LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

If the filtering and/or detoxification systems within the liver are overloaded or inefficient, this will cause toxins, dead cells and microorganisms to build up in the blood stream. This will then increase the workload of the immune system, which will become overloaded and irritated. The immune system will then produce excessive inflammatory chemicals, and in some cases, auto antibodies, because it is in a hyperstimulated state. This may lead to symptoms of immune dysfunction such as allergies, inflammatory states, swollen glands, recurrent infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or auto-immune diseases. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Immune dysfunction is common in the chemically overloaded environment we live in today, and is exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies inherent in processed and high fat diets. Suppressive drugs are often used to treat symptoms of immune dysfunction.

Simply put, the digestive tract consists of a long tube, which connects the mouth to the anus. After food is swallowed it passes through the esophagus to the stomach, where it is churned up with acid and stomach enzymes into small particles. This then passes into the small intestine, which is around 20 feet long. The most important function of the small intestine is to digest and absorb nutrients from the food particles that arrive from the stomach. In the upper part of the small intestine, secretions from the liver and gallbladder (bile), and the pancreas (enzymes), are inserted through a small tube (duct), situated near the pancreas gland. Another vital function is to act as a barrier to prevent the re absorption into the blood circulation, of toxins, microbes and macromolecules.

When the digestive tract (also known as the intestinal mucosa) is inflamed, you can develop what is called a "leaky gut". This means that large food molecules, endotoxins and xenobiotics can pass straight into the bloodstream and be presented to the liver for detoxification. They should not be in the blood - so the immune system reacts to them, immune complexes are formed and these complexes travel to the liver where they are broken down. This places an enormous burden on the liver, stressing its detoxification capability. As a result these substances may be partially processed and accumulate in the liver and fatty (adipose) tissue. Research in recent years has uncovered the important connection between the health of the human body and the integrity of the gut wall. It is now well established that inflammation of the intestines and a resultant increased permeability of the intestinal mucosal wall has a connection with conditions such as infection, food allergy, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, dermatological conditions, colitis, or auto-immune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), Reiter's syndrome, eczema and other ‘allergic' disorders.

It has also been speculated that the combination of leaky gut and dysfunctional liver detoxification can lead to increased fatty tissue stores of toxic compounds and depressed immune system function.

Causes of leaky gut

Some of the most common causes of a leaky gut are: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage, intestinal infection, dysbiosis, parasites, maldigestion, deficient
immunoglobulins, ingestion of allergenic foods, alcoholism, ingestion of toxic chemicals, high sugar diets, antibiotic use, oral contraceptive pill use, trauma and endotoxemia.

Identifying the cause is an important first step in reversing altered permeability.

How do I know if I have a leaky gut?

It is possible to measure the permeability or 'leakiness' of the gut wall by a simple test available through diagnostic laboratories such as Genova Diagnostics in the USA or Australian Reference Laboratories in Australia.  You can safely assume you have a leaky gut if you suffer with one of the "Clinical Conditions with Altered Intestinal Permeability" listed above.

How can you improve the integrity of the gut wall?

Treatment of altered intestinal permeability is very important for several reasons. Increased permeability can contribute to, or cause, a wide range of reactions and conditions as noted above.  Intestinal inflammation can cause malabsorption and malnutrition, leading to a wide range of conditions relating to deficiency. Correcting the altered permeability can have an immediate effect on relief of symptoms and a gradual improvement in the underlying condition. There are a number of therapeutic substances, some listed below, which can be used for mucosal support to correct intestinal permeability.

Maintain a healthy population of microorganisms in your bowel

It is important to be aware that your bowels may be harboring excessive populations of unfriendly microorganisms such as fungi (most commonly yeasts such as Candida albicans), bacteria, viruses and parasites. The term parasite is used to describe a great variety of creatures that vary in complexity from single celled organisms, all the way up to worms that may be several inches or longer. Common disease causing parasites are Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis and Cryptosporidium, which can be very difficult to detect with routine stool analysis and cultures. When a stool specimen is examined for parasites many of the yeasts that are seen are already dead. Stool cultures therefore often fail to reveal the presence of fungi even when the gut is heavily infected. Some laboratories will examine repeated fresh stool specimens obtained after inducing mild diarrhea with laxatives and this will increase the chances of detection.

In the US
Genova Diagnostics
63 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
USA

Telephone: (828)253-0621

Those who suffer with an overgrowth of unhealthy microorganisms in the bowel are said to have "intestinal dysbiosis". It can be difficult to eradicate intestinal parasites completely and many sufferers find that they keep on recurring.

The most powerful natural antibiotic for the gut is, you guessed it, RAW garlic. Oh no you say, not that again! If you can manage to eat 4 to 6 cloves every day for 4 weeks you will be amazed at the creatures that can be eradicated and expelled from your bowels. Garlic is able to kill bacteria, parasites and yeasts. If you have a large overgrowth, even higher doses may be required. Raw garlic cloves can be grated, chopped very finely or pressed in a garlic press, and then mixed well throughout your cooked food and salads. It tastes nicer with some cold pressed olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Raw onions and leeks also have valuable antibiotic effects in the bowel, and if you cannot tolerate garlic you may find that these things work well for you.

