Hi All,
I posted this link in a response toward the end of Celia's thread on Auto-Immune Problems, in the Main Message Board forum, but I believe that it was largely overlooked and ignored, or written off as just another run-of-the-mill commentary.
I feel that every one of us should read this. I believe that this article summarizes all the issues connected with MC, and the other related problems that we all have, and it defines the proper treatment program that is required to control all those issues. And, it does so better than any other article that I recall ever reading.
This article promotes natural methods of treatment, rather than mainstream medical techniques, which may seem repugnant to some, but then, for those of us on the GF diet, or paleo diet, we are already included in this group, by default, whether we realize it or not.
Note that the causes of leaky gut syndrome that are listed, are almost identical to the causes that we attribute to triggering MC. Also, please note that the recommended treatment, and supplements, include the treatment and supplements that we have found by trial and error, to be the most useful for treating MC, and related issues.
http://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Articles/Rona
I think that this article pretty much sums up the topic accurately. Am I wrong?
Love,
Wayne
This Article Says It All, About MC And Related Issues
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
This Article Says It All, About MC And Related Issues
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Tex!
Yes, this is an excellent summary for the layperson about the relationship between gut permeability, diet, and autoimmune diseases. It should be required reading for all medical students too!!
I do like the emphasis on using natural ways to treat. However, I am not as big a believer in the herbs/supplements as the author.....for several reasons. A major concern of mine is that they are not regulated. Studies have shown that two bottles of the same product from the same company on the same shelf can have wildly differing amounts of the active ingredient - from a miniscule amount to a huge amount! Also, how do we know that these products don't contain dangerous pestcides/herbicides, etc? We know nothing about how they were grown/harvested. And again, since there is no regulation, the manufacturer can make any claims they wish without having scientific, double blind studies to back them up. A case in point is that once double-blind studies were done, it was found that echinacea was of no benefit for colds, despite earlier claims.
Another concern I have about supplements is that they so often contain triggers - the "inert" ingredients frequently consist of starch (wheat or corn), for example. I have learned that my gut does best when I use whole, fresh, preferably organic vegs/fruits and low fat plain meats, fowl, seafood. The more simply I eat, the better I feel. Even inoccous supplements do not agree with my system..... I can't even take Culturelle (it makes me violently ill) and I don't know whether it's from the small amount of lactose, or "whatever". Pepto Bismol also makes me violently ill - is it that atrocious pink coloring? Who knows? LOL!
So, for me at least, I have found it best to get all of my nutrients from real food. Of course, those who are tested and found to have deficiencies may want to supplement. Did you see the article last week that the NIH is going to investigate multivitamins? There is concern that they may not be necessary and could possibly be harmful in some cases.
Thanks for stimulating my nmind. Good article!
Love,
Polly
Yes, this is an excellent summary for the layperson about the relationship between gut permeability, diet, and autoimmune diseases. It should be required reading for all medical students too!!
I do like the emphasis on using natural ways to treat. However, I am not as big a believer in the herbs/supplements as the author.....for several reasons. A major concern of mine is that they are not regulated. Studies have shown that two bottles of the same product from the same company on the same shelf can have wildly differing amounts of the active ingredient - from a miniscule amount to a huge amount! Also, how do we know that these products don't contain dangerous pestcides/herbicides, etc? We know nothing about how they were grown/harvested. And again, since there is no regulation, the manufacturer can make any claims they wish without having scientific, double blind studies to back them up. A case in point is that once double-blind studies were done, it was found that echinacea was of no benefit for colds, despite earlier claims.
Another concern I have about supplements is that they so often contain triggers - the "inert" ingredients frequently consist of starch (wheat or corn), for example. I have learned that my gut does best when I use whole, fresh, preferably organic vegs/fruits and low fat plain meats, fowl, seafood. The more simply I eat, the better I feel. Even inoccous supplements do not agree with my system..... I can't even take Culturelle (it makes me violently ill) and I don't know whether it's from the small amount of lactose, or "whatever". Pepto Bismol also makes me violently ill - is it that atrocious pink coloring? Who knows? LOL!
So, for me at least, I have found it best to get all of my nutrients from real food. Of course, those who are tested and found to have deficiencies may want to supplement. Did you see the article last week that the NIH is going to investigate multivitamins? There is concern that they may not be necessary and could possibly be harmful in some cases.
Thanks for stimulating my nmind. Good article!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
-
harvest_table
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1509
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
This really is a thought provoking article. Thanks for bringing it up again Tex.
So do you think in all likelihood, we all may have develped leaky gut syndrome prior to MC, and it then manifested itself/develped into MC or some of the other autoimmune conditions others here suffer from such as lupus, or MS, ect?
