The gut is our "second brain", as coined by neurogastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Gerson MD1. According to current scientific research and clinical experience, the gut contains up to 90% of our immune system as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)2 and is no longer considered to merely have digestive functions. Inflammation, degeneratiohydrochloric acid being produced, and atrophy of the intestinal lining prevents regeneration of the mucous membranes, with hyperacidity of the milieu leads to inflammation, and perpetuates chronicity of disease. Regeneration of the intestinal mucosa and re-establishment of intestinal symbiosis are priorities in the treatment of most chronic conditions. Addressing the gut, with consideration for the stomach, should be the first step in any the treatment of chronic conditions.

The late Dr. Konrad Werthmann, MD, one of the most respected Sanum therapy experts, always emphasized the importance of a healthy gut as a foundation for successful treatment of chronic or degenerative condition anywhere in the body. The gut is negatively affected by stress, biological and chemical toxins, faulty nutrition, immunological and bacterial organisms.

Patients who suffer from skin conditions, allergies, joint disorders, depression, chronic sinusitis, metabolic disorders, various inflammatory conditions, auto-immune and oncological disease all have one thing in common: a damaged gut. Often symptoms do not appear in the intestinal tract, but in a distant constitutionally weak organ or organ system. From the Biological Medicine perspective, to effectively treat these types of conditions means to first treat the gut.

In regards to the stomach's function, the pepsin and hydrochloric acid are the main substances which initiate and ensure optimal digestion of proteins and chelation of minerals. Low levels of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach are often overlooked as a cause for symptoms associated with digestion. Insufficient digestion in the stomach and hypochlorhydria leads to incomplete protein breakdown, fermentation and putrification of foods in the intestinal tract, and ineffective chelation of minerals.This can be the cause of a long list of symptoms presented by the patient: bloating, belching, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, acid reflux, iron deficiency, food allergies, chronic fatigue, hair loss, weak fingernails, acne, dry skin, candidiasis and so on.

Identifying low stomach acid can be done with a simple in-clinic or at-home test using baking soda and cold water. When confirmed, low levels of hydrochloric acid can be addressed by supplementation, herbal bitters for drainage, and acid-base remedies. Digestive enzyme with betaine hydrochloride will work as a replacement therapy and improve symptoms, however to resolve low HCl, secretion of digestive juices in the stomach must be reestablished. Digestive bitters and digestive tonics are well known to stimulate digestion by increasing circulation to the stomach and digestive organs. Absinthium, a Nestmann Pharma remedy, is the classic example of a drainage therapy formula which is designed to restore stomach acid function. It contains herbs including Anise, Fennel, Blessed Thistle, Hyssop, Juniper and Sage to act as digestive tonics to the stomach and promote secretion of gastric juices. A few weeks of treatment with Absinthium will help to achieve healthy levels of hydrochloric acid being produced naturally by the stomach. Additional work with healthy acid-base balance will further facilitate proper pH in the stomach, as alkalizing agents provide building blocks for HCl production.

A bonus for restoring proper stomach acidity is prevention of parasitic infections. The stomach is a gateway for parasites to enter from raw, uncooked, or contaminated food and water. High HCl is a natural physiological barrier for foreign microorganisms. There are many effective products with anti-microbial and anti-parasitic effects for the elimination of existing parasites however, long lasting effects can be only achieved if the stomach pH is acidic enough to prevent organisms such as helminths and protozoa from re-entering the intestinal tract. Add Absinthium for greater longterm success with your parasite protocols.

The healing of the gut, starting with the stomach, can be successfully achieved by following principles of Biological Medicine, particularly using Sanum remedies, drainage and milieu therapy. In addition to Absinthium and digestive enzymes, the Intestinal Kit effectively incorporates specific Sanum remedies needed for intestinal repair and acid-base balance remedies to restore the physiological ability to regenerate the intestinal mucosa. It is common knowledge that the cells of intestinal mucosa have a life span of up to 5 days and when we are healthy, can fully renewed within this time. To support these therapies and healthy a healthy intestinal mucosa, a hypoallergenic diet should be recommended to eliminate offending foods, therefore reducing inflammation and promote continued mucosal regeneration.

The main goal of holistic treatment, including Biological Medicine, is to find the root cause of the health issue and address it with the chosen treatment. In return, most symptoms presented by the patient will be eliminated, bringing them to optimal level of health. Let's keep this in mind while choosing the best tools for empowering our patients to heal themselves, starting with the stomach and the gut.

1) Gershon, M. MD. The Second Brain: The Scientific Basis of Instinct and Ground-breaking New Understanding of Nervous Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines. HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY; 1998

2) Nagler-Anderson C. Man the Barrier! Strategic Defenses in the Intestinal Mucosa. Nat Rev Immunol 1:59-67, 2001