08.24.2013

Corganic Enzyme giveaway ($139.80 value)

gut zyme

Why do I like theses enzymes?

Organic 3 company is the founder of GUTPRO probiotic. Have you heard of it or used it? When I first started looking for completely allergy free probiotics, I came across this website. I was shocked to find that a company really exists to make such specific formulas. If you have allergies or are on GAPS, you know there are loop holes in all foods and supplements. I still constantly research to find out what “really” makes up supplements.

I went ahead and tried their probiotic powder. I did not react and was very impressed at the quality and potency. I trust this company (which is very rare for me to say this due to  mislabeling). Recently I was contacted to do a giveaway from this company and of course I had to say yes. But this time they created a new product! Even before I saw the labels or did some research, I trusted that these were going to be really GOOD!

Organic 3 has created enzymes specifically to help digestion and HCL levels. They created 2 different allergy free formulas. I trust the ingredients and sources they use too (you can view the labels below). Many of you know the importance of enzymes and sufficient HCL levels for digestion and ultimately the immune system. I hope you are as excited as I am to finally find “safe” enzymes!!

The Enzymes:

GutZyme™ Restore is the original formula that contains HCL & Pepsin. This digestive supplement is perfect for people who are following the GAPS Diet, or are restricting their grains and carbohydrate intake, and are looking not only to restore their HCL levels but want to maximize their absorption of fats, proteins, minerals and other nutrients. Screen Shot 2013-08-16 at 3.04.04 PM

GutZyme™ Restore Contains HCL & Pepsin

  • Helps with the digestion and absorption of proteins
  • Discourages the survival of harmful microorganisms
  • Promotes absorption of minerals
  • 200MG HCL and 4MG Pepsin in each capsule

120 capsules: $34.95 Screen Shot 2013-08-16 at 3.03.31 PM

GutZyme™ Assist is a digestive supplement is perfect for people who have adequate HCL levels but want to maximize their absorption of fats, proteins, minerals and other nutrients. It includes all the same enzymes as the original GutZyme™, plus additional enzymes to assist the digestionof beans and other carbohydrates. You can even open up the capsules to consume since it does not contain HCL and Pepsin. Screen Shot 2013-08-16 at 3.03.45 PM

GutZyme™ Assist Contains Additional Enzymes

  • Glucoamylase helps to break down starch that occurs naturally in most vegetables
  • Invertase is a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme that splits sucrose (common table sugar) into its component parts, glucose and fructose
  • Maltase breaks down the disaccharide maltose in to two glucose molecules, which are easily oxidized by the body for energy.
  • Alpha-Galactosidase helps break down the polysaccharides and oligosaccharides found in foods that are typically more-challenging to digest such as peanuts, beans, lentils and cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
  • Beta-Glucanase represents a group of carbohydrate enzymes which break down glycosidic bonds within beta-glucan.

GutZyme™ Assist  120 capsules: $34.95 Screen Shot 2013-08-16 at 3.03.11 PM

How to enter:

There will be 2 winners! To enter use Rafflecopter below. Each winner will receive a bottle of GUTzyme assist and GUTzyme restore. Check out their website here. Together these bottles are a $69.90 value. This giveaway will be open rom 8/24- 8/30. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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05.24.2013

Rice flour chocolate chip cookies

Cookies with No Eggs!!

Here is a recipe I created when my mom asked for chocolate chip cookies on mothers day. She developed an egg allergy out of no where, so I had to compromise, but I bet these would be good with eggs too. I did not try it with eggs but I know that 1tbsp of chia seeds made into an “egg” = 1 real egg. Since I used 2 “chia eggs” it would make sense to use 2 eggs.

I was literally crossing my fingers the whole time these cookies were baking, because all recipes I looked up had a combo of flours and I could only use rice flour. So I just started to throw ingredients in a bowl and hope for the best–well isn’t that always what I do anyways? :). These cookies are almost like a shortbread cookie texture and taste. They are down-to-earth but sweet like any chocolate chip cookie should be. My family found they are much better on the second or third day because the butter flavor pops!

I find that making your own rice flour produces the fluffiest rice flour, even fluffier then store bought. I have just ground white rice before because I was too lazy to soak it and it turned out corse and yuck. So the trick is to soak, dehydrate, and then grind your own flour. The rice soaks in more water and puffs it up. I use a vitamix blender to blend the flour.

egg

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups rice flour (make your own here)

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1/4 cup coconut syrup

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp baking soda
chocolate chips (GAPs chocolate drops–they will melt a lot in the cookies) or this brand (I used this one)
Chia “egg”  
2 tbsp chia seeds (ground)
1/2 cup hot water

cookie 1

cookie 2

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Boil hot water & 2 Tbsp of chia seeds.
  3. Mix 1/2 cup hot water and ground chia seeds in a bowl. Set in fridge for at least 15 min.
  4. Mix coconut sugar, sea salt, baking soda, & rice flour together in a bowl.
  5. Pour in melted butter, coconut syrup, and chia egg.
  6. Mix until combined.
  7. Mix in chocolate chips.
  8. Roll  out dough (it will be greasy so it will not stick to counter) until about 1 cm thick (make sure the dough is rolled out even so all the cookies cook evenly).
  9. Use a cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
  10. Place onto cookie sheet (since they don’t grow in size, you can place them close together). I like to sprinkle chocolate chips on top too.
  11. Cook for 12 minutes. They will seem undercooked but let them cool for 20 min and they will be just perfect.
  12. Store leftovers in a container and they will stay soft and good for many days.

 

~Stay Gutsy, Caroline

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05.23.2013

Healing update #6

Where do I start? I have not been procrastinating writing this post- I promise. If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I have been though  alot since my last post (healing update #5).

Its kind of funny because after my last healing update, I waited a few weeks and nothing much happened, nothing BIG enough to blog about. I was pleased and thought I was getting better- I had tremendous concentration (which I used towards researching all about genetic mutations- look at Dr. Amy and Dr. Mullan’s  information).

I should have seen it coming..

My family was out of town so it was just me and the pup for a shot time. I had some friends stay with me and help out with things but I did not have my mom- whom has very good instincts about me (like any mom does about her children). I did not see it in myself but I was getting sicker. For about a week I was eating very little and not sleeping more then 5 hours a night. That is very unlike me and I usually sleep like 10 hours a night. I talked to my family on the phone but did not tell them everything.

The kidney pain (low back) was hurting a lot and my liver was swollen. I thought, maybe my energy is coming back so I don’t have to sleep as much. I dont think that was the case.

NAET-tree/pollen

I did NAET 2x that week. Pollen and tree. I got some new frequencies to help me with allergies to plug into my RIFE which seemed to help a bit. I was taking quercetin and turmeric (little did I know this was making the problem worse). After I treated pollen I felt a relief. I had to stay inside for 25 hours and no snuggling with the puppy.

Then I did the tree pollens-this is a whole story in istelf. I tested strong for the tree mix vile at NAET. But I am VERY allergic to trees. My NAET dr. said that there were too many in the mix for my body to detect. Oh bother- now what? I am a determined person so I researched.

I took out old testing from allergists and looked at pollen counts, pollen growth charts, and trees local to my area. I narrowed it down to like 30 trees I could be reacting to. I called the arboretum and the gardener talked to me and helped me determine trees (male-female) and what they look like. It was hard because no trees have leaves on them!

Since every time I went outside I almost passed out  (thats how bad my allergies were) I had a friend come over and I showed her the trees. Every tree around my house I was allergic to.  She gathered the bark and some twigs off of each tree and put in baggies. The trees were birch, cotton, poplar, alder, ash, maple, oak, juniper, white pine, evergreen, box elder, elm. I think there were a few more but I cant remember 🙂

I brought the samples into my NAET dr and we tested them individually and then all together. I tested weak with all of them combined so we treated that. I was proud of all my research and how it payed off. My NAET dr. said that getting the actual allergen is always the most powerful way to go- instead of the viles. I cleared it the first time too! Horray, I was free to go outside.

Getting worse.

I did not think it could get any worse- but it did- alot worse. My family came home and my mom walked inside the door with food poising. I had just organized all my supplements/clay/charcoal and had filled up the bath (for myself). I handed her cup after cup of charcoal and alternated it with teas/herbs and sea salt for electrolytes. She got into the bath I had ready and I dumped clay in it. It was amazing that I had EVERYTHING ready- God works in funny ways sometimes. After 6 hours she seemed to be thinking clearly. What a whirl wind, but I did it- just like she does for me when I get a reaction.

I went to sleep late and did not wake up until 2pm the next day. My mom knew something was wrong. She was still foggy brained for 3 days after the food poising so did not follow me as closely as normal. Each of those days I was getting worse. I had strange symptoms like itching, fever, bad rashes, and could not sleep.

Itching that never stops

I was sleeping 3 hours a night at most. It got bad fast. My rashes and pores were oozing and always itching. I would sit on the floor and itchy myself 24 hours a day. I would try to make breakfast, then I would get an itch and it turned into 1000 itches and then it was uncontrollable. By then my food had burned and I was on the floor crying as my mom itched every spot –and it traveled. Then it turned into prickles. Sharp prickly feeling like bugs crawling on your skin.

By the 2nd day I was going crazy- the itching was horrible. By the 3rd day I was in pain. My tears were burning my skin and made my eyes swell. My body fluids were toxic to me. I would take a nap for maybe 2 hours and I would wake up covered in hives. I watched my arms and stomach bubble up in hives in front of my eyes. It was sickening. My whole body swelled up- especially my torso, neck, feet and face. My skin was rippled form the swelling and red and raw from the itching.

96 hours of constant swelling,hives, and itching will drive anyone crazy. I would have my mom sleep beside me to help me itch myself when I would wake. By then I had taken 10 freezing cold ice baths (some in the middle of the night too), itched my skin till I had scabs all over my body, and my skin looked like a 80 year old mans because it was rough and wrinkled form the swelling and “burns”. It look liked I was sunburned.

Screen Shot 2013-04-13 at 5.49.28 PM

Oozing pores

Something was trying to come out- very very strong. I felt like I was having an allergic reaction, coming form the inside out. I have never been so miserable in my life. By the 6th day (sunday) I was starting to fade. My energy was so little I was almost out of it. My pores were burning from my cold sweat and tears that streamed down my face.

Everything was burning from the inside and my temperate got very low-93 degrees. I had a lost look in my eyes- it was enough for my mom to take me to the ER. My acupuncturist called the week before telling my mom that we need a plan just incase things get worse. She made sure the hospital she worked at was going to be a good fit- it has an integrative clinic. When she told my mom this I was not even sick- what a blessing that she got my mom thinking. Again I was being watched over.

ER

I could have cared less- (me the person who will not step foot in an MD after they told me nothing was wrong with me for 17 years) that I was going to the emergency room. That is how sick I was. When we go there (I wore my masks) and we packed my own sheets and water. I rejected the medical bands, taking the temperate (it has plastic tubes who knows are sprayed with). Some people gave my a hard time, but the nurse said he knew the perfect ER dr. for me.

The Dr. came in soon after and took a quick look at my state and asked if I and eaten anything or been exposed to give me an allergic reaction. Nope. I asked could it be the h. pylori? He just said that is an infection in the stomach- but I knew better. He said normally he would give antihistamines but I said I could not take ANY medication. He did not push it and said that I should come back in if things get worse- he could do nothing more.

The visit was not a waste though. There was no chance that God made me go through all of this (going into a ER is stressful for people like me) and not get something out of it. The Dr. checked my kidneys too because when he touched them I flinched they hurt so bad. He did not want to do any testing there and then, but said “maybe I should refer you to Dr. P”. Dr. P is a MD but holistic dr. that is the head of the integrative hospital. My mom had been trying to get me into him for months because my acupuncturist says such good things about him. You can only get  into him with a referral and we did not know how to get one-this what it. I now am in their system and on the long waiting list to see this Dr. P.

I was still discouraged and wanted to find out what is WRONG!

Nasty bacteria

I knew what I had to do. I knew Dr. C would figure it out. He works with kinesology and is the one who found the h. pylori in the first place. I went into him and he took one look at me. He pulled out a box of viles to test and sure enough it was the h .pylroi causing this reaction. I asked if it is detox, he said no overgrowth. I was shocked because I had been doing the RIFE.

He explianed that I was not doing it enough. When the h. pylori gets as bad as it did in my body is it aggressive and hard to get rid of it. He said to up the frequencies for 3 hours a day instead of 1. I also said that I would be willing to try some supplements or what ever he had for the itching. Before, I could not take anything without having an allergic reaction. For some reason after doing the tree pollens with NAET I got this sense of freedom like I can tolerate things again- im guessing it was because of cross reacting pollens to foods.

He gave me a smile and whipped out a few things and started testing my strength with them. He found 2 homeopathics that would help. One was a mystery- which I want to find out what he made it out of, and the other is A-14 apex lymph detox. Immediately it was helping the itching. One of the sprays he tried gave me a reaction (even though I tested strong for it). It made me disoriented but he fixed it right away with some pressure points on the back of my neck- he said that my axis comes out when I get a reaction which makes me so disoriented. Just “pressing” it or adjusting it back in place can fix it. I was better when I left. I had relief finally that I had answers. God was listening to my prayers.

 my life

What triggered it?

I came home ready to make a more aggressive plan against the h. pylori. I first wanted to know what triggered the reaction/overgrowth? I always trust my intuition in my gut. I thought about it for a long time and came to the conclusion, I did not know what caused this flare. I was scared because my body did not seem in control. I still feel like I dont have control over my body. Some days my sinues are all swollen and sore. Other days the intense itching comes back. I get scared that I will wake up in the middle of the night covered in hives. I tried everything I knew of to calm these strange symptoms and nothing seemed to work. I had no resources left. I just dont know anymore.

Im not saying I know more then my doctor, but I do know that something else is going on. Dr. C just said it was h pylori, but deep down I know that its the only thing going on. I have been doing everything imaginable for h pylori for a few months, so why am I getting worse?

 

The Unpredictable me.

There will never be that ONE doctor who finds all my problems. I am 19 years old and have had health issues since I was very very young. There are many layers that need to be uncovered and fixed up. Im on a mission to find answers to get heatlhy. I dont have any idea what my life will be like after I am well enough to be in the world again. Going outside is unpredictable-what if the neighbor has a bonfire, what if the mail truck goes past me as I take the dog out and I breath in the gas fumes? I dont know. I have to risk it sometimes, but on somedays I just dont want to even risk getting a reaction.

When I say reaction, it is a true allergic reaction. I get dizzy, my heart starts pounding, I have a hard time breathing, my brain starts to panic, I actually run away from whatever I sense is causing my reaction. I have done lots of NAET, but I cant treat everything on the planet. That is not the fix I believe. Something else is definitely underlying to cause my immune system to react this way. The next 4 days after a reaction are the worst. I get this drugged feeling, I sleep most the day, my brain is very foggy, my face swells. Life just goes on and I watch it happen around me, but I cant participate. I research, read, pray, prepare healing foods (dandelion greens, teas..).

So the answer to “What triggered it?” is I don’t know. Now if you talk to me I could have 1000 ideas in my head. I may think one day its a parasite, the next maybe an infection, the next it is because my mercury levels are too high, its a detox, no its a reaction. I could drive myself crazy, and the past few weeks I have gone in circles, because I cant figure it out. I think I have to take the back seat for once and let God show me answers.

When will I get better?

