There are four main activities in the alimentary tract of our digestive system: Ingestion, Digestion, Absorption and Elimination.
The alimentary canal begins at the mouth, passes through the thorax, abdomen and pelvis region, and ends at the anus (see Figure 1). When food is ingested, a series of digestive processes begin to take place. These can be divided into the mechanical breakdown of food through mastication (chewing) and chemical breakdown of food through enzymes. These enzymes are present in the secretions produced by glands of the digestive system. Enzymes are minute chemical substances that cause or speed up chemical changes in other substances without themselves being changed. Digestive enzymes are contained in the saliva of the salivary glands of the mouth, the gastric juice in the stomach, the intestinal juice in the small intestine, the pancreatic juice in the pancreas, and the bile in the liver.
Absorption is the process by which tiny nutrient particles of digested food pass through the intestinal walls into the blood and lymph vessels for distribution to the cells of the body. The bowels eliminate as feces whatever food substances cannot be digested or absorbed. Fecal matter also contains bile, which carries the waste products resulting from the breakdown (catabolism) of red blood cells. In addition, one third of the excreted waste is made up of intestinal bacteria. The body can only function smoothly and efficiently if the bowel removes the daily accumulating waste every day.
Health is the natural result of balanced functioning of each of these major activities in the digestive system. On the other hand, disease arises when one or more of these functions are impaired. The presence of gallstones in the liver and gallbladder has a strong disruptive influence on digestion and absorption of food, as well as on elimination of waste.
Gallstones in the liver and gallbladder can be held responsible for most diseases of the mouth. The stones interfere with the digestion and absorption of food, which in turn forces waste products meant for elimination to remain in the intestinal tract. Bacterial infection (thrush) and viral infection (herpes) in the mouth arise only when waste decomposes and becomes a source of toxicity in the body. The trapped toxins constantly irritate parts of the gastro-intestinal lining (which begins in the mouth and ends in the anus) until inflammation or ulceration occurs. The damaged cell tissue ‘invites’ more microbes to the scene of the injury to help clean up of cellular debris. This is a normal phenomenon seen everywhere in nature whenever there is something that needs to be decomposed.
Bacteria never attack, that is, infect something that is as clean, vital and healthy as a fruit hanging on a tree. Only when the fruit becomes overripe or falls to the ground do bacteria begin their clean-up job. The moment bacteria begin to decompose food or flesh, toxins are generated. These toxins can be recognized by their unpleasant odor and acidic nature. If they are generated in the body, it is only natural that symptoms of illness begin to show up.
Thrush indicates the presence of large quantities of bacteria that have spread throughout the gastro-intestinal tract, including the mouth area. It shows up in the mouth because the mucous lining there is no longer resistant enough to keep its cells in good physical shape. Since the main part of the immune system is located in the mucous lining of the gastro-intestinal tract, thrush indicates a major weakness in the body’s general immunity to disease.
Herpes, which is considered a viral disease, is similar to thrush, with the exception that, instead of bacteria attacking the cell exterior, viral materials attack the cell interior or nucleus. In both cases, the attackers target only weak and unhealthy cells, those that are already damaged or dysfunctional. Added to this dilemma, gallstones harbor plenty of bacteria and viruses, which escape the liver via the secreted bile and infect those parts of the body that have the least resistance to them.
Gallstones can lead to other problems in the mouth. They inhibit proper bile secretion, which in turn reduces appetite and secretion of saliva from the salivary glands in the mouth. Saliva is required to cleanse the mouth and keep its tissues soft and pliable. If there is not enough saliva present, destructive bacteria begin to invade the mouth cavity. This can lead to tooth decay and other tooth-related problems. But, once again, bacteria do not cause tooth decay; germs are attracted only to those areas in the mouth that are undernourished and toxic already.
A bitter taste in the mouth is caused by bile that has regurgitated into the stomach and, from there, into the mouth. This condition occurs because of major intestinal congestion. Instead of properly moving downward, parts of the intestinal content are backed up and bring gas and other irritating substances into the upper regions of the gastro-intestinal tract. Bile in the mouth drastically alters the pH-value (acid-alkalinity balance) of saliva, which impairs its cleansing properties and makes the mouth susceptible to infection.
A mouth ulcer in the lower lip indicates a simultaneous inflammatory process in the large intestine. Repeated occurrence of ulcers in either one of the corners of the mouth points to the presence of duodenal ulcers (see section on Disorders of the Stomach). Tongue ulcers, depending on their location, indicate inflammatory processes in corresponding areas of the alimentary canal, such as the stomach, small intestine, appendix or large intestine.
Gallstones and subsequent digestive difficulties can lead to regurgitation of bile acids and bile salts into the stomach. Such an occurrence adversely changes the composition and amount of mucous generated in the stomach. The mucous is there to protect the surface lining of the stomach from the destructive effects of hydrochloric acid. The condition where this protective ‘shield’ is broken or diminished is known as gastritis.
Gastritis can occur in acute or chronic form. When the surface cells (epithelium) of the stomach are exposed to acid gastric juice, the cells absorb hydrogen ions. This increases their internal acidity, counterbalances their basic metabolic processes and causes an inflammatory reaction. In more severe cases there may be ulceration of the mucosa (peptic or gastric ulcer), bleeding, perforation of the stomach wall and peritonitis, a condition that occurs when an ulcer erodes through the full thickness of the stomach or duodenum and their contents enter the peritoneal cavity. Duodenal ulcers develop when acid leaving the stomach erodes the duodenum’s lining. In many cases, the acid production is unusually high. Eating too many foods that require strong acid secretions, as well as inadequate food combining , often disturb balanced acid production. Esophageal reflux, commonly known as ‘heartburn,’ is a condition in which stomach acid washes back into the esophagus and causes irritation of the tissues lining the esophagus.
There are a number of other causes of gastritis and heartburn. They include overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, heavy cigarette smoking, drinking coffee every day, eating large quantities of animal protein and animal fats, X-radiation, cytotoxic drugs, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, food poisoning, very spicy foods, dehydration, emotional stress, etc. All of these also cause gallstones in the liver and gallbladder, opening up a vicious circle and further adding complications throughout the gastro-intestinal tract. Ultimately, malignant stomach tumors may be formed.
Most medical doctors now believe that a ‘bug’ causes stomach ulcers. Combating the bug with antibiotic drugs usually brings relief and stops the ulcer. Although the drug does not guarantee that the ulcer returns after discontinuing the drug, there is a high ‘recovery’ rate. But such recoveries are often accompanied by side effects.
The infection by these bugs is only possible because there already is damaged cell tissue in the stomach. In a healthy stomach, the same bug turns out to be totally harmless. As mentioned before, gallstones in the liver and gallbladder can lead to regular back flushing of bile into the stomach, which causes damage to an increasing number of stomach cells. Antibiotics destroy the natural stomach flora, including bacteria that normally help break down damaged cells. So although the antibiotic approach results in a quick relief of symptoms, it also lowers stomach performance permanently, which sets up the body for more severe challenges than just dealing with an ulcer. Shortcuts to healing rarely pay off. On the other hand, most stomach disorders disappear spontaneously when all existing gallstones are removed, and a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle are regularly maintained.
