00:00:00 Shireen
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.
00:01:03 Shireen
Welcome, Dr. Culter.
00:01:04 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Great to be with you.
00:01:06 Shireen
Such a pleasure having you on.
So this is a very interesting topic where we’re talking about ECM and really understanding these sorts of principles that we don’t hear about in traditional medicine, right?
I want to start by having you walk us through your journey—how this even came about for you in your life.
What inspired the ECM method?
00:01:29 Dr. Ellen Cutler
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 explain or that anybody could help me with.
But it got worse as I went through school and then did my professional training with stress, etc., because I would go to school, work in an emergency room at night, and then study.
I don’t think I ever slept, and then I would try to get up and exercise.
So it just escalated.
I finally sought out some help and was diagnosed with colitis, possibly ulcerative colitis, which is an autoimmune condition and something that could be inherited.
I know there were digestive issues in my family.
The only thing that was offered to me was steroids and possibly surgery later on in life.
Nobody talked about diet, nobody talked about anything natural.
And here I was in chiropractic school.
So I just lived with it.
The only thing I could eat—because my big thing is that 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.
After I finished chiropractic school, I later did postgraduate work in orthopedics.
One of my mentors, one of the teachers, I shared my health issues with him.
And he asked, “Did you ever hear of a digestive enzyme?”
At that time, nobody knew.
It wasn’t on the radar.
Nobody knew what a digestive enzyme was.
He said, “You are carbohydrate intolerant. You’re fermenting the carbs you eat.”
I was a vegetarian.
Now I’ve been a vegan for, God, maybe 40 years.
But all I ate was carbs, even though I didn’t eat grains a lot.
Everything turns into carbs, really, except protein.
So he said, “You need a full-spectrum digestive enzyme that digests everything. Take one to two before you eat.”
After that, within two weeks, I never had a problem again—ever.
Then I learned about desensitizing myself to some foods, which I studied with different people, and it became part of my ECM method.
I desensitized myself to many different foods, continuing to be a vegan.
It was a miracle.
I still believe that.
So what I did—I had a big chiropractic practice—I gave enzymes to everybody who came to see me, whether they had a headache, a sprain, neck problems, whatever.
And I had miracles.
That’s why I wrote 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 them because there are so many reasons—which we could go into—why we need those digestive enzymes.
So based on that, and on the understanding of desensitizing and sensitivities, reactivities, and how our body reacts, I created this ECM method.
One of the aspects of it that is so different and so unique is that it’s tailored to the individual.
If somebody comes in with asthma or colitis, whatever the case, it’s individualized.
Not everyone has the same sensitivities, so the approach requires different methods for each person.
That’s what the ECM method is about.
But it includes enzymes, some detoxification if needed, and this very unique, revolutionary, energetic desensitization.
Foods especially are very important, particularly for children.
The one thing we control is what we put in our mouths.
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 goes by without a miracle in my office.
00:06:24 Shireen
How interesting.
I’d like to take a step back real quick.
Dr. Cutler, help us understand—what are digestive enzymes?
Let’s start with the basics.
How do they fit within our body, and what are the types of things that we have sensitivities to?
What exactly do they do, why do they exist, and what benefit do they provide?
00:06:44 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Well, let me just say that there are three different kinds of enzymes the body produces.
We produce our own digestive enzymes, and then we have what’s called metabolic enzymes, which are very important in the functioning of our immune system, our repair system, our brain—probably every system needs enzymes in order for it to work.
People have heard about enzymes, but enzymes are also naturally found in plant food to help digest food.
Some enzymes you may have heard of include:
Amylase, which digests carbohydrates
Lipase, which digests fats
Protease or Peptidase, which digests protein
Unfortunately, because our soil is deprived of the minerals that are cofactors for these enzymes, many plants today do not have the digestive enzymes that they should.
As a result, we are not fully digesting our food.
Many people also don’t eat enough plant-based food, 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 your food about 30 times per bite.
