Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone that took the time to respond. I will now take the time to investigate these articles. There's A LOT of info here . . . In the mean time, I still welcome anyone's feedback, should they want to reply.
PS - the idea of not being hydrated was a good point. I am trying to address that right now by drinking 64 oz of filtered water daily. It's a good starting place! But I will study the other points as well. I'm not ready for my life to be over yet.