The body is self-healing and self-correcting. This does not mean that every organ will repair but it means that the body will try its best to heal or compensate so that you can function. Naturopathic Medicine works to support the healing power within you.
In most cases of ‘dis-ease’ the body spiralled into an unhealthy balance. Just as surely, the body needs time to spiral back into a health balance. So the answer to this question is that natural healing takes time and it depends on what needs mending. Different parts of the body heal at different rates. If you are looking for a naturopath and wondering how many sessions it will take to heal – consider the different healing rates of the organs below or skip to The Bottom Line.
The Heart
The heart muscle has very little ability to regenerate itself. This is why researchers have looked at stem cell technology to promote heart muscle regrowth. There is some evidence that the heart can regrow but at a very slow rate of 1% or less per year depending on age. With heart health, the focus is on supporting existing function and preventing further decline.
The ‘endothelial lining’ or the interior lining of the blood vessels is said to regenerate every 6 years. This is good news because this lining is the part damaged by inflammation and cholesterol build up. When inflammation and cholesterol can be reduced, this lining can be healed.
The Brain
Although debated, it is thought the brain produces about 700 new neurons per day. This is a small amount compared to the billions of neurons in the brain however it is still helpful. Research has shown that depression can reduce the production of neurons while moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like jogging, power walking, or swimming, increases the production of neurons.
If the brain is subject to injury as in a traumatic brain injury or stroke, research has shown that damaged blood vessels repair themselves within 20 days but at least 17% of patients still show damage after 3 months. This is evident in those individuals suffering from post-traumatic concussions.
Improving blood flow to the brain, encouraging regeneration, removing toxins and moderating stress are all ways we can support this vital organ.
The Kidneys
The kidneys are complex and have many different parts yet have a remarkable ability to heal up to a certain point. The tubules are quite successful at self-repair while the nephrons of the kidney are unable to repair. Current models suggest that if the kidney can repair it will do so between 7 -90 days. After 90 days, damage is considered chronic.
Flushing waste products and preventing the kidneys from creating waste debris such as uric acid, oxalic acid, gravel or stones helps to take an enormous burden off of the kidneys. Kidney function can increase if the right supports are in place and kidney decline can be slowed.
The Liver
The liver is infamous for its ability to regenerate. Up to 50-60% of the liver can be damaged and the liver will regrow. Experts suggest that the liver cells turn over completely every 300-500 days (1-2 years) but acute liver damage can be repaired in 30 days in some cases.
Naturopathic care focuses on helping the liver to filter hormones, waste products and chemicals from the body.
The Stomach and Intestines
Another highly regenerative organ, the intestinal lining can repair every 5-7 days. This allows the gut lining to withstand daily wear and tear while breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. Interesting research has shown that fasting for 24 hours can boost repair of the stomach lining.
Supporting digestion is at the very heart of naturopathic medicine. This is an organ that is designed to heal and support our daily wellness.
The Skin
Another highly regenerative organ, the skin repairs itself approximately every 30 -90 days depending on the depth of dermal layer and age of the patient. You have seen skin regeneration many times as your skin heals right in front of your eyes from scratches and bruises.
The Red Blood Cells
These important cells carry oxygen throughout our body and assist in tissue repair in all parts of the body; they turnover every 120 days.
The White Blood Cells
These important agents of the immune system live for hours up until 10 days.
The Bones
On average, it takes up to 10 years for bone to completely turnover. However, this depends on which bone – 10 years is an average.
The Mind
Where is the seat of consciousness and can it be healed? This is a question that philosophers have debated for centuries. Is it in the heart? Is it in the brain? Is it a cascade of complex chemical reactions throughout the body? Stories from some transplant recipients have suggested that new organs can come along with emotions or sensations tied to the past owners. Certainly there is something of consciousness tied up in each cell of the body. This is why healing that addresses one organ or system must address the whole body and whole person. Healing trauma or mental health concerns means addressing each part of a person’s being and there is no timeline on this.
The Bottom Line
Naturopathic Doctors treat the physical body by supporting the detoxification pathways (kidney, liver, intestines, skin) as well as the gut to promote optimal absorption of nutrients and excretion of toxins. They also work to build the blood, a key component of health, as the blood is responsible for carrying nutrients in and waste products out of the cells as well as fighting infection and circulating immune defence. The good news is that these organs/systems - the kidneys, liver, intestines, skin and blood are the ones most resilient and capable of regrowth. Naturopathic medicine shines when it comes to repairing or supporting chronic illness affected by these organs.
Generally, I recommend to patients that they try a treatment plan for 3 months to notice positive change but it is clear that for lasting change to occur - a longer time commitment is required. Switching treatment plans too rapidly because results aren’t quick enough can lead to confusion. It can be hard to know what is working and the body itself is confused by mixed metabolic signals produced by changes in diet, lifestyle, herbs and supplements. The length of time for more complete healing depends on your body and the systems involved but the most important thing to remember is that time is the greatest healer. Allow yourself the time and space to create an upward spiral of health in your life by being patient with your body and the healing power of nature.