But most people don’t do that.
Because of all of this, we are deficient in digestive enzymes.
That’s why I recommend taking a full-spectrum digestive enzyme that includes all of the necessary enzymes for:
Carbs
Proteins
Fats
Fiber
Sugars
Sometimes, you need extra enzymes specifically for sugar digestion.
If you take digestive enzymes before or even after you eat, they still work really well.
Just that alone can reduce food intolerances and sensitivities by 80 to 90% for most people.
That’s why it helped me so much—I was finally able to eat normally again by taking digestive enzymes.
00:08:56 Shireen
Now, speaking of being able to eat and digest properly, help us understand:
How do food sensitivities and improper digestion contribute to chronic conditions?
And how can these vary across different cultural diets?
00:09:13 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Yes.
Well, what I mentioned earlier—metabolic enzymes—play a role here.
When you don’t digest your food properly, your body has to take metabolic enzymes away from other important functions to compensate.
This means:
Your immune system becomes compromised
Your body’s ability to repair itself is weakened
Inflammation increases
You become more prone to illness
Other effects I’ve seen from this include:
Hormonal imbalances, especially in women (PMS, menopause symptoms)
Hair loss, because people aren’t getting the nutrients they need
Fatigue, which is a huge issue
Cravings, because your body is undernourished
Many people think that people who are overweight are overnourished, but in reality, they are often undernourished because their body isn’t properly absorbing the nutrients it needs.
This leads to weight gain, inflammation, and other chronic conditions.
With my ECM method, the first thing I always assess is digestion and the microbiome.
The microbiome is huge—it’s not just the gut microbiome.
We also have:
The skin microbiome
The oral microbiome
The vaginal microbiome
All of these play an important role in our overall health, but it all starts in the gut.
That’s why taking digestive enzymes is key.
It’s not the only thing I do, but it’s one of the most essential aspects of my approach.
If you overlook digestion, you’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle.
If you start digesting your food properly, your cravings will diminish, and you’ll naturally start choosing healthier foods instead of processed foods.
00:12:26 Shireen
At Yumlish, we usually talk about diet-related chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Can you help us understand the influence of digestive enzymes on these cardiometabolic diseases?
What is the relationship there?
00:12:48 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Yes.
For example, when I first started taking digestive enzymes, I immediately noticed a decrease in bloating.
And I know from personal experience—if my gut isn’t feeling good, it’s hard to function properly throughout the day.
Digestive stress can affect:
Energy levels
Adrenal function
Respiratory function
Cardiovascular health
It’s hard to work out and maintain good cardiovascular fitness when your gut isn’t feeling well.
One of the biggest benefits of digestive enzymes is that they help reduce inflammation.
Inflammation can manifest in different ways:
Histamine reactions (allergic responses)
Joint pain
Brain fog
Taking a full-spectrum digestive enzyme can help reduce the body’s inflammatory response and support blood sugar regulation.
Now, with ECM, I also look at individualized food sensitivities that may be contributing to metabolic imbalances.
For one person, it might be dairy.
For another, it might be gluten or certain vegetables.
This is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work—digestive enzymes help everyone, but beyond that, we need to personalize dietary recommendations.
00:15:10 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Does that help?
Does that make sense?
00:15:13 Shireen
It does, it does.
Which also brings me to another question—you mentioned desensitization earlier.
Can you help us understand this process and how it works for individuals with food sensitivities?
00:15:28 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Yes, it’s a technique that I developed based on studying with different people.
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 also work with people all over the world through Zoom or indirectly, and they learn to do this procedure themselves.
What I do is I create a signature vial or a crystal that contains the energetic imprint of what they’re sensitive to.
For example, let’s say someone comes in with headaches.
I find a list of foods they are sensitive to, as well as some environmental triggers like mold, dust, or paint.
I also assess emotions, because emotions play a big role in chronic conditions.
I take all of these factors and create a unique energetic signature for that person.
