Scientific Information for the body's organs of natural elimination and detoxification.
By, Martha Volchok, AHG

The Colon & Digestive System: Your food supply

normal colon lining Scattered apthous ulcers are seen.

All nutrition for the growth and repair of our bodies comes from the digested food moving along in the small intestines and being picked up by the blood. It is then brought directly to the liver, which further processes these food molecules into forms easily used by the cells of the body. However there are many places this can go wrong. 1. if the food is not broken down small enough due to poor chewing or little or no teeth 2. if there is a lack of digestive enzymes to break down the chewed-up food pieces to the even smaller size needed by the liver to process it for all the cells of the body 3. if the intestinal wall is so packed and coated with toxic wastes that the blood absorbs only partially what it needs. 4. if unwanted guests burrowed into the coated intestines use some of your nutrition and give off their own toxic waste products into your body The coating of the intestinal wall is called mucoid plaque. A certain amount of mucus is normal and enables the body to function properly, but a buildup of mucus is not the natural occurrence. If this plaque is not broken up and released, no amount of cleansing of other areas of the body will have a lasting effect. The colon must be cleaned out and any unwanted guests eliminated if the rest of the body is to renew itself.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with a toxic colon
healthy colon Clogged colon	Primary Signs - Constipation - Mental Dullness - Tired for no Reason - Bad Breath Secondary Signs - Bloating or flatulence after eating - Coated Tongue - Body Odor - Dull Skin - High Cholesterol - Degenerative Diseases

Liver & Gallbladder: Internal Processing Plant

image of healthy liver. anatomical diagram, liver alcoholic's liver condition cirrhosis of liver from drinking

The liver is a large organ weighing three pounds in the average adult and measuring about 9.5 inches across. It performs over 500 separate metabolic functions for the body. These functions can be grouped into two main actions: one, processing digested food received from the blood, and two, filtering wastes and toxins also from the blood. The liver controls the glucose (sugar) level in the blood. It can remove or add glucose at will. This keeps the level of glucose at a constant within the blood at all times. The liver collects newly absorbed nutrients and depending on the body’s needs can either release them into the blood or store them as fat or glycogen. The liver also stores copper, iron, and the vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K. The liver has cells called Kupffer’s cells which ingest and break down old white and red blood cells. The Kupffer’s cells also break down some bacteria as well as toxins. There are areas in the Liver that specialize in the chemical alteration of toxic molecules into water soluble forms. These forms are less harmful and can easily be eliminated through urine via the kidneys. The liver can also eliminate harmful substances by excreting them into the bile. The gallbladder is a pear shaped pouch for bile received from the liver, which, when secreted into the small intestines, helps to digest and break down fat and cholesterol. Bile salts contain cholesterol in a liquid form. However, if there is an excess of cholesterol and other toxins they can crystallize in the gallbladder. When this happens gallstones begin to form. One can easily see the importance of this powerful organ of elimination. If the liver is toxic the entire body will certainly suffer. In turn when the liver has been cleansed, almost all the body's processes will be greatly strengthened.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with a toxic liver & gallbladder

Fatty liver disease anatomical diagram galllstones

Primary Signs - Easily Fatigues - Headaches, including migraines - Insomnia - Food Sensitivities Secondary Signs - Period problems & Severe PMS - Gallstones - Alcohol & Substance Abuse - Stiff, tense, aching muscles and nerves - Weak Tendons - Eye Problems: including spots, floaters, dry eyes, cataracts, and sore eyes. - Nails: dry & overcracked - Tics & Tremors - Lack of Energy - Allergic Reactions - Hypoglycemia - Constipation - Disturbed equilibrium In Depth As we know, the liver is the body’s primary means of processing toxins. When it becomes overwhelmed the body is affected in many ways. Because of the increased difficulty dealing with toxins in the body, one may become much more sensitive to environmental toxins, increasing allergic responses, feelings of lethargy, and lack of energy. The body is overwhelmed at its primary processing plant. When this happens, toxins begin to back up and affect other areas of the body. Also, the liver controls the body’s sugar level. In a toxic state the liver may struggle to maintain this constant level, leading to fluctuating sugar levels that can greatly affect one’s energy level.

