; a journey which took approximately 2 hours or so.
I’d had a great trip, it was good to be back and I was looking forward to taking action on everything I’d learnt.
I also look forward to going back to Atlanta in the future. For now, I’m focused on the present and making the most of it. It's my intention to put into practice all I learned on my trip and make 2011 even more successful for myself on all fronts than 2010.
Stay well and happy, and best wishes for the New Year.
Cris (El Baron)
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