I realize this is a LONG post, and I did not mean for it to be like this. I also realize this post is very scatter-brained, but somedays blogging long-never-ending pots it the only way to get it all out before I forget. (brain fog is one of my most irritating symptoms these days). Have I mentioned I have burned like 10 things in the past month?

All I ever want right now is to get well. I really can care less about other things. I ask God every day when I will get better? So far, He has not given me an answer. I used to get a few good days in between the bad ones. Now, its a constant stream of bad days. I have no energy anymore. I feel like I have a flu 24/7. Im spacey, which is a common trait in my family, but I was the lucky one who always remembered and was very alert. Now I think im the worst. I could go on and on about my list of what I cant do, but for your sake I wont.

My life is very unpredictable right now. I have canceled way to many chiropractic and NAET appointments. Actually I canceled my dentist appointment today. Getting dressed in normal people clothes (other the leggings and a sweatshirt) is tiring, let alone going (I dont drive anymore because Im afraid I will crash the car) anywhere. I am actually content with no plans and doing nothing.

The inspiration.

I always know when something inspirational is going to happen. I am very predictable with my thoughts and actions. I get really sick (physically) unintentionally of course. I get so sick all I can do is rest a lot. I get upset I can be participating in life. I beg God for answers. This goes on for a day or two until all of a sudden I get some information (from the internet, book, friend). The words click.

When I feel like I don’t know what to do next, because no doctor or friend or family  member knows what is going on, I get a little hope. I find a word, a name, whatever and start to research. Eventually that leads me down to facts and answers. This time it was parasites/bacteria infection.

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.12.45 PM

A new perspective

Ok ok enough with the self diagnosing. I know. BUT did you know that over 90% of americans have parasites? GROSS!!! Yeah I still have a hard time talking about parasites and worms. For weeks I could not even look up anything about parasites, until I realized that if they are causing me to be this sick, then I have to do a little digging. Stop right there. Im not saying that parasites are my only problem, and actually I may only have some sort of bacteria infection, but its a start. I have had a few other infections before in my life and got this same feeling of complete bone-tiring-exhaustion and no good days.

I decided to go back to my old kinesiologist from a year ago. I only went to him once because at that time it was not the right fit. If you are interested in my “ah-ha” moment story, here it goes. I was super itchy, like I was days before I went to the ER. I was scared I was going to go to sleep and wake up in full body hives. I had my mom and sister itching my legs and back, while I itched my stomach. I was crying saying ” I thought this was not going to happen again.” If this was the h. pylori, the new herbs, homeopathics, and routine I had down should not have let it overgrow! That got me thinking that this is NOT just h. pylori. My mom and sister started brainstorming ideas. A new plan of action. A new doctor? A new new perspective on things?

Lately I do seem to be jumping around with doctors, and that is because one person does not know everything. I know when the time is right because I get this sense that they cant help. Some doctors just out right say “I cant help you” and others slowly stop giving clear answers. I still go to my NAET/chiro each week (not NAET because Im too weak, but for an adjustment) and he listens to all my crazy ideas, but does not have answers. I like to get as much information as possible to try solve my puzzle of health.

Anyways, Dr. I, my old kinesiologist popped in my head. Hmm… that sign was pretty obvious. We got in the next day and he got straight to work. Kinesiology give results very quickly because the dr. uses your muscles to determine what is going on. Dr. I said my body was very stressed. My organs (kidneys and lymph) were under functioning. My allergies and sensitivities were high. My toxic/chemical load was high. I have chronic fatigue. My minerals were pretty balanced in ratios but all low. I was not absorbing anything because I have leaky gut. The big news, I have a blood infection. He was not sure the exact infection (lymes, west Nile virus, mono, etc..?) but said to take burbur herb to help it. I got the herb and am ready to fix this infection, but I know this is just the beginning of this new road.

But hey, I could have a parasite problem too. Im not ruling that out just yet. I know I have heavy metal toxicity according to my lab results below. I have way to much going on to keep straight in my head. I am actually going down to St. Louis to see a doctor who specializes in parasites, dental infections, heavy metal toxicity, and allergies. I have a good feeling (very excited actually!) about it and am reading his book right now.

MTHFR gene mutation

Let me back up a bit. Before I got super sick and went to the ER I was focused. I had one mission- find all about gene mutations and detox pathway detects. So many people have mentioned that I could have the MTHFR gene mutation. I decided it was time to look into that. When I find something I know right away if that is the path for me-I had a strong instinct that I had to follow up with this. God was telling me, now is the time.

I scoured Dr. amy’s site and listened to her h. pylori videos. (video part 1 and video 2) I was amazed at her research and all the symptoms she explained colliding with mine. It went much deeper into science that I ever thought I would come across. I was like a kid in the candy shop–I LOVED this research. It was giving me answers and hope. Everything was clicking.

I came across the sulfur issue, which alot of people have issues with MTHFR gene defects. I was not only eating high sulfur foods but taking things that were sulfur donors- quercertin, turmeric, milk thistle, MSM… Here is the full list if you are interested

I started working with Dr. Mullan over the phone. We ordered some testing (23 and me and  urine/fecal/hair s). We decided I stop all sulfur doner supplements, and I start new supplements. I am taking RNA’s for liver,kidney, and cytokine inflammation.

Fast forward a few weeks. While waiting for the results I only got sicker and sicker. The results came in the day I went to Dr. I. It was just a confirmation that I had to find a new perspective. Dr. Mullan is over the phone and she specializes in genetics so that is only a piece to the puzzle.

Test results

Mercury is dominating my toxic load. I have not spoken to my dr. about these tests so all I can do is just look at them. Im not an expert on reading them and dont know what each thing means. All I know is that things dont look balanced. Im actually happy because it gives me a reason why I feel so sick all the time (im sure some of you feel this way too!).

I took 4 tests. Urine toxic & essential elements, Fecal metals, Hair analysis, Urine amino acids. I go them done through Holistic Heal. Im still waiting on my blood test and 23 and me genetic test. (click on the picture and zoom in to see it better).

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.24.58 PM

Urine Amino Acids

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.25.07 PM

Urine Amino Acids

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.25.18 PM

Urine Amino Acids

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.25.28 PM

Urine Amino Acids

 

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.24.47 PM

Urine essential and toxic elements

 

 

Screen Shot 2013-05-23 at 5.24.38 PM

Urine essential and toxic elements

Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 2.02.33 PM

Hair analysis

Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 4.05.51 PM

Fecal metals

What will the future bring?

How do you know what tomorrow brings? We dont. I know I say “I should have seen it coming” and I wanted to try to be ready. Truth is, that it was in the grand plan and there was no way of escaping it.

I woke up tuesday at 3 am itching out of the blue. I did not see it coming. There was no way to know the disaster my body was going to create. I dont have any consistency or knowing with my health or my body. That is a scary thing to admit. The only think I KNOW is true is God’s strength. I know he will not abandon me.

The body changes – for good or for worse but just because something bad has happened- should we loose faith? I don’t think so- its times like this we need it most. Its times like this we need to keep our ears, and brains, and herts open. The instincts we or our family members get to try and take care of us, are from God. Like when I knew it was more then just the h pylori. Like when my mom knew to take me to the ER. Like when my acupuncturist prepared my mom mentally that the ER was a “good place”. Like when I knew my body  could start herbs,homeopathics, and supplements.

It was not me directing it all. I keep my heart open. I am learning to trust my instincts. Healing comes with time, dedication, and prayer. It is a process to dig deep into our illness but also ourselves. This is just my journey of life.

hear my prayer

 

 

~Stay Gutsy, Caroline

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05.12.2013

The ultimate liver detox: Coffee enemas

A note from Caroline: “The #1 recommended coffee I use is S.A. Wilsons gold roast (this one). I explain why in the post but I want to clarify it upfront because I get a lot of questions about it! Ok start reading!”

“You stick what where?” Yep I do.  My blog is names “gutsy” for a reason. I am not afraid to do what it takes to heal my body no matter what, no excuses. If you are ready to take full control of your health, then this is the post you have been waiting for!

If you are squeamish of talking about “colons” and “enemas” then I strongly advise you to get over it if you want to be toxic free and healthy. Not only “sick” people need to boost their liver’s detoxifying properties, but everyone should, because we are surrounded by toxins on a daily basis.

You knew this post was coming, so gear up and get ready to learn.

coffee enema

How it all got started.

How did I get into doing coffee enemas? It started when I ventured into the GAPS diet over a year ago. Enemas are strongly recommended on the GAPS diet to make sure all the toxins are being expelled. I was not thrilled about this and actually had no idea what an enema was. I was horrified after reading about the enema process and though “you stick what up your butt?”. I buried the thought way in the back of my brain.

It was not long until I was getting severe die off  from all the detoxing I was doing. I remembered what I read about enemas- specifically coffee enemas and how it can “boost” you liver. I knew that is just what I needed.

I was doing the GAPS diet on my own. You should have seem my family’s faces when I cam home with a bag of bones or when I started eating beef tallow. Complete shock. Lets just say they have all come along way and actually have joined me in my strange ways. How was I ever going to get away with doing an enema if they cant even handle bone broth? I set my fears aside and just went ahead, bought the enema bag, and boiled the coffee.

I started with a water one first and let me tell you I was terrified I was going to tear my colon wall or my stomach was going to rip open from too much water. Neither of those have happened, and I was over exaggerating the process in my head. Words of wisdom to all the newbies- don’t think and just do it.

The worst that happened was I could not hold it more then 1 second (actually I could barley get 1/4 of the bag of water in me). I had stomach cramps and was nauseous for a few minutes (Im sure from 18 years of old junk stuck in that space), but it was over after I expelled the water. This does not happen to me anymore now that my colon is fairly clean.

The coffee enema immediately made the pain in my liver, and all over my body and head, slip away. I felt alive and like all my toxins were flushed down the drain (really!). Why did I not think of coffee enemas before? Ever since then, they are my go-to detox method for toxic symptoms.

I have not had a headache or bad stomach ache in over a year because coffee enemas are the first thing I do, even before I start the herbal teas. My digestion is better, my skin heals faster, and my total toxic load is lower. Coffee enemas are powerful and even reduce my allergic reactions! I cannot travel (yet) but when I do, I know that my coffee enema will be coming along with me.

Is your liver toxic?

In the world we live in, we all could use a little liver detox. There is no getting away from the toxins that people use (even if you don’t) on a daily basis.

  • constipation/bloating/digestive problems
  • bad breath
  • skin problems: Since the liver is overwhelmed with toxins, the skin (detox organ) helps to take over.  Eczema, acne, blemishes, rashes
  • weight loss or unable to gain weight
  • irritable/anger/rage: all connected emotions in TCM
  • brain fog/ poor concentration/ poor memory
  • depression/mood disorders/bi-polar
  • estrogen dominance/hormone problems/PMS
  • slow metabolism
  • allergies/ sensitive to everything (chemicals/pollens/foods)—hmm..sounds familiar!
  • hypoglycemia
  • excess gas
  • coated tongue
  • poor protein absorption
  • galbladder problems/gallstones
  • chronic fatigue
  • high cholesterol and blood pressure
  • frequent colds/ excess mucus/ low immune system
  • fatty liver
  • worsening eye site
  • Itching–I can relate to this one.

Why is the liver so important?

First lets address if you can use a little liver detox- shall we?

  • The liver preforms 500+ functions known in the body!
  • Carbohydrate metabolism: converts carbs to glucose to be used as energy throughout the body and brain.
  • Create (synthesize) amino acids to build proteins with as well as protein metabolism.
  • Secretes bile and bile salts needed to for fat digestion and proper enzyme secretion to break down all foods in the stomach.
  • Metabolize and change toxins so they can be excreted by the body (makes toxins into something less toxic in the body)- DETOX mechanism.
  • Contains special blood cells (Kupffer’s Cells) to kill bacteria and antigens.
  • Keeps blood glucose in balance.
  • liver cells (hepatocytes) break down fatty acids which then generates ATP
  • Synthesizes cholesterol and triglycerides within cells
  • Coverts ammonia (left over from too many amino acids) into urea– which can then excreted by the urine. (Ammonia is much more toxic then urea)
  • Ability to change and process hormones (thyroid convert T4 into active T3, estrogen, and aldosterone).
  • Detoxes drugs, medications, pesticides, dangerous vaccine components, and environmental toxins (we breath, bath, and put on our skin).
  • Stores and releases (when needed) these vitamins: glycogen, vitamin A, D, E, K (fat soluble), vitamin b-12, copper and iron.
  • Along with the skin and kidneys, the liver forms active vitamin D for the body to use.
  • Detoxes and filters everything that comes in the intestines and all your blood (only organ that can do this).

After the liver “deals” with the toxins where do they go?

The liver is able to metabolize or change many toxins so they can be eliminated from the body. Some of them are shunted into the blood stream and then removed by the kidneys.  Others move to the bile, which is the secretion of the liver.  Bile flows to the gall bladder for storage and perhaps more transformation, and then the bile flows into the small intestine and hopefully the toxins are eliminated in the feces.  While this is very brief, it is the basic structure and functional set up of the liver.- Dr. Wilson

To learn how to keep your liver healthy with nutrition read here.

Are you regular?

“GAPS patients (child or adult) should NEVER be left constipated. Constipation is extremely harmful to the body. It is the grounds for all sorts of digestive disorders.” – Dr. Natasha McBride

Second, we have to cover the fact that having normal bowel moments each day is healthy and you NEED to do this. Having regularity allows the body to get rid of all the toxins you eat and are exposed to. Without expelling your waste, the toxins can get stuck in the colon and reabsorbed back into the blood stream. This only will make you more toxic, putting a heavy burden on your liver to filter more.

Our goal is to help the liver detox so the body can start functioning better. There are many things that can stop a body from going regularly to the bathroom. You know if its a problem with your body. Here are my suggestions:

Dr. Wilson writes a good article about constipation here. <–love his articles

  • Diet: Look into what you eat? Is your food too yin (constricting)? Do you eat enough bulk- cooked veggies are more yang.
  • Exercise: Getting the lymph moving is important for moving digestion along as well as detoxing the body.
  • Minerals/water: Make sure the water you drink is hydrating your cells (RO does not do this) and has correct mineral balances. Too much or too little water can be harmful too. I use celtic sea salt each day.
  • Magnesium baths/supplements: Magnesium is helpful in rebuilding the bodies stores as well as hydrating the colon. Be careful with magnesium supplements as they can dehydrate the body and cause loose stools. A good supplement/drink is this one (I use this occasionally). I would favor magnesium baths (I use these bath flakes) and oil over supplements.
  • Toxicity: When the body is toxic in heavy metals or the mineral ratios are off, constipation can follow.
  • Probitoics/fermented foods: The poo is full of bacteria. Probioitcs help keep the colon full of friendly bacteria. A healthier gut means you digest food easier and eliminate better. I use this probiotic.
  • Herbs: (rhubarb root, senna leaf, or Cascara sagrada bark). These herbs are mild laxatives but it is not good to rely on these long term.
  • water enema: This can be done to help relive constipation but also to clean the colon before you do a coffee enema. A pinch of sea salt can be added fore extra minerals
  • Bile: It is important to have sufficient bile flow for a clean colon. If you liver is sluggish/toxic, your diet is too low fat, or you are constipated then I would suggest looking into ox bile supplements. I find that this brand is free of additives and does its job.

**Keep this in mind: Dr. Gerson says : “Patients have to know that the coffee enemas are not given for the function of the intestines but for the stimulation of the liver.”

Basics: What is a coffee enema?