Emotional Signs traditionally associated with a toxic liver & gallbladder

Primary Signs - Anger - Frustration - Spaced Out - Mental Confusion Secondary Signs - Lack of ability to express anger - Irritability - Unreasonable temper tantrums - Mood Swings - Depression - Nightmares - Violent Behavior In Depth A great deal of energy is used to perform all of the liver’s many functions. However, if excess toxins are present, the liver is unable to use its own energy and this creates a situation similar to a huge traffic jam at rush hour. Nothing can go anywhere and this manifests itself as a great source of frustration and anger. With energy it cannot use, the liver and one’s emotions have a very short fuse. On the other hand, a toxic system can also limit the liver’s energy. If one’s liver does not have enough energy to perfom all its tasks, they may become ungrounded. This manifests as mental confusion and lack of concentration related to the liver’s inablility to carry out all of its necessary tasks.

Unwanted Guests: Common questions Martha hears

Four Specimens of the gastrointestinal pig nematode, Ascaris suum. Ascarids are among the most common infection of humans. Adult females grow up to 35 cm in length and can produce up to 200.000 eggs per day. Proglottids of Dipylidium Caninum. When the Proglottids dry, their appearance is similar to grains of rice. These are often passed intact in the feces of an infected dog or human. Scanning electron micrograph of adult male and female Schistosoma mansori (blood fluke). The adults are dioecious in that the female resides in the gynaecophoric canal of the larger male worm. S.mansori causes schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and infects some 200 million people worldwide with a further 600 million living at risk from infection.

What are unwanted guests? Unwanted guests are organisms that live on or in another living creature. They can be so small as to not be seen by the naked eye and are called microscopic, or they can be large enough to be seen, sometimes up to two feet long and are called macroscopic. Some common microscopic unwanted guests are amoeba and giardia found in water supplies, and some common macroscopic unwanted guests are pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms and flukes found in meat and fish. There are over 100 common varieties of unwanted guests that can live in the human being and we can be host to more than one kind at a time. Where does one find unwanted guests in their body? One third of the unwanted guests live in the digestive tract and the other two thirds live somewhere else in the body; it might be one’s blood, muscles, heart, lungs, liver, or brain. Those that live in the intestines especially enjoy sugar or simple starches. They eat digested food, often robbing important nutrition. Other unwanted guests are able to get their food directly from the body’s cells by attaching directly to cells and feeding off of them. How does one know if they have unwanted guests? Only about 25% of those with unwanted guests will actually develop an active infection with observable symptoms. Most unwanted guest infestations go unnoticed, which is just what a unwanted guest hopes will occur – one will not notice that it is there, so that it can thrive. Often called the “great masquerader”, unwanted guests can mimic many other conditions thus making it very easy to misdiagnose. If one has a health problem that just won’t go away, assume unwanted guests are there and cleanse and take herbs to get rid of them. Even if one were to have medical tests, only about 20% of the average medical laboratories are able to identify the problem correctly. What are the symptoms of unwanted guest infection? Unwanted guests do two things to you. They rob you of nutrition and they excrete their own toxic waste products which are absorbed into the body. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and abdominal pain, but nausea, bloating, excessive gas, alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, bad breath, food allergies, headaches, irritability, or unexplained fatigue might also be present. Some of the classic symptoms, if one has worms, are loss of weight even though you have a great appetite and eat a lot, and/or itching around the anus, or grinding your teeth, especially at night. How does one get unwanted guests? Unwanted guests are everywhere, in food, water, air and earth. They are carried by insects, animals and sea-life. One can be bitten by an insect, or licked by a worm-infested dog. They can be picked up walking barefoot, eating undercooked meats and fish, unwashed raw fruits and vegetables. They can be passed on by food handlers or preparers, who are infected or have handled infected food and have not washed their hands after going to the bathroom or handling that food. One can share drinks, kiss or have sexual contact and transmit unwanted guests. One can inhale dust laden with parasite eggs, or drink water from a lake, river, stream, or creek, or wash dishes in it while camping. Maybe one allows their pets to sleep with them. Maybe they have traveled outside the country recently or share their home with someone else who has. Children are even more exposed than adults since they stay closer to the earth and pets, and frequently put their hands to their mouths. It is estimated that 55 million children in the United States have some type of worm infestation. This does not take into account the adults that live with them who are thus exposed.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with unwanted guests

Hookworms that can invade the human body include two roundworm species: Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus (7 to 13 mm). Everted chick intestine 7 days post-infection with cysts of flatworm parasite, Cotylurus Erraticus, showing adult worms attatched and feeding on the intestinal mucosa.

