©2005, Elizabeth Walker, RDH, BS, DC

• Multivitamin/mineral, antioxidants and EPA/DHA – 2packets/day w/ meals (See "Please Read First") discontinue the EPA/DHA 2 days before surgery
• 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.
• Chymotrypsin 5000 USP Units and Trypsin 7000 USP units, 2 tabs, 3x/day between meals
• 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 to inhibit growth of bad germs

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

       When undergoing any type of oral surgery, you can minimize tissue trauma and accelerate healing time by being well nourished. Many people have an exagerated reaction to surgical procedures when they are undernourished. This can be greatly avoided by supplementing a good quality multivitamin and omega 3 fish oil before surgery. Stopping the fish oil a couple of days prior to surgery can elimate any problems with excessive thinning of the blood (similar to aspirin).

       The response of our tissues to injury and infection is a key indicator of our nutrient status. (I have previously discussed this issue under the heading Canker Sores.) For instance, bruising easily, especially when people do not remember hitting anything is often a sign of deficiency of the vitamin C complex, which includes not only ascorbic acid, but also copper and bioflavonoids. I am so well nourished that I rarely get a bruise. One time I sprained my ankle falling down some stairs and could only walk with great pain and difficulty that first day. However, my ankle never swelled (even though I immediately got on a plane for four hours) and a bruise never appeared. The next day my ankle hurt mildly for the first hour or so and then I walked on it the rest of the day, pain free.

       Over more than twenty years of chiropractic practice, I frequently noted that many of my auto accident clients would plateau in their recovery and never get well. When I insisted that they get on a good quality multivitamin/mineral their healing would suddenly accelerate and they finally could get to an acceptable level where they were comfortable being released from care.

       One recent case was particularly dramatic. I was treating a young man who had bruised ribs from literally being struck broadside into his ribcage from an auto accident. After six weeks his ribs were still so painful that he got x-rayed again to make sure his doctors had not missed anything.  He had resisted buying vitamins for himself because he felt that he had a really good diet and thought that a multivitamin was an unnecessary expense. I suggested he at least get on his wife's prenatal vitamins. In just three days he was feeling remarkably better and no longer needed to be convinced to find a place in his budget for daily vitamins.

       There is overwhelming scientific evidence that all Americans should be taking a good multivitamin/mineral. Even the American Medical Association recently issued a resolution proclaiming that taking a multivitamin would help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. In this toxic and stressful world, we can no longer depend on our diets to supply all the nutrients we need.

       L-Glutamine is an amino acid that has an excellent track record for accelerating healing after an injury or surgery. Elite athletes also use it to help their muscles recover from strenuous exercise. It should be taken both before and after surgery. The proteolytic enzymes, chymotrypsin and trypsin help minimize swelling and inflammation after tissue injury. These enzymes should be taken between meals so their action is on the inflammatory response, rather than digesting food.

       If antibiotics have been given in conjunction with the surgery, consider supplementing with the probiotic bacteria, Lactobillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium to restore balance to the intestinal flora and prevent infection by a new organism.

        An important note regarding a class of drugs for osteoporosis known as bisphosphonates (Ex. Fosamax, Actonel, Zometa and Aredia): A May 2004 report in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reported that some patients on these drugs suffered from death of the jawbone (osteonecrosis) following oral surgery. In other words, their surgeries never healed and their jawbone became exposed into the mouth. 

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, Glutagenics, Protrypsin, and Ultra Flora Plus DF powder.