Before I get into the nitty gritty details let me explain what a coffee enema really is. A coffee enema is special because it does not just detox the colon, but the liver too! The colon and the liver are connected (I explain how below in “how does it (exactly) work to detox?”). To get the big picture of where you are “putting” the coffee, look at this Anatomy picture of the colon.

Technically, the coffee enema is a coffee implant and a retention enema.  This means that one implants or applies the coffee herb into the colon, and the procedure is to retain the coffee mixture for 15-20 minutes. A coffee enema is an ancient herbal hydrotherapy procedure.  It consists of filling an enema bag or bucket with a mixture of about 2 to 4 cups of filtered or distilled water, and ¼ to 2 tablespoons of coffee that has been boiled or percolated for up to 12 minutes or so.  One filters the coffee grounds before putting the liquid in the enema bag.  One then places this mixture in the colon and retains it for about 15 minutes.  At this time, the liquid is expelled into the toilet. -Dr wilson

Yeah so you basically are sticking coffee up your colon. This may seem harsh and gross, but actually it has been used for many years and has been proven to be one of the most therapeutic liver detoxifiers. The Gerson Institute heals cancer patients and you are actually required to do coffee enemas as part of your treatment. Its that powerful.

The worst part if getting over your “enema fears”. I will help you through those in a section below (“yikes…enema fears”). Water enemas have been used for hundreds and thousands of years and was once well known and accepted as a way to rid the body of illness and toxins. Don’t let society rumors stop you from this amazing therapy–I sure don’t.

How does it (exactly) work to detox?

You are probably wondering how the coffee gets into your liver!? I wondered this too at first and decided to find out why. Here is what I found.

The very last part of the colon, before reaching the rectum, is in an “S” shape and called the sigmoid colon. By the time stool gets to this part of the colon, most nutrients have been absorbed back into the bloodstream. Because the stool contains products of putrefaction at this point, there exists a special circulatory system between the sigmoid colon and the liver. There is a direct communication of veins called the enterohepatic circulation. This circulatory system enables toxin to be sent directly to the liver for detoxification, rather than circulating them through the rest of the body and all of its vital organs including the brain. This system of veins carries rectal / sigmoid toxins directly to the liver for detoxification. When a coffee enema is used, the caffeine from the coffee is preferentially absorbed into this system and goes directly to the liver where it becomes a very strong detoxicant. It causes the liver to produce more bile (which contains processed toxins) and moves bile out toward the small intestine for elimination. This seems to free up the liver to process more incoming toxic materials that have accumulated in the organs, tissues and bloodstream. The coffee contains some alkaloids that also stimulate the production of glutathione-S-transferase, an enzyme used by the liver to make the detox pathways run. It is pivotal in the formation of more glutathione, one of the main conjugation chemicals, enabling toxins to be eliminated via bile into the small intestine. So in other words, a coffee enema speeds up the detoxification process and minimizes the backlog of yet to be detoxified substances.

What about bile?:

Here is what this handy article has to say about our bile:

  • Coffee enemas prevents the resorption of bile and the toxins contained in expelled bile.
  • The body recycles bile up to 10 times, reabsorbing bile and bile salts through the intestinal walls. It is one of the ways the body conserves its resources.
  • Bile carries toxins out of the liver through the gallbladder. Because bile is reused, a large portion of the toxins tends to be reabsorbed along with the bile.
  • Choloretic (bile flow stimulating) herbs like dandelion, milk thistle and oregon grape can help increase bile flow and benefit fat digestion. HOWEVER, they do NOT keep bile, bile salts, and toxins carried in the bile from re-toxifying your body.
  • Just stimulating bile flow with herbs will not quickly detoxify the body. But coffee enema WILL!
  • Coffee enema activates and intensifies certain enzyme systems that ensure that around 98% of toxins in released bile will be safely carried out of your body!
  • It does not allow the liver to reabsorb toxic bile through the permeable walls of the gut. Therefore, it is the most effective means of utilizing natural enzyme systems of the liver and small intestine to detoxify the blood stream.

Gallbladder “squirt”!

If you have the right amount of coffee you will hear your gallbladder “squirt” (or gurgle). Sometimes people don’t hear it squirt- but if you do, that is a good indication you have put enough coffee in. You can always try and add more coffee (1/2 tbsp at a time) to make it release the bile, but monitor other symptoms so you don’t get over stimulated.

If you do end up using too much coffee, I suggest doing a water enema to flush the excess coffee. If the gallbladder is weak or clogged give it a week or 2 to get the “squirt” im talking about. Though mine was more like a rumble feeling.

coffee

Different from drinking coffee:

The intestine has two circulatory systems attached to it.  One system supplies the intestines with blood for maintenance of the intestinal tissues.  The other system is called the portal system.  It is a critical body system that draws all of the absorbed nutrients from the intestines and sends them directly to the liver. In other words, when you eat food, it does not go into the bloodstream, as everyone thinks. Only a tiny part of it does, which is the nutrients that are absorbed in the mouth, esophagus and stomach.  All the rest of the nutrients go into the portal system and go to the liver, not the general bloodstream.  Here, the nutrients are further processed by the liver before entering the main blood stream. So when coffee is introduced into the colon, it is absorbed directly into the liver through the colon wall.  Coffee has a special affinity for the liver, and moving it there from the colon is very different than sending it to the liver by drinking it.  When coffee is ingested by mouth, it is digested by the stomach acids, mainly, and most of its herbal medicine properties are destroyed. Coffee taken by mouth is okay as a stimulant, laxative, and perhaps a smooth muscle relaxant. One cup of regular coffee daily is okay for most people, but not highly recommended, and more is harmful.- Dr Wilson

Benefits:

The benefits of coffee enemas may surprise you. It has not only a powerful effect on the liver and colon but the whole body. You will only know how healthy your body can feel after if you try it.

  • Cleans out the colon and helps improve function in colon muscles.
  • Eliminates parasites: it flushes out old debris and bugs from the colon as well as flushing out the ones you may be killing off with herbs.
  • Detoxes the liver and helps repair it.
  • Increases glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the liver (aka master detoxifier) by 700%. This enzyme binds with toxins and then the toxins are flushed out through the colon.
  • Boosts energy: Allowing the coffee to absorb into the bloodstream directly stimulates the gallbladder to flush out toxins. Toxins are known to decrease oxygen transfer and “clog” up the blood with harmful substances. Allowing the blood and oxygen to flow free and clean in the body gives a person a bit more energy. -don’t let the coffee “sit-inside-of-you too long or the caffeine may give you a buzz (not the kind of energy you want).
  • Improves digestion: Giving the liver a boost by detoxing it can help gas, bloating, and digestion issues because it is addressing the liver and gallbladder (produces bile to help digestion) which are both crucial to the digestive process.
  • “squirts” the gallbladder: The coffee may stimulate bile flow, which is needed to digest fats and kill harmful bacterias. After a few coffee enemas you may hear a squirt near the middle-right ribcage.
  • Mental clarity and mood: A coffee enema increases detoxification which speeds up the duplication of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen so there ends up being an increase (healthy amount) in the body- and brain! When there is enough oxygen in the brain you will think better. Good bye brain-fog!
  • Eases “die off”: When you are detoxing with herbs/sauna/ baths then your body and liver can easily get full of toxins. A coffee enema will not only help your liver function better but it will also keep the toxins from reabsorbing or recirculation and doing more damage. This helps speed up a healing reaction. I also find it works to speed up a cold /flu.
  • Reduces toxic load in the body: edema, headache, joint pain, disease, illness  are all common symptoms of a “toxic body”.
  • Migraines/headache: Usually a sign of blood vessels constricting. My headache cures are magnesium baths and coffee enemas. The coffee helps to dilate blood vessels while removing harmful toxins that can be the cause of the inflammation or headache in the first place.
  • Purifies blood: Kahweol and cafestol pulminate (found in coffee) stimulate glutiothione-S-transferase (GST). GST is a enzyme system in the liver that captures toxins in the bloodstream. The bound toxins are then flushed out with the enema. Every 3 minutes, all the blood in the body passes through the liver. This process leaves the blood clean and less toxic.
  • Prevents and heals chronic illness: Many times illness arises when the body has too many toxins and tried to cope. Regularly detoxing the liver helps the body function better so it can prevent or help the body heal from an illness.
  • makes the body more yangDr Wilson explains that your body become yin when you are sick and plagued with toxins. Your should strive to make your body more yang with cooked veggies, saunas, and coffee enemas.
  • Clears complexion: Because a coffee enema purifies the blood, more nutrients are available to nourish your skin. In TCM the liver and skin are closely connected so when your liver is overburdened with toxins the skin will show it.
  • Tones colon wall: The theophylline in coffee absorbs through the colon wall which dilates the blood vessels & increases blood supply to the colon. Increased blood improves colon muscle tone and health. Toxins that were stuck to the colon wall are now being flushed out so the colon has a chance to work free of toxic “sludge”.

Colon reflex points:

I am SO excited I found this. During my first colonic I remember staring at a chart like this and was mesmerized. I was asking way to many questions to the colon hyro-therapist (what a way to break the awkwardness-right?) as to what happens when that point gets “hit” by water. She explained that once the toxic materials attached to that part of the colon are released (which can take many enemas or colonics) that corresponding organ can work better, much like acupuncture opens up meridians. Cool right?

Who should do one?

Anyone with a toxic liver can benefit from coffee enemas. We are all exposed to too many toxins daily so it is a good practice for most people to look into. Dr. Nicholas Gonzales tells us, “Regular use of coffee enemas help you eliminate a lifetime of toxins in only a year or two”. Plastics and heavy metals have a long life in our bodies (much longer then 2 years) and are stubborn, so coffee enemas are a hopeful and effective treatment for people who are plagued with illness, caused by toxins .

If you are detoxing your body with your diet such as juicing, GAPS, elimination diet, supplements, etc. then this is especially a good time to pull out the coffee pot. The reason is because you are nourishing your cells, and as you do this, they start to dump out the junk. This dumping out of toxins is also called “die-off”.

Coffee enemas not only clean the colon but they help the liver to function better so you don’t get “detox symptoms” from whatever changes you are making. It is a requirement for people doing the Gerson Therapy. It is highly recommended if you are on the GAPS diet. For anyone who suffers allergies or chronic health conditions, coffee enemas will be a big relief!

Caution: (if you are questioning doing a coffee enema because of a serious health conditions- ask your doctor)

Before you start something it is always best to find a few sources. Each condition is different and you need to make the best decision for your body. Here are some precautions I would say don’t do an enema or at least work with a practitioner to monitor you.

  • Extreme toxicity (heavy metal exposure)-detoxing can be dangerous for some people.
  • Inflamed colon/bowel-(colitis & IBS)
  • Allergic to coffee
  • Young children- wait until the child can handle the effects of the caffeine in the coffee. (water ones are ok though)
  • Pregnant: not normally recommended because there are risks involved, but Dr. Wilson says they are fine. A water one would be safer.

Supplies:

**stainless steal and other metal pots leach metals into the coffee liquid as you boil it, because it is acidic. If you have the budget it may be worth checking out these glass stock pots, I love mine! You don’t want heavy metals in your enema coffee. Because the coffee is not going to be boiling in the enema bucket, I find that stainless steel is still much safer then latex or plastic buckets (it is a quick flow from the bucket into your colon and you are not boiling the coffee). Stainless steel degrades slower then plastic and latex.

What kind of enema bucket?

Just like everything else you are using, it is important to get a non-toxic enema bucket and tubing. Now I am guilty of buying the latex red enema bag you see in the picture. I was new at it and I did not want to go make a big deal about it and buy a fancy enema bucket! ha. I wish I would have known to just buy a good one in the first place. Regular enema bags or even some plastic buckets are filled with toxic latex, vinyl, PVC or plastic. Yuck, hopefully I did not do too much extra harm to my body. These materials have cancer causing elements that leach out from acid.

Coffee is very acidic and can pull these toxins out…and you dont want that in your body. I know you may think the coffee is just flowing through, but after you do it over and over agin the materials wear away and are more likely to leach more. I would suggest buying a stainless steel one (I like this one), which is going to be stronger/durable then plastic or latex.

If you budget is tight then buy a BPA free plastic one. The buckets are far easier to clean and are made for frequent enema use. You get to choose your bucket size. You can get a harness to hang the bucket too. Personalizing your enema routine sounds silly but can help reduce your toxic load even more.

enema coffee

Coffee enema recipe:

  1. Measure out your coffee ( I buy pre-ground coffee) and water and pour into your tea pot. 
  2. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
  3. Cover and simmer for 15 more minutes (The 15 minute cooking is suppose to help the coffee become more yang and leach all the important detoxifying nutrients out. Sick people/illness tends to be yin and doing a coffee enema with yang coffee helps to balance things out in the body)
  4. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. (don’t put hot glass on col surface or under cold water- it will shatter).
  5. Pour coffee carefully (so the granules don’t  fall in with the liquid) or use a fine mesh strainer into a ball jar. (I personally don’t use a strainer- but it is helpful because the grains can “clog” up the hose). *dont use a paper cloth to filter because then you loose a lot of the prime elements (cafestol) in the coffee.
  6. Fill up the rest of the ball jar with 1 1/2- 3 1/2 cups of water (im guessing the coffee liquid reduced some). You can use as little as 2 cups of liquid or as much as a quart (4 cups).
  7. Now you can use in your enema bucket.

* it may be easier to make the coffee recipe doubled or tripled so you have it already made for the next ones. I store extra coffee in the refrigerator.

What type of water?

Water quality is important-as always. I would suggest using filtered water. I use this Berkley filter.

City water is filled with chlorine and fluoride which is linked to hardening of arteries, cancer and thyroid disease. Do not use bottled water stored in plastic (it leaches BPA). Even well water can pick up toxic heavy metals from plumbing.

Just because you are not drinking the  tap water does not mean it is ok to use in other ways. The water form the coffee enema gets absorbed into the colon and is filtered though the kidneys. Using clean water eliminates stress on the kidneys.

What kind of coffee?

I personally use this Certified organic enema coffee. It is un roasted and specifically designed (7 types of beans blended) for enema use. I like this kind because when they created the blend they had enemas in mind. It contains 48% higher caffeine and  87% higher palmitic Acid the regular coffee. It is the choice enema coffee for the Gerson protocol, Dr. William D. Kelley’s Protocol, certain hospitals and many holistic practitioners.

I buy the pre ground enema coffee because they say it is very very hard to grind un roasted coffee beans on your own (they are much harder). They did testing and found that the pre ground does not loose any of its elements. Store the coffee in a dry, cool, and dark place to retain freshness.

It is always important to buy organic coffee. Normal organic coffee that you can buy at the store is ok to use too. A light roast is recommended because it has higher caffeine levels (which are needed to dilate veins to liver). Non-organic coffee defets the purpose of doing a coffee enema. You are trying to help your body get rid of toxins and non organic coffee is full of pesticides then I don’t see the point.

S.A. Wilsons has the best price if you order in bulk directly from the website, but if you are in need of a bag asap you can also find it on Amazon here.

How much coffee?

You can use 1/2 tsp or 4 Tbsp or somewhere in between (per enema or quart of water-typical coffee enema size). I know this is a very wide range.

Children and caffeine sensitve people will need to start low. You will evenually build tolerance up. Too little coffee is not beneficial but too much will give you the coffee buzz. You know when you have the right amount when you can hold it for 15 and feel good, alert, and your mental clarity increases.

