Digestion
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Digestion Article by Gary Martin ND
Gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of the leading everyday diseases experienced by most people. Common complaints include flatulence, constipation, burping, bloating, gallstones, indigestion, ulcers, polyps, celiac and crohn’s disease, gastric reflux, haemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diabetes, stomach and colon cancer, food sensitivities, leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel, etc.
Concerning the intestines, Dr. Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902), father of pathology, stated, “Here is the place where death delights to serve the living.”
The structures of the digestive system are responsible forprocessing food, extracting the elements necessary for life, and eliminating the remainder as waste.
If there is one common denominator related to all the above conditions, it is alteration in the integrity, quantity and function of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Mucosa is the protective tunic of the intestinal wall. It accommodates over 500 different micro-organisms that should all reside in perfect harmony, each performing it own special function for the wellbeing of the entire body.
Mucosa is like the Great Barrier Reef, home to thousands of species of plant and animal marine life. As variations in temperature, tide and nutrition can upset the delicate balance of a reef, causing the death of coral organisms, so also, alterations to intestinal flora can create a multitude of diseases.
When mucosa is upset, the small intestine loses its buffering capacity (its ability to neutralise acid). This in turn affects immune function. Large colonies of friendly bacteria disappear. Holes develop in the mucosa allowing food particles to enter the blood stream. Causing food sensitivities and malabsorption. It can lead to a variety of auto-immune diseases.
A healthy mucosa is supported by a powerful security force made up of lymphocytes and immunoglobulins, ensuring orderly and safe absorption of nutrients. A police force of friendly micro organisms protects the intestinal wall from penetration by harmful bacteria and viruses.
Healthy mucosa is adept at modulating inflammatory responses, allowing for repair work as needed.
When faced with an invasion mucosa calls on a SWAT team to break up and eliminate heavy metals, petrochemicals, insecticides and organic solvents. Healthy mucosa also inhibits the multiplication of yeast organisms such as Candida Albicans.
Alterations to the integrity of the mucosa often start during infancy through the use of antibiotics. Dental amalgam fillings also have a profound effect upon mucosa. Mercury swallowed with food mixes with hydrochloric acid to produce mercury chloride. This kills some friendly bacteria and changes others into harmful species. Inadequate dietary protein, fat and raw food; excessive alcohol; refined (processed) foods; lack of exercise and general violations of the laws of health can all contribute to an unhealthy or damaged mucosa.
In order to rebuild mucosa, first clean out the undesirable colonies. Then establish a safe environment for the repopulation of a healthy ecology. Do a vitamin C flush. Establish healthy peristalsis. Use Life Capsules, made with Aloe Vera, to strengthen intestinal muscle action.
Alkalise the small intestine by using lemons, limes and apple cider vinegar daily. Then introduce the ultimate gut repair formula, Mucosa Butter.
Lactobaccillus and bifidum bacteria, colostrum, zinc and L-Glutamine are all prime nutrients necessary for mucosa repair. Organic butter, olive oil and coconut oil all possess immune modulating properties. When combined, these fats effectively reduce inflammation associated with food sensitivities, leaky gut and irritable bowel. Raw honey is a rich source of fructooligosaccharide, supporting the growth and energy of friendly bacteria, and glucuronic acid used in building a healthy intestinal wall, and as a binder for toxins.
When all the ingredients are blended the fats are reduced to tiny lipid droplets that readily combine with bile salts and pancreatic lipase. This rich blend of nutrients is then able to penetrate the intestinal villi and rebuild healthy mucosa, while providing a temporary tunic for the entire small intestine.
Essential Mucosa Maintenance
1. Lemons/limes daily in water or on food
2. Apple cider vinegar
3. Adequate protein
4. Good fats
5. Bitter vegetables and herbs
6. Cultured food eg. sauerkraut, yoghurt
and organic cultured dairy products
7. Raw foods / fibre
8. Use probiotics eg. UltraBiotic 45
9. Daily vitamin C supplement
10. Regular formed bowel movements (twice daily)
11. Regular excercise
Care for Your Mucosa
You cannot see it. You cannot feel it, but careful attention to its condition helps you look and feel great, adding years of wellness to your life.
- Gary's article was published in our Winter 2007 Newsletter. You can download a hi-res or lo-res PDF version of the Newsletter.
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