My GI has never mentioned leaky gut, but the results of a colonoscopy would detect it wouldn't it, or would you have to specifically be looking for it? A urine or blood test indicates it as well.
Has anyone here discussed this syndrome with your GI's- I know it's been mentioned on the board from time to time.
Also, curious what natural supplements are any of you taking?
Love,
Joanna
So do you think in all likelihood, we all may have develped leaky gut syndrome prior to MC, and it then manifested itself/develped into MC or some of the other autoimmune conditions others here suffer from such as lupus, or MS, ect?
My GI has never mentioned leaky gut, but the results of a colonoscopy would detect it wouldn't it, or would you have to specifically be looking for it? A urine or blood test indicates it as well.
Has anyone here discussed this syndrome with your GI's- I know it's been mentioned on the board from time to time.
Also, curious what natural supplements are any of you taking?
Love,
Joanna
THE GLUTEN FILES
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
-
harvest_table
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1509
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:29 pm
- Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Text on Leaky Gut article for those with browser problems
Leaky Gut
by Zoltan P. Rona MD, MSc
The leaky gut syndrome is the name given to a very common health disorder in which the basic organic defect (lesion) is an intestinal lining which is more permeable (porous) than normal. The abnormally large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the entry of toxic material into the bloodstream that would, in healthier circumstances, be repelled and eliminated. The gut becomes leaky in the sense that bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the bloodstream in the healthy state, pass through a damaged, hyperpermeable, porous or "leaky" gut. This can be verified by special gut permeability urine tests, microscopic examination of the lining of the intestinal wall as well as the bloodstream with phase contrast or darkfield microscopy of living whole blood.
Why is The Leaky Gut Syndrome Important?
The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression. An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases in this category include lupus, alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis, vasculitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives), diabetes and Raynaud's disease. Physicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of allergic or autoimmune disease. Understanding the leaky gut phenomenon not only helps us see why allergies and autoimmune diseases develop but also helps us with safe and effective therapies to bring the body back into balance.
Due to the enlarged spaces between the cells of the gut wall, larger than usual protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance to be completely broken down as occurs when the intestinal lining is intact. The immune system starts making antibodies against these larger molecules because it recognizes them as foreign, invading substances. The immune system starts treating them as if they had to be destroyed. Antibodies are made against these proteins derived from previously harmless foods.
Human tissues have antigenic sites very similar to those on foods, bacteria, parasites, candida or fungi. The antibodies created by the leaky gut phenomenon against these antigens can get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding food is consumed or the microbe is encountered. Autoantibodies are thus created and inflammation becomes chronic. If this inflammation occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) develops. If it occurs in the brain, myalgic encephalomyelitis (a.k.a. chronic fatigue syndrome) may be the result. If it occurs in the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is the resulting autoimmune problem. If the antibodies end up attacking the lining of the gut itself, the result may be colitis or Crohn's disease. If it occurs in the lungs, asthma is triggered on a delayed basis every time the individual consumes the food which triggered the production of the antibodies in the first place. It is easy to see that practically any organ or body tissue can become affected by food allergies created by the leaky gut. Symptoms, especially those seen in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, can be multiple and severely debilitating.
The inflammation that causes the leaky gut syndrome also damages the protective coating of antibodies of the IgA family normally present in a healthy gut. Since IgA helps us ward off infections, with leaky gut problems we become less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites and candida. These microbes are then able to invade the bloodstream and colonize almost any body tissue or organ. When this occurs in the gums, periodontal disease results. If it happens in the jaw, tooth extraction or root canals might be necessary to cure the infection.
In addition to the creation of food allergies by the leaky gut, the bloodstream is invaded by bacteria, fungi and parasites that, in the healthy state, would not penetrate the protective barrier of the gut. These microbes and their toxins, if present in large enough amounts, can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify. This results in symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, brain fog or facial swelling when the individual is exposed to a perfume or to cigarette smoke that he or she had no adverse reactions to prior to the development of the leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies because the various carrier proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract that are needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood are damaged by the inflammation process. For example, magnesium deficiency (low red blood cell magnesium) is quite a common finding in conditions like fibromyalgia despite a high magnesium intake through the diet and supplementation. If the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasms can occur as a result. Similarly, zinc deficiency due to malabsorption can result in hair loss or baldness as occurs in alopecia areata. Copper deficiency can occur in an identical way leading to high blood cholesterol levels and osteoarthritis. Further, bone problems develop as a result of the malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.
The Causes
The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the gut lining. This inflammation is usually brought about by the following:
Antibiotics because they lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, parasites, candida, fungi)
Alcohol and caffeine (strong gut irritants)
Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites like giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis and others
Foods and beverages contaminated by bacteria like helicobacter pylori, klebsiella, citrobacter, pseudomonas and others
Chemicals in fermented and processed food (dyes, preservatives, peroxidized fats)
Enzyme deficiencies (e.g. celiac disease, lactase deficiency causing lactose intolerance)
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ASA, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
Prescription corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
High refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, white bread)
Prescription hormones like the birth control pill Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates.