Gallstones in the liver or gallbladder cut down bile secretion from the normal amount of about one quart per day, to as little as one cup per day. This severely disrupts the digestive process, particularly if fats or fat-containing foods are consumed. Subsequently, the pH remains too low, which inhibits the action of pancreatic enzymes, as well as those secreted by the small intestine. The end result is that food is only partially digested. Improperly digested food that is saturated with the stomach’s hydrochloric acid can have a very irritating, toxic effect on the entire intestinal tract.
If a gallstone has moved from the gallbladder into the ampulla, where the common bile duct and the pancreatic ducts meet (see Figure 1), the release of pancreatic juice becomes obstructed and bile moves into the pancreas. This causes protein-splitting pancreatic enzymes that are normally activated only in the duodenum to be activated while in the pancreas. These enzymes begin to digest parts of the pancreatic tissue, which can lead to infection, suppuration and local thrombosis. This condition is known as pancreatitis.
Gallstones obstructing the ampulla release bacteria, viruses and toxins into the pancreas, which can cause further damage to pancreatic cells, and eventually lead to malignant tumors. The tumors occur mostly in the head of the pancreas, where they inhibit the flow of bile and pancreatic juice. This condition is often accompanied by jaundice Gallstones in the liver, gallbladder and ampulla may also be responsible for both types of diabetes – insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent.
The liver is the largest gland in the body. It weighs up to three pounds, it is suspended behind the ribs on the upper right side of the abdomen and spans almost the entire width of the body. Being responsible for hundreds of different functions, it is also the most complex and active organ in the human body.
Since the liver is in charge of processing, converting, distributing and maintaining the body’s vital ‘fuel’ supply (e.g., nutrients and energy), anything that interferes with these functions must have a serious, detrimental impact on the health of the liver and the body as a whole. The strongest interference stems from the presence of gallstones.
Besides manufacturing cholesterol, an essential building material of organ cells, hormones and bile, the liver also produces hormones and proteins that affect the way the body functions, grows and heals. The liver also makes new amino acids and converts existing ones into proteins. These proteins are the main building blocks of the cells, hormones, neurotransmitters, genes, etc. Other essential functions of the liver include breaking down old, worn-out cells, recycling iron and storing vitamins and nutrients. Gallstones are a hazard to all of these vital tasks.
Apart from breaking down alcohol in the blood, the liver also detoxifies noxious substances, bacteria, parasites, and certain components of chemical drugs. It uses specific enzymes to convert waste or poisons into substances that can be safely carried out of the body. The liver filters more than a quart of blood each minute. Most of the filtered waste products leave the liver via the bile stream.
Gallstones obstructing the bile ducts lead to high levels of toxicity in the liver and ultimately liver diseases. This development is further exacerbated by intake of pharmaceutical drugs, normally broken down by the liver. The presence of gallstones prevents their detoxification, which can cause ‘overdosing’ and devastating side effects, even at normal dosage levels. It also means that the liver is at risk of damage from the harmful chemicals of drugs that the liver breaks down. Alcohol that is not detoxified properly can cause similar problems.
All liver diseases are preceded by extensive bile duct obstruction through gallstones. The gallstones distort the structural framework of the liver lobules (see Figures 1 in the section on the Pancreas and Figure 1 below), which are the main units composing the liver (there are over 50,000 of such units in the liver). Subsequently, blood circulation to and from these lobules, and the cells they are composed of, becomes increasingly difficult. In addition, the liver cells have to cut down bile production. Nerve fibers become damaged. Prolonged suffocation eventually damages or destroys liver cells and their lobules. There is a gradual replacement of damaged cells by fibrous tissue, causing further obstruction and an increase in pressure on the liver’s blood vessels. If the regeneration of liver cells does not keep pace with damage, liver cirrhosis is imminent. Liver cirrhosis usually leads to death.
Liver failure occurs when so many liver cells are destroyed that an insufficient number remains to carry out the organ’s various important and vital functions. Consequences of liver failure include drowsiness, confusion, shaking of hands (flapping tremor), drop in blood sugar, infection, kidney failure and fluid retention, uncontrolled bleeding, coma and death. The powers of recovery of the liver, however, are remarkable. If the gallstones are removed, and alcohol and drug intake discontinued, there will be no long-term problems, even though most of the liver cells have been destroyed during the illness. When the cells regrow, they do so in an ordered fashion that permits normal function. This is possible because in liver failure (as opposed to liver cirrhosis) the basic structure of the liver has not been substantially disturbed.
Acute hepatitis results when whole groups of liver cells begin to die off. Gallstones harbor large quantities of viral material, which can invade and infect liver cells, causing cell-degenerative changes. As gallstones increase in number and size, and more cells become infected and die, entire lobules begin to collapse, and blood vessels begin to develop kinks. This greatly affects blood circulation to the remaining liver cells. The extent of damage that these changes have on the liver and its overall performance largely depends on the degree of obstruction caused by gallstones in the liver bile ducts. Cancer of the liver only occurs after many years of progressive occlusion of the liver bile ducts. This applies also to tumors in the liver that emanate from primary tumors in the gastro-intestinal tract, lungs or breast.
Most liver infections (type A, type B, and type non-A and type non-B) occur when a certain number of liver lobules are congested with gallstones, which can even happen at a very early age. A healthy liver and immune system are perfectly able to destroy virus material, regardless of whether the virus has been picked up from the external environment or entered the blood stream in some other way. The majority of all people exposed to these viruses never fall ill. However, when large amounts of gallstones are present, the liver becomes toxic and cannot defend itself against viral infection.
Gallstones can harbor plenty of live viruses. Once some of these viruses break free and enter the blood, they can cause chronic hepatitis. Non-viral infections of the liver are caused by bacteria that spread from any of the bile ducts obstructed with gallstones.
The presence of gallstones in the bile ducts also impairs the liver cell’s ability to deal with toxic substances such as chloroform, cytotoxic drugs, anabolic steroids, alcohol, aspirin, fungi, food additives, etc. When this occurs, the body develops hypersensitivity to these predictable toxic substances, and also to other unpredictable ones contained in numerous medical drugs. Many allergies stem from such hypersensitivity. For the same reason, there may also be a drastic increase in toxic side effects resulting from the intake of medical drugs, side effects of which the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) or pharmaceutical companies may not even be aware.The most common form of jaundice results from gallstones being stuck in the bile duct leading to the duodenum and/or gallstones and fibrous tissue distorting the structural framework of liver lobules. The movement of bile through the bile channels (canaliculi) is blocked and the liver cells can no longer conjugate and excrete bile pigment, known as bilirubin. Consequently, there is a buildup both of bile and the substances from which it is made in the blood stream. As bilirubin begins to build up, it stains the skin. Bilirubin concentration in the blood may be three times above normal before a yellow coloration of both the skin and the conjunctiva of the eyes becomes apparent. Unconjugated bilirubin has a toxic effect on brain cells. Jaundice may also be caused by a tumor in the head of the pancreas.