You will notice your sensitivity to the amount of coffee may decrease after time. The coffee enema may not give you the same results from using 1/2 tsp like it did the first time. Then it is time to move up the dosage! Increase by 1 tsp or 1/2 tbsp at a time (I increased by 1/2 tbsp  every 4-8 days). Stop at 4 Tbsp per enema–this amount is quite strong, especially if you are using the special enema coffee.

coffee 43

How to do a coffee enema?

Here is a good tutorial video on “how to do a coffee enema”— don’t worry it is G rated 🙂

1. Make coffee: Use the “coffee recipe” above.

2. Set up: Pick a place to do the enema (preferably close to the toilet)–the bathroom. Set up a comfy spot. Lay down a few towels and find a spot to hang or set the enema bucket 18 inches or lower from the floor.

3. Lubrication: Use a small bit of coconut or olive oil on the end of the enema tip. You can also apply some on your bottom to help the tip slide in better.

4. Fill the bucket: Fill your enema bucket with the coffee liquid. Make sure the hose is securely connected. Double check to make sure it is a good temperature.

5. Clear the air bubbles: Release the clamp so the coffee flows to the end of the tip, then close the clamp. This releases all the trapped air in the tubbing. I suggest doing this over the toilet or bath tub incase it drips.

6. Get in position:

  • The easiest way is to lie on your back (with your knees bent)- I prefer this “pose”.
  • Another way is to lie on your left side (while the enema flows in) and roll to your right side after it is in, while you retain for 15 min. This roll from left to right helps the liquid get higher up into the colon as well as helping you release it easier.
  • You can also take the enema bent over on your knees. This is a easy method if you are giving one to a child.

*Wearing a bathrobe it helpful for easy access.

7. Insert the nozzle: Gently inset the plastic enema tip into your rectum. Do not push too hard but enough that when you release the liquid it does not squirt out.

Because of the shapes and formations of some people’s colons or of course if a child is being given the enema, it will be possible to insert the tube only a few inches. Occasionally, this is a permanent situation. Often, however, as the colon is cleaned and healed, the tube can eventually be inserted further.

8. Release clamp: Snap the clamp open and let the coffee liquid flow in. You can stop the clamp as often as you would like and is recommended so the colon slowly gets used to liquid coming in. You may have a feeling of warm liquid gurgling into your lower abdomen area (colon). The goal is to get the whole amount in, so there is no rush, the slower you go the easier it is for you to hold it.

** What if I cant fit all that liquid in before I have to go?.

If you can only get like 1/4 of the enema bag in until you get the urge to go, don’t hold it. It is sometimes easier to get the whole amount of coffee liquid if you

  1.  Have a natural bowel moment before hand
  2. Do a water enema before.

I prefer to use the methods I just listed instead of using up the coffee to make a bowel movement the first time around- then you have to make more coffee. I find it much easier to hold the coffee enema after I have emptied my bowel. Remember a coffee enema is not about releasing lots of “bulk” but instead releasing toxins.

9. Remove nozzle: Once all the liquid is in, slowly remove the nozzle. If you feel an urge to release after you remove the nozzle, maybe you should try keeping the nozzle it in next time around.

10. Hold the enema: The goal is to hold the enema for 15-20 minutes. Look at “what if I can’t hold it” in the section below for tips.

11. Wait 15 min: While you retain the enema for 15 minutes stay laying or sitting down. Many people say stay lying on your right side so gravity help the coffee go to your liver. I find that laying on your back is more comfortable and just as effective. I have also stayed sitting too. Do what ever you need to do to keep the enema in.

It is advised not to go stand up and walk around with the enema in you. (if the doorbell rings- don’t answer it!). Meditate/pray, read a book or bring along your ipad to keep yourself occupied. Make sure you keep tack of the time or set an alarm.  If you think you can do 20 minutes- go for it. It is not necessary to go beyond 30 minutes and actually it can absorb too much and will make you jittery (form the caffeine) or you will have a harder time expelling it. Listen to your natural urge to go.

*its usually within this 15-20 min that the gallbladder with “squirt”.

12. Expel enema: After the 15-20 is up, quickly make your way to the toilet (without leaking) and expel the liquid. It may smell bad and that is because the toxins are being released.

  • Use a stool or squatty potty to get the right form to help your body expel to its potential.
  • Use acupressure points to help your body release and relax. These points can also help relieve any cramping or nausea that may some with this step. Pressing below the belly button can also help relax the muscles.
  • Give your body time! Do not rush this process because it an result in a major urge later on when you are not prepared (trust me I know!). Sometimes it can take over 10 minutes to fully expel the liquid and “stuff”, especially if you reached higher up into the colon.
  • Stay home for 1 hour: You may get an urge to release more “stuff” even up to an hour after the enema. This is because after being up and walking around the intestines get a little “exercise” and the matter that packed to the colon wall gets hydrated and released. After you get used to enemas you will know your time frame and it may decrease as your muscles get more tone.
  • Don’t forget to breath!

13. Clean the bucket: Don’t forget to clean your enema bucket! Rinse with food grade hydrogen peroxide (I use this one) and water a few times. Let this liquid flow through the tubbing too. You may have to scrub the bucket form time to time to prevent any “coffee scum” from forming.

14. 2-in-a-row: Taking 2 coffee enemas in a row is even more powerful then one. Im not sure exactly what the “science” is behind it but I can just guess it speeds the detoxification process. It also helps the matter that get hydrated and “loosened” form the colon wall to be expelled.

Sometimes after 1 coffee enema I feel worse and that is because accumulated waste that was stuck to the colon wall for months, maybe years is now being released. Most likely, that accumulated waste contains toxins and when toxins are released it is natural to get detox symptoms. Also, after a reaction I have learned that taking 2 in a row makes a big difference to relieve the “drunk” feeling  or “brain fog”.

15. After the enema: I you feel weak after the enema, replenish electrolytes by drinking bone broth, fresh vegetable juice, or sea salt on food. If you feel sick form detox- do another enema (up to 3).

You are free to do what ever your day bring- exercise,going to the park, baking, school, work, etc. Don’t forget to leave up to 1 hour after the enema just incase you body decided to release more. I found that after a few weeks of doing enemas regularly I did not have to wait the full hour because my colon got better at expelling all in one sweep.

What time of day?

I find it quite fascinating that my body naturally like enemas after I eat and before bed. I find I wake up easier and with more energy. I do not get stimulated by caffeine as easily as some people, but I still have to be careful to use less at night. I have better focus and am more relaxed after a coffee enema. Toxins can disrupt all systems on the body including the brain.

The most desired time to take the enema is after a meal. The stimulation of bile will aid in the digestive process. Taking an enema before a meal may cause discomfort. After dinner is a good time for those with poor digestion and constipation. The enema will empty the bowels before bed and improve liver detoxification throughout the night. The caffeine in the coffee enema does not get absorbed into the bloodstream and will not keep you awake at night. However, if you have a sensitive body type (easily stimulated) you may need to do the enemas early in the day, and use less coffee. It is possible to be stimulated if you do not release all of the coffee enema (which is typically normal).

How long do I hold it?

You hold the coffee in your colon for 15 minutes (you can go up to 30). WHAT!? ….im guessing if you are a “newbie” that is what your reaction is. Don’t let the time frame scare you out of your pants! Practice makes for an easier time. When you practice holding then enema for “1 more minute” then eventually you will reach the 15 minute goal.

Clearing your colon first with a water enema can dramatically make a difference and can help you hold it the full way. This is important for many reasons. This amount of time is needed for 3 rounds of blood travels to portal vein. You want to maximize the amount of nutrients, antioxidants, alkaloids, and flavanoids found in the coffee. These nutrients activate the glutathione, so the 15 minutes is important to get the GST levels to high levels.

Scientific research shows that two forms of palmitic acid contained in coffee (cafestol palmitate and kahweol palmitate) activate glutathione s-transferase (GST). This enzyme is one of THE most powerful body detoxifiers. GST binds these destructive poisons with reduced glutathione (an amino acid that is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier), so they can’t escape, and escorts them safely out of the body. The coffee itself is also eliminated.

If you are a beginner then you can probably hold it for maybe a minute or two until you get the urge to “go!” Don’t hold it. You have more toxins and less practice then someone who does one everyday. I say try again (right away if you want) to see if you released enough to make it easier to hold it longer. The body is very good at adjusting, just give it some time.

enema 445

Where do I do it?

I suggest doing enemas in the bathroom. This is most common place for anything to do with #2 don’t you think? Lay down a yoga mat covered with towels or just layer some towels on the floor for cushion. I like to dedicate a big or beach towel (mainly because they are bigger) for enemas. Think about making a little “bed” for you to rest on while you hold the enema.

Make sure you have a place to hang or set the enema bucket on that is 18 inches or less from the floor. A towel rack works great. Bring in a book or iPad/iphone to distract yourself while you hold the enema. Make sure you set up your “enema station” before you get the enema in you. You don’t want to be up and walking around before its time to come out.

Its pretty simple- just make yourself comfortable. You also want to make sure you are close to the toilet. Oh and lock the door :).

What if I cant hold it?

Here are some tips and tricks to help you hold the enema for 15 minutes:

  • Increase retention time slowly: start with 5 minutes- work your way up to the desired 15 minutes (you can go up to 30). Its not a competition.
  • Try emptying your bowels before the coffee enema or do a water enema before hand.
  • Water temp: The water may be too hot or too cold, make sure it is room temp so you don’t shock your colon.
  • Do deep breathing (belly breathing). Relax and meditate.
  • Make sure bucket is 18 inches or less above the body- if it is too high the coffee will flow too fast.
  • Change positions: (back or right side) or pull your knees close to your stomach.
  • Pressure points: Press your thumb against the first knuckle on your ring finger: pressure point that helps cramping and gas.
  • Try abdominal massagelearn how to here (also good at helping release coffee)
  • Use less coffee liquid: It is recommended you use 2-4 cups of total liquid (adult size body). If you still cannot hold this try decreasing it just a little bit to see if it helps.
  • Elevate your pelvis: Roll up a towel to place under neath your pelvis so gravity helps keep the enema retained. This can also help the coffee flow in better.
  • While inserting the coffee, clamp the hose frequently.
  • Be patient, it will get easier.

Enema’s for kids:

Coffee enemas are not recommended for young kids. I would wait until they are old enough to retain the coffee. In the meantime you can do water enemas, salt water enemas, herbal tea enemas (camomile is recommended), and probiotic enemas. Many of these recipes are found in the GAPS book as well as online.

Benefits for kids: Water/herb/probitoic enemas are great at relieving constipation for little ones (they should have 1+ bowel movements a day). They are good at flushing out toxins from the colon wall as well as toxins circulating from allergic reactions or die off. Enemas can help reduce build up in the colon wall from a young age. They also help tone the muscles in the colon wall and can help future bowel movements.

Make enema’s “normal”: If you make enemas seem “normal” and do not surround the idea of taking one with social norms (gross, unsanitary, etc) then your kids will grow up thinking it is normal and healthy. I have heard stories of children actually telling their parents they “need an enema”. Kids are very intuitive and will only use enemas as needed.

Calm the kid: If you see your kids getting die off, bad behavior, rashes, allergic reactions it may be a good time for an enema. The bowel has a direct connection to the brain so cleaning out the toxins can have an immediate effect on behaviors and a sympathetic (fight or flight) state.

Smaller colons: Remember though, that kids have smaller colons so they require less liquid. Of course use your judgements if you kid is smaller, use less. If you kid is bigger, use more.

  • 0-2 years old: 1-3 Tbsp (use a baby enema bulk syringe)–directions here.
  • 2-6 years old: 1/4 -1/2 cup.
  • 6-12 years old: 1 cup – 1 1/2 cups
  • 13 + use regular instructions listed above (adult size).

Dr Natasha Campbell McBride has the best tips for giving enemas to kids. She uses them in the GAPS protocol for healing the gut and eliminating toxins in both young children and adults. Here are some of her tips (taken from  the GAPS book):

  • Make sure a child has an adult helper.
  • Make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
  • Try and distract the child with pleasant games, songs, iPad, stickers (anything that keeps them focused and allows them to connect the experience with happy memories).
  • Make a soft bed with towels under the enema bucket and close to the potty/toilet.
  • Your child may not get the full amount of water in- but you want to work up to it because that is when the best “internal cleaning” will be done.
  • The longer the water remain inside your child- the better the cleansing.
  • After a few enemas the child may be able to retain the full amount.
  • Never push anything on a child- let them tell you what is enough for their body.
  • “GAPS patients (child or adult) should NEVER be left constipated. Constipation is extremely harmful to the body. It is the grounds for all sorts of digestive disorders.” – Dr. Natasha McBride
  • Always try to find out what is the root cause your child’s constipation. Diet, lack of water, lack of probitoics, etc.

With babies I recommend to use enemas only for constipation and use only water. In children from around 2.5 – 3 years of age we can start adding kefir, whey, salt and bicarbonate of soda. The first enema with the child is crucial to make the child comfortable with the procedure. If the first enema went well, the child will be happy to have enemas regularly for years to come. I know hundreds of families who are doing enemas with their children. Children have no pre-conceived ideas about enemas, so there is no ‘psychological aspect’ for them. Pre-conceived ideas come from adults, and they should be careful not to pass their prejudices to the child.- Dr. Natasha McBride

child enema positions:

  • laying on his/her stomach with his knees pulled under him/her
  • laying across your lap (butt up)
  • With legs up (like you are going to change a diaper)
  • On their right with knees bent towards chest: staying on the right is easier then explaining they have to roll from left-to-right.

Child enema instructions: (ages 2-12 ) or until they don’t want their “mommy” doing it for them

  1. Give your child some liquid and nourishing food (just a snack to keep blood pressure stable).
  2. Have your child get in position (see child enema positions above).
  3. Fill enema bucket with liquid. Make sure the liquid is a good temperature.
  4. Keep the bucket 2 feet away from the child’s bottom.
  5. Insert the nozzle about 1-2 cm deep. Do not push the nozzle- just deep enough for the liquid to flow in.
  6. Release the clamp and go SLOW so your child does not cramp. Clamp frequently.
  7. When the liquid is gone, remove the nozzle.
  8. Have your child lay on their right side or on their back for as long as they can.
  9. Let your child tell you when he/she has the urge to go to the bathroom (from 1-10 minutes). encourage them to hold it for 5 minutes. Holding the enema will get easier after a few.
  10. Let them release the enema on the toilet. This may be uncomfortable as they release toxins, so bring a book for them to read. Allow as much time as they need to release the liquid.
  11. Disinfect the enema bucket with food grade hydrogen peroxide.

Caffeine sensitive (detox pathways):

I learn something new each day. Did you know that caffeine sensitivity actually indicates your phase 1 liver detox pathway is not functioning like it should?

If you are quite sensitive to caffeine, then your liver is not working properly. By sensitive I mean, if you take a few sips of coffee, you get a pretty significant buzz. You know if you’re sensitive or not because it does not make you feel good.

If you are caffeine sensitive, you have a sluggish phase 1 liver detoxification pathway.

Also, it is important to reduce eating things which reduce your phase 1 liver detoxification system. These are foods like:
sugar, grapefruit, quercetin, onions, curcumin.

Candida also reduces phase 1 liver detoxification due to the sheer overwhelming production of toxic acetylaldehyde being produced all the time. It is important to eradicate the yeast using probiotics and natural anti fungals.

