Detox Step 2: Gastrointestinal System

The small and large intestines are primary organs of detoxification, as all “gunk” is eliminated by the gut. Our primary goal is to support the gut, with the critical objective of improving regular bowel movements and digestion.

Gastrointestinal System Detox in Detail

Our primary goal is to support the gut, also known as the “second brain,” with the critical objective of improving regular bowel movements to minimize constipation and diarrhea. The small and large intestines have the greatest responsibility to eliminate waste. All the waste from the liver, lymphatics, and blood have this one main exit route.

It is normal to have at least one bowel movement a day and it is more desirable to have 1-3 stools a day. When the bowel is stagnant and not moving the waste properties that should pass through the 30 feet of the small and large intestine get stuck in the body and can be reabsorbed into the blood to pass through the entire body, irritating as they continue to recycle. Having your gut working at its maximum capacity is critical to waste removal from the body. Much about the complexity of the gut is not completely understood, but we have come a long way appreciating how to help this vital organ system.

The gut has a vast amount of responsibilities, and the core organ of immunity. 60% of immune activity is located here, and more than 80% of the immunoglobulin-producing cells are located within the mucosa of the GI tract. Moreover, the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome plays an important role in defense. It is estimated that there are approximately 100 trillion bacteria in the human digestive tract. Thus, there are 10 times more bacterial cells in the gastrointestinal tract than there are cells in the human body! There are at least 1,000 different species of known bacteria with more than 3 million genes (approximately 150 times more bacterial genes than human genes).

These bacteria work synergistically with us, digesting our food and absorbing our nutrients, which is crucial for our bodies fluid balance.

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Tools

Increase both soluble and insoluble dietary fibers.

Soluble fiber has the health benefit of softening hard stool, creating bulk, supporting gut microbiota (bacterial balance of the small intestine, slowing absorption of cholesterol, and managing blood sugars. Sources: oatmeal, flax seed, barley, dried peas, oranges, apples, carrots, beans.

Insoluble fiber improves bowel transit time, helping with constipation. Sources: whole grain bread, cereals, wheat bran, seeds (particularly flax and chia seeds), greens, unsweetened coconut, avocados, berries like goji, pomegranate, acai, cherries, plums, peaches, non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, celery, cabbage, mushrooms, and eggplant.

Avoid or minimize:

• Dehydration

• GMO foods

• Processed foods and sugar

• Foods that you know you are allergic to

• Other highly allergic foods like wheat/gluten, soy, dairy products, oranges, corn, peanuts, and eggs

2. Nutritional Support Tools

Increase magnesium levels to bowel tolerance. If you steadily increase the amount of

magnesium there is often an amount that can cause loose stools. Increasing Vitamin C can result in loose stools as well.

Binders can be beneficial to soak up undesirable toxic materials in the gut. They act like big sponges, but we need to be careful not to bind the bowels too much as constipation could be an undesired outcome.

Neutral binders are chlorella, modified citrus pectin, bentonite clay, and zeolite. The more constipating binders (for patients with chronic loose stool) are Takesumi charcoal, activated charcoal, Cholestyramine (RX).

3. Herbal Tools

Healing 360 has created herbal support formulas in three categories.

• Healing 360 Sooth and Rejuvenation Herbal Formula is a product that is soothing and healing to the mucous membranes of the gut such as marshmallow, slippery elm, aloe vera, deglycerized licorice, chamomile.

• Healing 360 Digestive Support Herbal Formula is useful when the gut needs a stimulating effect using ginger, dandelion, and peppermint. Drinking black tea, green tea, and coffee can be helpful.

• Healing 360 Gentle Mover can be used when an herbal laxative is needed such as Senna leaf caps or tea, Casa Sagrada and rhubarb. Daily laxatives (even herbal) should be avoided and only used when nothing else works and then not consistently.

4. Nutraceutical Tools

Pre and probiotics help replenish intestinal bacteria and promote improvement in dysbiosis or bacterial imbalance in the small and large intestines.

• Saccharomyces boulardii a prebiotic

• Probiotics: HU58 and Mega IgG 2000 (Microbiome brand), Custom Probiotic or BioSpora

5. Drainage Remedies

• Defaeton drops (Pekana brand) is used for constipation and intestinal dysfunction.

• apo-Stom drops (Pekana) promotes stomach and intestinal function.

• Mundipur syrup (Pekana) for elimination of toxic waste products lodged in the tissues and organs.

6. Glandular Therapies

None

7. Oxidative Support Tools

• Liposomal glutathione is the most absorbable form of Glutathione. Glutathione is one of our bodies main antioxidants. Brands include Seeking Health or QuickSilver.

• Healing 360 Antioxidant Formula is a group of compounds that can inhibit oxidation and thus prevent the formation of free radicals. These can be an important tool for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and cataracts to name a few.

8. Detox Tools (Extra Credit)

• Colon cleanse: We will focus on a range of Colon Cleanses that can support the function of the gut in an upcoming document.

• Coffee enema: Coffee or the gentler Green Tea enema can help move waste out of the small and large intestines. This will be discussed in an upcoming document.

• Castor oil packs: Can be placed on the skin over the abdomen and can have a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect.

• These will be covered in an upcoming document on how and why each of these can be helpful for circulation and detoxification.

9. Genetic Support

Specific treatments dependent upon genetic profile.

Our Picks for Most Effective GI System Interventions

INTERVENTION #1: Lifestyle and Dietary Tools

Always start with Detox Tool #1: Avoid exposure and work with dietary and lifestyle measures first.

INTERVENTION #2: Nutritional Tools

Use a binder that will help pull waste products off the lining of the small intestine and help move it out of the body. The binder that is best for you will depend if your stools are soft and runny use a more constipating binder or if you tend to be more constipated use a neutral binder as described above.

INTERVENTION #3: Nutraceutical Tools

Pre and probiotics can be very important to restore gut function.