Hormones act as the command and control system of the body and regulate energy production, fat burning and mood. Hormonal imbalances are common among people suffering from weight issues, fatigue and depression. Most cases of hormonal imbalance are a secondary response to a primary stress, whether it is emotional stress, physiological stress due to pain and inflammation, or dietary stress. In general, if the stress can be addressed with diet changes, correction of chronic inflammatory conditions and support for emotional health, the need for continued hormonal support is eliminated.
Digestive System
The digestive tract is responsible for our vitality via the breakdown and absorption of every nutrient that fuels our trillions of cells. Problems with the digestive system are typically experienced as bloating, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea. Many people have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort for so long that they have adjusted to it and think that their system's poor function is normal. With healthy digestive function a person will feel energized and revitalized after a meal for several hours and will not experience any cravings for sweets. The foundation of good health lies in proper digestive function.
Detoxification System
The detoxification system refers to the body's pathways for eliminating harmful toxins such as mercury, various chemicals and the products that result from the breakdown of alcohol or medications. Our modern world is creating a level of chemical and heavy metal exposure that is taxing our detoxification system.
Your liver is at the center of your body's detoxification system. The liver is an amazing organ, responsible for filtering toxins out of your blood. Our bodies must handle and process toxins from many sources. One major source of toxic exposure is through the digestive tract. High fat diets, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweetener consumption and the use of medications contribute to the total burden placed on the liver. Hormones and antibiotics fed to animals, preservatives and dyes used in foods you eat can all cause serious symptoms and side effects. Heavy metal toxicity from dental fillings, contaminated food and water, and other environmental exposure also add to the total toxic load on the body. In addition, everything you apply to your skin or expose yourself to in your environment must pass through your liver, where it is must be neutralized and excreted.
An overworked liver can become clogged, causing toxins to back up and re-circulate into the bloodstream. Inadequate detoxification leads to allergies, asthma, joint pain, skin problems, headaches, inability to concentrate, and alcohol intolerance. Inadequate detoxification leads to accelerated aging and promotes the onset of degenerative diseases. Despite all the work it has to do every day, the liver has an amazing ability to regenerate.
Immune System
Did you know that 95% of your immune system is in your gut? As well, your immune system is in every single cell of your body? Your first line of defense against foreign invaders is within the mucosal lining of every orifice! From the foods we eat, medications we take and day to day stressors within our lives we begin to compromise our immune system.
A healthy immune system is essential for optimal hormonal, gastrointestinal and detoxification within the body. As you can see these four pillars work interdependently with one another, if there is a problem with one there is a problem with all!