The leaky gut syndrome can cause the malabsorption of many important micronutrients. The inflammatory process causes swelling (edema) and the presence of many noxious chemicals all of which can block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids. A leaky gut does not absorb nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps occur as do a long list of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability develop.
Prescription broad spectrum antibiotics, especially when taken for extended periods of time, wipe out all the gut friendly bacteria that provide protection against fungi and amoebic (parasitic) infections, help the body break down complex foods and synthesize vitamins like B12 and biotin. Since this friendly bowel flora is killed off, the body now has no local defence against the parasites or fungi that are normally held in check. This then causes an inflammatory reaction leading to the leaky gut syndrome. Food allergies quickly develop and these may trigger the signs and symptoms of arthritis, eczema, migraines, asthma or other forms of immune dysfunction. Other common symptoms of this bowel flora imbalance and leaky gut syndrome are bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with diarrhea. This set of symptoms is usually labelled as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or spastic bowel disease and treated symptomatically by general practitioners and gastroenterologists with antispasmodic drugs, tranquilizers or different types of soluble (psyllium) and insoluble (bran) fiber.
The Leaky Gut and IBS
The mainstream thinking on IBS is that it is caused by stress. Irritable bowel syndrome is the number one reason for general practitioner referrals to specialists. In well over 80% of the cases, tests like the intestinal permeability test (a special urine test involving the determination of absorption rates of two sugars called lactulose and mannitol), CDSA or livecell darkfield microscopy reveal the presence of an overgrowth of fungi, parasites or pathogenic bacteria. The one-celled parasite, blastocystis hominis and different species of candida are the most common microbes seen in IBS. The only stress associated with IBS is that which is generated by infection and the leaky gut syndrome. If allowed to persist without the correct treatment, IBS can progress into more serious disorders like the candidiasis syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, many autoimmune diseases and even cancer. If treated medically, IBS is rarely cured. To treat it correctly, natural treatments work best and must include the removal of the cause, improvement of gastrointestinal function and healing the lining of the gut.
How to Reverse Leaky Gut Syndrome
Band-aid treatments with corticosteroids, prescription antibiotics and immuno suppressive drugs may be temporarily life-saving for acute episodes of pain, bleeding or severe inflammation as occurs in lupus or colitis. In the long run, however, none of these treatments do anything to heal the leaky gut problem. To reverse the leaky gut syndrome the diet must be completely changed to one which is as hypoallergenic as possible. Sugar, white flour products, all gluten-containing grains (especially wheat, barley, oats and rye), milk and dairy products, high fat foods, caffeine products, alcohol and hidden food allergies determined by testing must all be eliminated for long periods of time (several years in the most severe cases).
Treatment might also include the use of natural antibiotics (echinacea, colloidal silver, garlic), antiparasitics (cloves, wormwood, black walnut) and antifungals (taheebo, caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract) depending on the type of infection which shows up on objective tests. It is rare that victims require prescription drugs for these infections and they should be discouraged. The drugs are usually expensive, have unpleasant side effects and are best reserved for life-threatening conditions.
Leaky gut syndrome patients can help themselves by chewing their food more thoroughly, following the basic rules of food combining, eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones and taking more time with their meals. Gastrointestinal function can be improved with a juice fast or a hypoallergenic diet and supplements like lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus as well as FOS (fructooligosaccharides) derived from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, the dahlia plant or burdock root.
Beneficial Supplements for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Natural digestive enzymes - from plant (e,g, bromelain, papain) or pancreatic animal tissues (porcine, bovine, lamb) and aloe vera juice with a high MPS concentration (good brands are International Aloe, Earthnet and Royal) stomach acidity enhancing supplements - betaine and pepsin, glutamic acid, stomach bitters, apple cider vinegar amino acids - L-glutamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) essential fatty acids - milled flax, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, black currant seed oil soluble fiber - psyllium seed husks and powder, apple or citrus pectin, the rice derived gamma oryzanol, antioxidants - carotenoids, B complex, vitamin C, E, zinc, selenium, germanium, Coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, rutin and proanthocyanidins (pycnogenols, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry) herbs and plant extracts - kudzu, various high chlorophyll containing green drinks like spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae, burdock, slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb, sheep sorrel, licorice root, ginger root, goldenseal, bismuth and bentonite. Combination Green Foods - see Exsula Supefoods
Due to the increasing recognition of chronic fatigue syndrome, the leaky gut syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity, a number of supplement companies have been marketing powdered hypoallergenic formulations containing most of the nutrients mentioned above in one convenient package. Some brand names include Ultrabalance®, UltraClear Sustain®, UltraClear Plus®, Pro-Cleanse®, Pro-Support® and ActiClear®. The products are only available through natural health care practitioners like chiropractors, nutritional doctors and naturopaths. If you suspect you may be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, the most important thing to do is get yourself tested by a natural health care practitioner. A personalized natural program of diet and supplements can then be instituted to help you reverse this debilitating condition.
