Digestive Enzymes & Chronic Conditions: The Ellen Cutler Method

In today's episode, we welcome Dr. Ellen Kudler, the creator of the Ellen Kudler Method, or ecm, to explore how her method helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes and digestive disorders. Dr. Kudler explains the core principles of ECM, focusing on the connection between food sensitivities, improper digestion, and chronic illness, especially across diverse cultural diets. She also discusses the desensitization process for food sensitivities, as well as how enzymes and nutritional therapies can be integrated into daily routines to support health. Stay tuned. Dr. Ellen Cutler has for many years practiced as a chiropractor and alternative healthcare practitioner and teacher. She created and continues to develop her own multimodality system. The ECM method, or Ellen Cutler Method, is based on the latest scientific studies, clinical findings and patient feedback. Welcome, Dr. Koetler.

Great to be with you.

Such a pleasure having you on. So this is a very interesting topic where we're talking about, like ECM and really understanding these sort of principles that we don't hear about in traditional medicine.

Right.

So I want to really start out by one, having you walk us through your journey about how this even came about for you in your life. And then what inspired this ECM method?

Method, yes. Well, it all started with my health issues. So ever since I was a little girl and became an adult, I always had digestive issues. I was always bloated, had cramping, had trouble with my digestive tract. And I never really talked to anyone about it because it wasn't really something I thought I could really explain or anybody would help me. But it got worse as I went through school and then did my professional training with stress, et cetera, because I would go to school, work in an emergency room at night, and then study. And I don't think I ever slept and then try to get up and exercise. So it just escalated. And so I finally actually sought out some help and I was diagnosed with colitis, possibly ulcerative colitis, which is an autoimmune situation that might be inherited. And I know that there were digestive issues in my family, so the only thing that was offered to me was steroids and possibly surgery later on in life for what was going on. Nobody talked about diet, nobody talked about anything natural. And yeah, I was in chiropractic school. So after. So I just lived with it. And the only thing I could eat. Cause my big thing is people, all people have food sensitivities. The only thing I could eat was grapes. I couldn't eat anything else. So I basically lived on Grapes. I got thin, my hair was bad, I was tired, my hormones were all off. I was not well at all. It was almost like chronic fatigue. So after I went through my. I finished chiropractic school. Then I later on did postgraduate work in orthopedics. And one of my mentors, one of the teachers, I shared my health issues. And he said, did you ever hear of a digestive enzyme? And at that time, nobody knew. It wasn't on the radar. Nobody knew what a digestive enzyme is. He says, you are carbohydrate intolerant. You're fermenting the carbs you eat. And I was a vegetarian. Now I've been a vegan for, God, maybe 40 years. But. So all I ate was carbs, even though I didn't eat grains a lot. But I just, you know, vegetable. Everything turns into carbs, really, except, you know, protein. So anyway, I. He said, you need a full spectrum digestive enzyme that digests everything. And you take one to two before you eat. Well, after that I took. It started within two weeks. Never had a problem again, ever. And then I learned about desensitizing myself to some foods, which I studied with different people, which is part of my ECM method. And I desensitized myself to many different foods, continuing being a vegan. So it was a miracle. I still believe that. And so what I did, I had a big chiropractic practice I gave everybody who came to see me, whether they came with a headache, sprain, neck problems, whatever, and I had miracles. And that's what my book I put Micro Miracles Discover the Healing Power of Enzymes. I believe enzymes are the most important supplement that anyone can take. It's hard for me to believe that someone doesn't take it because there are so many reasons which we could go into why we need those digestive enzymes. So based on that and based on the understanding of desensitizing and about sensitivities, reactivities, how our body reacts, I created this ECM method that is really one of the aspects of it that is so different and so unique is that it's tailored to the individual. So if anybody comes in, if somebody comes in with asthma or colitis, whatever, it's individual. Not everyone has the same sensitivities that requires. So it requires a different way to work with that person. That's what the ECM method is about. But it includes enzymes, includes some detoxification if needed, and this very unique, revolutionary, energetic desensitization of anything. Foods especially are very, very important, especially for children. And again, the one thing we control is what we put in our mouth. We can't control a lot of our environment. So I teach this method because I do have miracles. There's probably not a day that it goes by there's not a miracle in my office.

How interesting. So I would like to take a step back real quick. Dr. Kuttler, help us understand what are digestive enzymes. So let's start with the basics. What exactly is it? How does it fit within our body and the types of things that we have sensitivities to. Clearly, what is it doing, why does it exist and what benefit does it provide?

