FAQs Regarding Supplementation

What supplements do you recommend for clients?
Our recommendations for each client is unique based on their individual needs; however, there are some generalizations we can make about supplementation.

FIBER First, fiber supplements are very important for colon health and detoxification. Fiber binds to bile and toxins in the colon, thereby increasing the size of the bowel movement and allowing toxins to be more easily excreted from the body. In general, we prefer non-psyllium based fiber supplements. Psyllium, by far the most common source of fiber in over-the-counter products, may irritate the colon in some individuals. It can actually have the reverse effect on some individuals and exacerbate constipation.

PROBIOTICS Probiotics (flora) are important for optimal colon health, especially after a hydrotherapy treatment “washes” bacteria out of the colon. Probiotics contain beneficial species of bacteria that, in a healthy individual normally populate the colon. We recommend physician grade probiotics that have several species of bacteria. We also recommend an oral supplement, as population along the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine is as important as population of the colon.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS There are many herbal supplements on the market to aid in colon cleansing. At ALETRIS, we help our clients navigate this vast world.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES Digestive enzymes are produced by several organs in our bodies to aid in the digestion of our food. They break down the large molecules of food into smaller molecules, which are then absorbed through the lining of our digestive tract.

Digestive enzymes are made by the salivary glands, the stomach, the pancreas, and the lining of the small intestine. These enzymes include: amylase, pepsin, lipase, protease, trypsin, and ptyalin.

Raw foods contain enzymes inside them in order to digest themselves (the ripening process, for example). Through the cooking process, however, enzymes are destroyed. Therefore, our bodies have to make up the difference by producing all the enzymes to digest food. Over time, eating so much cooked food taxes our digestive organs. These organs begin to fatigue and are, thus, unable to produce all the enzymes needed to digest the cooked food.

Having partially digested (instead of fully digested) food along the GI tract breeds yeast and unhealthy gut bacteria, which has a negative effect on our overall health.

Taking digestive enzymes gives our digestive organs a break and helps digest all the materials along our GI tract. Along with fiber, they are the ultimate “cleaning products” of the colon.

All supplements at ALETRIS are physician-only, pharmaceutical-grade products.

Are there any supplements that you don't recommend?
One issue about which we are constantly educating our clients is the use of cathartic laxative herbs. Cathartic laxative herbs are a group of herbs whose action is to stimulate the nervous system along the gastrointestinal tract. These herbs are highly addictive, and once an individual has stopped using them, the potential to become constipated is very great. None of the supplementation that we recommend contains cathartic laxative herbs.

Individuals suffering from constipation who use cathartic laxative herbs have a very hard time discontinuing these herbs and ultimately find it very difficult to have a bowel movement without using them. Cathartic laxative herbs include:

Rhamnus purshiana, also called Cascara sagrada
Aloe vera latex
Senna, also called Cassia
Rheum officinale, also called Rhubarb
Buckthorne

The herbs in this list contain compounds called anthroquinone glycosides. Anthroquinones are extremely irritating to the lining of the colon. They cause a condition called melanosis coli that we frequently see on our patients' colonoscopies.

What brands contain cathartic laxative herbs?
There are many colon-cleansing and detox supplements on the market that contain cathartic laxative herbs. Some of the more popular ones are:

Dr. Natura's Colonix Intestinal Cleanser (contains Rhubarb)
Dr. Natura's Kleri Tea (contains Senna and Buckthorne)
Smooth Move Tea (contains Senna)
Swiss Kriss Tea (contains Senna)
Senokot Laxative (contains Senna)
Many different herbal weight loss products
Various over-the-counter laxative/constipation products

When individuals use products, they see massive movement in their colons and feel that they are cleansing. The problems start, however, on trying to discontinue the products. The colon's nervous system has been “reset” to respond to these herbs and when they are no longer present, constipation ensues.

We never recommend products that contain cathartic laxative herbs, as they are highly addictive. In fact, we spend a lot of time rehabilitating those who have an addiction to these products, so that they can have normal bowel movements without them.

The herbs prescribed at ALETRIS are mild laxatives. They have no addictive qualities and do not harm the lining of the digestive tract.