by Zoltan P. Rona MD, MSc
The leaky gut syndrome is the name given to a very common health disorder in which the basic organic defect (lesion) is an intestinal lining which is more permeable (porous) than normal. The abnormally large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the entry of toxic material into the bloodstream that would, in healthier circumstances, be repelled and eliminated. The gut becomes leaky in the sense that bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the bloodstream in the healthy state, pass through a damaged, hyperpermeable, porous or "leaky" gut. This can be verified by special gut permeability urine tests, microscopic examination of the lining of the intestinal wall as well as the bloodstream with phase contrast or darkfield microscopy of living whole blood.
Why is The Leaky Gut Syndrome Important?
The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression. An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases in this category include lupus, alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis, vasculitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives), diabetes and Raynaud's disease. Physicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of allergic or autoimmune disease. Understanding the leaky gut phenomenon not only helps us see why allergies and autoimmune diseases develop but also helps us with safe and effective therapies to bring the body back into balance.
Due to the enlarged spaces between the cells of the gut wall, larger than usual protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance to be completely broken down as occurs when the intestinal lining is intact. The immune system starts making antibodies against these larger molecules because it recognizes them as foreign, invading substances. The immune system starts treating them as if they had to be destroyed. Antibodies are made against these proteins derived from previously harmless foods.
Human tissues have antigenic sites very similar to those on foods, bacteria, parasites, candida or fungi. The antibodies created by the leaky gut phenomenon against these antigens can get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding food is consumed or the microbe is encountered. Autoantibodies are thus created and inflammation becomes chronic. If this inflammation occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) develops. If it occurs in the brain, myalgic encephalomyelitis (a.k.a. chronic fatigue syndrome) may be the result. If it occurs in the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is the resulting autoimmune problem. If the antibodies end up attacking the lining of the gut itself, the result may be colitis or Crohn's disease. If it occurs in the lungs, asthma is triggered on a delayed basis every time the individual consumes the food which triggered the production of the antibodies in the first place. It is easy to see that practically any organ or body tissue can become affected by food allergies created by the leaky gut. Symptoms, especially those seen in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, can be multiple and severely debilitating.
The inflammation that causes the leaky gut syndrome also damages the protective coating of antibodies of the IgA family normally present in a healthy gut. Since IgA helps us ward off infections, with leaky gut problems we become less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites and candida. These microbes are then able to invade the bloodstream and colonize almost any body tissue or organ. When this occurs in the gums, periodontal disease results. If it happens in the jaw, tooth extraction or root canals might be necessary to cure the infection.
In addition to the creation of food allergies by the leaky gut, the bloodstream is invaded by bacteria, fungi and parasites that, in the healthy state, would not penetrate the protective barrier of the gut. These microbes and their toxins, if present in large enough amounts, can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify. This results in symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, brain fog or facial swelling when the individual is exposed to a perfume or to cigarette smoke that he or she had no adverse reactions to prior to the development of the leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies because the various carrier proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract that are needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood are damaged by the inflammation process. For example, magnesium deficiency (low red blood cell magnesium) is quite a common finding in conditions like fibromyalgia despite a high magnesium intake through the diet and supplementation. If the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasms can occur as a result. Similarly, zinc deficiency due to malabsorption can result in hair loss or baldness as occurs in alopecia areata. Copper deficiency can occur in an identical way leading to high blood cholesterol levels and osteoarthritis. Further, bone problems develop as a result of the malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.
The Causes
The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the gut lining. This inflammation is usually brought about by the following:
Antibiotics because they lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, parasites, candida, fungi)
Alcohol and caffeine (strong gut irritants)
Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites like giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis and others
Foods and beverages contaminated by bacteria like helicobacter pylori, klebsiella, citrobacter, pseudomonas and others
Chemicals in fermented and processed food (dyes, preservatives, peroxidized fats)
Enzyme deficiencies (e.g. celiac disease, lactase deficiency causing lactose intolerance)
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ASA, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
Prescription corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
High refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, white bread)
Prescription hormones like the birth control pill Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates.
The leaky gut syndrome can cause the malabsorption of many important micronutrients. The inflammatory process causes swelling (edema) and the presence of many noxious chemicals all of which can block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids. A leaky gut does not absorb nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps occur as do a long list of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability develop.
