All chronic illness, and most acute illness will have a basis in toxemia. What this means is that maldigestion will be occurring. This maldigestion, which may not be obvious, will result in fermentative and putretive reactions in the intestines. These processes will produce toxins and irritants - which will be absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream. The blood will be carrying a higher than normal amount of metabolic toxins and irritants throughout the body. This is a major cause of chronic inflammations. This will especially affect either organs or systems already under stress, or ones which are genetically or for other reasons, already weakened. This toxemia is the basis of most arthritis, autoimmune disease and degenerative diseases. It is also a basis of susceptibility to acute disease. If not the primary cause, it will be a contributing cause to chronic disease.
      To heal from such a condition, the first step must be the removal of causes. This means that the cause of toxemia must be addressed; that the digestion must be improved. Usually the first step in the process must be the identification and removal of those factors which negatively impact digestion – these are usually diet and stress.
      The dietary causes have several aspects, and can therefore be approached from several directions. One is the identification and removal of specific foods which are not well tolerated by the specific persons digestive system in question. This can be done through a variety of methods. Another is to correct nutritional imbalances in the overall diet. This can be done by evaluating the general dietary patterns. A third is to select more easily digestible foods and prepare them in a more easily digestible ways. This follows several principles; much of which is obvious, such as the elimination of deeply fried foods, mucus-producing foods, etc. A fourth is to construct a diet which is overall more tolerable and nutritious, such as macrobiotic-type diet, the blood-type diet, or whatever is appropriate in a particular case.
      These generally require life-habit changes, and may be difficult, though are the most efficient. Stress and distress must be evaluated, and means identified to ameliorate them will be extremely important. In addition to dietary modifications, rest, movement, counseling, emotional/spiritual healing, as well as botanical nervines and homeopathic remedies are often addressed.