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No More Heartburn Part 5 - Leaky Gut Syndrome
Posted by Jackie
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No More Heartburn Part 5 - Leaky Gut Syndrome January 29, 2008 11:07AM |
Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 18,881 |
<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 1 DGL
<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 2 GERD, Digestive Issues & Health
<[www.afibbers.org]>
- Part 3 GERD & Digestive Ailments Includes Resource References
<[www.afibbers.org]> Part 4 Stress & Digestion; Diaphragm Function
No More Heartburn Part 5 Leaky Gut Syndrome
In the preceding segments, weve learned that if the gut isnt healthy, many other symptoms of un-wellness occur. While its possible to cure gut symptoms, if other symptoms still remain, then the suspected culprit is leaky gut syndrome. LGS increases the likelihood that a food allergy or other harmful immune reactions will occur.
Leaky gut syndrome (LGS), is termed medically as hyper-permeability or increased intestinal permeability. Once again, this a complex topic and there is no one single cause.
Unfortunately, only in the last decade has anyone recognized the concept of a leaky gut. And still, most doctors have never heard of it but its a concept that could well explain the evolution of most food allergies. (Blaylock)
LGS is typically caused by months and years of food allergies, undigested food particles, Candida or anything that causes inflammation of the gut lining. And, it can start after only one round of a powerful antibiotic. We can link afib triggers to many digestive disturbances and inflammation or sensitivities to foods, chemicals and even Candida overgrowth so leaky gut is an important consideration.
The concept of LGS is easy to understand.
The small intestine (duodenum) functions in two ways:
1. Absorbs nutrients from food
2. Acts as a protective barrier to microbes or large food particles (potential allergens) to keep them out of the blood stream
The digestive tract is naturally porous but selectively so. The cellular barrier opens to allow nutrients to pass through and keeps out anything harmful to the body or thats the way it should work. Leaky gut occurs when the pore-like structure (the barrier) becomes damaged by inflammation or pathogens and then toxins, large food molecules, bad bacteria can cross the barrier and enter the whole body via the blood stream to cause illness or symptoms of illness and compromise liver function from the tremendous burden added to detoxification pathways.
The digestive tract is 25 35 feet in length (from mouth to anus) and its function is to turn the food we eat into microscopic nutrient particles that cells can use for energy, maintenance and repair. What is absorbed and assimilated into our bodies actually becomes our bodies.(Lipski)
Dr. Brady explains that if the whole small intestine (duodenum) averaging 15 20 feet long, were opened up and every wrinkle flattened out --even the little villi-- the surface would cover about the size of a tennis court. Graphic visual. These villi are millions of little finger-like projections inside the intestinal walls. The barrier is only the thickness of an eyelid. Many factors cause this lining to become compromised such as stress, foods, chemicals, medications, alcohol, Candida overgrowth.
This large surface is exposed continually to foods, microbes, irritants, chemicals and toxins and it is a highly important surveillance and defense mechanism for our immune system.
Previously, it was noted that there is over a hundred million nerve cells in the small intestine alone which is roughly equal to that of the spinal cord.
Dr. Blaylock notes that 70-80% of the functioning immune system is within the GI tract in a system called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). These cells and that of the respiratory system secrete the anti called IgA which protects us from harmful invaders and also regulates the tolerance system to various substances ingested. When we examine the immune system segment, this surveillance system will be reviewed.
The focus here is to emphasize the hugely important role of the GI system to keep our entire body healthy and functioning optimally. Along with the liver, this is a very large and important task.
How leaky gut might begin: An otherwise healthy person takes an antibiotic for a sore throat. The antibiotic not only goes to the throat but the entire system killing beneficial bacteria in the GI tract. The typical Candida response to this scenario is just one example. But in this case, the Candida grows uninhibited in large numbers, inflames the intestinal lining and causes LGS. (Rogers)
[Candida will always be found as part of the gut population. Its when the numbers become unbalanced that it becomes harmful or pathogenic. Antibiotic use sets the stage for Candida and other opportunistic bacteria and fungi to proliferate and become harmful.]
