Detoxification Importance
The Importance of Bowel and Liver Detoxification
Mainstream health care for the chronically ill is failing miserably. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Arthritis both Osteo and Rheumatoid, Eczema, Psoriasis, Migraine Headaches, Muscle and Joint Pain, Constipation, Chronic Diarrhea, Food Allergies , Chemical Sensitivities, Immune Deficiencies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and others seem to be beyond the scope of modern medicine.
Alternative Health Care offers a different way to look at these ailments. Instead of focusing on the area that is affected, alternative health care focus' on what is believed to be the cause of all these illnesses.
In many cases the problem begins in the small intestine and spreads to the liver and other organs. The small intestine not only digests our food, but is the home of billions of microorganisms. In a healthy gut these organisms live in harmony doing no harm to the host. But when the integrity of the small intestine is compromised and these microorganisms multiply uncontrollably, the liver becomes overloaded and major health problems can occur. The function of the small intestine is to digest the food we eat, so that it can be absorbed into our body. The small intestine is also home to over 50% of our immune system by weight. Called Secretory IgA, these white blood cells protect us from infection by pathogenic organisms. These are microbes that can cause serious illness. Along with a mucus lining that provides more protection from pathogens, the small intestine not only digests our food, but also protects us from infection. When its function is compromised a vicious cycle is started that can lead to various health problems.
There are many reasons that the small intestine fails to function properly. The over use of anti-biotics, pain killers (especially steroidal types like prednisone), even aspirin can injure the intestine. Real food allergies, poor digestion, nutritionally deficient foods, and imbalances of the micro-flora, all contribute to a small intestine that will not function properly. Once the small intestine fails to function properly a host of health problems will develop.
There are two main areas that need to be considered when treating the small intestine:
First: poor digestion and the chronic use of anti-bionics will disrupt the balance of microorganisms. This leads to an increase in the amount of toxins released into the bloodstream, placing a greater burden on the liver. The liver has to work much harder, limiting its ability to detoxify the blood. This will lead to various symptoms related to liver overload, one such symptom can be: chronic headaches. Various digestive disorders can be caused by micro flora imbalance. This disturbance allows the small intestine to produce even more toxins. These toxins are usually the cause of the symptoms that people complain about. In all cases treating the symptom only brings short lasting relief if any at all.
Second: A chronically toxic body will lead to chronic pain. Migraines, back pain, joint pain, and even muscle pain may require some intervention. In many cases chiropractic patients who never seem to get better are so toxic that the body cannot hold an adjustment. Usually, if the pain is treated with pain killers, further intestinal damage will develop. This is referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome. This condition will allow more toxins to enter the bloodstream, further increasing the toxic load on the liver. Leaky Gut will also allow the passage of undigested proteins into the bloodstream, which will cause the immune system to act on the proteins. This gives the appearance of multiple food allergies. Not only will the patient react poorly to many foods, but this condition will keep the immune system constantly turned on. This can led to either the beginning of various auto-immune diseases, or chronic fatigue of the immune system.
In order to get a handle on these patients, a number of steps must take place.
First: the small intestine must be detoxified. This will allow for better digestion, and absorption. It will also begin to reduce the toxic load on the liver, and kidneys. As the toxic level on the liver decreases, the toxicity of the body is reduced. In order to accomplish this the proper digestive support needs to be used. In some extreme cases, a hypoallergenic bowel detoxifier is used. This will assure, that no undigested foods will be available for dysbiotic organisms to utilize. Adding probiotic organisms like acidophilus and bifidus helps control gut micro-flora.. In all cases herbs are used to detoxify the bowel. These herbs rid the small intestine of unwanted bacteria. Once a person's digestion is improved, and the bad bacteria is reduced, you will begin to feel better. At least the digestive problems will be eliminated.
Second: The small intestine needs to be healed. This is done by using a combination of nutrients. These nutrients promote healing of the intestinal mucosa. Nutrients like glutamine, vitamin A, Gamma oryzanol, zinc, N-acetyl glucosamine, cat's claw, and folic acid are very effective in healing the small intestine. Usually these nutrients can found in one product. Taken between meals, these nutrients will allow for healing of the intestinal mucosa.
Third: Liver function must be improved, in order to enhance its ability to detoxify the body. This is accomplished, by breaking down toxic molecules into non-toxic molecules, and excreting them through the kidney. Anti-oxidants assist the liver in its detoxification capabilities. In addition to the anti-oxidants, vitamins like Riboflavin, Niacinamide, and B6, along with minerals like manganese, copper, and zinc may be needed. In my practice I have found, that sulfur containing amino acids greatly enhance detoxification. In some extreme cases, I recommend using a product designed to enhance cell detoxification. Many cases require special herbs to improve liver function. These are dandelion, fennel, black radish, milk thistle, chionanthus, and celandine. This combination of herbs are necessary to improve the liver's utilization of fats. By enhancing liver function both in its ability to detoxify, and in its fat metabolism the body will begin to function better.
Most chronic health problems can be eliminated by following the aforementioned program of bowel and liver cleansing. It is also important to modify food intake for each individual patient. For instance some people are truly allergic to specific foods like gluten, milk or beef. These foods must be removed, in order to provide complete relief. Chronically ill patients, when placed on this program, will find great relief from their ailments. Every patient must be uniquely considered, and may require custom designed programs.
Posted
by Dr. Steven Felder
