LEAKY GUT

What is leaky gut ? The leaky gut syndrome is a 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 blood stream 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. However, symptomatology alone is often sufficient. As per the Health Appraisal (Brief) wherein a specific high point score for the Detox section is sufficient presumptive evidence.

Why is leaky gut syndrome important? The leaky gut syndrome is, in the long-term, 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 but are not confined to Crohn’s disease, irritable or inflammatory bowel conditions, lupus, alopecia, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis, vasculitis, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives), diabetes and Raynaud's disease.

After passing through the stomach, whatever we eat passes into the small intestine and finally the large intestine, which are designed to allow nutrients to be absorbed from the food and into the blood stream. The mucus lining of the intestine consists of helpful bacterial and good yeasts, which break down the food into substances, which are beneficially used by the body. When the composition of this lining is disturbed, the intestine walls can be damaged, and become porous - allowing unwanted substances to penetrate the lining and enter the bloodstream.

The body becomes overwhelmed by this flood of foreign substances, and reacts by producing antibodies and resultant inflammation to joints and circulatory systems, allergic reactions and even mood swings.

What causes leaky gut ?
A large number of factors are thought to be the villains, including:

	Caesarian birth and/or insufficient breast feeding post natal
	Overuse of antibiotics, steroids, NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc)
	Poor diet - high in refined foods and sugars and nutritional deficiencies
	Incomplete digestion
	Heightened exposure to environmental toxins
	Stress
	Parasitic infestations

	Candidiasis, when "bad" yeast takes over the intestines and other parts of the body such as the vagina. In some instances, candida can even invade the brain.
	Allergy & sensitivity, food, airborne, environmental, skin disorders
	A weakened immune system with all the problems that can follow
	Chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel
	Auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, CFS and lupus.

	Antimicrobial Therapy
	Liver & Bowel Detoxification
	Repair of Mucosal Lining of the Gut
	Reinoculation with Bifidobacterium & Acidophilus
	Insulin Zone Diet
	Attention to ABO Blood Type avoidance foods
	Drink only filtered water

Conclusions All of these steps require conscious life style changes which may seem difficult to take. However, the implications of leaky gut syndrome on the body's general health are serious, and orthodox medicine has no quick fixes - the antibiotics that might be prescribed are only going to exacerbate the problem. Most Physicians deny its very existence, perhaps because the pharmaceutical industry has no drugs to counteract it. To ignore "Leaky Gut" is to ensure a domino affect of chronic illness conditions and premature cellular aging at every level. This condition may exist even in infants and young children.

The cost of detoxification and repair is a little under $150:00 for initial therapeutics. Followed by an ongoing commitment to changes in diet and perhaps life-style.

REFERENCES
Gittleman, A.L., Guess What came to Dinner - Parasites and your health, Garden City Park,New York: Avery, 1993.

Gottschall, Elaine. Breaking The Vicious Cycle. Intestinal Health Through Diet. Kirkton, Ont.:The Kirkton Press, 1994.

Martin, Jeanne Marie and Rona, Zoltan P. The Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.

Robert L, et al. The effect of procyanidolic oligomers on vascular permeability. A study using
quantitative morphology. Pathol Biol 38:608-616; 1990.

Rogers, Sherry A. Finally Healing the Immune System. Macrobiotics Today. September/October 1995; pp. 16-20.

Rona, Zoltan P. Childhood Illness and The Allergy Connection. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.