The small intestine is continuous with the stomach at the pyloric sphincter and has a length of 16-19 feet (5-6 meters). It leads into the large intestine, which is about 3.5-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) long. The small intestine secretes intestinal juice to complete digestion of carbohydrates, protein and fats. It also absorbs nutrient materials necessary for nourishing and maintaining the body, and protects it against infection by microbes that have survived the anti-microbial action of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
When acid food (chyme) from the stomach enters the duodenum, it is first mixed with bile and pancreatic juice, and then with intestinal juice. Gallstones in the liver and gallbladder drastically reduce secretion of bile, which weakens the ability of pancreatic enzymes to digest carbohydrates, protein and fat. This, in turn, restrains the small intestine from properly absorbing the nutrient components of these foods (e.g., monosaccharides from carbohydrates, amino acids from protein, and fatty acids and glycerol from fats).
Since the presence of bile in the intestines is essential for the absorption of fats, calcium and Vitamin K, gallstones can lead to life-threatening diseases, such as heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. The liver uses the fat-soluble Vitamin K to produce the compounds responsible for the clotting of blood. In case of poor Vitamin K absorption, hemorrhagic disease may result. This vitamin cannot be adequately absorbed if there is any problem with fat digestion, due to lack of bile, pancreatic lipase and a certain amount of pancreatic fat. For the latter reason, following a low-fat diet can endanger one’s life. Calcium is essential for the hardening of bone and teeth, the coagulation of blood and the mechanism of muscle contraction. What applies to Vitamin K also applies to all other fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A, E and D. Vitamin A and carotene are also only absorbed sufficiently from the small intestine if fat absorption is normal. If Vitamin A absorption is inefficient, the epithelial cells become damaged. These cells form an essential part of all the organs, blood vessels, lymph vessels, etc., in the body. Vitamin A is also necessary to maintain healthy eyes and protect against or reduce microbial infection. Vitamin D is essential for calcification of bones and teeth. It may be noted at this point that supplementing these vitamins does not resolve the problem of deficiency. To sum up, without normal bile secretions, these vitamins are not digested and absorbed properly and, therefore, can cause considerable damage to the lymphatic and urinary systems.
Inadequately digested foods tend to ferment and putrefy in the small and large intestines. They attract a vast number of bacteria to help speed up the process of decomposition. The breakdown products are often very toxic and so are the chemicals produced by the bacteria. All of this strongly irritates the mucous lining, which is one of the body’s foremost defense lines against disease-causing agents. Regular exposure to these toxins impairs the body’s immune system, 60% of which is located in the intestines. Overburdened by a constant influx of toxins, the small and large intestines may be afflicted with a number of disorders, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal gas, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, hernias, polyps, dysentery, appendicitis, volvulus, intussusceptions, as well as benign and malignant tumors.
Ample bile flow maintains good digestion and absorption of food, and has a strong cleansing action throughout the intestinal tract. Every part of the body depends on the basic nutrients made available through the digestive system, as well as the efficient removal of waste products from the digestive system. Gallstones in the liver and gallbladder considerably disrupt both of these vital processes. Therefore, they can be held accountable for most, if not all, of the different kinds of ailments that can afflict the body. Removal of gallstones helps to normalize the digestive and eliminative functions, improve cell metabolism and maintain balance throughout the body.
The urinary system is a very important excretory system of the body. It consists of: two kidneys which form and excrete urine; two ureters which convey the urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder; a urinary bladder where urine collects and is temporarily stored; and, a urethra through which urine is discharged from the urinary bladder to the exterior of the body. Smooth functioning of the urinary system is essential for maintaining the appropriate balance between water and substances dissolved in it, as well as between acid and alkalis. This system is also involved in the disposal of waste products resulting from the breakdown (catabolism) of cell protein in the liver, for example.
Most diseases of the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system are related to an imbalance of simple filtration in the kidneys. About 26-40 gallons (100-150 liters) of dilute filtrate are formed each day by the two kidneys. Of these, 34-52 ounces (1-1.5 liters) are excreted as urine. With the exception of blood cells, platelets and blood proteins, all other blood constituents must pass through the kidneys. The process of filtration is disrupted and weakened by poor performance of the digestive system, and the liver in particular.
Gallstones in the liver and gallbladder reduce the amount of bile necessary to digest food properly. Much of the undigested food begins to ferment and putrefy, leaving toxic waste matter in the blood and lymph. The body’s normal excretions, such as urine, sweat, gases and feces do not usually contain disease-generating waste products; that is, of course, for as long as the passages of elimination remain clear and unobstructed. Disease-causing agents consist of tiny molecules that appear in the blood and lymph, and can be made visible only by powerful electron microscopes.
These molecules have a strong acidifying effect on the blood. To avoid a life-threatening disease or coma, the blood must rid itself of these minute toxins. Accordingly, it dumps these unwanted intruders into the connective tissue of the organs. The connective tissue is a gel-like fluid (lymph) that surrounds the cells. The cells are ‘bathed’ in the connective tissue. Under normal circumstances, the body knows how to deal with acidic waste material that has been deposited in the connective tissue. It releases an alkaline product, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), into the blood that is able to retrieve and neutralize the acidic toxins and eliminate them through the excretory organs. This emergency system, however, begins to fail when toxins are deposited faster than can be retrieved and eliminated. Consequently, the connective tissue may become as thick as jelly; nutrients, water and oxygen can no longer pass freely and the cells of the organs begin to suffer malnutrition, dehydration and oxygen deficiency.
Some of the most acidic compounds are proteins from animal foods. Gallstones inhibit the liver’s ability to break down these proteins. Excessive proteins are temporarily stored in the connective tissues and then converted into collagen fiber. The collagen fiber is built into the basement membranes of the capillary walls. Consequently, the basement membranes may become ten times as thick as normal. A similar situation occurs in the arteries. As the blood vessel walls become increasingly congested, fewer proteins are able to escape the blood stream. This leads to blood thickening, making it more and more difficult for the kidneys to filter it. At the same time, the basement membranes of the blood vessels supplying the kidneys also become congested. As this process of hardening of the blood vessels progresses further, blood pressure starts to rise and overall kidney performance drops. Ever-increasing amounts of metabolic waste excreted by kidney cells, normally eliminated via venous blood vessels and lymphatic ducts, are held back and, in turn, increase thickness of the cell membranes.
Through all of this, the kidneys become overburdened and can no longer maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance. In addition, there may be precipitation of urinary components that form into crystals and stones of various types and sizes (see Figure 2). Uric acid stones, for example, are formed when uric acid concentration in the urine exceeds the level of 2-4 mg %. This amount was still considered within the range of tolerance until the mid-1960s. Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of protein in the liver. Since meat consumption rose sharply at that time, the ‘within the norm’ level has been adjusted to 7.5 mg %. Yet this adjustment does not make uric acid less dangerous for the body. Stones formed from excessive uric acid (also see ‘Bladder stones’ in Figure 3) can lead to urinary obstruction, kidney infection and, eventually, kidney failure.
As kidney cells become increasingly deprived of vital nutrients, including oxygen, malignant tumors may develop. In addition, uric acid crystals that are not eliminated by the kidneys can settle in the joints and cause rheumatism, gout and water retention.