A single course of antibiotics kills 90% of the beneficial gut flora (friendly bacteria) and a second or continued course will kill 99%.(Lippman) This is why people in the hospital for intestinal surgery who are given prophylactic doses of antibiotics often end up with the dreaded C. difficile. [of course, no one thinks to also give them probiotics]
When large food particles leak across the intestinal lining, the person may develop new food allergies and have symptoms of arthritis, headache or asthma. Or may begin to experience bloating, pain alternating diarrhea and constipation which is often labeled IBS or spastic colon. But in reality, Dr. Rogers says it is a coverup for the honest answer traditional medicine usually avoids we dont have a clue as to why you have gas, bloating and indigestion and we never look for environmental and nutritional causes because we dont believe in causes like food allergies or Candida nor have we heard of leaky gut. (Rogers)
When the intestinal mucus layer is weakened and bacteria and fungi pass into the bloodstream and throughout the body, they can colonize in other parts of the body ( called bacterial translocation). This happens when there is a disruption of the balance of normal gut flora which results in bacterial overgrowth or decreased immune function. This can occur with surgery or in feeding tube use in hospitals and this translocation can result in organ failure. People with LGS and arthritis have been found to harbor Blastocystis hominis in the synovial fluid of joints. (Lipski) [This will be covered more in the Immune and Probiotic segment later on because it involves the production of the immune complex secretary IgA and the antibody response to antigens.]
What causes gut inflammation that leads to LGS?
These lists are extensive and serve to illustrate how many conditions can either cause or are associated with LGS. (Lipski, Rogers, Saputo, Blaylock, Lippman)
ADD, ADHD
Aging
AIDS
Alcoholism
Allergic disorders
Ankylosing spondylitis
Arthritis/inflammatory joint disease
Asthma
Autism
Burns
Cancer
Celiac disease
Chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic infections
Compromised liver function
Chronic stress
Crohns disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic acne
Diabetes
Dysbiosis
Eczema
Endotoxemia
Environmental Illness
Food allergies or sensitivities
Giardia and other parasites
H2 Blockers
HIV positive
Hives
Hypoglycemia
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inadequate digestive enzymes
Intensive illness
Intestinal infections
Irritable bowel syndrome
Joint and collagen problems
Liver dysfunction
Lupus erythmatosis
Malabsorption
Multiple chemical sensitivities NSAIDs (asprin, motrin etc)
Nutritional deficiencies/malnutrition
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic insufficiency
Physical injury, trauma
Primary Biliary cirrhosis
Psoriasis
Radiation therapy
Reiters syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Shock or anaphylaxis
Skin disorders ranging from urticaria to acne and dermatitis
Systemic Lupus erythematosus
Thermal injury
Trauma
Toxic shock syndrome
Ulcerative colitis
Dr. Lippman says anything can cause any symptom.
Many conditions exacerbate LGS and flare-ups often mimic symptoms of exposure to certain foods
Symptoms Associated with or caused by Leaky Gut Syndrome (Lipski)
Abdominal pain or bloating
Aggressive behavior
Anxiety
Asthma, hayfever, airborne allergies
Bed wetting
Bloating
Chronic joint pain
Chronic muscle pain, swelling
Confusion
Constipation/diarrhea
Fatigue and Malaise
Fevers of unknown origin
Fuzzy thinking, poor memory
Gas/flatulence
Indigestion
Migraines
Mood swings
Nasal congestion
Nervousness
Poor exercise tolerance
Poor immunity
Poor memory
Recurrent bladder infections
Recurrent vaginal infections
Shortness of breath
Skin rashes, eczema, hives
Toxic feelings
The bottom line is when the bowel lining is damaged by (something that causes) inflammation, the nutrients that need to be transported into cells by nutrient carrier proteins cant get there because of damage to the carrier proteins. The result is malabsorption; you take in the nutrients, but they cant be absorbed. So in addition to food and chemical allergies and immune diseases, the leaky-gut victim may develop mineral and vitamin deficiencies in spite of taking adequate supplemental levels and it is these nutritional deficiencies that can proceed to cause any disease we might face in a lifetime. (Rogers)
Leo Galland M.D. FACN, estimates that leaky-syndrome plays a role in 70 % of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, eight out of 10 aspirin or ibuprofen users, most alcoholics, and anyone who is hospitalized. Galland also believes parasites that can lead to leaky-gut syndrome may lurk in most municipal water systems.
