Greetings, friends, as we continue our holistic approach to the healing of multiple chemical sensitivities. In the last article you had cleaned up your home environment (the number one priority), and had moved to number two on your list, diet and nutrition. You did a seven-day fast and once more saw your reflection in the fountain of youth. In all your earlier attempts at nutritional therapy, you've never come close to the results you achieved with your first fast.

      The results of the fast were two - fold. It served to cleanse the build - up of toxins from your body, thus providing a valuable boost to your immune system. Among the dramatic improvements was a decrease in the size of the two glands under your chin (sub-mandicular glands). They went from being walnut-sized to marble-sized. Now they're hardly noticeable.

     The fast lasted seven days. The first two days prepared the body to accept liquids only, and the last two days prepared the body for resumption of food. During those four days, you took only raw foods. The three in - between days were the liquids - only days, the days you drank the raw vegetable juices mentioned in the preceding article. During those days you chewed nothing, not even gum. A small slice of watermelon or a little pureed, fresh apples satisfied your craving for food. Throughout the fast you used an all - vegetable protein powder and spirulina.

     Now the rebuilding begins. Fresh, raw foods should account for most of your diet. Locally grown foods are preferable to foods shipped in over long distances, since local foods have the same growth and atmospheric conditions as those which your body requires. Locally grown, seasonal foods blend with your own natural rhythm. An added consideration is that foods that are brought in from overseas could contain the chemical DDT.

       Raw vegetables and fruits contain the enzymes needed for digestion and assimilation. Enzymes, which are specialized proteins present in all living cells, are organic catalysts needed for stimulation of every biochemical reaction in the body. Digestion relies on enzymes at all levels. Cooked and processed foods are devoid of enzymes, and they place an enormous strain on the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Eventually this vital organ becomes overworked and becomes enlarged and impaired. All manner of ailments can result from damage to the pancreas, including allergic reactions to food.

       At least one of your meals each day (preferably the noonday meal) consists of raw vegetables only. Green vegetables are rich in chlorophyll, a natural detoxifier. Other vegetables such as vine - ripened tomatoes (tomatoes should always be vine-ripened) and carrots are rich in antioxidants. Sprouted seeds and beans are also excellent sources of nutrients One important reason for you to maintain a diet rich in vegetables and fruits is the fact these foods are alkalizing. A highly alkalizing diet makes for a healthy immune system. Overacidity in the system impairs digestive and enzyme functions and causes the accumulation of toxins, resulting in disease. Most fruits and vegetables are alkaline - forming, whereas meats, grains and most dairy products are acid - forming. Ideally, the ratio between alkaline - forming and acid-forming foods should be 80% to 20%. For most people in our society this ratio is reversed. You cannot altogether eliminate acid - forming foods. The body requires a certain amount of protein and fats for proper metabolism. Therefore you will complement your new, improved diet with adequate amounts of quality protein, carbohydrates and fats. Your modified vegetarian diet now includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, an all - vegetable protein powder, beans and peas eaten with rice, potatoes (unpeeled), pasta, whole grains (cereals, bread, crackers etc.), fish and other seafood in moderation, cheese, soybean milk, cow's milk and home - made yogurt.

     The fruits and vegetables which constitute a good part of your diet are those which act to suppress your overactive thyroid. These foods include the cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, rutabagas, turnips), radishes, avocados, pears and peaches. Your thyroid gland now works normally and effectively.

     There are foods which can bring on allergic reaction in chemically sensitive people. You identify these foods and eliminate them from your diet. Yeast and yeast - containing foods should also be avoided by the chemically sensitive. Yeast belongs to the family of molds that are highly allergenic to MCS sufferers. You've made a fine art of label reading. Besides the obvious (breads, bagels etc.,) many canned and prepared foods contain yeast.

     You stay away from food additives and processed foods entirely, and you eat very little fried food. You use unbleached flour, naturally milled cane sugar, cold - pressed, unrefined oils in cooking, and unbleached coffee filters for brewing coffee. Your teabags are unbleached. You buy consumable liquids like milk or juice in cartons instead of plastic, and you choose glass containers over plastic whenever possible.

      You've gone far in the healing process but there's still much further to go. The knowledge is continually being revealed to you. The next phase is supplementation. You will know which supplements you need to take and in what amounts. Your holistic healing is right on schedule.