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Symptoms
Leaky gut syndrome is an inflammation
of the gut wall, caused by substances that pass through the protective lining of the gut wall, they then travel into the bloodstream and can cause inflammation in other parts of the body. The body cannot absorb nutrients properly due to the dysfunction of the intestines. Bloating, gas and cramps are common symptoms. Eventually, other complaints may appear such as fatigue, memory loss, allergies, poor concentration, confusion, irritability or facial swelling when exposed to perfume or cigarette smoke can all occur.
This syndrome is believed to be an underlying factor in a wide variety of auto-immune diseases, in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Leaky gut syndrome damages the protective coating of antibodies normally present in a healthy gut. These antibodies help ward off infections and make the body less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites and Candida. Auto-immune diseases suspected of starting with leaky gut:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
- Colitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Crohn's disease
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What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?
This syndrome occurs when a lesion forms on the lining of the intestines and makes it more permeable, or leaky, than normal. Large spaces form between the cells of the gut wall, allowing the entrance of bacteria, fungi, parasites, toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste material into the bloodstream. These substances, which are normally not absorbed, now pass through the damaged, hyper permeable (leaky) gut.
The resulting inflammation involves swelling and the presence of toxic chemicals, which block the absorption of important nutrients like vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. The large molecules which now pass through the intestinal walls are seen as foreign substances and the immune system produces antibodies to fight them. The result of this antibody action is a food allergy. Now, when the allergy causing food is eaten, the antibodies get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction.
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Nutrition
Good nutrition
- Flax seed, evening primrose and borage oils (starflower oil) are higher in the essential fatty acids which stimulate production of the body's natural anti-inflammatories.
- Another way to get these anti-inflammatory acids from the diet is to eat
cold-water fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel,
sardine, swordfish, cod and halibut. These fish contain high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids which inhibit inflammatory or allergic responses. If fish is unpalatable, supplementation in the order of 9-12 grams daily from fish oil capsules is an alternative.
- Citrus fruits, along with the white material just beneath the peel, onions, garlic, peppers, buckwheat and black currants are particularly rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are helpful in the treatment of many autoimmune diseases.
- Whole leaf aloe vera juice with high MPS (mucopolysaccharide) content also contains high levels of dozens of natural antioxidants.
- Bioflavonoids work together with vitamin C to protect blood vessels. They are also useful in the treatment of asthma and other allergic conditions which seemingly only respond to antihistamines or steroids.
- Echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection, a common occurrence in those afflicted with auto-immune disease. Echinacea can be used for extensive periods of time for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.
- Ginger turmeric and bromelain have anti-inflammatory effects.
Leaky gut syndrome produces a long list of mineral deficiencies because the carrier proteins in the gastrointestinal tract, needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood, are damaged by the inflammation.
For example, magnesium deficiency is common in conditions like fibromyalgia; if the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasm can be a result.
- Zinc deficiency leads to high blood cholesterol levels.
- Bone problems are often the result of malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.
Foods to Avoid
- Bread, beer, wine, cheese and aged
and cured meats should be avoided, as they all involve a fermentation process which increases the likelihood of exposure to mycotoxins or fungi.
- Fungi feed off sugar, so avoid foods with high sugar
content, such as maple syrup, honey, molasses and fruit juice. In severe infections, even whole fruits should be eliminated for several weeks.
- Milk, white-flour products, peanuts, mushrooms, melons and leftover
food all worsen a fungal infection.
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