Nutrition has always been the cornerstone of natural medicine, from Ancient principles of "let food be thy medicine, let medicine be thy food", to 21st Century principles of detoxification to give our genetic potential the maximum scope. Well fuelled, cleansed systems run better than junk-filled toxic ones to put the basics in a nutshell.

 The primary ability of the gastric system to break down foods and deliver the components to serve the body in all its functions is cardinal to health. In 1900 it was estimated that 1:5000 people might experience some kind of bowel disorder, in current times the ratio is 1:5. There are many reasons for this: lack of basic diet structure, too much refined food, added chemicals, overuse of antibiotics, proliferation of parasites, viral strains and candida to name but a few.

 So what do we do about it? In this Clinic we follow a structured plan to re-balance and heal damage to the system which starts with a disorganised gut and can lead to any number of problems from Diabetes to Arthritis.

REPLACE

 Replacement of digestive factors and or enzymes whose intrinsic function maybe limited or inadequate. These substances facilitate the breakdown of foods to the basic molecular compositional units and/or their preparation for absorption. Pancreatic or plant enzymes, bile salts digestive herbs, Betaine H.C.I. (hydro-chloric acid) are some of the main replacement items.

REINOCULATE

 Refers to the reintroduction of desirable gastrointestinal microflora (nice bugs!).

2. Bifido Bacteria Species. (bifidus - most common)

REPAIR

 Repair refers to the provision of nutritional support for regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. The G.I. mucosal cells represent the largest mass of rapidly proliferating cells in the body of normal individuals. Damage can occur through chronic dietary insufficiency, food allergens, pathological infections, parasites, viruses, candidasis etc. Damaged mucosa leads to the syndrome we generally call "leaky gut". Think of the gut wall as a one-way fence, with small "holes" in it to allow the passage of nutrients. If they enlarge due to damage, toxins can pass through as well, thus damaging liver function, increasing bile, carcinogens, free radicals, ending up with systemic toxic overload, excema, pancreatitis, gallstones, I.B.S., fatigue, arthritis, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance.

 Treatment includes vitamin therapy, Vitamin C, E & A, Beta-carotene, Aloe Vera, Glucosamine and the remedies mentioned under the "Remove" section.

 Food allergy is in principle a signal that the system is not 'coping". The re-balancing of the bowel and all its functions opens the doorway to reduction and elimination of sensitivity. Re-hydration of the body is essential to proper elimination and transportation. As a general rule for most inflammatory disease processes, cut out toxins, caffeine, wheat, colourings, food chemical additives, pork, beef, dairy produce, citrus fruit, tomatoes. Increase: gentle grains, vegetables, pulses, rice, millet, fish, 2 litres of water per day. An ideal meal composition would be: 4.5% rice (not white), 45% fresh vegetables and 10% pulses.

SUPPLEMENTATION

Linseed - soaked in water to introduce an oil/water mix via the colon. (Omega 3 oils)

Lecithin - works as an emulsifier between the water and fatty acids, also as a source of Omega 6 and phospholipids.

Essential Fatty Acids

E.P.A. (fish oils)

Evening Primrose Oil for G.L.A.

Hemp Oil (Omega 6)

Olive Oil (Omega 9)

The bowel and kidneys are the best routes for elimination. Lungs, skin and lymphatic systems usually carry some level of "reaction", excema, asthma, acne, if not directed through the liver towards a well functioning bowel.

 Nowadays our food is treated with chemicals, antibiotics, radiation etc, so a "well-balanced diet" does not give all the nutrients you need. Supplementation makes sense not only for average function but to enhance the function of the system, improving healthy longevity. A major culprit in the ageing process and most degenerative disease is the presence of "free radicals". A free radical is an atom with a missing electron, seeking to replace its missing electron by 'stealing' from another molecule. The chain reaction destroys the integrity of all the cells along its path, the process is called "oxidation", a "rusting away" of the organs.

 "Free radicals" come from our own immune systems, and are a natural by product of many metabolic processes, breathing and exercise metabolism being prime examples. Many external pollutants as well as chemicals, steroids, smoke, antibiotics, chlorine, fungicides and replacement hormones are responsible. The answer at least in part is to take in "anti-oxidants", whose molecular structure allow them to 'sacrifice' an electron to neutralise the free radical. Fresh organic fruit and vegetables provide the best food sources and supplements such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and P.C.O's. Procyanidolic oligomers found in grape seed have major effects on strength of blood vessels, are anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer forming. High blood pressure is largely caused by free-radical damage to the elastic fibre in the arteries, the consequent hardening leads to blood pressure rising. Grape Skin Extracts contain Resveratrol and Anthocyanidins which are phenolic compounds and linked to a capacity to reduce cancer liability.

 The work in the field of psycho-neuro-immunity, shows the links between mind, nervous system and health. Consider that every meal changes brain chemistry and mood. Carbohydrates found in whole grains stimulate the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a major component in the chemistry of well-being, stimulated by exercise, meditation, positive mind set as well. Meals rich in animal proteins cause increase in dopamine and norepinephrine increasing alertness and aggression and lowering serotonin levels. Positive mind set, even laughter increases 1gA (immunoglobulin A) a virus fighter and lowers blood pressure. Gentle exercise contributes to increased immunity, well-being and longevity.

 In 2001 the National Audit office stated that more than half the population of the UK is overweight and 1 in 5 is clinically obese. More than 31,000 people per year die because of the trend toward sedentary living and fatty diets. This Clinic tests for deficiency, using Vega-Test System and Dark Field Microscopy.

Acknowledgement and References

Dr. Jeffrey Bland of Institute for Functional Medicine.
Barbara Wren - Principle of College of Natural Nutrition.
The Eat Right Diet - Dr. Peter D'Adamo, ISBN 0-7126-7784-4.
The Nutritional Therapy Cookbook, by Linda Lazarides, ISBN 0-9538046-1-5
The Life Extension Foundation of America Nutri Limited
Metagenics Limited
Ctyoplan Limited