Prescription broad spectrum antibiotics, especially when taken for extended periods of time, wipe out all the gut friendly bacteria that provide protection against fungi and amoebic (parasitic) infections, help the body break down complex foods and synthesize vitamins like B12 and biotin. Since this friendly bowel flora is killed off, the body now has no local defence against the parasites or fungi that are normally held in check. This then causes an inflammatory reaction leading to the leaky gut syndrome. Food allergies quickly develop and these may trigger the signs and symptoms of arthritis, eczema, migraines, asthma or other forms of immune dysfunction. Other common symptoms of this bowel flora imbalance and leaky gut syndrome are bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with diarrhea. This set of symptoms is usually labelled as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or spastic bowel disease and treated symptomatically by general practitioners and gastroenterologists with antispasmodic drugs, tranquilizers or different types of soluble (psyllium) and insoluble (bran) fiber.
The Leaky Gut and IBS
The mainstream thinking on IBS is that it is caused by stress. Irritable bowel syndrome is the number one reason for general practitioner referrals to specialists. In well over 80% of the cases, tests like the intestinal permeability test (a special urine test involving the determination of absorption rates of two sugars called lactulose and mannitol), CDSA or livecell darkfield microscopy reveal the presence of an overgrowth of fungi, parasites or pathogenic bacteria. The one-celled parasite, blastocystis hominis and different species of candida are the most common microbes seen in IBS. The only stress associated with IBS is that which is generated by infection and the leaky gut syndrome. If allowed to persist without the correct treatment, IBS can progress into more serious disorders like the candidiasis syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, many autoimmune diseases and even cancer. If treated medically, IBS is rarely cured. To treat it correctly, natural treatments work best and must include the removal of the cause, improvement of gastrointestinal function and healing the lining of the gut.
How to Reverse Leaky Gut Syndrome
Band-aid treatments with corticosteroids, prescription antibiotics and immuno suppressive drugs may be temporarily life-saving for acute episodes of pain, bleeding or severe inflammation as occurs in lupus or colitis. In the long run, however, none of these treatments do anything to heal the leaky gut problem. To reverse the leaky gut syndrome the diet must be completely changed to one which is as hypoallergenic as possible. Sugar, white flour products, all gluten-containing grains (especially wheat, barley, oats and rye), milk and dairy products, high fat foods, caffeine products, alcohol and hidden food allergies determined by testing must all be eliminated for long periods of time (several years in the most severe cases).
Treatment might also include the use of natural antibiotics (echinacea, colloidal silver, garlic), antiparasitics (cloves, wormwood, black walnut) and antifungals (taheebo, caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract) depending on the type of infection which shows up on objective tests. It is rare that victims require prescription drugs for these infections and they should be discouraged. The drugs are usually expensive, have unpleasant side effects and are best reserved for life-threatening conditions.
Leaky gut syndrome patients can help themselves by chewing their food more thoroughly, following the basic rules of food combining, eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones and taking more time with their meals. Gastrointestinal function can be improved with a juice fast or a hypoallergenic diet and supplements like lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus as well as FOS (fructooligosaccharides) derived from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, the dahlia plant or burdock root.
Beneficial Supplements for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Natural digestive enzymes - from plant (e,g, bromelain, papain) or pancreatic animal tissues (porcine, bovine, lamb) and aloe vera juice with a high MPS concentration (good brands are International Aloe, Earthnet and Royal) stomach acidity enhancing supplements - betaine and pepsin, glutamic acid, stomach bitters, apple cider vinegar amino acids - L-glutamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) essential fatty acids - milled flax, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, black currant seed oil soluble fiber - psyllium seed husks and powder, apple or citrus pectin, the rice derived gamma oryzanol, antioxidants - carotenoids, B complex, vitamin C, E, zinc, selenium, germanium, Coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, rutin and proanthocyanidins (pycnogenols, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry) herbs and plant extracts - kudzu, various high chlorophyll containing green drinks like spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae, burdock, slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb, sheep sorrel, licorice root, ginger root, goldenseal, bismuth and bentonite. Combination Green Foods - see Exsula Supefoods
Due to the increasing recognition of chronic fatigue syndrome, the leaky gut syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity, a number of supplement companies have been marketing powdered hypoallergenic formulations containing most of the nutrients mentioned above in one convenient package. Some brand names include Ultrabalance®, UltraClear Sustain®, UltraClear Plus®, Pro-Cleanse®, Pro-Support® and ActiClear®. The products are only available through natural health care practitioners like chiropractors, nutritional doctors and naturopaths. If you suspect you may be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, the most important thing to do is get yourself tested by a natural health care practitioner. A personalized natural program of diet and supplements can then be instituted to help you reverse this debilitating condition.