Symptoms of impending kidney trouble are often deceptively mild in comparison to the potential severity of kidney disease. The most observable and common symptoms of kidney problems are abnormal changes in the volume, frequency and coloration of the urine. These are usually accompanied by swelling of the face and ankles, and pain in the upper back. If the disease has progressed further, there may be blurred vision, tiredness, falling off in performance, and nausea. The following symptoms may also indicate malfunctioning of the kidneys: high blood pressure, low blood pressure, pain moving from the upper to lower abdomen, dark brown urine, pain in the back just above the waist, excessive thirst, increase in urination, especially in night time, less than 500ml urine per day, feeling of fullness in the bladder and pain passing urine, drier and browner skin pigment, ankles puffy at night, eyes puffy in morning, bruising and hemorrhage. All major diseases of the urinary system are caused by toxic blood; in other words, by blood filled with tiny molecules of waste material and excessive proteins. Gallstones in the liver impair digestion, cause blood and lymph congestion and disrupt the entire circulatory system, including that of the urinary system. By removing the gallstones, the urinary system has a chance to recuperate, rid itself of existing accumulated toxins, stones, etc., and maintain fluid balance and normal blood pressure. This is necessary for all the processes in the body to run smoothly and efficiently. There may be a strong need to also cleanse the kidneys
The liver secretes bile, which passes via the two hepatic ducts into the common hepatic duct. The common hepatic duct runs for 1.5 inches before being joined by the cystic duct coming from the gallbladder. Before bile continues its journey through the common bile duct into the intestinal tract, it must flow into the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped pouch that protrudes from the bile duct. It is attached to the posterior side of the liver (see Figure 1).
A normal gallbladder generally holds about two fluid ounces of bile. The bile in the gallbladder, however, is not in the same form as it was when it left the liver. In the gallbladder there is such a great active reabsorption of salt and water that the volume of bile is reduced to only one tenth of its original quantity. Bile salts are not absorbed, which means, their concentration is increased by about ten times. However, mucus is added to the bile, which turns it into a thick mucus-like material. Its high concentration makes bile the powerful digestive fluid it is.
The muscular walls of the gallbladder contract and eject bile when acid food and protein products enter the duodenum from the stomach. A more marked activity is noted if food entering the duodenum contains a high proportion of fat. The bile salts in the bile are used to emulsify the fat and facilitate its digestion. Once the bile salts have done their job and left the emulsified fat for intestinal absorption, they travel on down the intestine. Most of the bile salts are reabsorbed in the final section of the small intestine and carried back to the liver. There it is collected again in the bile and secreted into the duodenum. (Note: Intestinal congestion sharply reduces the amount of bile salts needed for proper bile production and fat digestion.) Gallstones may be primarily made of cholesterol or calcium or pigments such as bilirubin. Cholesterol is the most common constitution, but many of the stones are of mixed composition. Besides cholesterol, calcium and bile pigments, they may contain bile salts, water and mucus, as well as toxins, bacteria and, sometimes, dead parasites. Typically, stones within the gallbladder grow in size for about eight years before noticeable symptoms begin to occur. Larger stones are generally calcified and can be detected easily through radiological means, or by using ultrasonography. Eighty five percent of gallstones found in the gallbladder measure about 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) across (see Figure 2a), although some can become as large as 2-3 inches (6 centimeters) across (see Figures 2b and 2c of a calcified gallstone I personally examined and photographed moments after it was painlessly released by a client during her 9th liver cleanse; the stone emitted an extremely noxious odor). They are formed when, due to reasons explained in The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush, bile in the gallbladder becomes too saturated, and its unabsorbed constituents begin to harden.
If a gallstone does slip out of the gallbladder and becomes impacted in the cystic bile duct or common bile duct, there is very strong spasmodic contraction of the wall of the duct. The contraction helps to move the stone onwards. This causes severe pain known as biliary colic and is accompanied by considerable distension of the gallbladder. If the gallbladder is packed with gallstones, it also goes into extremely painful spasmodic muscle contractions. Gallstones can cause irritation and inflammation of the lining of the gallbladder, as well as the cystic and common bile ducts. This condition is known as cholecystitis. There may also be superimposed microbial infection. Ulceration of the tissues between the gallbladder and the duodenum or colon, with fistula formation and fibrous adhesions, is not uncommon. Gallbladder disease generally originates in the liver. When liver lobules become structurally distorted due to presence of gallstones and, eventually, fibrous tissue, venous blood pressure starts to rise in the portal vein. This, in turn, increases the blood pressure in the cystic vein that drains venous blood from the gallbladder into the portal vein. The incomplete elimination of waste products through the cystic duct causes a backup of acidic waste in the gallbladder tissue. This gradually reduces the performance of the gallbladder. The formation of gallstones is just a matter of time.
Female and male reproductive systems both depend largely on smooth functioning of the liver. Gallstones in the liver obstruct the movement of bile through the bile ducts, which impairs digestion and distorts the structural framework of liver lobules. This diminishes the liver’s production of serum albumin. Serum albumin is the most common and abundant protein in the blood responsible for maintaining plasma osmotic pressure at its normal level of 25mmHg, and clotting factors, essential for coagulation of blood. Insufficient osmotic pressure cuts down the supply of nutrients to the cells, including those of the reproductive organs. This may lead to reduced lymph drainage and, subsequently, to fluid retention and edema, as well as retention of metabolic waste and gradual impairment of sexual functions.
Most diseases of the reproductive system result from improper lymph drainage. The thoracic duct drains lymph fluid from all organs of the digestive system, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines. This large duct often becomes severely congested when gallstones in the liver lead to disturbed digestion and absorption of food. It is obvious, yet hardly ever recognized, that congestion in the thoracic duct affects the organs of the reproductive system; they, too, need to empty their lymphatic waste products into the thoracic duct.
Impaired lymphatic drainage from the female pelvic area of the body is responsible for suppressed immunity, menstrual problems, PMT, menopausal symptoms, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervicitis, all uterine diseases, vulvar dystrophies with growth of fibrous tissue, ovarian cysts and tumors, cell destruction, hormone deficiencies, low libido, infertility, and genetic mutations of cells leading to cancer. Thoracic blockage may also lead to lymph congestion in the left breast, leaving deposits of noxious substances that can cause inflammation, lump formation and even tumors. If the right lymphatic duct, which drains lymph from the right half of the thorax, head, neck and right arm, becomes congested, toxins are retained in the right breast, leading to similar problems there.
A continuous restriction of lymph drainage from the male pelvic area causes benign and malignant prostate enlargement, and inflammation of the testes, penis and urethra. Impotence is a likely consequence of this development. The consistent increase of gallstones in the liver, a common factor among middle-aged men in affluent societies, is one of the major reasons for lymph blockage in this vital part of the body. Venereal diseases occur when there is a high level of toxicity in the exposed area due to lymph blockage, prior to microbial infection. The collapsing capacity of the lymphatic system to repel invading organisms causes most reproductive and sexual disorders.
By removing all gallstones from the liver and taking recourse to a healthy diet and lifestyle, lymphatic activity can return to normal. The reproductive tissue receives improved nourishment and becomes more resistant. Infections subside; cysts, fibrous tissue and tumors are broken down and removed; sexual functions are restored.
