The majority of the maladies that we experience can be traced to an unhealthy gut. Not only does the gut digest food, but it also plays a major role in our immune and nervous systems. Have you ever been stressed and felt the stress in your gut - upset stomach, loss of appetite, diarrhea? Keeping the gut healthy can go a long way in maintaining overall health. The gut is also important for detoxification. We are exposed to more and more toxins each day, and this puts a lot of stress on our gut. Dr. Lipman uses a program developed by Jeffrey Bland to promote intestinal health - the plan is as follows:
- Remove: Toxins in food, gastric irritants (such as caffeine, alcohol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), food allergens and sensitivities, and chronic low-grade infections in the gut (yeast and parasites)
- Replace: Stomach acid and digestive enzymes
- Reinoculate: Restore beneficial bacteria to reestablish a healthy balance of microflora in the gut (this can be done by taking a probiotic (friendly bacteria)).
- Regenerate: Provide nutrients to heal the gut wall or lining (glutamine) and support the immune functioning of the gut.