The chronic illness is cancer. I have done a lot of cleansing in the past, and have tried a lot of other alternative diets/ programs and have the most energy on the raw food diet. Can't eat the sweeter things though like much fruit or carrot juice, beet,etc., they make my symptoms much worse. When I was 80% raw, did not feel as well as I feel now, but it is tricky now because I mostly eat greens and their juices, plus sprouts (grains and beans, seeds), there isn't a lot of calories there, so sometimes energy is not sustained for a long time. Eat a lot of lentil, brocoli and some grain sprouts. Don't do well with many supplements either. I do take some probiotics though, as well as some echinacea right now. Thanks for your help.