Our whole lives are dictated by the way we feel. Our persona, the way we carry ourselves, our interactions with other people, our moods, cravings, patience, tolerance level, and more are strongly affected by the state of health of our nervous system. In today’s fast paced world we are exposed to a variety of conditions that wreak havoc on our bodies. The brain is the control center of the entire body and unless it receives proper nourishment, your life can be a physical and emotional mess.
Brain cells are very capable of manufacturing the quantity of chemicals they need if they are supplied with the nutrients needed to produce those chemicals. Although modern intensive agriculture has depleted most of the soil of nutrients, most nutrient deficiencies occur due to poor performance of the digestive system and, particularly, the liver. Lack of such nutrients can hinder the ability of our brain to manufacture the chemicals it needs to function optimally.
The brain can function for quite some time with substandard amounts of nutrients, but the price paid includes poor health, fatigue, lack of energy, mood swings, sickness, aches and pains, and general discomfort. Some deficiencies manifest in mental disease.
The nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, pairs of spinal and cranial nerves and autonomic functions, is largely dependent on the quality of the blood. Blood is composed of plasma, a straw-colored transparent fluid, and cells. The constituents of plasma are water, plasma proteins, mineral salts, hormones, vitamins, nutrient materials, organic waste products, antibodies and gases. There are three varieties of blood cells: white cells (leukocytes), red cells (erythrocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). Any abnormal changes in the blood affect the nervous system.
All three blood cell types are formed in the red bone marrow, which is nourished and maintained by the nutrients supplied through the digestive system. Gallstones in the liver interfere with digestion and assimilation of food, which fills the plasma with excessive waste material and cuts down nutrient supplies to the red bone marrow. This, in turn, upsets the balance of blood cell constituents, disrupts hormonal pathways and causes abnormal responses in the nervous system. Most diseases afflicting the nervous system are rooted in improperly formed blood, brought about by a dysfunctional liver.
Each of the numerous functions of the liver has a direct influence on the nervous system, and particularly the brain. The liver cells convert glycogen (complex sugar) into glucose which, besides oxygen and water, is the major nutrient for the nervous system. Glucose provides most of its energy requirements. The brain, although it constitutes only 1/50 of the body weight, contains about 1/5 of the total blood volume in the body. It uses up vast amounts of glucose. Gallstones in the liver drastically cut down glucose supply to the brain and the rest of the nervous system, which can affect the performance of the organs, senses and mind. At the early stages of imbalance, a person may develop food cravings, particularly for sweet or starchy foods, and experience frequent mood swings or emotional stress.
The liver also forms the plasma proteins and most of the blood clotting factors from the available amino acids. This function becomes increasingly subdued by the presence of gallstones. If the production of clotting factors drops, platelet count will fall and there may be spontaneous capillary bleeding or hemorrhagic disease. If a hemorrhage occurs in the brain, it may cause destruction of brain tissue, paralysis or death. The severity of the bleeding may be determined by such triggers as hypertension and alcohol abuse. Platelet counts also drop when production of new cells does not keep pace with destruction of damaged or worn-out cells, which happens in the liver when gallstones cut off blood supply to liver cells.
Vitamin Kis also essential for synthesis of major clotting factors. It is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver, and bile salts are required in the colon for absorption. Vitamin K becomes deficient when gallstones in the liver and gallbladder obstruct bile flow, which leads to inadequate fat absorption.
Gallstones in the liver can lead to disorders of the vascular system as well. When the blood changes and becomes thick, blood vessels begin to harden and become damaged. If a blood clot forms in an injured artery, a piece of blood clot (embolus) may lodge in a small artery distant to the injury and obstruct the blood flow, causing ischaemia and infarction. If the infarction occurs in a brain artery, it is called a stroke.
All circulatory disturbances affect the brain and the rest of the nervous system. The disruption of liver functions particularly affects astrocytes – cells that form the main supporting tissue of the central nervous system. This condition is characterized by apathy, disorientation, delirium, muscular rigidity and coma. Nitrogenous bacterial waste absorbed from the colon, normally detoxified by the liver, reaches the brain cells via the blood. Other metabolic waste products, such as ammonia, may reach toxic concentrations and change the permeability of the blood vessels in the brain and reduce the effectiveness of the blood-brain barrier. This may permit different noxious substances to enter the brain as well, causing further damage.
If the neurons of the brain no longer receive enough nourishment, there is atrophy of neural tissue, which leads to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. In case the neurons, which are responsible for producing the brain hormone and neurotransmitter dopamine, suffer malnutrition, Parkinson’s disease results. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when the cells that produce myelin, a sheath of fatty material that surrounds most axons of nerve cells, suffer malnutrition. The myelin sheath diminishes and axons become injured.
The liver controls the digestion, absorption and metabolism of fatty substances throughout the body. Gallstones interfere with fat metabolism and affect cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol is an essential building block of all our body cells and is needed for every metabolic process. Our brain consists of more than 10% pure cholesterol (all water removed). Cholesterol is important for brain development and brain function. It protects the nerves against damage or injury. An imbalance of blood fats can profoundly affect the nervous system and, thereby, cause almost any type of illness in the body.
Removing gallstones from the liver and gallbladder increases nutrient supplies to all the cells, thereby rejuvenating the nervous system and improving all functions in the body.
Although bone is the hardest tissue in the body, it is, nevertheless, very much alive. Human bone consists of 20% water, 30-40% organic material, such as living cells, and 40-50% inorganic material, such as calcium. Bone tissue harbors many blood and lymph vessels, and nerves. The cells responsible for balanced bone growth are the osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are the bone-forming cells, whereas osteoclasts are responsible for resorption of bone to maintain optimum shape. A third group of cells, known as chondrocytes, are in charge of forming cartilage. Red bone marrow, which produces red and white blood cells, is located in the less dense parts of the bone, called cancellous bone.
Most bone diseases occur when bone cells no longer receive enough nourishment. Gallstones in the liver always lead to lymph congestion in the intestinal tract and, consequently, in other parts of the body. Good bone health results from the sustained balance between the functions of osteoblast and osteoblast cells. This delicate balance becomes disturbed when deficient nutrient supply slows the production of new bone tissue by osteoblasts. Osteoporosisresults when the amount of bone tissue is reduced because growth of new bone does not keep pace with destruction of old bone. Cancellous bone is usually affected before compact bone is. Compact bone makes up the outer layer of the bone.
In generalized osteoporosis, excess calcium is reabsorbed from bone, thereby raising the calcium levels of blood and urine. This may predispose a person to form stones in the kidneys and, eventually, suffer renal failure. Gallstones in the liver substantially reduce bile production. Bile is essential for the absorption of calcium from the small intestines. Even if there were plenty of calcium made available from one’s food or through food supplements, shortage of bile renders much of the ingested calcium useless for bone formation and other important metabolic processes. In addition, the presence of gallstones in the liver raises the level of harmful acids in the blood, some of which are neutralized by calcium released from the bones and teeth. Eventually, these calcium reserves become depleted, diminishing bone density or bone mass. This may lead to bone and hip fractures, and even death. With over half of all women over age 50 already affected by osteoporosis (albeit only in industrialized nations), it is obvious that the current approach of taking hormones or calcium supplements is a shot in the dark; it does in no way address the causal imbalance in the liver and gallbladder.
