©2005, Elizabeth Walker, RDH, BS, DC

• Multivitamin/mineral, antioxidants and EPA/DHA – 2packets/day w/ meals (See "Please Read First")
• Lactobillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis (7.5 million live organisms each) in a powdered form mixed with water twice per day. Allowing these probiotic organisms to be swished around the mouth helps to inoculate the mouth with healthy bacteria and to inhibit growth of bad germs
• L-Glutamine (3,500 mg), Deglycyrrhized Licorice Root (500 mg) and Aloe Leaf extract (50 mg) – Two to three times per day. A powdered form of this can be mixed and taken together with the probiotics.
• Arabinogalactans (1,500 mg), with D-Mannose, D-Xilitol, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Cinnamon Bark, Plantain Fruit and Apple Fruit Powder, 2 level tablespoons in water or juice, 1 – 2x/daily

Please note: Product names used by Dr. Walker are listed below

      In dentistry, we need to prescribe antibiotics for surgeries, tooth and gum abscesses, and for premedication for certain dental procedures when a patient has had various heart ailments or joint replacements. We encounter many patients who have antibiotic allergies and sensitivity. An antibiotic allergy usually comes on quickly during the course of treatment with an itchy rash or a histamine type reaction of the respiratory system.

       An antibiotic sensitivity is different and usually manifests as an intestinal reaction such as diarrhea or cramping. This is usually not an allergy but is often a sensitivity to the antibiotics due to an unhealthy gut flora and poor health of the intestines. Our intestinal tract provides about 60% of our immune function so optimal function is very important for maintaining good health. These valuable organs are often damaged from a variety of risk factors. Overgrowth of unhealthy germs can be caused by constipation, foreign travel, stress, and consumption of a high fat, low fiber diet including refined carbohydrates and alcohol. Thankfully, there are natural remedies for diarrhea and the other symptoms of antibiotic sensitivity.

       Our healthy intestinal flora, primarily Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, are often killed off by antibiotic usage (including those found in dairy and meat products), chlorinated water, and medications such as antacids and gastric acid inhibitors. Healthy intestinal bacteria, also known as probiotics (the opposite of antibiotics!), often need to be supplemented on an occasional or steady basis, depending on the individual. People who were never breastfed as a baby often have a much more difficult time getting healthy bacteria to persist in their bodies. Such people may have to supplement probiotics on a regular basis for life.

       In addition to immune function, these healthy bacteria also aid our digestion, detoxify the intestines, prevent the manufacture of carcinogenic compounds, manufacture vitamins and essential fatty acids, reconjugate hormones and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Healthy levels of probiotics are essential to good health.

       To diagnose intestinal levels of probiotics, harmful germs and a whole host of immune function parameters, many preventive medicine doctors offer a stool test you can perform at home and send to a laboratory called Genova Diagnostics (previously Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory) in Ashville, NC. This test is called the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0 or CDSA 2.0 for short. More information can be obtained at www.gdx.net.

       The oral cavity is the first part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is conceivable that health problems within the mouth may indicate or even contribute toward an unhealthy GI tract. It is also possible that an unhealthy GI tract could aggravate problems such as periodontal disease and prevent it from healing properly. Perhaps dentists should do research using the CDSA 2.0 to try to find the answers to these questions.

       The main nutrient to heal and nourish our intestines is an amino acid called L-Glutamine. This amino acid is also used by our skeletal muscles and brain. Some of the manifestations of L-Glutamine deficiency are an intolerance to exercise (sore muscles), irritable bowel syndrome (especially diarrhea) and anxiety disorders. L-Glutamine is used to make GABA, a neurotransmitter that tones down excitatory neurotransmitters that create anxiety. Deglycyrrhized Licorice Root and Aloe Leaf extract also support the integrity and optimal function of the gastrointestinal lining.

       Arabinogalactans and its cofactors help the stomach lining get thicker and stronger by promoting the growth of stomach mucosal cells and the protective gastric mucin layer. This is very important for people who have problems with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux. (See also Heartburn).

PLEASE NOTE:  If you appreciate the information on this website, please support it with purchases from our Online Store. You must register your name and email address to access the online store. The names of products listed above are (in order) Wellness Essentials, Ultra Flora Plus DF powder, Glutagenics and Endefen. 

If you are confused about nutrition, you are not alone. It is a complex subject!  For a FREE vitamin consultation, email Dr. Walker with a few bits of information listed under the Health Coaching tab at the top of the page.  She will gladly help you make the most effective and economical nutrition purchases.