THE GLUTEN FILES
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
Hi Polly,
Well, of course, I agree with you on a lot of the supplements. That's why I pointed out that it's a naturalist site. They tend to get a bit heavy on a lot of suplements which can, as you pointed put, vary widely in potency and purity.
When I said, " Also, please note that the recommended treatment, and supplements, include the treatment and supplements that we have found by trial and error, to be the most useful for treating MC, and related issues.", I was primarily referring to supplements such as, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, etc. Also, some of us do take some of the vitamins that are listed there, (a practice which is more and more beginning to be called into question by current research)
Frankly, I suspect that most of the supplements named in the next to last paragraph in the article might indeed be helpful, if it weren't for the fact that the manufacturers of those products named in the last paragraph, are largely unregulated.
With the possible exception of the last two paragraphs in the article, I find that it sums up my thoughts about this topic quite accurately. Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
Love,
Wayne
Well, of course, I agree with you on a lot of the supplements. That's why I pointed out that it's a naturalist site. They tend to get a bit heavy on a lot of suplements which can, as you pointed put, vary widely in potency and purity.
When I said, " Also, please note that the recommended treatment, and supplements, include the treatment and supplements that we have found by trial and error, to be the most useful for treating MC, and related issues.", I was primarily referring to supplements such as, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, etc. Also, some of us do take some of the vitamins that are listed there, (a practice which is more and more beginning to be called into question by current research)
Frankly, I suspect that most of the supplements named in the next to last paragraph in the article might indeed be helpful, if it weren't for the fact that the manufacturers of those products named in the last paragraph, are largely unregulated.
With the possible exception of the last two paragraphs in the article, I find that it sums up my thoughts about this topic quite accurately. Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
Love,
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Joanna,
Yes, I've maintained all along that I believe that LGS is a prerequisite of MS and other so-called autoimmune diseases. IOW, I don't believe that one can develop MC, without first having leaky gut syndrome. (I say "so-called", because I now believe that the immune system is not attacking it's own host, but rather it is attacking a virus, that is reacting to the toxins leaked by the excessively porus walls of the gut--but that's another issue).
No, leaky gut syndrome would not be detected by a colonoscopy--at least I'm not aware that it has ever been done. I think that LGS is off the radar of most GI docs. Like MC, it's something that they don't expect to ever encounter, so many of them haven't bothered to learn about it, or look for it in their patients.
I'm taking glucosamine sulphate, with condroitin, and I also take flax seed oil.
Here is a PubMed research article about a three-year trial using glucosamine sulphate to treat osteoarthritis. They had 100% success--very impressive results in favor of taking glucosamine sulphate.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/quer ... s=11214126
Love,
Wayne
Yes, I've maintained all along that I believe that LGS is a prerequisite of MS and other so-called autoimmune diseases. IOW, I don't believe that one can develop MC, without first having leaky gut syndrome. (I say "so-called", because I now believe that the immune system is not attacking it's own host, but rather it is attacking a virus, that is reacting to the toxins leaked by the excessively porus walls of the gut--but that's another issue).
No, leaky gut syndrome would not be detected by a colonoscopy--at least I'm not aware that it has ever been done. I think that LGS is off the radar of most GI docs. Like MC, it's something that they don't expect to ever encounter, so many of them haven't bothered to learn about it, or look for it in their patients.
I'm taking glucosamine sulphate, with condroitin, and I also take flax seed oil.
Here is a PubMed research article about a three-year trial using glucosamine sulphate to treat osteoarthritis. They had 100% success--very impressive results in favor of taking glucosamine sulphate.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/quer ... s=11214126
Love,
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
I think this is a terrific article, and did post my response to ths effect on the auto-immune thread.
I find it interesting that many alternative health practitioners speak about leaky gut in reference to the small intestine, but I've never seen anyone reference gastric permeability. It never occured to me that I might have gastric permeability.
Dr. Barry Marshall, who discovered (with his lab partner) the link between h. pylori and ulcers and received the 2005 Nobel Prize in medicine, says:
"Patients with HP have increased permeability of the gastric mucosa and so are potentially exposed to unprocessed antigens from food. This might predispose to immune problems. H.pylori antibodies cross react with several tissues in the GUT so autoimmune states are possible with H.pylori."
This is at his site heliocobacter.com in the section "weird diseases." While he says there is no scientific proof to his comments on this page, he makes the above statement quite definitively.
Another interesting thing is that doctors soemtimes give a sucrose permeability test to determine the status of upper gastric functioning, because sucrose is digested in the stomach not the large intestine.
This might explain why my reactions to sugar are so intense.
