Healing the Gut with A Tracked Program

Almost all chronic health issues stem from improper digestion, leading to a poorly functioning liver. Since the liver is responsible for filtering your digestive system, it goes to reason that fixing your liver, and therefore your chronic health problem, starts with diet.

Our program aims to support your liver by improving intestinal flora and liver functions. We want to get the yeast out of your gut and metals out of your liver and other organs. Following the Eating Alive program lets your body activate its incredible healing power.

The Eating Alive program was designed by Dr Matsen as a result of over 30 years of successful practice. After starting out on this program we advise on whether you need additional testing, to get to the root of your health concerns.

Treatment is measured in stages. The information below explains the general timeline for following the Eating Alive Program and what to expect during each part of the treatment program. Please be aware that this can vary from person to person.

Initial Visit

Your naturopathic doctor will take a patient’s history and assess what organs need to be supported with supplementation.  Then, you will be either advised to sit in with our nutritionist to start the Eating Alive Program and/or advise you on additional testing that may be needed.

 

The First One To Two Weeks

The first part of treatment is usually followed for approximately one to two weeks. It includes a dietary program and natural supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic, etc.) to:

  • Replenish your body with the nutrients it needs. This is especially important to improve the functioning of your digestive system, particularly your liver.
  • Repair your ileocecal valve (ICV). In all his years of practice, Dr. Matsen has found that most new patients (and those patients who have strayed too far from the dietary guidelines of the Eating Alive Program) have a weakened ICV.
  • Restore your good intestinal flora.
  • Weaken the yeast in the intestine.

The Next Three to Four Weeks

After following the instructions for taking your supplements and making dietary changes, patients have a follow-up visit with your naturopath. At this time, they will test to see if you have an overgrowth of intestinal yeast (particularly Candida yeast) and bacteria, which is usually the case for anyone who has had a weakened ICV and/or has had the pH of their colon compromised. Things that can disrupt the pH of the colon include antibiotics, mercury, antacids, chlorinated water, and cortisone.

The second part of the Eating Alive Program, which usually lasts from three to four weeks, involves killing the yeast and bacteria in the small intestine while continuing to strengthen and support the liver.

The Following Two Months

After taking the yeast killer for three to four weeks and continuing to follow the guidelines of the Eating Alive Program, patients usually have another follow-up appointment with the doctor to check on their progress. This third part of the treatment program involves removing toxic heavy metals, particularly mercury, from your body. If you’ve ever had dental amalgam fillings or vaccinations and/or eaten certain fish (those that contain high levels of mercury), then in all likelihood you have an accumulation of mercury in your body. Removing mercury from your body can take a long time—anywhere from 6 months to a year or more.

At this point in the treatment program, many sensitivities are no longer present and intestinal yeast is generally no longer a problem if you’ve been following the guidelines of the Eating Alive Program.

Maintenance

The Eating Alive Program is not a “quick-fix” that you follow until you feel better. The dietary and other lifestyle guidelines (deep, restful sleep; regular exercise; stress management; etc.) of the Eating Alive Program are ones that you will need to follow on a regular basis, not just for the short-term, if you want to maintain great health.

Most patients continue to take a yeast-killer to keep the yeast under control and some other supplements to keep their liver, kidneys, and other organs functioning properly. Occasional follow-up visits with the doctor may be necessary: to check on your progress; when you’re feeling unwell; and/or to get back on track if you’ve strayed too far from the guidelines of the Eating Alive Program.

Healing

As digestion and liver function improves, the body becomes less toxic and healing is an automatic response. Every cell wants to run properly. As you “get the sand out of the gears,” your body will run more smoothly. Digestive discomforts—gas, bloating, heartburn, belching, etc.—are usually the first to disappear. Constipation and/or diarrhoea are often quickly improved. Fatigue starts to lift as the liver improves. Moods stabilize. Menstrual cycles normalize. Weight slowly balances itself out. Eczema sometimes disappears rapidly. Acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis may be slower. Conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic infections, swollen lymph glands, headaches, chronic deficiencies, poor memory and concentration, behavioural disorders, learning disabilities, arthritis, bursitis, infertility, and others have all shown remarkable improvement as a result of following the Eating Alive Program.

Patients often ask how long it will take to get rid of a particular problem. This is an impossible question to answer. The body has its own list of priorities that may not be in the same order as that of the patient. A person with a strong constitution and high vitality may “stir up old toxins” very quickly. However, if that person has a sluggish elimination system, especially the liver, then they may feel a little worse for a while. Additional supplementation and dietary changes may be necessary to reduce those symptoms.

It’s important to remember that we are designed to be healthy and we are born happy. The Eating Alive Program can help you to attain optimal wellness.