Well, let me just say that there are three different kinds of enzymes the body produce. We produce our own digestive enzymes and then we have what's called metabolic enzymes too that are very important in the functioning of our immune system, our repair system, of our body, our brain, our all, every, probably every system needs enzymes in order for it to work. So because people have heard about enzymes, but enzymes are in plant food naturally to help you digest the food. So there are things that you've heard of maybe amylase, which digests carbohydrates, lipase, which digests fats, protease or peptidase, which digests protein. Unfortunately, because our soil is dereft of the minerals that are cofactors for these enzymes, a lot of the plants do not have those digestive enzymes that they should at this point. So we are not fully digesting our food. And a lot of people don't eat enough plant based food or plant based diet, so. And they don't chew their food well enough. That's really, really important. Most people, if you count how many times you chew your food, you'd be surprised. You should chew food about 30 times. So for all of that, we are deficient in those digestive enzymes. So what I recommend is, is taking a full spectrum digestive enzyme that has all of those enzymes in it for carbs, for proteins, for fats, for fiber, and for sugars too. Sometimes you need extra enzymes for the sugar digestion to take that before you eat or even after you eat. It still works really well. And just that alone can decrease food intolerances. Food sensitivity is probably 80 to 90% for most people. So that's why it helped me so much, so I was able to eat. Taking the digestive enzyme.

Now, speaking of, you know, being able to eat and being able to digest, help us understand how do food sensitivities and even improper digestion contribute to chronic conditions? And how can they vary across different cultural diets.

Yes, well, what I mentioned was metabolic enzymes. Now, when you don't digest your food, other enzymes need to come in and do the digesting. And the body utilizes those metabolic enzymes. So now our immune system is compromised, our repair system is compromised. There's more inflammation, there's more sicknesses because your immune system is not that it's optimal. And other areas, you know, the ones I've seen that seem to occur are a lot with women's hormones. So going through more symptoms of PMS or more menopausal symptoms can occur. Hair. A lot of women talk about their hair falling out. A lot of that is because they're not getting the nutrients from the foods. That's a huge aspect of. Of why digestive enzymes are so miraculous. They help you optimize the nutrition from the food you eat, whatever diet you eat too. So that happens. Fatigue is a big one too. So again, but where it stems from is the borrowing of those enzymes, the immune system being compromised and not getting the nutrition that we want to get from eating the food. And you know what? It makes us more crave food if you're not getting nutrition. So our weight. There's weight issues that occur as well because, you know, you crave food because you're undernourished. Here I am eating a lot, not digesting, so I'm undernourished, you know, so people that are overweight, it's not that they're nourished. It's undernourished sometimes, too. So it can cause imbalances in many different areas of the body. Anything can be brought back. The one thing that what the ECM does is if, let's say, you came in to see me and you had a laundry list of issues from eczema to fatigue to joint pain to bloating to menopausal symptoms that why do I have it and someone else doesn't? What ECM does is it goes. Dives deep, deep into the root of it. I have a protocol, a program that I developed that helps get to the root of it. And the first thing I always look at is the digestive system, the microbiome, which is huge. And there are many microbiomes. There's the gut microbiome, there's a skin microbiome, there's the oral microbiome, there's a vaginal microbiome. They're all very important. But a lot of it starts in the gut. So taking a digestive enzyme is key. It's not the only thing that I do, but it's definitely a key aspect. And first thing that I look at for sure, for people, don't overlook what you're putting in your mouth. And if you're digesting it, you'll see your foods will change, your cravings will diminish, and you'll want more good food rather than more processed foods that are not healthy foods for you.

You know, we usually talk about, at least in yamlish, we usually talk about diet related chronic conditions like diabetes, like cardiovascular disease. When we're talking about digestive enzyme in particular, could you help us understand the influence that these enzymes can have on these cardiometabolic sort of diseases and what is the relationship there?

Yes, well, for, for example, somebody like me, what I went through when I started taking my digestive enzyme, one of the things that I noticed, besides not being bloated, which is, you know, I know myself that if my gut isn't good, it's hard to function all day when the center of your body doesn't feel well. True, right. So that's a huge aspect of what it does. It takes the stress off of your digestive body. So I call that, you know, when I teach it, I talk about digestive stress, which a lot of patients come in, they have, have digestive stress too. And again, what I noticed immediately was more energy. And again, taking that digestive stress off the body energy can improve. Adrenal function can work better too as well. Respiratory function, cardiovascular function too. It's hard to work out and get to a point where you feel good VO2 max when your gut's not feeling well too. One of the things that I've seen that really makes a difference is inflammation. Inflammation is something that many people suffer and it can manifest as a histamine reaction, for example, getting like an allergic reaction. Or it can manifest as pain, especially in joints and other areas of the body too. And brain fog also as well too. Again, taking a digestive enzyme that digests the protein and the fats and the carbohydrates and the fiber and optimizes your nutrition can help reduce the body's inflammatory response too, and also help with blood sugar as well. Now, one of the things that I do with the ECM is because people have different blood sugar intolerances or glucose intolerance or imbalances, and the foods that sometimes are the culprit for one person might be very different than the other. And that's what digestive, digestive enzymes will help anyone because it helps reduce those sensitivities. So we'll help with controlling their glucose and the body's glucose intolerance and the body's metabolic balance. Does that help? Does that make sense to you?