Rickets and osteomalacia are diseases that affect the calcification process of bones. In either case, the bones become soft, especially those of the lower limbs, which become bowed by the weight of the body. The fat-soluble Vitamin D, calciferol, is essential for balanced calcium and phosphorus metabolism and, therefore, healthy bone structures. Insufficient bile secretion and disturbance of the cholesterol metabolism, both of which are caused by gallstones in the liver, lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Lack of exposure to ultraviolet light further aggravates the situation.
Infection of bones, or osteomyelitis, may result when there has been a prolonged lymphatic obstruction in the body, especially in or around bone tissues. Consequently, blood-borne microbes gain unhindered access to bones. The microbes may originate from gallstones, a tooth abscess or a boil.
Malignant tumors of the bone can occur when lymphatic congestion in the body and the bones, especially, has reached extreme proportions. The immune system is depressed and malignant tumor particles from the breasts, lungs or prostate gland can spread to those bones that have the best blood supply, i.e., the cancellous bone. Bone cancer and all other diseases of the bone signify lack of nourishment of bone tissue. They usually defy treatment unless all gallstones in the liver are removed and all other organs and systems of elimination are cleared from any existing obstruction as well.
There are three types of joints in our body: fibrous or fixed joints, cartilaginous or slightly movable joints and synovial or freely movable joints. The most susceptible to disease are the joints of the hands, feet, knees, shoulders, elbows and hips. The most commonly found diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.
Most people with rheumatoid arthritis have a long history of intestinal complaints: bloatedness, flatulence, heartburn, belching, constipation, diarrhea, coldness and swelling of hands and feet, increased perspiration, general fatigue, loss of appetite, weight reduction, etc. It is reasonable, therefore, to conclude that rheumatoid arthritis is linked with any of these, or similar symptoms of major intestinal and metabolic difficulties. I have personally experienced all of the symptoms mentioned here when I suffered bouts of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis during my childhood years.
The gastro-intestinal tract is constantly exposed to a large number of viruses, bacteria and parasites. In addition to the many antigens (foreign material) contained in foods, the digestive system may also have to deal with insecticides, pesticides, hormones, antibiotic residues, preservatives and colorings contained in so many foodstuffs today. Other possible antigens include pollen from flowers, plants, plant antibodies, fungi, bacteria and some large molecule drugs, such as penicillin. It is the task of the immune system, most of which is located in the intestinal wall, to protect us against all of these potentially harmful invaders and substances. To be able to accomplish this task on a daily basis, both the digestive and lymphatic systems must remain unobstructed and efficient. Gallstones in the liver seriously disturb the digestive process, which leads to an overload of toxic substances in the blood and lymph, as mentioned above (see Disorders of the Circulatory System).
Arthritis is considered to be an auto-immune disease affecting the synovial membrane. Auto-immunity, a condition in which the immune system develops immunity to its own cells, results when antigen/antibody complexes (rheumatoid factors) are formed and present in the blood. Naturally, the B-lymphocytes (immune cells) in the intestinal wall become stimulated and produce antibodies (immunoglobulins) when coming into contact with these antigens. The immune cells circulate in the blood and some settle in the lymph nodes, spleen, mucous membrane of the salivary glands, lymphatic system of the bronchial tubes, vagina or uterus, milk-producing mammary glands of the breasts and capsular tissues of the joints.
If there is repeated exposure to the same types of toxic antigens, antibody production will increase dramatically, particularly in areas where immune cells have settled due to a previous encounter with the invaders. These harmful antigens may consist of protein particles from putrefying animal foods, for example. In such a case, there can be intense microbial activity. The new encounter with the antigens raises the level of antigen/antibody complexes in the blood and upsets the fine balance that exists between the immune reaction and its suppression. Auto-immune diseases, which indicate an extremely high level of toxicity in the body, directly result from a disturbance of this balance. If antibody production is continually high in synovial joints, inflammation becomes chronic, leading to increasing deformity, pain and loss of function. The overuse of the immune system leads to self-destruction in the body. If this form of self-destruction occurs in nerve tissue, it is called MS, and if it occurs in organ tissue, it is called cancer. Yet, seen from a deeper perspective, the self-destruction is but a final attempt at self-preservation. The body only attacks itself if the toxicity could cause more damage than an auto-immune response would. Gallstones in the liver are the leading cause of toxicity. They can paralyze the body’s ability to keep itself nourished and clean.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative non-inflammatory disease. It occurs when the renewal of articular cartilage (a smooth, strong surface, covering bones that are in contact with other bones) does not keep pace with its removal. The articular cartilage gradually becomes thinner until, eventually, the bony articular surfaces come into contact and the bones begin to degenerate. Abnormal bone repair and chronic inflammation may follow this form of injury. This disease is also caused by long-standing digestive disorder. As fewer nutrients are absorbed and distributed for tissue building, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain healthy sustenance of bone and articular cartilage. Gallstones in the liver impair the basic digestive processes and, therefore, play perhaps the most important role in the development of osteoarthritis. Gout, which is another joint disease directly connected to weak liver performance, is caused by sodium urate crystals in joints and tendons. Gout occurs in some people whose blood uric acid is abnormally high. When gallstones in the liver begin to affect blood circulation in the kidneys uric acid excretion becomes inefficient. This also causes increased cell damage and cell destruction in the liver and kidneys, as well as in other parts of the body.
Uric acid is a waste product of the breakdown of cell nuclei and is produced in excess with increased cell destruction. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcoholic beverages regularly, using stimulants, etc., cause marked cell destruction which releases large quantities of degenerate cell protein into the blood stream. In addition, uric acid production rises sharply with over-consumption of protein foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, etc. Incidentally, all of the aforementioned foods and substances lead to gallstone formation in the liver and gallbladder. There may be several acute attacks of arthritis before damage of joints decreases mobility and the gout condition becomes chronic.
Both mental and physical health depend on the effectiveness and vitality of the cells in the body. Most of the energy required by the cells is derived from chemical reactions that can only take place in the presence of oxygen. One of the resultant waste products is carbon dioxide. The respiratory system provides the routes by which sufficient oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is excreted from the body. Blood serves as the transport system for the exchange of these gases between the lungs and the cells.
Gallstones in the liver can impair respiratory functions and cause allergies, disorders of the nose, nasal cavities and diseases of the bronchi and lungs. When gallstones distort the lobules (units) of the liver, the blood-cleansing ability of the liver, small intestine, lymphatic system and immune system weakens. Waste material and toxic substances, normally rendered harmless by these organs and systems, now begin to seep into the heart, lungs, bronchi and other respiratory passages. Constant exposure to these irritating agents lowers the resistance of the respiratory system against them. Lymph congestion in the abdominal region, particularly in the cysterna chyli and thoracic duct, hampers proper lymphatic drainage from the respiratory organs. Most respiratory ailments occur as a consequence of such lymph blockages.