Primary Signs - Chronic fatigue - Diarrhea & Abdominal Pain - Blood or Worms in Stools - Itchy anus; especially at night Secondary Signs - Low immune response - Constipation or Diarrhea - Gas and bloating - Irritable bowels - Joint and muscle aches - Anemia - Allergic reactions - Skin conditions/itch or rash - Nervous irritability - Sleep disturbances - Nausea or vomiting - Grinding teeth at night - Losing weight with ravenous appetite - Stomach ache or burn In Depth Unwanted guests rob one's nutrition and energy, taking directly from the digestive tract. This can lead to an overall depressed body and systems. By eliminating unwanted guests, one can reclaim their digestive system and greatly enhance energy levels.

Probiotics: 11 Benefits of Friendly Bacteria

In the top photo, is a healthy pink esophagus lining . Below, is an example of a yeast infection of the esophagus. Caused by Candida albicans or Monilia, this infection is most commonly seen when: the immune system is weakened, or when prolonged antibiotics are taken.

There are more bacteria, both good and bad, inhabiting one’s digestive tract than there are total cells in the body. Without the symbiotic relationship of the “friendly bacteria”, one could die. They are one’s first line of defense against the bad microorganisms that everyone is exposed to daily. “Friendly bacteria” are certain, specific strains of bacteria that one’s body recognizes as beneficial and never tries to destroy. In exchange for a hospitable, living environment these beneficial bacteria provide life giving gifts: 1. They occupy available “living space” on the intestinal wall that bad bacteria are looking to get hold of. 2. They inhibit growth of bad bacteria directly by secreting antibiotic and antiviral substances. 3. They reduce candida yeast population by creating an inhospitable acidic environment for their growth. 4. They regulate estrogen levels by processing them with enyzmes secreted by the beneficial bacteria. 5. They reduce endotoxins secreted by bad bacteria by keeping their populations in check. 6. Thay eliminate or metabolize the forerunners of carcinogenic substances. They neutralize certain enzymes before they can turn procarcinogenic substances into cancer causing chemicals. 7. They suppress some tumor activity. 8. They produce B-complex vitamins. 9. They increase absorption and bioavailability of minerals, such as calcium and vitamins. 10. They produce tryptophan, which stimulates release of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter that encourages sleep, lessens depression and reduces stress. 11. They helps to lower cholesterol level, by breaking it down or absorbing it.

Lungs: Air Supply

smoker's lung

The lungs are designed for two purposes. Both are critical to life for they must happen every moment for one to survive. First, oxygen from the air comes into the tiny little air sacs of the lungs. These air sacs are called alveoli and there are about 300 million of them in the lungs with a total surface area of around 750 square feet!! The walls of these alveoli are only one cell thick. This allows for an easy transfer between blood and air. The blood then circulates oxygen it has picked up during this process to every cell in the body. At the cellular level oxygen is combined with sugar to produce the energy we need to live. This process is called internal respiration. Secondly, the lungs work to get rid of carbon dioxide, the waste product of the body’s energy production. This transfer also takes place over the great surface area of the lungs many alveoli. Because the lungs contain a higher concentration of oxygen and the blood a higher level of carbon dioxide, the molecules of each move to balance each other. This leads to the transfer of oxygen for carbon dioxide through the alveoli walls. The air we breathe however is often contaminated with particles, carbon monoxide and other toxic substances. Breathing in this dirty air causes the bronchial tubes to constrict in order to trap particles in its sticky mucus. This constriction, while defending on one hand, causes us to take in less oxygen which can affect the performance of one’s body.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with toxic lungs

normal lung lung suffering from emphysema

Primary Signs - Shortness of Breath - Coughing - Cold Hands - Congestion Secondary Signs - Weak Voice - Tiredness - Airborne allergies - Sneezing - Excess Mucus - Spontaneous sweating - Poor sense of smell - Varicose veins - Slow healing of the Skin - Dry skin – skin siders - Sinus Problems In Depth Without oxygen one would die within three minutes. Oxygen allows all metabolic processes to occur. The lungs provide life and when they become toxic this is directly reflected in one’s quality of life. If the lungs are cleansed, there is a great source of energy and freedom that one may hardly know was possible. This is because the lungs are so closely related to every process that goes on within the human body.