There are medications which reduce phase 1 detoxification. Some of these phase 1 inhibiting medications are stomach acid blockers, antihistamines, antifungals, and some antidepressants. Of course, you cannot stop these medications without your doctor allowing you to do so.

Tips to improve your detox 1 pathway:

  • eat foods rich in b vitamins or take a b vitamin supplement (don’t take supplement close to bed time)
  • Take a whole food vitamin C supplement (camu camu powder)
  • Drink enough water (not too much) that has minerals in it for your cells to use.
  • Eat organic foods to nourish your body and lessen the toxic  burden.
  • Exercise and move your lymph.
  • Take coffee enemas!: Start with small amount of coffee and gradually build as pathway 1 gets un-clogged and you are able to tolerate more.

To read more about your detox 1 and detox 2 pathways and how coffee enemas help in each step read here. To get a quick summary of detox phase 1 and phase 2 and their functions click here.

History:

If you are anything like me, you will want to know how long enemas have been around for. When I first questioned “are they really safe” back when I was a scardy-cat, I turned to google to see if it was a procedure worth passing down in history.

To my surprise I was astonished to see enemas may have started as early as 1500 B.C!!  I then knew that if enemas were used way back then and are still used today (despite what people say and think), there has got to be something behind this “ancient practice”. Dont you think? That is all it took to get me started in my enema research and soon I was taking them myself to relieve symptoms and heal my body.

My second thought was, what did they use? It not like they had rubber bags or stainless steel buckets to hose the liquid into them. I found out they used animal bladders and hollow bones…umm I think I prefer using my enema bucket! ha. Read up on some more history here. (enema timeline)

It looks like the Egyptians knew what they were doing!

In earlier days, as early as 1500 B.C, an Egyptian, Ebers Papyrus has mentioned it. Some time around this period an Egyptian king also had a doctor, who was responsible for all enema related medical treatments. Even Greeks have written about the Egyptians cleanliness with use of enemas.

Facts have shown that in ancient times, enema was very much in the routine for some serious problems too. The Egyptians believed that all diseases were caused by superfluities of the food, which now most people believe to be true.

Did you know there was a time in history when enemas were actually popular…almost little too popular!

The 17th Century became known as the “age of the enema”, or the “age of clysters”. It was an acceptable practice in Parisian society to enjoy as many as three or four enemas a day, the belief being that an internal washing or “lavement” was essential to well-being. It is recorded that King Louis XIII had more than 200 enemas in one year.

The history of COFEEE enemas is actually fairly newer, and was not intentionally discovered.

The interesting thing that goes all the way back to World War I, at that time Germany was surrounded by the Allies and it was very difficult to get some of the tropical materials. Some of the things that we needed and yet all the time there were soldier being shot and having wounds and having to be attended by doctors and they needed painkillers and it was very difficult to get even a little bit so that during surgeries, the doctor had something to give the soldiers but when they got past the surgery and woke up in pain, there was nothing left. It had to go for the next patients and sometimes, the doctors even ordered water enemas but the nurses who were taking care of these young boys who were injured and had to have surgery and were in pain, they didn’t know what to do for them but there was always coffee available for the doctors because they often had to work 18 hours, 24 hours, 28 and 30 or more hours and they were kept awake by coffee but occasionally there was coffee leftover and the nurses thought “Well, the coffee is doing the doctors good, maybe it will help the patients.” So they poured some coffee into the enema buckets and the patients reported that it helped relieve their pain. -Dr. Gerson

After that “accident” the word got around and doctors/researchers at the university in Germany did some research and studies. They were amazed to find the caffeine was absorbed though the portal system to the bile, which caused the liver ducts to open and then release accumulated toxins in the liver. Wow!

 ZZ fear

Yikes…Enema fears!

  1. Busting the colon wall: The colon was is a muscle. Does your stomach burst if you drink too much water? No. It’s same idea. Your lower abdomen may feel very tight and “full” but it is not going to “bust open”. Actually by doing coffee enemas you are stregthening and toning your colon wall muscles. When accumulated toxic material is stuck to the colon walls, the muscles start to weaken. After you flush out this toxic material, the muscles “wake up” and start to tone themselves up. This can promote easier bowel movements in the long run. I would take precautions with IBS and like illnesses though- im not saying your colon will bust but it could be uncomfortable.
  2. Will I “leak”?: “leaking” a little of the coffee water back out is natural. That is why you put towels down on the floor. Its not like you are going to leak all the liquid out but maybe a few drips.
  3. Electrolyte imbalance: It is natural to loose salts when you do a colon flush. It is nothing to worry about or stop you from doing coffee enemas. There is an easy fix. Eat your sea salt or add 1/4 tsp to your drinking water after the enema (which ever you prefer). If you do a water one you can add in 1 tsp. of  Celtic sea salt to each quart of enema water. Actually being constipated can disrupt the natural electrolyte balance in your colon more then enemas can. So I say, eat your salt and do your enemas.
  4. I wont be able to hold it: Honestly, this takes practice. If you REALLY have to go- then go and try again. Don’t beat yourself up about this part. Increase by 1 minute or 1/2 a minute at a time if you have to.
  5. Detox Symptoms? The “stuff” you are going to excrete is most likely toxic. It is not uncommon to notice little things happening like a short headache, cramping, bad smelling poo, and or a wave of nausea. Once it is all out and in the toilet, your symptoms should go away. The detox symptoms come from the toxins being moved around. If symptoms linger, eating and drinking something will help. You can aways chug a little spoonful of charcoal to absorb any toxins still floating around.
  6. Cant get the nozzle in!: The most simple way to overcome this is lubrication. Use coconut oil or olive oil to help slide the nozzle in. Also make sure you are not too tense- this can contact the muscles in that area. You don’t have to put the nozzle in all the way- just enough that the liquid goes inside of you and not on the floor. You will not hurt yourself if you put the whole nozzle in though (adult body).
  7. Burning my butt: This one is simple. Don’t use hot coffee! My suggestion is to only boil about 1 cup of water with the coffee granules and then add cold/room temp water for the rest. This makes the water a safe temperature every time. Tip: make sure you can keep your finger in the coffee water for at least 5 seconds.
  8. Can physical damage be done?: Not if you use common sense. Use only enema equipment- small nozzle that comes with it. Use lubrication on the nozzle for easy access. Do not use more then minimal force- never force anything.
  9. Its messy!: If you follow all instructions then the process is fairly clean. Yes mess-ups happen and you may forget to close the clamp or the bucket may tip over- but these are mistakes. The toilet may get some splatter marks in it from the extra water force, but use a toilet brush to clean after you take an enema.
  10. yuck-im not sticking that up my butt!: okay, this one is a normal fear at first, but I bet you that you will easily forget about how “gross” the process may seem after a few enemas and after experiencing what good it can do to your liver.
  11. Will I disrupt the “good” colon flora?: Dr wilson has seen thousands of patients benefit from retention coffee enemas and has never seen a problem with unbalanced colon flora. Here is a good excerpt explaining the mechanisms on why enemas actually promote GOOD bacteria.
Some people say that enemas wash out intestinal flora and valuable nutrients. Is this so?
The truth is that the washing out of putrefied material in the large intestine, increases the good intestinal flora. Good bacteria can only breed in a clean environment, which has been washed free of putrefaction and it’s accompanying harmful bacteria. This is why the intestines of a newborn baby immediately begin to grow good intestinal flora. Each time you clean out the putrefying rubbish and make a better environment for the good flora, they start to multiply immediately in their natural media. It also stands to reason that valuable nutrients can better be absorbed in a clean environment than in a putrefied one

What can go wrong?

Need some help?

  • low blood sugar: Eat before the enema
  • Gas: Try a water enema before. Do stretching-yoga-deep breathing. Leave the tip inside of you so the air can escape back into the bag. You can also try abdominal massage going in a clockwise motion.
  • Trouble holding for 15 min: read “what if I cant hold it!” above
  • Caffeine jitters: Decrease the amount of coffee.
  • bucket too high or too low. You want it high enough (recommended 18 in or less) to be able to flow into you without going too fast but you dont want it so low the liquid does not flow.
  • Coffee too cold or too hot: Please don’t burn yourself and don’t shock your colon with cold water. Room temperature is best.
  • The enema parts: Make sure the tubbing is securely attached so it does not spray all over. Also make sure the nozzle is far enough in (or else it will leak all over).
  • lock the door: do I need to say more?

Can you do too many?

Dr Gerson recommends his patients (who are chronically and severely ill) do several (up to 6) a day)–though this is not really recommended because it can cause some imbalances. According to Dr. wilson 1-3 a day is an ok amount. Many people say not to do more then 1 every few days to let the bowel normalize. I can see their concern so one does not rely on them, but many people do enemas for years (Gerson’s cancer patients and Dr. Wilson) and can still have a normally functioning bowel. Remeber anything good can be overdone and become bad. Listen to your body, once you do one, your body remembers. So if you “feel” like a coffee enema, listen to that instinct.

It can be very useful to keep up with daily enemas for a few weeks or months if you have any symptoms related to detoxing or toxicity. It works both ways. Knowing how to do a water and coffee enema is a timeless practice that any member of your family can benefit from. Not only did I learn how to cope with detox symptoms but I have the knowledge and power to heal my body.

Junk and toxins in the intestines and blood only make us sicker. We should not wait around until we get very sick to take control of our health. Doctors can help us fix problems and figure things out that we cannot do ourselves. I always like to find ways that I can help my body on a daily basis. Coffee enemas are just something that keep the body functioning to its potential. I use them when I notice my mental clarity decrease, a toxic headache, a stomach ache, or after a major reaction.

My take on it is this: If you are toxic you need to get it out. The body has an amazing ability to adapt. After a few weeks of enemas you colon muscles should be healthier and stronger. If after you stop coffee enemas your bowel moments do not come back in a day or two, the colon is still sluggish. Years of accumulated toxins will weaken the colon muscles.

I found that after I stop coffee enemas for a few days, my bowel movement will come back the next day, which is an indication my colon is still working and actually quite healthy. I continue coffee enemas because I am releasing toxins on a daily basis from saunas, detox baths,supplements, juicing, and simply a healthy lifestyle (which naturally allows the cells to eliminate toxins). I feel loss toxic and healthier when I do my coffee enemas so I will continue to do them as I heal my body.

I would not worry about taking too many coffee enemas. Use common sense and listen to your body. Make sure to replenish electrolytes by eating sea salt and eating nourishing foods. Take a probitoic to help normal intestinal flora and promote healthy elimination. If you do some hard digging research im sure you can find people being overzealous with coffee enemas and caused problems. Think of how many people who are very sick and even have cancer who do coffee enemas not only 1x but many times a day for years.

Only by detoxing the body of harmful toxins can we heal. Coffee enemas are a powerful tool to do just that.

~Stay Gutsy, Caroline

resources:

  • http://www.peak-health-now.com/coffee-enema-pages.html–very good resource! http://gerson.org/gerpress/faqs-detox/ http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/enema1.php http://www.drlwilson.com/ARTICLES/LIVER%20DETOX.htm http://www.peak-health-now.com/coffee_enema_facts.html http://www.sawilsons.com/basicenema.htm http://gnowfglins.com/2013/02/06/no-way-im-not-doing-that/# http://drlwilson.com/Articles/CONSTIPATION.HTM http://gerson.org/gerpress/ http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2011/07/coffee-enemas-what-can-go-wrong/ http://purelifeenema.com/buckets-and-kits/ http://drlwilson.com/Articles/LIVER.HTM http://www.drlwilson.com/ARTICLES/LIVER%20DETOX.htm http://www.drlwilson.com/ARTICLES/COFFEE%20ENEMA.HTM http://www.laparoscopic.md/digestion/liver http://www.naturalnews.com/038429_health_benefits_coffee_enema_detox.html http://www.gallbladderattack.com/coffeeenema.shtml http://www.ehow.com/about_5412733_benefits-coffee-enemas.html http://www.enemabag.com/how_to_take_an_enema.html#abdominal_massage http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2011/07/coffee-enemas-what-can-go-wrong/ http://www.seekinghealth.com/blog/coffee-enema-instructions http://www.sawilsons.com/basicenema.htm
  • http://www.healthbeyondhype.com/coffee-enema-ezp-18.html http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBody/Digestion/Liver_Functions.php http://www.foodrenegade.com/your-liver-understanding-the-keys-to-health/
  • http://drlwilson.com/Articles/LIVER.HTM
  • https://secure.eznettools.net/D305742/X367201/science/health-issues/liv-symp.html
  • http://www.peak-health-now.com/coffee-enema-questions.html
  • http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/enema/enema-history.aspx
  • http://whale.to/a/colon.html
  • http://www.cpnonline.org/CRS/CRS/pa_enemahom_hhg.htm
  • http://drdavidbrownstein.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html
  • http://www.leaflady.org/P1P2.htm
  • http://realhealthtalk.com/Coffee_Enemas.html

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disclosure 3
05.05.2013

The real truth about H. pylori: allergies, autoimmune, & adrenal fatigue

*Update* I want to post an update for this post because It has become so popular! (I’m so happy my experience is helping others).

I had reinfection that lasted several months (because it took me that long to match my symptoms with h. pylori again). I tried a few things like colloidal silver and a few foods. I had run out of the herb trio and a tried essential oils and olive leaf extract. I was interested and the more research I did, the more I realized there are lot of different approaches to killing it. H. pylori typically is not a solo infection but comes with a weakened immune system and other health conditions. It’s hard to distinguish whats what too (treating the whole body is always important).

So I am put together a Gutsy h. pylori Facebook group (join HERE) for all of you to ask questions about h. pylori and see what works! 

 


 

In my last post (healing update #5) I told you I have h. pylori. It is not a fun thing to have. It creates SO much destruction in the gut and organs and pretty much can ruin your body. The #1 thing you do not want to do is let it overgrow-trust me, it is much worse then the detox. So, lets begin.

h. pylori is short for Helicobacter pylori

Research

If you don’t know anything about h. pylori I suggest you watch these video’s. I have done lots of research over the past months and these videos are very detailed and explain the biochemical process your body goes through and what the h. pylori does (what vitamins it takes away, detox pathways it ruins, etc..) to the body. I wont lie- they are long, but if you are serious about eradicating the h.pylori for good, then you need to know your facts.

h. pylori- another piece to the puzzle

h. p- part 2

I find Dr. Amy is a very thorough Dr. and researcher and her protocol and testing techniques actually work. Here is her site.

h pylori 2

The confusion

H. pylori is pretty common and a lot of people don’t even know they have it. From what scientists can test- It is the most common infection in the world! When you do know you have it, most likely it is because you are already having un plesent symptoms.

Im not going to list all the symptoms here all because it can pretty much be anything. Not just digestion related/ulcers. Lots of doctors think it stays in the stomach. Nope. It can travel and infect any organ it likes to.

Not only does h. pylori invade but since it reduces stomach acid- (because it likes an base environment to grow) then other parasites and bugs have a easy time thriving. Acid kills, without acid-bad bugs will live in you. yuck.

Many people say that most people infected have no symptoms. Though, I disagree because now I know that it does only produce stomach related symptoms. (Brain fog, thyroid, allergies, fatigue, parasites, and other chronic illnesses are related to h. pylori). Who knew! The reason why I was not diagnosed earlier was because I did not have ulcers, or severe stomach pain. I had all the other symptoms no one could figure out and put the pieces together.

How to treat h.pylori?

There are tons of methods to treat h. pylori.