Pneumonia results when protective measures fail to prevent inhaled or blood-borne microbes from reaching and colonizing the lungs. Gallstones harbor harmful microbes, as well as very toxic, irritating material, which can enter the blood via the damaged liver sites. Gallstones are, therefore, a constant source of immune suppression, which leaves the body, and particularly the upper respiratory tract, susceptible to both internal and external disease-causing factors. These include both blood-borne and air-borne microbes (believed to cause pneumonia), cigarette smoke, alcohol, X-rays, corticosteroids, allergens, antigens, common pollutants, etc.
Further respiratory complications arise when handfuls of gallstones accumulating in the liver bile ducts enforce an enlargement of the liver. The liver, situated in the upper abdominal cavity, spans almost the entire width of the body. Its upper and anterior surfaces are smooth and curved to fit under the surface of the diaphragm. When enlarged, the liver obstructs the movement of the diaphragm and prevents the lungs from extending to their normal capacity during inhalation. By contrast, a healthy liver permits the lungs to extend into the abdominal region, which puts pressure on the abdomen. Consequently, the abdomen moves forward, as can be seen in healthy babies, especially. Due to the increased expansion of the abdomen during inhalation, blood and lymph are pressed upward towards the heart, which helps maintain proper circulation. An enlarged liver prevents full extension of the diaphragm and lungs, which causes reduced exchange of gases in the lungs, lymphatic congestion and retention of excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the lungs. The restricted intake of oxygen affects cellular functions throughout the body.
Most people in the industrialized world have an enlarged liver. What is generally considered to be a ‘normal-size’ liver is actually oversized. Once all gallstones are removed through a series of liver flushes, the liver returns to its normal size within about six months.
Almost all diseases of the lungs, bronchi and upper respiratory passages are either caused or worsened by gallstones in the liver, and can be improved or cured by eliminating these stones through the liver cleanse.
Nearly all skin diseases such as eczema, acne and psoriasis, have one factor in common: gallstones in the liver. Almost every person with a skin disease also has intestinal problems and impure blood, in particular. These are mainly caused by gallstones and the harmful effects they have on the body as a whole. Gallstones contribute to numerous problems throughout the body – particularly in the digestive, circulatory and urinary systems. In its attempt to eliminate what the colon, kidneys, lungs, liver and lymphatic system were unable to remove or detoxify, the skin becomes flooded and overburdened with acidic waste. Although it is the largest organ of elimination in the body, it eventually succumbs to the acid assault. The toxic material is first deposited in the connective tissue underneath the dermis. When this ‘waste depot’ is saturated, the skin begins to malfunction.
Excessive amounts of noxious substances, cell debris, microbes from different sources, such as gallstones, and various antigens from improperly digested foods congest the lymphatic system and inhibit proper lymph drainage from the various layers of the skin. The toxins and putrefying protein from damaged or destroyed skin cells attract microbes and become a source for constant irritation and inflammation of the skin. Skin cells begin to suffer malnutrition, which may greatly reduce their normal interval of turnover (about once every month). This may also cause extensive damage to skin nerves.
If the sebaceous glands, which pour their secretion, sebum, into the hair follicles, become nutrient deficient, hair growth becomes abnormal and, in particular, scalp hair may fall out. When melaninsupply becomes deficient, the hair turns gray. Sebum deficiency also alters the healthy texture of the hair and makes it look dull and unattractive. On the skin, sebum acts as a bactericidal and fungicidal agent, preventing the invasion of microbes. It also prevents drying and cracking of the skin, especially when exposed to sunshine and hot, dry air.
Genetic predisposition towards developing baldness or any other skin disorders is not a major causative factor, as is often assumed. Healthy skin functions are restored and hair growth, particularly among women, is returned to normal once all gallstones are removed and the colon and kidneys/bladder are kept clean.
Gallstones in the liver may lead to poor circulation, enlargement of the heart and spleen, varicose veins, congested lymph vessels and hormone imbalance. When gallstones have grown large enough to seriously distort the structural framework of the lobules (units) of the liver, blood flow through the liver becomes increasingly difficult. This not only raises the venous blood pressure in the liver, but also in all of the organs and areas of the body that drain used blood through their respective veins into the portal vein of the liver. Restricted blood flow in the portal vein of the liver causes congestion, particularly in the spleen, stomach, distal end of the esophagus, pancreas, gallbladder, and small and large intestines. This can lead to enlargement of these organs, reduce their ability to remove cellular waste products and clog their respective veins.
A varicose vein is one that is so dilated that the valves do not sufficiently close to prevent blood from flowing backward. Sustained pressure on the veins at the junction of the rectum and anus in the large intestine leads to the development of hemorrhoids. Other common sites of varicose veins are the legs, the esophagus and the scrotum. Dilation of veins and venules (small veins) can occur anywhere in the body. It always indicates an obstruction of blood flow. (See Note 1 at the end of this article.)
Poor blood flow through the liver also affects the heart. When the organs of the digestive system become weakened by an increase in venous pressure, they become congested and begin to accumulate toxic waste, including debris from cells that have been broken down. The spleen becomes enlarged while it is dealing with the extra workload associated with removing damaged or worn-out blood cells. This further slows blood circulation to and from the organs of the digestive system, which stresses the heart, raises blood pressure and injures blood vessels. The right half of the heart, which receives venous blood via the inferior vena cava from the liver and all other parts below the lungs, becomes overloaded with toxic, sometimes infectious material. This eventually causes enlargement of the right part of the heart.
Almost all types of heart disease have one thing in common: there is an obstruction of blood flow. However, blood circulation does not become disrupted easily. It must be preceded by a major congestion of the bile ducts in the liver. Gallstones obstructing the bile ducts dramatically reduce or cut off the blood supply to the liver cells. Reduced blood flow through the liver affects the blood flow in the entire body which, in turn, has a detrimental effect on the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system, which is closely linked with the immune system, helps to clear the body of harmful metabolic waste products, foreign material and cell debris. All cells release metabolic waste products into, and take up nutrients from, a surrounding solution, called extracellular fluid or connective tissue. The degree of nourishment and efficiency of the cells depends on how swiftly and completely waste material is removed from the extracellular fluid. Since most waste products cannot pass directly into the blood for excretion, they accumulate in the extracellular fluid until they are removed and detoxified by the lymphatic system. The potentially harmful material is filtered and neutralized by lymph nodes that are strategically located throughout the body. One of the key functions of the lymphatic system is keeping the extracellular fluid clear of toxic substances, which makes this a system of utmost importance.
Poor circulation of blood in the body causes an overload of foreign, harmful waste matter in the extracellular tissues and, consequently, in the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When lymph drainage slows down or becomes obstructed, the thymus gland, tonsils and spleen start to deteriorate quickly. These organs form an important part of the body’s system of purification and immunity. In addition, microbes harbored in gallstones can be a constant source of recurring infection in the body, which may render the lymphatic and immune systems ineffective against more serious infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, measles, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, syphilis, etc.