Take supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus (must be refrigerated), or use unflavored soy yogurts high in this friendly bacteria. This friendly bacterium fights the bad bacteria and helps to maintain ecological balance. It is particularly good after antibiotic therapy.

Typical herbs used to destroy and expel worms from the body are black walnut hulls, chaparral, cloves, liquorice, gentian and wormwood.  There are natural anti-parasite remedies that can sometimes be quite helpful.  Use a combination of herbs such as Wormwood flower and leaf (artemisia vulgaris) and Black Walnut (Juglans Nigra). Start with one capsule three times daily. After two weeks use two capsules three times daily for up to two months.

Anti-parasitic remedies are often more effective if they are followed by a purge, during which many dead parasites will be expelled in the feces. To achieve the required laxative effect you can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of epsom salts with four glasses of water, two hours after finishing the antiparasitic medication.

The herb Olive Leaf extract is very helpful in fighting an overgrowth of yeast and parasites, as well as bacteria and viruses in the bowel, and doses range from 500 to 1000mg (of a 10% extract), three times daily just before meals.

Those who are frequent international travelers are more at risk from infections such as hepatitis B and gut infections, and although vaccinations against many of these things are available today, it is still wise to protect your liver and immune system so that they can cope with this increased challenge. Practise good hygiene, avoid contaminated water supplies, and boil your water. While traveling take a good liver tonic, garlic and olive leaf extract capsules to fight these unfriendly bugs while they are still in your gut, and before they get a chance to damage your liver.

Improve Dietary Habits

One of the most important and yet often overlooked strategies to improve bowel function for all people, is to drink more pure WATER. I cannot tell you how many people I have seen over the years with bowel problems who are chronically dehydrated. This causes the bowel contents to harden and stagnate, which can lead to overgrowth of bacteria and inflammation of the bowel lining. I recommend at least 2 liters of pure water daily, and in those with inflammatory bowel disease up to 3 liters may be required everyday.

By following the principles of :The Liver Cleansing Diet", you will have the basic tools for a diet that is conducive to healthy bowels. Many people lack fiber because they eat refined sugars and carbohydrates, and too much animal meat and dairy products. Without fiber, the contents of the bowel will stagnate, which can lead to inflammation from excessive toxin formation. Lack of fiber will also force the bowel muscles to contract too strongly in an effort to move the feces along to the rectum to stimulate a bowel movement. These excessive contractions will increase the pressure inside the bowel, which leads to spastic colon and the formation of pockets in the bowel wall (diverticula).  Avoid excess alcohol, as this can cause inflammation of the bowel wall. In some people alcohol causes a form of colitis and must be avoided completely. Avoid gastric irritants such as excess coffee, foods containing gluten, found in wheat, rye, oats and barley, and all foods containing these. Avoid smoking.

Thirty to forty percent of the diet should consist of RAW vegetables and fruits, with the ratio of vegetables to fruits being 4 to 1. In severe cases of Candida it may be necessary to greatly reduce the amount of fruits and increase raw vegetables. Raw foods contain living enzymes, antibiotics and phytonutrients that improve digestion, fight unfriendly microorganisms and reduce inflammation of the bowel wall.

Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.

• Chew food thoroughly and have teeth and jaw problems checked out early.
• Do not eat very much if you are angry or stressed and do not over eat.
• Drink only small amounts with meals because fluids will dilute the gastric juices needed for digestion.

The lining of the stomach produces hydrochloric acid, which provides the correct acidity for digestive enzymes including pepsin, as well as those secreted in the small intestines to break down food. Hydrochloric acid is also required for efficient liberation of the important nutrient vitamin B 12.

Deficiency of stomach hydrochloric acid is common in those over 60 years of age and people of any age who are chronically stressed.  This can lead to weakened digestion and deficiency of vitamin B 12. In these cases it is desirable to increase stomach hydrochloric acid, and this can be done with tablets of Betaine Hydrochloride. The usual dose is between 60 and 500 mg of Betaine Hydrochloride taken in the middle of a meal. Once dissolved in the stomach Betaine Hydrochloride yields 25% of its weight as hydrochloric acid. Another tablet to increase hydrochloric acid is Glutamic acid Hydrochloride, which is slightly less potent and requires a dose of 600 to 1800 mg during meals. Those with a severe deficiency of stomach hydrochloric acid, known as achlorhydria, may have an increased risk of stomach cancer and for this reason antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and selenium should be part of the daily supplementation program.

Another useful technique to increase stomach acidity during a meal is to sip a glass of water containing 2 to 3 tablespoons of good quality organic apple cider vinegar with the juice of half a lemon added. Some people find that this practise really improves their digestion and reduces flatulence and abdominal bloating.