  • Antibiotics- Which are now clinically proven to not work long term.
  • Herbs-There are so many to count but there is good list that are proven to kill it effectively. (I have lists below)
  • Baking soda or acids- Which one do you choose? It is important to understand the “science” behind it all to know HOW to get rid of h. pylori. Read the section “a note on acids”
  • Gums: (I did not want to include this in “herbs” so it got its own category. Mastic gum is the most common and very good at killing h. pylori.

It is hard to get rid of

H. pylori is stubborn. If you were a bacteria, you would think of a million ways to stay alive-right? H. pylori got the brains so it decided to “hide” and bury itself in the mucus layer in the stomach lining- and other places it infects. You cant just kill it without provoking it out.

Not only that, but even after you eradicate it- it can take up to 6+ months to finally start felling really normal again because it can do so much damage. Your body needs time to rebuild nutrient stores and learn how to function like the body intended (without the bacteria thriving in you).

How is it transmitted?

Over half of the world’s population host H. pylori in their upper G.I. tract. Infection tends to be more prevalent within developing countries and less in western civilizations because of the health care provisions available.

The route of transmission of H. Pylori is unknown, although it’s noted that individuals typically become infected in childhood. H. pylori has a helix shape that is thought to have evolved in order to penetrate the stomach’s mucoid lining.

 

Possible routes of infection include either oral-oral or fecal-oral, iatrogenic spread with inadvertent use of unsterile pH probes and endoscopes, and vectorial spread by flies.

Many sources say it is easily transmitted so it is advised to treat the whole family (and pets) with the herbal regime so you do not get re-infected. I am planning on doing this. I still have to do a bit more research about what herbs are safe for pets.

bacteria

What are the facts- why is it SO bad?

Let me just  explain WHY you may feel so terrible. The longer the infection has been in your body and the weaker you are- the more likely that these symptoms will be on the severe side.

Allergies: 

This is because the h. pylori sort of “drills” holes in the gut, allowing big food molecules in the blood stream. This in turn will cause an “allergic reaction” because the body is always fighting against things (aka. leaky gut).

Swelling, sneezing, itching all have a purpose- to dilute or get rid of toxins produced by the body when it reacts to these things. Food, smells, chemicals, toxins, touching things, breathing- any of these are possible to give a person with h. pylori problems. Allergies are secondary to h. pylori. 

 “IgG food sensitivities and IgE food  allergies. It is my personal opinion, and what I have seen using this  program that IgG food sensitivities are related to leaky gut (often secondary to H.pylori). What happens is the system is exposed to foods that it should not be, due to the  fact that the barrier is leaky. As we address the leaky gut itself as  well as the underlying cause the sensitivity to those foods seems to  diminish.”- Dr. Amy.

Messes up our detox pathways:

This is the most destructive thing in my opinion. Detox is vital to staying alive! The detox methylation pathways NEED certain vitamins and amino acids to work.

The h. pylori takes a lot of these important “middle men” that work to keep our detox pathways open and running. So basically h. pylori shuts down some of your detox pathways. This makes people sick, sick, sick. Anything is possible at this point. Touching or just breathing in foods/chemicals/pollens can make you go crazy or pass out. Your body just keeps recirculation toxins and your liver gets overwhelmed, swollen, and full!

Autoimmune disorders:

This may get a little tricky- try to follow me. When the h. pylori decided to make a home in your body, it needs certain materials to do that. It needs to neutralize acid. It needs certain vitamins (vb-12 is one of them).It needs to make enzymes to help keep it alive – its enzymes use up manganese- leaving the body deficient in manganese. Manganese is needed to fight free radicals. Without it cell membranes and the DNA are damaged.

In the process it throws off phospholipid, DNA, uradine (helps with brain connection–brain fog anyone?), and pretty much starts messing with the mitochondria. The mitochondria houses the body’s energy (ATP). So now the body is zapped of ALL energy and things start to work slower.

Detox pathways start to shut down because of what I explained in the above points Once this happens then toxic metals start accumulating in the body’s tissues. They can settle wherever they like-brain/thyroid/pancreas, etc.

The cells are smart so they will “trap” and “hide” the heavy metals which are a threat to the body- especially the brain. Once they “trap” the heavy metals in the cell, the body starts to attack the cell-trying to get to the heavy metal to kill it. Autoimmune is the body attacking itself. But really it is attacking the antigen inside the cell. Now this process is not going to be the same for everyone-but you get the point. If you want to learn more about autoimmunity and its process read this free book.

Minerals:

Sine the h. pylroi has blocked absorption (due to neutralizing acid in your stomach), minerals are not going to be absorbed.

Detox pathways also help eliminate excess heavy metals ( “bad” minerals) and since the pathways are blocked the heavy metals will take over binding sites of good minerals. Basically minerals are off and not balanced. This is never good and can lead to pretty much any problem under the sun!

The body has an order of preference for minerals. For example, the body prefers Zinc for over 50 critical enzymes. However, if Zinc becomes deficient (which is very common) or exposure to Cadmium, Lead or Mercury is sufficiently high, the body will use these toxic minerals in place of Zinc. Cadmium, in particular, is located just below Zinc in the periodic table of the elements, so its atomic structure is very similar to that of Zinc. It almost fits perfectly in the Zinc binding sites of critical enzymes.

Look at this atomic table to figure out the possible “thefts” for each good mineral. In each vertical column find each good mineral- zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, selenium, sulfur etc. Then search for “bad” minerals (heavy metals)  in the same column that can potentially take over the binding spots of the good ones.

High aluminum levels are correlated with bacterial infections.

Even good minerals can get off balance like calcium/magnesium,copper/zincselenium/sulfur ratios. A good test to figure out your mineral and heavy metal ratios is a hair analysis test.

Chronic infection:

H. pylori is a chronic infection. Chronic infections lead to decrease in the conversion of T4 to Active T3 (thyroid hormones- the 3 and 4 represent the # of iodine molecules).

When the body is stressed the T3 gets converted to RT3 (reverse t3). That is bad. The thyroid and the whole body are affected form this inablilty to produce thyroid hormone your body can use. The thyroid becomes “hypo” which leads to weight gain, constipation, dry skin, depression, etc. Thyroid is very important and helps regulate hormones too in the body.

learn more about RT3 here. I don’t believe in taking medication to cover up symptoms. Symptoms are the body trying to tell YOU what is wrong, I believe in fixing the ROOT problem.

Parasites:

Dr Amy says. “I regularly find blastocystis hominis, giardia, cryptosporidium, candida, and other infections in my clients and sometimes people are harbouring these organisms as well as H pylori. A long term H pylori infection and lowering of stomach acid allows these other organisms to pass safely through to the intestines where they are able to colonise. These other infections cause many overlapping symptoms – gas, bloating, headaches, diarrhoea, etc – and are therefore hard to distinguish from H pylori. I therefore recommend running high quality stool testing where possible.”

Fatigue:

Of course fatigue will be a part because they body is ALWAYS working and you are deficient in b-vitamins (aka energy vitamins), iron (h. pylori/bacteria like to use iron to their own good). Even when I was eating red meat and high iron foods, my iron levels were low.

Stomach acid:

H. pylori is attracted to low or high acid environments. It starts in the stomach because of this quality- but can travel to other organs. H. pylori can thrive in a high acid stomach because it covers itself in a barrier and hides itself in the mucous layer, deep within your stomach. This can make it tricky to eradicate because they herbs have no way of reaching the bacteria.

H. pylori also neutralizes stomach acid so you have a very poor time digesting and assimilation vitamins and minerals. Say hello fatigue and rumbly stomach!  Read more at “note on acid” below.

*you can also try this HCL temporarily. But it will not eradicate you h pylori, only help ease heartburn and digestion. Do not use at the same time as baking soda.

Ketosis:

Ketosis  is when your body starts using fat for energy.  You may think-“Oh this is great”. No not great at all. The brain NEEDS glucose for energy and to survive. When the body turns to fat for energy the body produces ketones.

Part of the ketone molecule can be used for energy but the “bad” part called acetone (the chemical also found in nail polish remover) cannot be used by the body. It is excreted through the urine and breath (stinky urine and breath). The urine is first filtered through the kidneys. When too much acetone is always flushing through the kidneys, the kidneys start to overwork (read here if your kidneys are in danger).

Acetone is a toxin that makes the blood more acidic and starts to damage the liver. When the kidneys overwork the body starts to really get messed up and it can be dangerous. I was there, and I never want to go back. I still have to be careful because I get kidney pain and fluid retention (kidneys facilitate fluid in the body).

In TCM the kidneys are the life force- you don’t want to be messing around with that. It is important to support the kidney with homeopathic, foods, herbs, and whatever you can think of.

You should be taking the ph or your urine:

Something I am thinking of doing is buying these Ph test strips. You take the strip and hold it under your urine. A high urine ph (alkaline) means toxins are being excreted by your kidneys and they are stressed!

High urine ph (7-8): ALKALINE

  • kidney stones
  • vegetarian diet
  • chronic renal failure
  • bacteria infection (Most of the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections make the urine more alkaline because the bacteria split urea into ammonia and other alkaline waste products.)

Low urine ph (4.5-7) : ACIDIC

  • high protein/meat diet
  • diarrhea
  • starvation
  • dehydration

 

Learn more about it here.

Neurotransmitter imbalances:

You have probably heard of neurotransmitters so you know how important they are to the cells and brain. Serotonin will be off balance. OCD symptoms may be present and mood and appetite will be affected as well.

Muscle spasms:

This one was random but made sense why I get random eye twitches. High triptamine levels are associated with h. pylroi infection. These high triptamine  levels create “twitches” in the body. I found that Magnesium Bath Flakes help the twitching.

Ammonia:

H. pylori produces high ammonia levels in the body. I cant imagine this is good for any organ. Just more for the body to deal with.

Hard to eradicate:

This bacteria digs deep deep down into the mucous layer. It hides itself form the immune system. Because of this and its “tail” that buries itself in the body, it can take a long time to eradicate. It can take many months to get neurotransmitters back to normal too (after eradication). This infection is common in autistic kids and eradicating it can have a huge improvement on moods, speech, cognitive abilities.

Liver/gallbladder problems:

The liver filters the blood (which is becoming toxic from the h. pylori) so it gets clogged and overwhelmed.

The detox pathways are not working so the liver takes the upper hand and overworks night and day until it becomes too clogged to do the job.

Allergies commonly become worse when the liver is toxic.

When the liver does not work right, the gallbladder will not do its job right either. The gallbladder is connected to the liver and works according to how the liver works and vice versa. You need bile to help flush out hormones and toxins and to digest food.

Liver herbs and gallbladder herbs (bitter) are helpful in getting these important detox organs stronger and functioning again (listed below).

To learn more about liver/gb connection read this book. Ox bile and coffee enemas can also assist these two organs greatly.

Adrenal fatigue:

The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys, so they are connected. Since h. pylori damages kidneys so badly, the adrenals are affected as well. When your body is under chronic stress it starts to affect your adrenal glands and drags your body down the stages of adrenal fatigue until one day you feel “dead tired”. Cortisol levels, sleep, and blood sugar will be off too.

Here is a good book about adrenal fatigue.

Malnutrition:

Not only is your body not absorbing nurtients because you need acid and vitamin b-12 to assimilate nutrients, but since h. pylori neutralizes your stomach acid- parasites, bugs, and bacteria grow and use the nutrients up and leave you with…well not much. This can leave you feeling always hungry- like “nutrient hungry” I call it. Height and growth is also affected in some children and adults.

Histamine:

Gut problems is directly related to histamine levels. Mast cells (which release histamine) increase with an h. pylori infection.

I never really had a problem with his until one day out of the blue I got full body hives and itching. Since then I have had more hives and itching spells. I keep it under control by eating low histamine foods, detoxing, and following my h. pylori program so it does not overgrow more. For me, sea salt seems to help calm the itching/hives as well- natural antihistamine. I find magnesium flake baths help the itching/hives.

Digestive problems:

Digestive problems are characteristic symptom for people with h. pylori (so are ulcers). Diarrhea, constipation bloating, acid reflux, indigestion, nausea, loss or gain or appetite, nervous stomach, gas, etc.  In the mean time, activated charcoal can help digestive issues and gas.

Hernia of stomach (hiatal hernia):

This is when the stomach rides up and get “stuck” and pushes into an ares it doesn’t belong-upward into the chest. Usually the feeling is a hard stomach that is tender. GERD is also a symptom.

This type of hernia can be corrected with manipulative pressure from a kinesiologist (or yourself). I got mine”pushed down” (and you can fix your too!) and will have to continue doing it every few weeks or so until it actually “stays where it is suppose to”

Other organs infected:

Since bacteria can travel, other organs can get infected. For me, my small intestines, stomach, and sinuses are all infected with the h. pylori. Each person is different. Just paying attention to your symptoms may help you figure it out.

Look at a human anatomy chart to know where your organs are. Stomach (hard/tender-h. pylori starts in the stomach). Small intestines (absorption issues). Large intestines/colon (digestion/ bowl problems). Pancreas (enzyme and insulin imbalances). Liver (toxic liver symptoms). Kidneys (kidney pain and associated problems). Sinus (sinus pressure and constant swelling).

Teeth and sinus problems:

The stomach and intestines play a big role in teeth and sinus health. I have a history of cavities and sinus infections. Bacteria can travel from the stomach into the teeth and do damage. The bacteria can travel from the mouth into the sinuses. It is important to kill the bacteria in the sinuses and mouth with salt water rises until you get the h. pylori under control.

Migraines:

*for relief, magnesium oil can help headaches instantly.

” Migraines can be caused by hormone and/or serotonin imbalances and recall that serotonin imbalances can related to chronic bacterial issues. So this gets us back to a need for a full CPR if other suggestions are not enough of a help. Also lack of carnitine (often secondary to H.pylori) can be sufficient to cause migraines.- Dr. Amy”

GABA/glutamate imbalance:

GABA is a neurotransmitter used by the nervous system to transfer messages. It is important to prevent anxiety, restlessness, and brain health.

Vitamins b-6 and B-12 specificlaly are needed to make GABA and since your body is already deficient in them, GABA production slows down. When GABA is out of balance glutamate will be to.  GABA gets low, while glutamate gets high.

I experienced this “drunk” feeling after drinking too much bone broth and fermented veggies once- this was because these foods are high in free glutamate. I already had enough glutamate being produced at abnormal levels so even slight amounts in food send the balance way overboard. This can be a reason why some people do worse on the GAPS diet. Look up high glutamate foods here.

 

Did I list enough for you? There is alot more that h. pylori does, but lets try to focus on what to DO to get rid of it and bring the body back in balance.

Testing

You are probably wondering how do you even know if you have h. pylori for sure?  You do testing- but here is where it can get tricky (not all testing is reliable).

* I got kinesiology testing, which in my opinion can be just as accurate as a blood/stool/breath test if you get a good practitioner.

* always work with a practitioner if you think you have h. pylori.

Stool test:

(like this one). Do the stool test on a full moon- bacteria and parasites are most active then. This is the most reliable according to most studies. It can be done before to diagnose h. pylori. and after to make sure you have it cleared from your system. Read here why it is the most reliable test.

Kinesiology:

This requires a special kinesiologist practitioner to use muscle testing to find the “root cause” . This is what I did and my Dr. used “bacteria” viles and my muscles to determine that I had an h. pylori infection. We tested things until we found out what exactly made my muscle weak.

Blood test:

Checks the antibodies to H. pylori. Antibodies can stay in your blood 12-18 months after eradication (treatment). If you do have antibodies and have never been treated then YES you have h. pylori.