Emotional Signs traditionally associated with toxic lungs

anatomical diagram of lungs

Primary Signs - Sorrow - Grief - Loneliness - Denial Secondary Signs - Withdrawal - Sadness - Introspection In Depth At the cellular level one’s air supply is a matter of life and death. Every second, thousands of cells are dying and being replaced. This is normal. However, when one’s lungs become toxic, the supply of oxygen at a cellular level is greatly compromised. One can live with a compromised oxygen supply; however, less oxygen means more cellular death. Because death is directly associated with grief, when there is more death in the body this can be felt as hopeless feelings of sadness, grief, and loneliness. When one’s lungs are healthy, there is great happiness to be felt because every cell can live its full life.

Kidneys & Bladder: Water Regulation

anatomical diagram of kidney. smoker's kidney

Water makes up over 60 percent of the body's weight. Water helps distribute heat throughout the body, transports nutrients and hormones, and is the medium needed for all chemical reactions to occur (such as breaking down sugar into energy). Water also dilutes toxins and absorbs waste products. The waste products of protein digestion by the liver and excess water from every cell in the body is brought, by the blood, to the kidneys to be filtered out of the body. By controlling the amount of urine, the kidneys directly control the water level in the body. This is an extremely important process because without sufficient water no chemical reactions can take place. The equivalent of 250 gallons of blood will pass through the kidneys daily, to be processed for the removal of toxins and excess water, while water and salt and other substances still needed by the body are reabsorbed. Approximately 2 pints of filtered liquid, which we know as urine, will remain and pass on to the bladder and exit the body. There are over two million filtering units called nephrons in the kidney. This is a lot of tubing that can become congested with mucus and other toxic deposits. When the kidneys become toxic this can affect the entire balance of the body on a very deep level. Internally cleansing can once again free up the energy of the kidneys so they are able to perform their vital functions with ease and confidence.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with toxic Kidneys & Bladder

healthy kidney damaged kidney kidney stones

Primary Signs - Difficult or Frequent Urination - Lower Back Pain - Weak Joints - Cold to Touch Secondary Signs - Weak Bones - Puffiness under eyes - Pain in knees & lower legs - Weak Teeth - Thinning or loss of hair - Hormonal Changes - Poor growth development - Infertility - Impotence - Habitual Miscarriage - Pale, profuse, scanty, and dark urine - Incontinence - Bladder infections - Stones and/or gravel in urine In Depth Without kidneys one would die of poisoning. The kidneys filter and eliminate the natural waste products of metabolism. The kidneys maintain the water balance in one’s body. When the kidneys have even a slight imbalance, one’s very life force is affected. To understand why, we must look at the purpose of water. One’s body is made entirely of energy and water. Without water one would be a pile of salt. It is water that allows all the metabloic processes of the body to take place. Chemical reactions that create energy can only take place in a liquid environment. When this system is toxic, the entire body is deeply affected.

Emotional Signs traditionally associated with toxic Kidneys & Bladder

anatomical diagram of kidney and surrounding organs

Primary Signs - Fear - Insecurity - Paranoia Secondary Signs - Poor reaction to Stress - Panic Attacks - Shaking In Depth Energetically, one’s ability to mobilize under stress or fear is controlled by the entire kidney area. This area includes the adrenal glands which sit on top of each kidney. When the energy of the kidneys is compromised, one may feel he does not have the ability to face challenges. This can create feelings of insecurity, fear, and paranoia. Fear can be helpful in getting one to realize the need of action to get out of a harmful situation. However, insecurity causes one to feel they lack the power to meet any type of danger. By cleansing, the kidneys may be strengthened and one’s overall feelings of self confidence can be greatly increased.

