Leaky Gut Syndrome
By Susan Summers
Even though no one wants to admit to having something called "leaky gut," it is far more widespread than most people realize, and chances are, you do have it. It may very well be the predecessor to a variety of bowel disorders labeled Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, and others. “Leaky Gut Syndrome” is the name given to a very common health disorder which is not often recognized by physicians. It is a condition in which the intestinal lining is more permeable than normal, due to abnormally large spaces or “holes” between the cells of an inflamed intestinal lining. Among other things, Leaky Gut Syndrome causes an inability to properly digest and assimilate food. It allows the entry of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other toxic substances into the bloodstream. Leaky Gut Syndrome is the common factor behind most food allergies and many nutrient deficiencies. It is also linked to auto-immune diseases and can be the underlying cause of many other health conditions. (*see list below)
Leaky Gut Syndrome is the result of inflammation which causes the spaces between the cells of the intestinal wall to enlarge. It can be brought on and aggravated by a number of things such as: 1) antibiotic overuse; 2) excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates; 3) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprophen, etc.); 4) food dyes and preservatives; 5) contaminated foods; 6) birth control pills; 7) parasites; 8) alcohol and caffeine; 9) prescription corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). These are the same factors that can contribute to an overgrowth of Candida; first, in its yeast form, then in its fungal form. Symptoms that often accompany Leaky Gut Syndrome are intestinal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, bloating and gas. Does that sound like what you've been experiencing???
**Diseases associated with increased intestinal permeability include: Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diarrhea, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Salmonella and E. coli infections, Chronic Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chemical Sensitivities, Pancreatitis, Infectious Entercolitis, to name a few, plus, skin diseases such as Acne, Dermatitis and Psoriasis. (Colostrum: Life's First Food, D. Clark, MD) Additionally, Diabetes, Hives, Multiple Sclerosis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Raynaud's disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Ulcerative Colitis, and Vasculitis. (Colostrum: Nature's Healing Miracle, D. Henderson, MD)
A leaky gut causes a weakened ability to resist infectious organisms. Inflammation damages the protective coating surrounding the antibodies present in a healthy intestinal tract. This renders them inactive and unable to ward off organisms in the intestines where most infections enter the body. Organisms are then able to “leak” into the bloodstream and travel to almost any tissue or organ in the body.
Leaky Gut Syndrome causes most food allergies. The enlarged spaces in an inflamed intestinal wall allow the absorption of large molecular proteins from food, which would normally be broken down further before entering the blood. The undigested proteins in the bloodstream are considered foreign substances and the immune system produces antibodies to get rid of them. This results in an allergic reaction or food allergy.
Leaky Gut Syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies. The carrier proteins responsible for transporting various minerals into the bloodstream are damaged by the swelling and inflammation of leaky gut syndrome. For example: magnesium deficiency is a very common finding in conditions like fibromyalgia, despite a supplemental magnesium intake. It doesn't matter how much magnesium is taken; when the carrier protein is damaged, magnesium will not get into the body where it is needed. Similarly, the body can be deprived of zinc, copper, calcium, silicon, and a wide array of micro-nutrients. Mineral deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, fatigue, memory loss, headache, inability to concentrate, and irritability. The inflammation of leaky gut syndrome can also block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids, severely hindering nutrient uptake.
Leaky Gut Syndrome is almost always associated with auto-immune disease. As with food allergies, auto-immune diseases are the result of an on-going allergic reaction. In the case of auto-immune diseases, the antibodies created in response to "leaked" toxins, attach to tissues in the body. When this happens, auto-antibodies are created which end up attacking the tissues themselves, triggering chronic inflammation. Hence, the term "auto-immune disease" and the idea that the body is attacking itself. The type of auto-immune disease that results depends on which tissues of the body are affected. If it happens in the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) occurs. When inflammation attacks a joint, rheumatoid arthritis can be the result. If the antibodies attack the gut, Crohn's disease or colitis can develop.
Colostrum supports those who have auto-immune diseases and bowel disorders in several ways: first, by aiding in the healing of the intestinal lining; second, by helping to reduce inflammation; and third, by slowing an overactive immune response. Those with auto-immune diseases are some of the first to notice the benefits of colostrum.
Colostrum contains numerous substances which play a critical role in the healing of Leaky Gut Syndrome and similar bowel disorders. Its many beneficial factors focus their efforts in this area of the body where an overwhelming majority of diseases and infections gain entrance. One of the first things that colostrum does is support the repair of damaged tissue and help to seal the mucus layer of the intestines, making it impermeable to toxins and parasites. Some of the growth factors naturally contained in colostrum have an anti-inflammatory effect which is a big factor in the initial healing of leaky gut syndrome. With a healthy gut, many other conditions can be simultaneously, positively affected. The toxic load on the body is greatly reduced and nutrient uptake is enhanced. As the intestinal lining heals, food allergies are reduced and often disappear entirely. The immune response is enhanced and the first line of defense in the bowel returns to a more normal function. Since a healthy intestinal tract is better able to process nutrients, more support is available to other vital tissues and organs. This is why organ function improves and energy levels rise. Because the function of the gastrointestinal tract is so important to so many processes in the body, the healing of leaky gut syndrome is monumental! Colostrum is well-researched and highly recognized for its benefits in this area.
You now understand the importance of supporting the health and integrity of the intestinal wall and the part colostrum plays in doing that. Of equal importance is the healthy balance of intestinal flora within the intestines.
Probiotic Support for Healing Leaky Gut Syndrome and Other Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
When an over-balance of “bad” microorganisms is allowed to take hold, and not enough “good” bacteria are present, the end result can mean an unpredictable, unhealthy digestive tract. An estimated 70-85% of the American population suffers from an overgrowth of yeast in the body. The very same factors that contribute to Leaky Gut Syndrome lead to this imbalance. According to Dr. Bob Owen, Ph.D., D.Sc., C.R., Candida yeast's invasive roots inflame the intestinal lining and poke holes through the semi-permeable membrane. This is what ultimately causes the "leaky gut" and may lead to the many conditions mentioned earlier.
The health of your intestines, as well as your whole body, depends on the presence of beneficial microorganisms. Traditionally, we've been told to eat yogurt and take acidophilus capsules in an effort to restore intestinal balance. These suggestions may have helped some, but they lack the power and potency necessary to correct the imbalance. Unless you're eating plain, unsweetened yogurt, you're supplying Candida (yeast) with the sugar it feeds on. Not only that, but many yogurts are simply tasty desserts with a bunch of dead organisms in them by the time they get to you, the consumer. Acidophilus capsules are good in theory, but the capsules dissolve in your stomach where most of the good organisms are destroyed by harsh stomach acid.
So if you're suffering with... Gas... Bloating... Constipation... Irregular Bowel Movements... Act now to gain the relief and other benefits that come from a digestive system that works the way it should. If you suspect yeast overgrowth may be causing your health challenges, take our FREE, easy, do-at-home test.
Susan Summers
Health Educator
Owner, www.newleafhealth.com
Member, Puget Sound Wellness Association
This article was posted by Susan Summers