Breath test:

This test uses radioactive carbon atom to detect h.pylori. Though it is a inconsistent test, and usually expensive.

Stomach biopsy:

A sample is taken from inside the stomach and small intestine. This test too is inconsistent and the most invasive.

Markers on other testing:

Here are some of the markers trained Dr.’s look for that “hint” at the patient has an h. pylori infection.  Here are Dr. Amy’s findings…

  • “if manganese is  consistently low on a Urine essential elements test
  • if most amino acids are low on a Urine amino acid test  and  arginine is normal range
  • if suberic is really high  on a Metabolic Analysis Profile (MAP) in spite of carnitine support
  • if particular Krebs  intermediates are high while others are in normal range on that MAP
  • if  5HIAA is very high when it doesn’t make sense with the maoA status or  the support being used
  • if there is consistently midrange to high  cadmium and bismuth excretion
  • if a Neurotransmitter test is showing  high tryptamine or tyramine”

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A note on Acid:

Some pratcitoners like to supplement acid to “kill the h. pylori”. But if you have been following what I have been saying, then the h. pylori will not be killed by the acid because it will either neutralize it or hide in the mucous layer of the gut so it stays in a “safe environment”

Here is what Dr. Amy says:

“I would NOT add anything acidic to drop the pH in my personal opinion.  I will explain why I am saying that by explaining my personal theory on  H.pylori that seems to be holding up to the test of time and having  positive results…I believe that the H.pylori may be coming out of  hiding due to the program. H.pylori makes an enzyme called urease. This  enzyme uses arginine from the body and makes a product to help to  neutralize the stomach acid. While H.pylori may initially be attracted  to a gut that has a higher stomach pH, and while it is shown to be a  factor in acid reflux, GERD, stomach ulcers…it actually will not live  in an acid environment. That is why it hides in the mucosal cells lining  the gut. I believe it is in part so hard to eradicate as it is hiding  in those mucosal cells. The idea of the baking soda which has worked  well is to trick the H.pylori into thinking the pH is less acidic so it  will come out of hiding and so the other supplements (Peptimycin and  HELXthese are the supplements she uses which contain many of the herbs I am listing) can reach it. When the pH climbs  like you are seeing, I believe that represents H.pylori that has come  out of hiding, out of the mucosal cells and is making urease to  neutralize the stomach acid so that it can live there. I feel it is now  more vulnerable to eradication, but it also may be causing more gut  pain. This is why we consider the H.pylori program when the gut  pH is very low (an environment that H.pylori may be attracted to) or  when it is high (indicating H.pylori is making urease to increase the  gut pH to neutralize the acid). What has been seen on a number of tests  is that the pH will swing from very low (ie around 5) to very high  (closer to 8 ) for the same individual.”

* a gut test determines the h.p of the stomach.

*So basically- don’t use acid- use baking soda to “provoke” the h. pylori out of hiding so you can kill it with supplements and herbs. Baking soda is used to trick the h. pylori that the stomach is “safe” and base (not acidic).

food

FOOD/diet:

What to eat?

This is a very broad question and I wonder if I am doing the right thing each day. It all boils down to- how do you feel after eating? Of course you should stay away form the junk, sugar, table salt, and the obvious bad things. But what about all the lists you see online “what not to eat with h.pylori”. I tried to find out the pros and cons or each. I hope it helps. Your best bet is to listen to your instincts.

“Are these food’s ok if I have h. pylori?”

Coffee:

pro: It can decrease GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) levels–this is a “bad” liver enzyme.

con: Coffee is acidic in nature and can stress adrenals more-so this is a decision you have to make. I personally do not drink it.

Fermented foods:

pro: Full of good natural probitoics to hep fight infection and bacteria.

con: Can increase excess glutamate and histamine levels.

High fat (even good fats):

pro: Help absorption of vitamins  (especially since you are deficient probably) and keep you full longer.

con: Can aggravate ketosis and inflammation in the stomach- look at note below **

** Eat a higher carbohydrate/ lower fat diet:

Too much fat aggravates the h pylori symptoms (digestion/gallbladder doesn’t work/ketosis) and keeping a steady amount of carbohydrates prevents the body from going into ketosis. This is a temporary diet- and you can return to lots of healthy fats once you recover. A stool that is pale and stinky is most likely a signal you are not digesting your fats. To help digest fats- increase herbs to support bile (dandelion root, bitter herbs).

Onion/garlic/broccoli/cauliflower:

pro: Helps to “fight” h. pylori directly.

con: If you have a CBS mutation, you have a sulfur detox problem and this can aggravate your symptoms. (check out foods high in sulfur)

Spices (cayenne/mustard/cloves/cinnamon):

pro: Antibacterial properties and are known to help ulcers (common in h. pylori).

con: Spicy foods can aggravate the stomach lining and increase HCL in the stomach. Remeber that 1-2 hours after eating we want to make the stomach “base” so the h. pylori comes out of hiding. Some sources say they can promote the perfect ground for bacteria growth.

*Here is my thinking. Is it may be ok to eat these healing spices with food  (even if it does increase the Hydrochloric acid in the stomach temporarily) and then just follow with the baking soda after most of the food is digested. If it aggravates your stomach- don’t eat it, but if you crave it- your body may need it. (here is a good article to help)

Dairy

pro: Especially if it is raw and cultured, it will be a rich source of probioitcs.

con: Can be a cause of excess mucous in the body and high fat dairy can aggravate sensitive stomachs with h. pylori. Fermented milk or cheese are high in glutamates.

Chocolate

pro: High in magnesium and mineras.

con: Can aggravate the stomach because it is acidic.

Red meat:

pro: A good source of b- vitamins and iron (anemia and B-12 are common deficiencies with h. pylori)**

con: Meat is acidic but it depends on how your body digest it if it will be ok with h. pylori symptoms.

**h pylori is commonly found in blood type O’s -who process meat well and need to eat it to feel good and strong. read about it here

Protein:

pro: Keeps you full, contains important amino acids to make neurotransmitters (which you are lacking in).

con: Too much can stress the kidneys- which are already fragile and detoxing hard.

Bone broth/gelatin:

pro: Rich in gut healing properties.

con: If you have a GABA/glutamate imbalance then you need to be careful about eating foods high in free glutamate and gelatin is high. (check out foods high in glutamate).

cranberry

AVOID:

carbonated drinks

alcohol: Too much free glutamate

canned foods: Histamine is high

leftover foods: Histamine is increased

sugar

white products

vinegar: Use apple cinder vinegar instead

foods you are allergic to: Aggravates stomach and pretty much the whole body.

tomatoes: They have an acidic affect in the stomach.

grains (gluten and non gluten): There are alot of problems with grains and leaky guts /cross reacting to gluten grains so it is best to stay away while you heal.

ADD:

flavinoid rich foods: Cranberries (good for kidneys too), apples, onions, celery

sea salt: Helps balance adrenals and regulate kidneys

leafy green veggies/sea veggies (organic): Rich in vitamin b’s, and other vitamins and minerals

wild fish– Rich in omega 3’s -reduce inflammation

veggies and fruits

squash and starchy veggies: To help keep carbohydrate intake higher if you are on low fat- you will need calories

 

Remember these are just my thoughts and can be used as guidelines, but I say the best bet is listen to your body’s healthy cravings.

 

The protocol

My protocol will look different from yours, but I will show you my protocol as an example. I am still very sensitive, so I did some extra research and “dissected” common h. pylori supplements that contained herbs and enzymes so I could stay away from “fillers” and capsules.

Tip: Cycle on and off supplements/herbs- don’t want to over drive the immune system. You want to give the body a break.

example: 2 weeks on herbs & 1 week off herbs or 4 days on herbs & 1 day off (whatever feels right with your body)

teas

Organ support:

I created this to have its own category because these herbs don’t necessarily “kill the h. pylori, but they are still important to keep the organs strong and eliminating the toxic waste.

Herbal teas:

Many teas are very supportive of the organ systems (which you need right now). I will give you a small list for supporting each organ system.

*I always have someone in my family muscle test me to make sure my body needs them at that time. Use these videos to learn how to muscle test yourself. I have a new love for learning about herbs-here is my new page for them

Kidney: uva ursi, cranberry, rose hips, parsley, nettle, burdock, dandelion leaf

Reproductive system: maca, red raspberry leaf, red clover, white peony root

Lymph: oregon grape root, poke root, cleavers, wild indigo, Figwort, horsetail, echinacea, goldenseal

Bowel:

  • constipated: senna leaf, Cascara sagrada, rhubarb root, chickweed
  • diarrhea: marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, peppermint, camomile

Liver/gallbladder: dandelion root, dandelion leaf, Schisandra berries, milk thistle, gentian root, turmeric

Digestion/stomach: ginger, fennel, marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, rose hips, lotus leaf

Spleen/blood: hawthorn berries, red root, barberry

Adrenals: licorice, codonopsis root, sarsaparilla, ginseng, wild yam *sea salt is also very good at supporting adrenals

Brain: ginkgo, ashwaghandha, rosemary, peppermint, holy basil, green tea

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Homeopathics:

Homeopathics help support organ systems and keeps their toxic load down. I like the apex line. I use this and this one. When I had my second flare- homeopathics really helped calm my symptoms and bring my body back in balance.

RNA’s:

Thee may be new to you. My dr. usually recommends them to her patients. RNA’s help support organ systems. I take Liver RNA, Kidney RNA, cytokine inflammation RNA

Enzymes:

Digest gold or digestive enzymes : taken 20 minutes before meals to help digest your food.

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How to “kill” h. pylori:

Anti-h. pylori Herbs: These are specific herbs used to kill h. pylori. that I am taking daily:

combine

My H. Pylori blend:

With trial and error and some research I figured out what “blend” works for my body. I believe that if the body is going to heal, it needs to have a nourishing diet, detoxing (to get the toxins out of your body), and an overall balanced healthy life style.

Nature provides special herbs and plants to flush toxins–specifically we are targeting h. pylori–out of our bodies that make us sick. These 3 plants (triphala (actually 3 herbs in 1) , cats claw, and mastic gum) are the things I choose to kill off the h.pylori in my body to use consistently.

I dissected a bunch of well trusted supplements and these 3 ingredients were common in many mixtures. I don’t like taking capsules and I prefer to source my own ingredients. Im ok with this because it forces me to learn about each one.

Since I am sensitive, I like to try each herb individually to make sure my body is ok with it. I first muscle test myself and then try a very small amount. After I know I was ok with all 3, I combined them into a formula that my body tolerated well.

Some days I make the herbs into a tea (with hot water) and take the mastic gum separate. Some days I combine and drink in regular temp water.  Do what your body tolerates (you may have to change up the measurements) and feel free to change up the formula to add in any of the other “anti-hpylori” herbs listed below.

Where to buy?

Most everything I have taken can be found on my “supplements” tab above. I made this page just for you guys. –>  Gutsy’s H. Pylori Supplements

 

Triphala: You can buy powder here or capsules here.

Cats Claw: You can buy powder here, bark here, and capsules here.

Mastic gum: You can buy in capsules here  or whole here.

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Triphala:

what is it?

latin names:

family:

Triphala is actually a combination of 3 herbs. It is a very popular Ayurvedic herb that originated in India. The herbs are dried and ground into a powder.

Triphala is an Ayurvedic remedy consisting of equal parts of three herb, taken without seed: Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). The word triphalameans literally “three fruits”.

 

Triphala contains five of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent), only missing the salty taste.

Dosage:

1/4 tsp 1-2x a day  (you can either dissolve in hot water or cold). I prefer taking it in liquid because of this…

Triphala Tea The traditional way of ingesting triphala is as a tea. This method allows one to taste the herb fully, and taste is considered by Ayurveda to be an important part of the healing process. Taste starts the digestive process, and sends signals to the body as to what to expect, already initiating your body’s own inner pharmacy.

Studies:

A 17 year old girl discovered an Ayurvedic herb to effectively break the protective layer of bacteria. The specific herb was Haritaki. This protective layer is called a “biofilm”. Some people use biofilm enzymes to help break down this protective layer so the body can then recognize and attack the bacteria (h. pylori).

One of the common tropical plant extracts penetrated the bacterium’s protective layer. Next, Madhavi isolated the specific molecule in the extract that was able to inhibit bacterial growth. She found that the molecule was heat resistant, and resistant to pressure. “It kills the cell,” she explains, “by preventing the transcription of the genes involved in energy, metabolism, adaptation, membrane transport, and toxin secretion.”

This study explains the qualities of Haritaki (one of the three herbs in triphala) and its effect on h. pylori.

Haritaki has anti-bacterial effect (International Journal of Cardiology, 1988). In this study the researchers tested the effect of extracts of Haritaki on a bacteria called Helicobactor Pylori. The results indicated that water extracts of Haritaki contain a heat stable agent with inhibiting effects and possible therapeutic potential for fighting Helicobactor Pylori and other bacterial species.

About:

I included an “about” section for triphala because it is such a complex herb. Ayurvedic medicine has a different way of looking at the body, illness, and foods/herbs. I will help you understand the herbs and how each one relates to a specific “dosha”- characteristics that help make up the body and mind. Each one is a completely different herb with amazing properties.

Amalaki: 

  • has a cooling affect on the dosha Pitta (fire/bile)
  • helps with digestion and assimilating food
  • clears thinking ability
  • mildly laxative
  • astringent- constrict tissues to heal
  • alterative-helps restore body functions
  • antipyretic-helps reduce fever
  • used to treat “fire” imbalances -ulcers, stomach/intestine inflammation, constipation/diarrhea, acne/rashes, liver congestion, infections.
  • very high source of vitamin c
  • antioxidant
  • sour

Bibhitaki:

  • helps target problems in kapa (water/mucus) dosha
  • balances excess mucus
  • helpful for respiratory problems (allergies/asthma)
  • astringent taste (smooth/bitter/dry)
  • cleanses the blood
  • remove harmful toxins in body
  • strengthens hair roots and color or hair
  • balances kapa (water) imbalances- eliminated fluid (edema)
  • antiviral and antibacterial
  • improves eye site
  • balances over weight conditions

Haritaki:

  • helps balance the vata (wind/nervous system) dosha
  • helps to eradicate parasites
  • clams nerves and anxiety
  • removes toxins- “scraping” effect
  • helps maintain a healthy weight
  • lubricant and laxative-helps constipation
  • has 5 tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent)
  • stimulates digestion and sensory organs
  • helps combat anemia
  • combats gallstones
  • restores health

 

Benefits:

  • 3 herbs that support 3 different dosha’s  (a well balanced herb)
  • improves circulation (cleanses blood and increases red blood cells)
  • detoxifies at a deep level without depleting the bodies reserves
  • helps stimulate bile flow
  • good liver tonic
  • internal cleanseing
  • helps fight bacteria (h. pylori), parasites, and viruses
  • improves digestion and elimination
  • helps body absorb nutrients, fight cravings
  • helps body balance out weight-fights unwanted fat
  • regenerate tissues
  • anti-imflamitory
  • promotes normal appetite
  • helps heal metabolism
  • used as a tonic for eye and hair washes
  • supports healthy immune system

 

warning: 

  • Do not use if nursing/pregnant
  • do not use if you have acute diarrhea– mild laxative effect
  • can cause weight loss-do not use if you are already very underweight
  • no known drug interactions
  • be cautious with blood thinning medications
  • do not take with dysentery (inflamed intestines with severe diarrhea)
  • if you are allergic to any of the herbs plant family’s (listed above) do not take
  • can cause detox symptoms- you may have to stop temporarily if it gets too uncomfortable

 

Cats claw:

what is it?

latin name: Uncaria tomentosa

plant family: Rubiaceae

The coffee family (Rubiaceae) is the largest woody plant family in the wet tropics, and contains approximately 13,200 species. Most species live in the lower ‘understorey’ level of the forest, where their fruits, nectar and leaves provide an important source of food for animals.