I completely agree with you Tex about leaky gut being a primary factor in the onset of autoimmune illness. I don't think h. pylori is the only cause of leaky gut, of course! But I think it's the logical conclusion in my case. Interestingly, the more I continue my treatment, the more I am able to expand my diet slowly.
Thanks for posting this again! Celia
I think this is a terrific article, and did post my response to ths effect on the auto-immune thread.
I find it interesting that many alternative health practitioners speak about leaky gut in reference to the small intestine, but I've never seen anyone reference gastric permeability. It never occured to me that I might have gastric permeability.
Dr. Barry Marshall, who discovered (with his lab partner) the link between h. pylori and ulcers and received the 2005 Nobel Prize in medicine, says:
"Patients with HP have increased permeability of the gastric mucosa and so are potentially exposed to unprocessed antigens from food. This might predispose to immune problems. H.pylori antibodies cross react with several tissues in the GUT so autoimmune states are possible with H.pylori."
This is at his site heliocobacter.com in the section "weird diseases." While he says there is no scientific proof to his comments on this page, he makes the above statement quite definitively.
Another interesting thing is that doctors soemtimes give a sucrose permeability test to determine the status of upper gastric functioning, because sucrose is digested in the stomach not the large intestine.
This might explain why my reactions to sugar are so intense.
I completely agree with you Tex about leaky gut being a primary factor in the onset of autoimmune illness. I don't think h. pylori is the only cause of leaky gut, of course! But I think it's the logical conclusion in my case. Interestingly, the more I continue my treatment, the more I am able to expand my diet slowly.
Thanks for posting this again! Celia
I beleive in magic!
Celia,
I had never even considered the possibility of gastric permeability--I hadn't ever encountered the issue before. Thanks for pointing out that information.
Tex
I had never even considered the possibility of gastric permeability--I hadn't ever encountered the issue before. Thanks for pointing out that information.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
artteacher
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 731
- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:13 pm
.
I'm so glad you got tested, Celia. I thought perhaps my problems with D and carb intolerence could be caused by h pylori (fortunately, or unfortunately, my test was negative). But you testing positive, and seeing some improvement, sort of vindicates my logic in suspecting h pylori as a possible puzzle piece for some people. . .
Love, Marsha
Love, Marsha
Marsha,
I feel like I was lucky! If I didn't have the gastritis-type symptoms recently, I would never have known it was there. I dont' know if this will solve all my health challenges, since other damage may already be done. But if it addresses my multiple food intolerances, that's a great start!
I wish you and everyone on the Board could find the root cause of their illnesses. It's not easy, and, in my case, this may be just one factor.
But...hip, hip HOORAH!
Celia
I feel like I was lucky! If I didn't have the gastritis-type symptoms recently, I would never have known it was there. I dont' know if this will solve all my health challenges, since other damage may already be done. But if it addresses my multiple food intolerances, that's a great start!
I wish you and everyone on the Board could find the root cause of their illnesses. It's not easy, and, in my case, this may be just one factor.
But...hip, hip HOORAH!
Celia
I beleive in magic!
Joanna,
Like Tex said, most coventional doctors don't accept the idea of intestinal permeability even though it's been shown in a research context time and again. But then they didn't beleive that h.pylori was linked with ulcers for ten years either.
It's easy to get tested for leaky gut. Genova Diagnostics offers an intestinal permeability test in which you drink two substances and then collect your urine for a certain period. The levels of those substances in your urine will indicate your gut permeability. You can read about it here:
www.gdx.net/home/assessments/ip/
When I took the test, it only cost $65. It didn't show leaky gut, but did show some malabsorption issues. When you have symptoms and it doesn't show leaky gut, some doctors recommend retaking the test after eating one of your normal meals. In my case, it's possible my small intestine was fine (that's what is being tested), but gastric permeability may have been the issue, which requires a different test.
You do need a script from a physician to get a test kit and take the test. Too bad most doctors won't give you one.
All the best, Celia
Like Tex said, most coventional doctors don't accept the idea of intestinal permeability even though it's been shown in a research context time and again. But then they didn't beleive that h.pylori was linked with ulcers for ten years either.
It's easy to get tested for leaky gut. Genova Diagnostics offers an intestinal permeability test in which you drink two substances and then collect your urine for a certain period. The levels of those substances in your urine will indicate your gut permeability. You can read about it here:
www.gdx.net/home/assessments/ip/
When I took the test, it only cost $65. It didn't show leaky gut, but did show some malabsorption issues. When you have symptoms and it doesn't show leaky gut, some doctors recommend retaking the test after eating one of your normal meals. In my case, it's possible my small intestine was fine (that's what is being tested), but gastric permeability may have been the issue, which requires a different test.
You do need a script from a physician to get a test kit and take the test. Too bad most doctors won't give you one.
All the best, Celia
I beleive in magic!