Due to restricted bile flow in the liver and gallbladder, the small intestine is restricted in its capacity to digest food properly. This permits substantial amounts of waste matter and poisonous substances, such as cadaverines and putrescines (break-down products of fermented and putrefied food), to seep into the lymph channels. These toxins, along with fats and proteins, enter the body’s largest lymph vessel, called thoracic duct, at the cysterna chyli. The cysterna chyli is a lymph-dilation (in the shape of sacks), situated in front of the first two lumbar vertebrae .
Toxins, antigens and undigested proteins from animal sources, including fish, meat, eggs and dairy food, cause these lymph sacks to swell and become inflamed. When cells of an animal become damaged or die, which happens seconds after it is killed, their protein structures are broken down by cellular enzymes. These so-called ‘degenerate’ proteins are useless for the body, and they become harmful unless they are promptly removed by the lymphatic system. Their presence usually invites enhanced microbial activity. Viruses, fungi and bacteria feed on the pooled wastes. In some cases, allergic reactions occur.
When there is lymph sac congestion, the body’s own degenerate cell proteins can no longer be removed properly. The result is lymph edema. While lying on the back, existing lymph edemas can be felt as hard knots, sometimes as large as a fist, in the area of the navel. These ‘rocks’ are a major cause of middle and low back pain and abdominal swelling, and, in fact, of most symptoms of ill health. Many people who have grown a ‘tummy’ consider this abdominal extension to be just a harmless nuisance or a natural part of aging. They don’t realize that they are breeding a living ‘time bomb’ that may go off some day and injure vital parts of the body.
Eighty percent of the lymphatic system is associated with the intestines, making this area of the body the largest center of immune activity. This is no coincidence. The part of the body where most disease-causing agents are combated or generated is, in fact, the intestinal tract. Any lymph edemas, or other kind of obstruction in this important part of the lymphatic system, can lead to potentially serious complications elsewhere in the body. Wherever a lymph duct is obstructed, there is also an accumulation of lymph at a distance to the obstruction. Consequently, the lymph nodes located in such an area can no longer adequately neutralize or detoxify the following things: dead and live phagocytes and their ingested microbes, worn-out tissue cells, cells damaged by disease, products of fermentation, pesticides in food, inhaled or congested toxic particles, cells from malignant tumors, and the millions of cancer cells every healthy person generates each day. Incomplete destruction of these things can cause these lymph nodes to become inflamed, enlarged and congested with blood. Infected material may enter the blood stream, causing septic poisoning and acute illnesses. In most cases, though, the lymph blockage occurs slowly, without any symptoms other than swelling of the abdomen, hands, arms, feet, or ankles, or puffiness in the face and eyes. This is often referred to as ‘water retention,’ a precursor of chronic illness.
Continuous lymphatic obstruction usually leads to chronic conditions. Almost every chronic illness results from congestion in the cysterna chyli. Eventually, the thoracic duct, which drains the cysterna chyli, gets overburdened by the constant influx of toxic material and becomes clogged up, too. The thoracic duct is linked up with numerous other lymph ducts that empty their waste into the thoracic ‘sewage canal.’ Since the thoracic duct has to remove 85% of the body’s daily generated cellular waste and other toxic material, a blockage there causes back-flushing of waste into other, more distant parts of the body.
When the daily-generated metabolic waste and cellular debris are not removed from an area in the body for a certain period of time, symptoms of disease start manifesting. The following are but a few typical examples of illness indicators that result directly from chronic, localized lymph congestion:
Obesity, cysts in the uterus or ovaries, enlargement of the prostate gland, rheumatism in the joints, enlargement of the left half of the heart, congestive heart failure, congested bronchi and lungs, enlargement of the neck area, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, backaches, headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, earaches, deafness, dandruff, frequent colds, sinusitis, hay fever, certain types of asthma, thyroid enlargement, eye diseases, poor vision, swelling in the breasts, breast cancer, kidney problems, lower back pains, swelling of the legs and ankles, scoliosis, brain disorders, memory loss, stomach trouble, enlarged spleen, irritable bowel syndrome, hernia, polyps in the colon, etc., etc.
The thoracic duct empties its contents into the left subclavian vein at the root of the neck. This vein enters the superior vena cava, which leads straight into the left side of the heart. In addition to blocking proper lymph drainage from these various organs or parts of the body, congestion in the cysterna chyli and thoracic duct permits toxic materials to be passed into the heart and heart arteries. This unduly stresses the heart. It also allows these toxins and disease-causing agents to enter the general circulation and spread to other parts of the body. There rarely is a disease that is not caused by lymphatic obstruction. Lymph blockage, in most cases, has its origin in a congested liver (the causes of gallstones in the liver are discussed in detail in. In the extreme eventuality, lymphoma or cancer of the lymph may result, of which Hodgkin’s disease is the most common type.
When the circulatory system begins to malfunction as a result of gallstones in the liver, the endocrine system also becomes affected. The endocrine glands produce hormones that pass directly from the glandular cells into the blood stream, where they influence bodily activity, growth and nutrition. The glands most often affected by congestion are the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal cortex, ovaries, and testes. A more severely disrupted circulatory function leads to imbalanced hormone secretions by the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, and the pineal and pituitary glands. Blood congestion, which is characterized by thickening of the blood, prevents hormones from reaching their target places in the body in sufficient amounts and on time. Consequently, the glands go into hyper-secretion (overproduction) of hormones. When lymph drainage from the glands is inefficient, the glands, themselves, become congested. This brings about hypo-secretion (lack) of hormones. Diseases related to imbalances of the thyroid glands include toxic goiter, graves disease, cretinism, myxoedema, tumors of the thyroid, hypo-parathyroidism, which reduces calcium absorption and causes cataracts, as well as behavioral disorders and dementia. Poor calcium absorption, alone, is responsible for numerous diseases, including osteoporosis (loss of bone density). If circulatory problems disrupt secretion of balanced amounts of insulin in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, diabetes results.
Gallstones in the liver can force the liver cells to cut down protein synthesis. Reduced protein synthesis, in turn, prompts the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol, a hormone that stimulates protein synthesis. Too much cortisol in the blood gives rise to atrophy of lymphoid tissue and a depressed immune response, which is considered to be the leading cause of cancer and many other major illnesses. An imbalance in the secretion of adrenal hormones can cause a wide variety of disorders as it leads to weakened febrile response and diminished protein synthesis. Proteins are the major building blocks for tissue cells, hormones, etc. The liver is capable of producing many different hormones. Hormones determine how well the body grows and heals.
The liver also inhibits certain hormones, including insulin, glucagon, cortisol, aldosterone, thyroid and sex hormones. Gallstones in the liver impair this vital function, which may increase hormone concentrations in the blood. Hormone imbalance is a very serious condition and can easily occur when gallstones in the liver have disrupted major circulatory pathways that are also hormonal pathways.
Disease is naturally absent when blood and lymph flow is unhindered and normal. Both types of problems, circulatory and lymphatic, can be successfully eliminated through a series of liver cleanses and prevented by following a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Note 1:
Prescribed by doctors in Germany as a highly successful alternative to surgery for varicose veins, the herbal remedy horse chestnut seed, or conkers, is very effective in the treatment of heavy legs, hemorrhoids and cramps. In combination with cleansing of the liver, colon, and kidneys, conkers can lead to complete recovery.