If you find that you feel uncomfortable after eating a regular or large sized meal it is most worthwhile to try a supplement containing digestive enzymes. The pancreas produces vital enzymes called protease, lipase and amylase, without which it is impossible to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is not uncommon for a slight to moderate deficiency of these pancreatic enzymes to occur, especially in those over 50 years of age. Lack of these enzymes will result in poor breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, leaving only partially digested food to pass through the bowel. This reduces absorption of vital nutrients from the lining of the gut and malnutrition of some degree will result. Furthermore, only partially digested proteins will be absorbed from the gut, which will overload the liver and may cause allergies. The growth of unfriendly microorganisms is more common inside intestines containing only partially digested foods.

The most powerful way to take the full complement of digestive enzymes is in the form of some type of whole pancreas preparation, which comes from animal sources. Such a suitable preparation is called Pancreatin and the dosage is 2 - 4 grams with each meal. This excellent product is available in the USA and is called "Super Digestive Enzymes". This is available by calling the Phoenix mail order office on 1888 75 LIVER or use the secure online order form.  Enzymes are available without a prescription in tablet, capsule, powder and liquid forms. You can also make your own digestive enzymes by drying papaya seeds and grinding them in a coffee grinder into a powder. Sprinkle the powder onto your food and it gives a slight peppery taste. Keep your enzyme supplements in a cool dry place to ensure potency. As we grow older the ability of the body to produce enzymes diminishes, and enzyme supplements can make a huge improvement to the digestive and nutritional health of persons over 50 years of age.

The body can also obtain enzymes from ingested food. Unfortunately food enzymes are extremely sensitive to heat, and even low to moderate heat destroys most of the enzymes in foods. This is one of the reasons I encourage people to eat more raw salads and fruits, as their natural enzyme molecules will improve digestion and reduce the workload of the liver and pancreas. Foods that are high in enzymes are pineapples, papaya, avocados, mangos and kiwifruit. Sprouts are a potent source of digestive enzymes. Enzymes extracted from papaya and pineapples are available in tablet form and are called papain and bromelain respectively. Although they are proteolytic enzymes and can help with the digestion of proteins, they are not as powerful as a whole pancreatic supplement.

Natural remedies to help the bowels

These can be used to increase fiber bulk, soothe irritated mucous linings and reduce muscular spasm in the bowels.

• Aloe Vera juice can soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines and is useful for those with stomach ulcers, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Occasionally people became allergic to it, so do not use it continually.
• Psyllium husks (or powder), are often used as a bowel cleansing fiber and help to remove stagnant waste material from bowel pockets. Like Aloe Vera, some people become allergic to it, so that it causes rashes and itching, so watch out for allergy symptoms if you use it long term.
• A fiber powder that does not contain gluten or psyllium is called "Fibretone," and may be beneficial if you have constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome, wheat and/or gluten intolerance, bloating or colonic spasm.
• Antacids are often used by those with excess gastric acidity and/or reflux. Avoid the long-term use of antacids containing aluminium. Some simple and harmless antacids are sodium and potassium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate. Alfalfa juice or alfalfa tablets are alkaline and can soothe gastritis and/or reflux. A brand worth mentioning, that is free of aluminium, is Andrew's Tums.
• Soothing and anti-spasm herbs such as golden seal, marshmallow, meadowsweet, valerian, chamomile, peppermint, arrowroot and slippery elm powder will reduce colic and mild bowel inflammation, and benefit those with gastritis.

Digestive enzymes

• Digestive herbs such as dandelion, fennel, dill, aniseed, parsley, ginger and catnip can reduce burping and flatulence.
• Condiments that aid digestion and reduce flatulence are caraway, cardamom, coriander, cumin, cloves, ginger and turmeric. Turmeric is a liver tonic and the usual dose is 1 - 2 teaspoons of the powder daily used to flavor food or mixed in juices.

Intestinal parasite cleanse

The colon can become easily overloaded with waste material and parasites, which produce toxins. If these toxins recirculate from the bowel back to the liver via the entero-hepatic circulation, the liver must work harder to break down these toxins. These toxins can overload the body causing immune dysfunction and poor general health. If you are constipated the waste products left behind after digestion may stagnate inside your colon and decay.

This is why it's important to "sweep the walls of your colon" regularly to eliminate stagnant and toxic waste. Dietary fiber can give your colon a thorough spring clean because it acts like a "broom" sweeping the walls of the colon free of encrusted waste material.

When you have a complete evacuation and all the waste products are swept out of the colon, you will notice that your bowel actions are larger, softer and more fibrous. After a complete bowel action your abdomen will flatten out so that the bloating will go away. Fiber stimulates natural healthy contractions in the colon so that the bowels do not become lazy. 

Fibertone powder

Increased dietary fiber can help to:

• Lower cholesterol
• Increase elimination of toxins via the bowel actions
• Reduce the risk of bowel cancer
• Reduce constipation
• Reduce irritable bowel syndrome
• Prevent hemorrhoids
• Improve weight control by carrying fat out of the body through bowel actions. This reduces the amount of fat recirculating back to the liver via the entero-hepatic circulation.

Image	Name	Price	Qty	Buy
	The Liver Cleansing Diet 1007	$20.00
	Fibertone Powder 300g 2022	$18.00

"THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT OR CURE ANY DISEASES"