The Digestive System in one of the most influential systems that contribute to an individual's health and well-being. The digestive system interacts with many of the body's critical systems. It not only triggers a cascade of hormones, enzymes and many other chemical activities, it produces important neurotransmitters and interacts with numerous organs, including the pancreas, liver, kidneys and spleen, among others. Because the digestive system interacts so heavily with other systems, problems can result in a wide array of health symptoms affecting the entire body.

The digestive system is far more then a collection of pipes, wiring, and membranes. It is actually an ecosystem, populated by billions of organisms (more numerous than all the cells in our body) that produce substances necessary for digestion and nutrient distribution to occur, such as enzymes, vitamins and beneficial acids. Like all ecosystems, the delicate balance of the digestive tract can be negatively altered by various factors including drugs (antibiotics, over-the-counter medicines), environmental chemicals (chlorine and fluoride in our water), food additives/preservatives, stimulants (caffeine, nicotine), and difficult to digest foods (highly processed or "junk" food).

Imbalance in the gastrointestinal flora creates problems such a yeast overgrowth, parasites and undesirable bacteria. We have found that about 45% of children and adults that come to our Clinic have parasites, about 50% have undesirable bacteria and about 90% have yeast overgrowth. In addition, many people have problems digesting gluten, found in wheat and other grains, and casein, from dairy products. New research indicates that if these foods are not broken down properly, they can mimic the effects of opiate drugs such as heroin and morphine and affect opiate receptors in the brain involved with speech and auditory processing. Indigestible food can make us act crazy and appear to be dumb.

The gut is often a contributing factor to problems involving brain chemistry. It is not unusual for malabsorption and toxic overload in the gut to rob the brain of nutrients and poison it with toxins. Intestinal malabsorption can cause ADHD/ADD symptoms, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, confusion, memory problems, epileptic-like seizures, behavioral problems and more. Due to the toxicity, it can also rob you of energy and leave you depleted, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

The immune system is also directly affected by the health of the digestive system. The flora or micro-inhabitants of your gut play a primary role in a strong immune system. With an overgrowth of yeast, parasites, and bacteria in your gut, you will be prone to attacks on your immune system. You will never miss colds, flu, sinus and ear infections, or food poisoning. With a depressed immune system, you will be a sitting duck for heavy hitters like cancer and heart disease.

There are some conditions that can only be corrected naturally with the dietary change and accompanying nutritional regimen. The cause of these conditions cannot be corrected with drugs or surgery, and in almost every case, these heavy-handed treatments make the condition worse and the person permanently ill for life.

Alternatively, addressing the root problems such as yeast overgrowth, undesirable bacteria and parasites can result in tremendous health benefits, including increased energy and a strong immune system. NeuroWellness promotes a comprehensive treatment program intended to (1) identify problems where they exist and (2) heal the digestive tract by promoting healthy flora and removing accumulated toxins as part of an overall wellness program.