Medical researchers have come to agree that the root of all disease processes is inflammation. It doesn’t matter if the disease is cancer, cardiovascular or Alzheimer’s. All disease processes have their beginnings in inflammation. Some inflammation, such as arthritis, is obvious because of the pain involved. But the most insidious type is called “silent inflammation”.

Here are some of the symptoms:

1. Being overweight

2. Prescription drugs, especially statins and blood pressure medications

3. Groggy upon awaking

4. Carbohydrate cravings

5. Constant fatigue

6. Brittle nails

If you can relate to any three of the symptoms listed above it is a sure indication that inflammation is silently creating bodily damage. If you are wondering what causes inflammation you would be correct if you guessed toxicity is the culprit. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate toxins from the body; however, we must always be on guard of the possibility for toxic build up in our polluted environment, which has now become a world wide condition.

Here are some suggestions for ways to eliminate bodily toxins.

Fasting on water for a short period can be an important therapy for the reduction of toxicity. By stopping all food, the metabolic machinery of the body can focus on cleaning the blood and lymph. While water fasting may not be suitable for everyone research has shown calorie restriction and fasting to alleviate hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent research has shown that calorie restriction may be the most powerful way known yet to extend lifespan.

Studies have shown that high glucose and insulin damage the mitochondria. Fasting reduces the total amount of oxidative stress within the cellular mitochondria. Fasting has traditionally been thought to enhance the liver’s ability to clear out metabolic by products from the blood stream, and regenerate the liver. There are indications from a few animal studies that dietary restriction may help to reduce the risk of age-related diseases. However, caution is indicated because long-term fasting or fasting in a polluted environment can deprive the body of nutrients that are critical to health. While fasting, vitamin C in the range of 1 to 4 grams per day should be taken, preferably the non-acidic form. Those who fast do often report a sense of renewal and clearer thinking. Fasting allows the liver to reduce the presence of recycled chemical messengers like adrenalin and other stress hormones. Caloric restriction appears to have measurable benefit for the immune system as well. It rests the intestines and liver, both key sites of immune function. It is estimated that 60% of our immune system resides in our intestines. By resting this major site of immune function with fasting, the immune function may be strengthened. A fast of 36 or 60 hours significantly increases the power of white blood cells to destroy disease causing bacteria.

It is not necessary to take “cleansing products” to cleanse the intestinal tract. All you need to do is give it a little rest; it is a self-cleansing organism and capable of healing without our interference. Just like the rest of the body experiences health when given the proper environment that is conducive to promote health. The human body is a self-repairing system, after all. What you have to do is give it the right nutritional tools so it can unleash its fullest healing potential. And that comes from natural medicines found in the world of nutrition.