While the person is holding onto the crystal or vial, I perform a specific chiropractic procedure on their spine, along with acupressure.
This helps rewire the brain’s response to the sensitivities.
It changes the way the brain perceives and reacts to those triggers.
And it happens instantaneously.
For example, if you were sensitive to eggs today, within two hours, you could eat them without symptoms.
But in order to make the results permanent, you need digestive enzymes and other lifestyle changes I recommend.
I also emphasize:
Exercise
A balanced diet
Proper detoxification
Not overeating
Even with digestive enzymes, you don’t want to overstress the body with too much food.
I also focus a lot on mental and emotional well-being.
I encourage:
Meditation
Mindful eating
Self-love and appreciation for your body beyond just the physical aspect
One of the most unique aspects of ECM is that it helps uncover subconscious triggers.
For example, sometimes food sensitivities stem from trauma.
A baby who had a stressful experience while drinking milk might develop a lifelong sensitivity to dairy.
That’s why I always recommend stress-free mealtimes.
When eating, don’t:
Discuss politics or stressful topics
Talk about work stress
Eat in a rushed or anxious state
Make meals a time of relaxation—listen to music, chew your food well, and enjoy the moment.
Many people don’t realize how past emotional experiences impact their digestive health.
For example, I had a twin brother, and when we were young, my parents fought at the dinner table every single night.
My father would storm out, my mother would sit there and cry.
To this day, I remember how that affected me and my digestion.
Both my brother and I developed digestive issues, and I know that’s where it started.
00:19:13 Shireen
Thank you for sharing that personal story.
We’re coming up toward the end of the episode here.
You’ve talked about the role of enzymes, but there’s also nutritional therapy.
How do both of these approaches integrate into daily routines?
Staying consistent is the hardest part—so what would you recommend for incorporating these strategies into daily life, especially for managing chronic conditions like diabetes?
00:19:42 Dr. Ellen Cutler
Yes.
Well, if you’re going to do one thing, take digestive enzymes.
That alone will help significantly.
Many people with food sensitivities are also sensitive to supplements.
I’m not someone who believes in taking tons of supplements—I only recommend what’s truly necessary.
Most of my supplements are in enzyme form, which helps the body absorb and utilize nutrients more effectively.
If you can’t take digestive enzymes with every meal, at least take them once a day—it’s better than nothing.
00:20:23 Shireen
Incredibly helpful.
As we wrap up, where can listeners learn more about your work?
If they want to research digestive enzymes and their impact on health, where should they start?
00:20:49 Dr. Ellen Cutler
I have written many books, and my updated book Micro Miracles is available now.
It explains all about digestive enzymes, my work, and the ECM method.
You can also visit my website: drellencutler.com
On my website, I provide:
More details on my work
How ECM helps with chronic conditions like diabetes, weight issues, osteoporosis, etc.
Upcoming seminars—I teach ECM to both healthcare practitioners and the general public
I have a seminar coming up in November, and we still have spaces available.
I also send out a free monthly newsletter covering specific health conditions and how ECM can be used to support wellness.
00:21:50 Shireen
Perfect.
We’ll link everything in the show notes so listeners can easily access it.
Dr. Cutler, thank you so much for your time.
It was a pleasure talking to you and learning about this unique, groundbreaking approach that isn’t often discussed in traditional medicine.
00:22:07 Shireen
To our listeners, thank you for joining us for another episode of the Yumlish Podcast.
Head over to our social media—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 that have helped you manage your condition?
Again, head over to Yumlish on Facebook or Instagram.
Find this podcast post and comment below to share your experiences with natural therapies or nutritional changes.
00:22:42 Shireen
Dr. Cutler, thank you again.

Connect with Dr. Ellen!
Website URL: www.drellencutler.com
Instagram URL: ellencutlerdc
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/MicroMiraclesEnzymes
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drellencutler/
Other promos (books, publications, speeches, etc.): MicroMiracles, Clearing the Way to Health and Wellness, The Food Allergy Cure