It does. It does. She also takes me to another question for something else that you mentioned around desensitization. Excuse me, can you help us describe or first help us understand this process itself and how it works for individuals with food sensitivities?

Yes, it's a technique that I developed based on studying with different people. And it utilizes some pressure points, acupressure points that I teach patients how to do and I do on them when they come to see me. But I work with people all over the world just on zoom or indirectly too. And they learn to do this procedure too. So what I do is I create a signature vial or a crystal that entails what they're sensitive to. So let's say someone comes in with a headache and I found a list of foods and I found some environmental things that could do, like some mold or maybe dust or paint or whatever. And emotions, emotions are a big one too, with anyone with any chronic situation. And they may need more in there. But I create this energetic signature of those sensitivities with that, while the person is holding onto this crystal or a vial. I do this energetic, almost like a chiropractic procedure on the spine and some acupressure too. That helps the brain. It changes the way the brain thinks or feels and notices about this. And it's instantaneous, too. So you could be sensitive to eggs today, and then at two hours you can be okay with them and eat it and not get those symptoms. But in order to make it an ongoing permanent situation, that's where the digestive enzymes help and other things I recommend. I'm highly into exercise and into eating good food. So you want to also take care of your body's ability to detoxify adequately and not overeat. Don't overstress the body. Even if you're taking digestive enzymes, digestive enzymes will help you not want as much food. But of course, I look at all aspects. I'm really very highly into things like meditation and eating right and feeling good, being happy, being in love with who you are, as an energetic being. Not so much as this body, Ben, as this whole being. So. But you know, and the other thing that ECM does is it finds what's subconscious. Things that you don't even know are underneath, like some trauma in your life that may be ongoing. Like, for example, maybe as a baby, drinking milk was associated with some trauma or there was some trauma in other. With other food. That's why I always say when you eat, don't talk, especially don't talk about politics or don't do, you know, don't talk about stress. You know, it's a sanctuary time when you're eating, chew your food well, talk about something light, listen to music, whatever. Don't, don't overstress. Don't get emotionally charged. I never do that because that's how it started my family. When I was young, I had a twin brother. My parents would fight at the dinner table every night. My father would end up walking out. My mother was sit there and cry. And I remember this today. I mean, how old are. You know, and that's why both my brother and I have. He has digestive stuff. I knew that's where it started from, too. So, you know, those are some of the reasons we end up with sensitivities and digestive stress, for sure, and chronic illness.

Thank you for sharing that, that personal story. By the way, we're coming up toward the end of the episode here. You're talking about the role of enzymes. There's also things like, you know, nutritional therapies, for instance, how do both of these really get integrated into daily routines for someone? Because that's the hard thing to do, right? Stay consistent. But so how do you, what, what would you recommend there in integrating these approaches into daily routines to really, again, manage chronic conditions like diabetes?

Yes. Well, taking the digestive enzyme, I always say, if you're going to do one thing, do that because that will help. You know, the thing is, is a lot of people, if you're sensitive to all these foods, you probably be sensitive to a lot of those supplements that you're taking, too. So I'm not one that's so into supplements. I use it other ones that are necessary. Most of my supplements are in an enzyme form which helps you catalyze again, the other supplements that are in those products, too. So the most important part of your routine is you can't do it every meal. Take it one time a day. It's better than not taking it at all.

Incredibly helpful as we come to the end of the episode here. Dr. Cutler, it's been such an absolute pleasure talking to you about this. Can you help our listeners understand if they'd like to research more about this? Where do they begin? Where do they go? Like, where can they find more information to help them understand the research behind digestive enzymes and the importance within their health and the relationship again with the foods that they're consuming.

Well, I have many books and my updated Micro Miracles book is available now. They can get talks all about my work and all about digestive enzymes and my website drelancutler.com I talk all about what I do. More into it and if you'd like to study, I actually teach anyone, not only healthcare practitioners and I have a seminar coming up November 1st weekend in November. So if you're interested we still have some spaces and I have a newsletter every month subscribe to. It's free. Talks about all the specific conditions that I've worked with, from something like osteoporosis to weight issues to diabetes, et cetera, and how the ECM approach has worked so well as an adjunct or altogether just what they're doing. Totally. So welcome to I have a lot on there for you to learn, so enjoy some of the newsletters for sure.

Perfect. And what we'll do is we have all the links already set up so we'll go ahead and link it up in the show notes as well so folks can have easy access to that with that. Dr. Cutler, thank you so much for your time. It's such a pleasure talking to you and learning about this very interesting, unique topic that you don't hear about in traditional medicine. To our listeners, thank you for joining us on another episode of the Yamlish podcast. Head over to our social media and you know what time it is. Find this podcast post and comment below to tell us. Do you have any personal experiences with natural therapies or nutritional changes even that have helped manage your condition? Again, head over to mlesh on Facebook or on Instagram. Find this podcast post comment below again to tell us. Do you have any personal experiences with natural therapies or nutritional changes that have really helped you manage your condition? Dr. Koedler, thank you again.