Understanding the temporary symptoms of dietary change

By: Dr. Stanley Bass, ND, DC, PhC

If I were asked what area is of greatest misunderstanding and confusion in the field of nutrition, I would definitely be forced to reply that it is the failure to properly understand and interpret the symptoms and changes, which follow the beginning of a better program.

A better nutritional program is introduction of foods of higher quality in place of lower quality ones. The quality of a nutritional program is also improved by omitting toxic substances such as coffee,tea, chocolate, tobacco, salt, pepper, etc. Remarkable things begin to happen to the body as well as the mind. When the quality of the food coming into the body is of higher quality than the tissues, which the body is made of, the body begins to discard the lower grade materials and tissues to make room for the superior, which it uses to make the newer and healthier tissues.

What are the symptoms or signs when you first begin to omit the lower grade foods and instead introduce superior foods? When the use of a toxin is suddenly stopped, headaches are common and a let down occurs. This is due to the discard by the body of toxins which are transported by the bloodstream during its many bodily rounds. Before noxious agents reach their final destinations, these irritants register in our consciousness as pain- headaches.  Usually, within three days, the symptoms vanish and we feel stronger due to the recuperation that follows.  As one continues on the improved diet and gradually raises the quality, interesting symptoms begin to appear. The body begins a process called “retracing”.  The cellular intelligence has a chance to get rid of old garbage and build a beautiful new house. The accent is on elimination and the body begins to move garbage deposited in the tissues.  People may experience skin rashes or eruptions due to elimination of poisons and harmful drugs through the skin.  If they go to a doctor not schooled in nutrition,he might diagnose it as an allergy and suggest the diet be discontinued. They do not understand that the body is “retracing”. The skin is becoming more alive and active. The toxins being discarded are saving you from much more serious diseases which will result if you keep them in your bodytoo much longer.  Possibility:hepatitis, kidney disorders, blood disease, heart disease, arthritis,nerve degeneration, or even cancer.Be happy that you are “paying your bills” now in an easy payment plan. With some: colds or even fever may occur. THIS IS NATURES WAY OF HOUSECLEANING.

Understand that those actions are CONSTRUCTIVE, even though unpleasant at the moment, DO NOT try to stop these symptoms by the use of certain drugs. These symptoms are a part of the curing process. These are NOT deficiency conditions or allergic reactions. Symptoms then may include: headaches in the beginning, occasional diarrhea, tiredness, nervousness, irritability, negativity, etc.  BEAR WITH IT ! IT IS WELL WORTH IT!!