Joanna,
I saw my naturopathy yesterday. We are dealing with healing gastric permeability due to my h. pylori infection.
Her first choice supplement for healing leaky gut is Sea Cure, a reduction of white fish protein into constituent peptides and amino acids. It's highly assimiable, and has the amino acids and omega 3's that are essential to healing a leaky gut.
Her second choice is L-Glutamine in a powdered form, which is commonly used for this purpose.
She is not a big beleiver in taking digestive enzymes for an extended period, but she feels that they will help me for this period while I am treating the h.pylori.
I have taken some of the supplements on Dr. Zoltan's list in the past, and I beleive that they helped me feel much better. But since I hadn't uncovered all the causes of my G. I. problems, I improved but could not fully heal. In addition to eliminating gluten and dairy, I needed to uncover the h. pylori infection and treat that.
This is why I feel it's crucial to uncover all the causes of one's G. I. (or other problems). Some of us recover just by eliminting gluten, but others may have these residual problems to track down!
Hugs, Celia
I saw my naturopathy yesterday. We are dealing with healing gastric permeability due to my h. pylori infection.
Her first choice supplement for healing leaky gut is Sea Cure, a reduction of white fish protein into constituent peptides and amino acids. It's highly assimiable, and has the amino acids and omega 3's that are essential to healing a leaky gut.
Her second choice is L-Glutamine in a powdered form, which is commonly used for this purpose.
She is not a big beleiver in taking digestive enzymes for an extended period, but she feels that they will help me for this period while I am treating the h.pylori.
I have taken some of the supplements on Dr. Zoltan's list in the past, and I beleive that they helped me feel much better. But since I hadn't uncovered all the causes of my G. I. problems, I improved but could not fully heal. In addition to eliminating gluten and dairy, I needed to uncover the h. pylori infection and treat that.
This is why I feel it's crucial to uncover all the causes of one's G. I. (or other problems). Some of us recover just by eliminting gluten, but others may have these residual problems to track down!
Hugs, Celia
I beleive in magic!
Polly,
While I agree with you that it's best to get our nutrients from food, I think there is an important role for supplements in healing the gut.
The fact that supplements are not regulated is indeed a drawback, but there are high quality products available which one can ascertain through research and consulting with experienced, reliable natural health care practitioners.
One of the dangers that I see is our vulnerability to acquiring new auto-immune diseases when we have a leaky gut. If there are high quality supplements that can facilitate and expedite our healing, I feel it is judicious to use them!
Just my two cents!
While I agree with you that it's best to get our nutrients from food, I think there is an important role for supplements in healing the gut.
The fact that supplements are not regulated is indeed a drawback, but there are high quality products available which one can ascertain through research and consulting with experienced, reliable natural health care practitioners.
One of the dangers that I see is our vulnerability to acquiring new auto-immune diseases when we have a leaky gut. If there are high quality supplements that can facilitate and expedite our healing, I feel it is judicious to use them!
Just my two cents!
I beleive in magic!
-
artteacher
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 731
- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:13 pm
.
Hi Celia,
Be sure to let us know how the l-glutamine, in particular, works for you. That is, if you take it. I have some in the cupboard that didn't agree with me at the time I tried it. But if it helps you, it might be worth a second shot. It is supposed to be helpful for intestinal healing.
Love, Marsha
Be sure to let us know how the l-glutamine, in particular, works for you. That is, if you take it. I have some in the cupboard that didn't agree with me at the time I tried it. But if it helps you, it might be worth a second shot. It is supposed to be helpful for intestinal healing.
Love, Marsha
I too take L-glutamine for gut healing, from a good source though.celia wrote:Joanna,
I saw my naturopathy yesterday. We are dealing with healing gastric permeability due to my h. pylori infection.
Her first choice supplement for healing leaky gut is Sea Cure, a reduction of white fish protein into constituent peptides and amino acids. It's highly assimiable, and has the amino acids and omega 3's that are essential to healing a leaky gut.
Her second choice is L-Glutamine in a powdered form, which is commonly used for this purpose.
She is not a big beleiver in taking digestive enzymes for an extended period, but she feels that they will help me for this period while I am treating the h.pylori.
I have taken some of the supplements on Dr. Zoltan's list in the past, and I beleive that they helped me feel much better. But since I hadn't uncovered all the causes of my G. I. problems, I improved but could not fully heal. In addition to eliminating gluten and dairy, I needed to uncover the h. pylori infection and treat that.
This is why I feel it's crucial to uncover all the causes of one's G. I. (or other problems). Some of us recover just by eliminting gluten, but others may have these residual problems to track down!
Hugs, Celia
I'm curious about the comment from your dr about taking digestive enzymes for extended periods of time. Why? I'm curious because I am, and I have yet to find any research saying it's a bad thing.