Lymph: The Recycling System

lymph anatomical diagram Diffuse large cell lymphoma

Lymph is a watery, slightly yellow liquid found in the lymphatic vessels of one’s body. These vessels act as a drainage system for the body. Just as blood circulates throughout one’s body so does the lymph. Lymphatic vessels range in size from very large to microscopic and are found in every organ and tissue of the body. These lymphatic vessels flow alongside one’s blood vessels. However, unlike blood, lymph does not flow because of a heart “pump”. Lymph is slowly coaxed by the movement of the body’s muscles until it empties back into the blood vessels just above the heart. The actual lymph fluid is formed when liquid plasma and protein from the blood ooze out of their capillaries and are then picked up by the almost transparent lymph capillaries (vessels). However, it is not only excess fluid from the blood that is picked up but also, nutrients, hormones, waste products of the cells, bacteria, cancer cells, and cellular debris. Also present within the lymph are lymphocytes, which disable harmful foreign invaders. During circulation lymph passes through countless lymph nodes stationed throughout its pathways. Each lymph node acts as a filter helping to destroy microorganisms and cellular debris. Besides helping to maintain the body’s fluid balance and defend the body against disease, the lymph absorbs digested fats from the intestines and transports them to the blood.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with toxins in the lymph system

lymphoma Section of enlarged human lymph node (low power view) showing numerous enlarged lymphoid follicles, each composed of a mantle of dark stained small lymphocytes surrounding a pale stained germinal center. Lymphoid follicles, lymph node.

Primary Signs - Frequent Colds & Infections - Tiredness - Lethargic Body - Tender Lymph Nodes Secondary Signs - Low immune response - Poor muscle tone - Spontaneous bruising - Hemorrhoids - Cellulite formation - Pale Skin - Extremely thin - Problems with sense of taste - Lip problems - Heaviness & weakness of extremities - Yeast Infections - Eating disorders - Food intolerance In Depth When the lymphatic system becomes overly toxic, it leaves a great deal of unprocessed waste throughout one’s body. This can lead to a weak immune system, frequent colds, and an overall cloudy & weighted feeling throughout the body.

Emotional Signs traditionally associated with toxins in the lymph system

anatomical diagram, lymph. Note: lymph is found in every organ and tissue of the body.

Primary Signs - Agitation - Over Stressed - Muddy Thinking - Difficult to Relax or Sleep Secondary Signs - Worry - Failing Memory - Brooding - Self Pity - Obsessive compulsive disorders - Stubbornness In Depth The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions to move lymph throughout its vessels. Without muscles the lymph would not “flow” through its own vessels. However, when the lymph becomes toxic there is a continual need for movement to break up the toxins in the body. This is manifested emotionally as a feeling of continual agitation, the need to move, to break up the toxic lymph. It can also create cloudy thoughts when toxins are not being processed.

Bl00d & Skin

Cut-away section of the skin and underlying blood vessels.

The blood ’s job is to deliver oxygen, food and other essential substances to all the body’s cells, while also picking up carbon dioxide and other wastes to be sent to the organs of elimination. It also makes the blood clot when necessary, and defends the body against invasion by bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. It regulates body temperature, maintains body pH and the fluid volume in the circulatory system.

Physical Signs traditionally associated with toxins in Blood & Skin

anatomical diagram, veins and arteries Human blood tissue. Human skin tissue.

Primary Signs - Skin Problems - Poor Complexion - Lack of Vigor - Hyperactivity Secondary Signs - Lupus - Too Hot or Too Cold - Restless Sleep - Tiredness - Hyperactivity - Talking too Much - Easily Perspires (or not at all) - Poor Skin coloring - Age Spots on Skin - Dark Circles Under the Eyes In Depth The blood is the body’s transportation system. Nutrients, toxic wastes, and oxygen are a few of the things transported through the blood. It is primarily the liver’s job to insure the blood remains clean. However, when any part of one’s body becomes toxic, the entire system is affected. When the blood is full of excess toxins and the liver and kidney are not completely cleansing the blood, the blood will look towards the skin as a means of toxin elimination. Attempting to “push” toxins out through the skin, can develop into rashes and other skin problems. By cleansing the blood one directly affects the skin as well.

Emotional Signs traditionally associated with toxins in the blood & skin
	Primary Signs - Sad - Insomnia - Speech Defects - Over enthusiasm Secondary Signs - Worried - Inappropriate Behavior - Emotional Highs - Emotional Lows