 

Cat’s claw is a tropical vine clinging to 100-foot (and taller) trees by using its namesake “claws.” Cat’s claw (una de gato in Spanish) refers to at least 20 plants with sharp curved thorns, both native to the South and Central American tropical rain forests, with most of the commercial production focused on Uncaria tomentosa. Ethically harvested cat’s claw bark is a major source of income for many Brazilian and Peruvian villages.

cross reactants: coffee, rubiaceae (coffee) family

Dosage:

1/4 tsp (powdered) 1-2x a day

1-3 tsp (bark). Steep in boiling water for 15  minutes.

*The tannins in the herb are released only if it is taken in an acidic medium

If you can tolerate lemon juice- stir cats claw powder in lemon water or squeeze some lemon juice in your tea. I cannot do this because I am sensitive to citrus fruit. I just take it in water and still believe I am getting the benefits of this herb (i have gotten detox).

 

Studies:

Fights against lyme and other bacteria (h. pylori)- In this study

In this study the patient went on a course of antibiotics for h. pylori. Symptoms were nauseous, weight loss, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure. She only got worse. After 1 month of cats claw (120mg ) a day, taken 30 hour before breakfast, her h. pylori was gone and her symptoms were a lot better.

 

Benefits:

  • DNA repair (8 week study proved this)
  • helps allergies (breaks down mucous)
  • treats inflammation (by suppressing TNF-alpha synthesis–which is needed in the inflammation process)
  • detoxify intestines while helping keep friendly bacteria alive
  • stimulates immune system to help fight cold, viruses,
  • Fights some cancers (study done that it stops cell mutations in long term smokers)
  • regulates microphages and white blood cells (either low or high)
  • acts against h. pylori
  • helps fight sinus problems
  • used for arthritis and joint inflammation conditions
  • helps people with stomach and bowel disorders
  • fights fungal and viral infections (candida)
  • promotes speedy wond healing
  • antioxidants help fight free radicals

 

warning:

  • Avoid when trying to get pregnant/ already pregnant/ nursing/young children.- can cause miscarriages
  • should not be taken 2 weeks before/after surgery or people who have bleeding disorder
  • should not be used by people who have organ transplants
  • should not be taken with some autoimmune disorders (can make the immune system more active)–for this reason I balance it with herbs that stimulate my T2  side.
  • can aggrivate leukemia cancer.
  • can lower blood pressure–i have low blood pressure but again it is all bout balance.
  • medications: since cats claw is broken down by the liver it could interact with certain medications that are broken down by the same enzyme (allergy meds, cholesterol meds, allergy medication, anti fungals)
  • if you are allergic to the rubiaceae (coffee) family no not use.

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Mastic gum:

what is it?

latin name: Pistacia lentiscus (Greek for mastic)– mastic gum comes from this small evergreen tree

plant family: Anacardiaceae

Mastic is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). In Greece, it is known as the “tears of Chios,” being traditionally produced on that Greek island, and, like other natural resins, is produced in “tears” or droplets. Originally liquid, it is sun dried into drops of hard brittle translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after chewing, it releases a refreshing, slightly piney or cedar flavor.

 

The ancient Greeks chewed mastic gum (or mastiche, pronounced “mas-tee-ka”) for centuries. This substance is formed from the resin contained in the bark of the mastic tree found mainly in Greece and Turkey. Grecian women favored chewing mastic gum to clean their teeth and sweeten their breath.

 

Anacardiaceae (the cashew or sumac family) are a family of flowering plants bearing fruits that are drupes and in some cases producingurushiol, an irritant. Notable plants in this family include:cashew (in the type genus Anacardium), mango, poison ivy, sumac, smoke tree, and marula. The genus Pistacia (which includes thepistachio and mastic tree) usually is now included, but has sometimes been placed in its own family, Pistaciaceae

Cross reactants:

Mastic gum is related to cashews, mango, poisin ivy, sumac, smoke tree, marula (oil used in cosmetics, to treat leather, and preserve meat), capers, pistachio (im including it just to be safe), and the Anacardiaceae (cashew family).

Dosage:

I took the weight (grams) of the mastic gum I bought in powder (here).  This are approximate values .

1/2 tsp = 0.8 gram

1/4 tsp = 0.4 gram

Taking 1 g of mastic gum is a good amount in opinion. I have no problem doing this and I don’t even notice I am taking it. Some people take from 500mg -1 g of mastic gum a day. I find it best to do this (1/4 tsp) 2x a day.

Studies:

In this article there were 2 groups of people. One group was given 1g of mastic gum the other a placebo. After 2 weeks 80% of the people in the mastic gum group had their symptoms improve and 70% had healing in their gastric mucosa.

In this article they do a study where people  with ulcers -caused by h. pylori- take 1g of mastic gum a day. After 2 weeks the ulcers were “cured”. This study showed that mastic had a anti-h. pylori. effect.

What is the gastric mucosa? Thanks wikipedia.

The gastric mucosa is the mucous membrane layer of the stomach which contains the glands and the gastric pits. In humans it is about 1 mm thick and its surface is smooth, soft, and velvety. It consists of epithelium, lamina propria, and the muscularis mucosae.

Here is an interesting study about the early cause for stomach ulcers and how mastic gum kills h. pylori!!

Researchers in Australia made that startling discovery about the true cause of ulcers in the early 1980s, at about the same time that mastic was being rediscovered by the Arab scientists in the Middle East. The Arab and British researchers subsequently (in the late 1990s) found that mastic kills H. pylori. By then it was known that H. pylori typically infects the stomach and intestines, but it is also commonly found in the mouth (which is, after all, part of the gastrointestinal tract), because there’s no way to prevent the bacteria from migrating up and down the esophagus

Benefits:

  • effective at eradicating h. pylori
  • helps prevent cavities -specifically Streptococcus mutans- known to create cavities. (the bacteria travels from stomach to the mouth)
  • acts as prebiotics for your probiotic (natural source of food for your healthy bacteria- helps keep bad bacteria out)
  • soothes stomach ailments
  • eliminates stomach ulcers
  • “absorbs” bad cholesterol –helps reduce heart attack risk
  • anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
  • decreases symptoms of IBS
  • helps protect liver by decreasing certain liver enzymes.
  • anti-viral

 

warning:

  • Usually considered safe unless you have a true allergy to the cashew family. It can be used by people on medications, but to be safe, check with your doctor first.

 

 

probib

Probiotic:

I take custom probiotic 11 strain (affiliate link). Gut pro and prescript assist are also good. Both of these are free of fillers. There are many strains that are superior in killing h. pylori, but when I did my research I found that Custom probitoics was the best fit for me. Be careful because they are powerful and can cause detox/die off.

Here is an article going over the “best strains” for eradication h. pylori. They don’t “kill” the h. pylori but they prevent any further grown.

Studies have also highlighted probiotic supplementation to enhance natural killer cell activity, stimulate IgG antibody responses

  • L. acidophilus- reduce urease activity of h. pylori.
  • L. johnsonii- secrete antimicrobial substances that stop the h.pylori from adhering to the gut lining.
  • L. salivarius- secrete antimicrobial substances that stop the h.pylori from adhering to the gut lining. Reduce inflammation in gut
  • L. casei– inhibits h. pylori by lactic acid 
  • L. lactis- inhibits h. pylori by lactic acid
  • L. reuteri- inhibit h. pylori by competing with the adhesion sites.
  • L. plantarum- increase secretion of mucin by colon (helps restore permeability of gut)
  • L. rhamnosus– increase secretion of mucin by colon (helps restore permeability of gut)
  • L. brevis- helps decrease the h. pylori bacterial load
  • L. gasseri– helps decrease the h. pylori bacterial load
  • L. bulgaricus-increase mucosal immune response and IgA cells in gut tissue
  • B. Bifidum- directly inhibit h. pylori
  • B. lactis- directly inhibit h. pylori

 natually

Other herbs known to help kill h pylori:

 

Baking soda:

Used to provoke the h. pylori out of hiding your mucous gut lining so it can be reached by the “killing” herbs. Look at “a note on acid” above. I use this kind .

Dosage: 1/4 tsp baking soda 1-3 x a day. 1 hour after meals

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rife 2

RIFE:

RIFE is light frequency to kill the frequencies of bacteria-which then kills the actual bacteria. This was a good option for me because at first I could not tolerate ANY supplements. Through NAET I have become less allergic to foods/herbs and now I can use supplements/herbs. I still use my RIFE to treat h. pylori each night. Learn about RIFE here. 

I have a few friends who use a Zapper (like this one) instead to kill their bugs, and it actually works very well. They get bad die off, but eventually feel better and their pain and aches subside.

 

A note:

*NO iron supplements- feeds and fuels bacterial infections

* When you work with a practitioner they may want to help supplement other things to keep your body functioning as best as possible. I don’t know everything and I am still learning what I need. Since I am very sensitive, so I take what MY body needs.

 Screen Shot 2013-05-05 at 7.45.36 PM

Detox/ support:

Magnesium baths: To ease the constipation, muscle twitches, fatigue (I get this kind), and general wellness. Are you deficient? I use this kind.

Coffee enemas: Helps to detox all the stuff that is being kiledl off and to support the liver so it does not get overwhelmed. Look at this post for instructions and more information. I use this non-toxic enema bucket and this organic enema coffee.

Charcoal: Used to soak up extra toxins in the blood stream and help ease detox symptoms. Gives me a sense of mental clarity and less “toxic” feeling. This can cause constipation in some people because it binds to toxins in the gut and if you have h. pylori you have a toxic gut. You may use herbs-listed above- to help bowel movement. Charcoal on amazon.

Lymph: Getting the lymph system moving is important to keep the toxins moving OUT- you don’t want the lymph stagnant. Learn how to move your lymph here. A rebounder can be very helpful.

Oil Pulling: If sinuses and brain fog are a problem you may want to consider oil pulling. I find that it gives me energy and drains my sinuses very well. Look here for instructions. I use coconut oil. This book explain the “why” behind it.

Clay: Using the skin as a detox organ and giving the other ones a break (liver & kidney) is a helpful tool. On my bad detox days, I feel calmer and less “toxic” after a clay foot, face, or body mask or soak. Look at my post for directions. I drink and bath in this clay..it that pure!

Infrared sauna: A far Infrared sauna heat can penetrate into the system and actually help kill viruses and bacteria! I use this sauna which is AMAZING and the wood is hypoallergenic since I am extra sensitive. It is also a LOW EMF sauna which is very important. I also use this near infrared sauna light because the light frequencies are extremely beneficial at killing bad bugs and regenerating organs.  Don’t forget the light clip! To learn more, read this or this article or this book. You could also build your own sauna!

EMF protection: A extra stressed or toxic body can feed illness and infections. Make sure to protect yourself from EMF’s. I sleep on a earthing mat. I protect my house with this and my wifi with this. I protect my phone with these little EMF sticker (actually filled with a special rock powder thats proven to block EMF’s). Immediately my brain felt clear, and my body felt more relaxed. I one time knocked the house protector out of the socket and my mind was racing and I felt my heart rate go up for no apparent reasons.

How long will it take?

This is a very good question and it will depend on the person. It depends on how long you have had the infection, how bad it got, etc. Most likely it will take many months to eradicate completely. You can always follow up with a stool test to make sure it is 100% gone.

You may start feeling better after a few weeks, 1 month or it could take 3 months. Mine over grew and I feel like the overgrown was much worse then the detox that happened weeks later. I have only been treating it for 2 months and I can already feel a small difference- but I know I have a long way to go.

Since h. pylori disrupts neurotransmitters and nutrients, it can take an additional 6 months (after eradication) to start feeling normal.

Doing all of these things/herbs can get a little confusing. Just listen to your body and things will fall in place. I am still trying to figure out the groove of things and pace myself with detox and such. At least I KNOW I am on my way to healing :). You will heal too.

 

* update 8/23/13 : after 3 months of active treatment (herbs) and then 2 more more months being diligent with my food choices, doing the RIFE frequencies, and detoxing I have my h pylori under control.  I still have digestive issues, and will continue to keep an eye on my h pylori symptoms. Since I have other factors going on (heavy metal toxicity) it will be easy for any bacteria to take advantage of my out of balance body. Since h pylori is common, and I don’t want to get reinfected I will continue with a few parts of the treatment to be preventative. Once my body is free of toxins, I will be able to fight off bugs and illness, better and will not have to worry about reinfection. 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” ~Psalm 34:19

 

 ~Stay Gutsy, Caroline

Resources:

  • http://amyking.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/im-so-happy-i-have-h-pylori/ <– good post to help give an example of another persons “protocol”
  • http://rhrplus.com/b2evolution/blogs/index.php/Articles/antimicrobial-herbs-for-helicobacter-pyl
  • http://www.h-pylori-symptoms.com/the-11-best-herbs-vitamins-for-fighting-h-pylori/
  • http://www.livingsource.co.nz/heavymetals.cfm
  • http://www.ulcer-cure.com/H_Pylori/h-pylori-test.php
  • http://www.neuroconcepts.memberlodge.org/resources/Documents/NN%20155%20probiotics%20H.%20pylori.pdf
  • http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Cats_Claw.htm
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncaria_tomentosa
  • http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/kew-stories/kew-research/coffee-family/index.htm
  • http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cats-claw.html
  • http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/catsclaw.php
  • http://books.google.com/books?id=oRsXKdSaiKsC&pg=PA42&lpg=PA42&dq=h+pylori+fights+cats+claw&source=bl&ots=UnNH4JMruG&sig=Q4p5IHhuCfOpcxnof4RX0hFPV5A&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LYmJUb-LDIrlyAHHoIF4&ved=0CGMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=h%20pylori%20fights%20cats%20claw&f=false
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastic_(plant_resin)
  • http://www.wrigley.com/global/about-us/history-of-gum.aspx
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacardiaceae
  • http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Mastic-Gum.htm
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9394753
  • http://www.intactnutrition.com/blog/the-benefits-of-mastic-gum.html
  • http://www.intactnutrition.com/blog/benefits-of-mastic-gum-include-killing-h-pylori-to-prevent-and-combat-ulcers.html
  • http://www.livestrong.com/article/267577-what-are-the-benefits-of-mastic-gum/
  • http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/770-mastic-is-more-than-an-antibacterial
  • http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=6320
  • http://taxondiversity.fieldofscience.com/2011/06/phyllanthaceae.html
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllanthaceae
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combretaceae
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminalia_chebula
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminalia_bellirica
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllanthus_emblica
  • http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/triphala.asp
  • http://ayurvedabykailas.com/ayurvedic-reference/triphala.html
  • http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/triphala.asp
  • http://www.organicindia.com/triphala.php
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triphala
  • http://herbalicine.com/Triphala-is-a-natural-ayurveda-herb-for-gItract-digestion
  • http://www.planetherbs.com/specific-herbs/the-wonders-of-triphala.html
  • http://www.experiencefestival.com/wp/article/triphala-a-traditional-ayurvedic-herb-to-help-cleanse-the-body
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