I posted about it in three posts:

http://gnowfglins.com/2010/01/11/rfqm-devil-in-the-milk/
http://gnowfglins.com/2010/01/18/rfqm-devil-in-the-milk-2/
http://gnowfglins.com/2010/01/25/rfqm-devil-in-the-milk-3/

This may shed light on why some people have trouble with cow’s milk and not goat’s milk. Our modern dairy cows – like the Holstein – have a genetic mutation that the heritage breeds do not. This mutation may be causing many of the problems that people experience with cow’s milk. Another factor is the modern dairy cow diet and environment of grain, confinement and medication

I do not agree that humans shouldn’t drink cow’s milk. Raw cow milk (preferably from a pastured, naturally raised animal) contains its own lactase, to facilitate its own digestion. Also, when cultured, the lactose is eaten by the bacterial/yeast culture, leaving very little to trouble the human. If someone can’t digest casein, that is a different story.

I have had my VM for going on 7 years now. I have heard of people having them for a lifetime. It could be that parts are necessary now and then.

On the subject of dairy – the history of the cows themselves are very important. I would only consider those who have been allowed to roam the grasslands and eat just that and no intervention with any meds or grains – esp. corn.

If their line has a long history of the same, that would be a plus, as well.

And the raw milk from these quality sources should be perfect. However, as each of us is an individual who has their own state of health and genetics, good milk could still be a serious problem and must avoid it.

On the subject of vaccinations, I agree with a thoughtful approach of avoiding unnecessary medical intervention (though, sometimes western medicine is of value). However, there is no “scientific” evidence so far to back up the more reliable word of concerned parents who have witnessed the before and after affects of inoculations on their children.

To add to the point, my sister has two kidlets that she steadfastly refused to vaccinate, but but my nephew has still been diagnosed with Asberger’s(sp.?) (high-functioning Autism), anyways. He is now 14, and in a regular 8th grade classroom.

I have stumbled onto another remarkable website and PBS show called “Know the Cause,” or knowthecause.com and Doug Kauffman shares his experience and knowledge of the medical and nutritional world and backs his opinions with medical papers, guests and supplemental information.

Please check it out – I feel I must tell everyone I can about this remarkable show. I have been sick since childhood and since that time I have had my illness get worse and worse for almost 40 years with quack “doctors” who were rather useless through most of it!

With Know the Cause, I have implemented most aspects of his strictest diet (he has 3 phases of this diet – depending on the individuals state of health), and many of my symptoms have drastically reduced along with my weight! (I’ve lost 60 lbs without really intending to – I needed to, but that wasn’t why I started the diet).

As to the Vita-Mix, I have had my eye on one of those for the past ten years, but have hesitated due to the heavy price tag!

How long is it expected to last? I go through blenders every 3-5 years and am paying less than $30 for each!

With those #’s in mind, I’d expect quite a long performance record for the Vita-mix. Please let me know!!

I hope this wasn’t too long for y’all – thank you for this opportunity to share!

If you can grow your own vegetables in a greenhouse, that is fantastic! We have goals to put up a greenhouse so we can do that for ourselves. During the winter, we mostly live on sprouts that I grow indoors and any seasonal fruit/veggies I can get around here.

I hope you can find the cocoa beans. As well, you might ask around locally (like the health food store, the library, etc.) for if anyone knows about seasonal local sources of produce.

The coconut milk I buy only has guar gum added (as a thickener). There aren’t any preservatives. I buy the Thai Kitchen organic coconut milk.

I use the coconut oil in place of oils and fats in many recipes, from cookies and muffins to chocolate sauce. I also make a wonderful coconut bark, a yummy freezer treat! You can saute veggies in it, fry eggs in it, coat your baking pans with it. Anywhere you’d use oil or butter. Very little adjustment is necessary, but usually, no adjustments are necessary (for the things I’ve tried).