Friday, April 10, 2009
Health and wellness begins at birth! Our digestive tracts are the center of our being, intertwined with all of the body systems, in particular the lymphatic, immune, endocrine and neural systems. Breast feeding for at least one year with the introduction and use of healthy, whole foods provides antibodies and beneficial bacteria within the gut, which is paramount to developing a supportive immune system and intestinal fortitude. With this in place, each childhood illness experienced and immunologically handled increases the individual's fortitude physically and thus, emotionally. Being able to sustain oneself in the world develops from internal awareness and resilience to challenges, physically- a flu virus and emotionally- self direction and decision making.
Why the gut?
I consider the intestinal mucosa the primary mucous membrane of the body with all other mucous membranes being secondary. That means, if one is experiencing a runny nose, respiratory, joint, skin or genito-urinary issues, there is most often an imbalance in the digestive tract. The paradoxically sensitive and resilient gut mucosa is often the starting point of health and disease. When the gut is stressed from allergenic foods, external and internal toxins, emotions, etc., often experienced daily, there is a decline in intestinal digestion and assimilation and the most prominent mucosal antibody, IgA. Without this foundation the stressors challenge our body's ability to absorb nutrients and expel toxins. When impeded, they create congestion at the cellular level and often, over time, create an overall imbalanced milieu (internal terrain) within the body. This altered milieu effects the endocrine organs- thyroid, adrenal and pancreas in particular and sets the stage for opportunistic pathogens to inhabit the body. This further challenges our immune and detoxification systems.
Treating the localized discomfort along with fortifying the gut increases overall body support in general. Understanding and supporting the basics of immune function, digestion and assimilation offers much for even the most complex illness conditions. That is why I prefer to start with the foundational SANUM remedies and the enzymes, proteases and probiotics; to restore the foundation of the person.
Milieu treatment does take more time with certain conditions, however is often longer lasting, adding an improvement in the quality of health and life, as well!