You have approximately 10 to the 12th number of cells in your body. BUT…you have about 10 to the 13th number of other micro-organisms, ie., bacteria, virus, yeast, fungi, etc in your body. Your cells and the “others” create a harmonious dynamic dance to keep your system healthy. If any of the cells, micro-organisms, minerals, nutrients are out of balance, ie., either deficiency or excess, there needs to be compensation, and cooperation to protect your body.

Digestion starts in the mouth with enzymes and in the brain with neurotransmitters and hormones. The second step is in the stomach breaking down the proteins. The third step is in the small intestine with contributions from the brain, pancreas, liver and gallbladder, breaking down fats and carbs. The final step is in the colon, which uses a very complex ecosystem, i.e., your “human intestinal flora” which contributes to the following:

• helps guard your body against unfriendly bacteria
• has the ability to discern what nutrients need to go into the body and what is waste and needs to be eliminated
• plays a big role in the digestive system
• helps to maintain vital chemical and hormonal balances
• contributes to the functioning and strengthening of the immune system

There are many indicators that the intestinal flora balance is out. Unfortunately, many of the signs and symptoms have cross over with other health issue profiles; many are misdiagnosed; while many can be easily solved. Always make sure you see an allopathic or alternative health practitioner when attempting to deal with the following:

GUT Issues

1) allergies and food sensitivities

2) difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving

3) chronic yeast problems

4) faulty digestion, ie., decreased capacity to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats

5) acid reflux and other gut disorders

6) yeast infections

7) increase in the number of unhealthy bacteria in the intestinal tract

BOWEL ISSUES

8) frequent constipation or diarrhea

9) frequent colon irritation

10) decreased capacity to manufacture and assimilate B complex vitamins (which include niacin, biotin, folic acid, riboflavin and B12

11) Produce natural anti-bacterial agents (antibiotics)

12) Ability to control the pH or acidity-alkaline levels in the intestines

13) Decreased capacity to detoxify poisonous materials in the diet

14) Decreased capacity to detoxify hazardous chemicals added to foods, such as nitrates.

 LIVER FUNCTION

15) the liver depends on the gut for nutrient to support all the functions of the liver (see liver function)

 ENERGY ISSUES

15) frequent fatigue

IMMUNE SYSTEM ISSUES

16) frequent colds, flu or infections

17) reduced capacity to produce cancer or tumour suppressing compounds

CENTRAL NERSOUVS SYSTEM ISSUES

18) sleeping poorly, night sweats

19) poor concentration

MUSCKELOSKELETAL ISSUES

20) painful joint inflammation, stiffness

ORAL ISSUES

21) bad breath, gum disease and dental problems

SKIN ISSUES

22) acne, eczema skin and foot fungus

MENSTRUAL ISSUES

23) extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms

CARDIO ISSUES

24) reduce cholesterol in the blood

25) increase nutrient assimilation, including calcium.

26) reduce high blood pressure.

Things that kill good bacteria in the body:

 Probiotics are a combination of fiber and bacteria necessary for healthy bile functioning. With a healthy colon flora, the above identified issues can be reduced and or eliminated. The gastrointestinal process provides the liver with the necessary nutrients and eliminates everything else.

 References:

1. Lactobacillus Acidophilus. American Institute of Biosocial Research Inc. 1989
2. Lactobacillus feeding Alters Human Colonic Bacterial Activities. Nutritional Reviews Vol. 42 No.4 Nov 1984
3. Assimilation of Cholesterol by Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Applied and Environmental Microbiology Vol 49 No.2, Feb 1985.
4. Death Begins in the Colon. Dr Robert Chamberlain March. BS, MsT, RMT, ND

For further information,
contact Dr. Holly at holly [at] choicesunlimited [dot] ca