Digestive problems can cause illness anywhere in the body. Research suggests that degradation of the gastrointestinal environment is one of the primary points at which health is lost. The toxins known to be associated with GI dysfunction are frequently absorbed and distributed to other parts of the body and place a burden on the liver and immune system. (Nichols)
A classic chart showing the resulting dysfunction of organ systems will typically include a diagram that starts at the top with Leaky Gut and then will have arrows descending down the chart to these pathways and implications:
Leaky Gut ->Toxins -> liver burden + compromised liver detoxification->Toxins + oxidative stress-> altered function or structures of the bodys organ system -> muscles + bones, immunity, glands, nervous system, heart, reproduction (Nichols)
Relevancy to AF, LGS
After the gut is inflamed and carrier protein damaged so malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies occur meaning slower healing of gut tissue and one example: Magnesium deficiency = induced angina or gut spasms. (Rogers)
[another afib connection Mg deficiency = arrhythmia]
Without going into each cause, second segment of LGS (Part 6) will review in a bit more detail some everyday, common influences that can cause LGS since we all can relate to these examples.
1. Use of antibiotics and prevalence of Candida albicans infection (yeast)
2. Food, Poor Choices and Chemical Additives and, Environmental Sensitivities and Chemicals found in commonly used personal care.
3. Also will be a brief discussion on parasites infection which is much more common these days than we think.
This is the end of this segment.
Added to the experts list for resource references:
Cathie Lippman, MD, has practiced Environmental and Preventive Medicine in Beverly Hills for 20 years. Environmental Medicine regards illness as possibly being a result of sensitivities to foods or chemicals or some other aspect of the environment. To screen for these sensitivities, Dr. Lippman evaluates each patient with an FDA-registered device that non-invasively assesses whether food, inhalant, or chemical sensitivities may be issues for the person. In addition, it allows her to screen for infections, toxicities, and nutritional deficiencies that may also contribute to the persons symptoms.
Dr. Lippman received her M.D. in 1973 from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. After a pediatric internship at LA County-USC Medical Center, she studied Adult and Child Psychiatry at UCLA and was Board Certified in each specialty in 1980. Dr. Lippman became dissatisfied with the limitations of a purely psychiatric focus. She changed her practice from psychiatry to alternative medicine in order to address the whole individual.
Dr. Lippmans extensive knowledge and understanding of the whole person, including psychological, nutritional, and physiological influences, as well as environmental factors, make her uniquely qualified to examine how these various influences affect the patient. Her special approach enables her to prioritize the actions one should take to regain health. Dr. Lippman often recommends that patients do laboratory studies to confirm the presence and severity of infections, toxicities or deficiencies. She then makes recommendations for change in diet as well as employing homeopathics, nutritional supplements, and/or herbs to effect the desired changes. (Source: Designs for Health Clinical Rounds Teleconference)
Leo Galland, MD, FACN has received international recognition as a leader in the field of Nutritional Medicine for the past 20 years. A board-certified internist, Dr. Galland is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Nutrition, an Honorary Professor of the International College of Nutrition, and the author of more than 30 scientific articles and textbook chapters, including an invited chapter on Functional Foods in the Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition, 2nd Edition (Elsevier 2005). He has also written two highly acclaimed popular books, Superimmunity for Kids (Dell 1989) and Power Healing (Random House 1997), and has created Drug-Nutrient Workshop.
Dr. Galland received his education at Harvard University and the New York University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine at the N.Y.U.-Bellevue Medical Center. He has held faculty positions at New York University, Rockefeller University, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and the University of Connecticut. In addition to a full-time private practice in New York City, Dr. Galland has been committed to educating physicians and other health professionals in the scientific application of nutrition to clinical practice. In 2000, he received the Linus Pauling Award from the Institute of Functional Medicine for formulating key concepts underlying the discipline of Functional Medicine.
Leo Galland, MD
Foundation for Integrated Medicine
133 East 73rd Street
Room 308
New York, NY 10021
[www.mdheal.org]
<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 2 GERD, Digestive Issues & Health
<[www.afibbers.org]>
- Part 3 GERD & Digestive Ailments Includes Resource References
<[www.afibbers.org]> Part 4 Stress & Digestion; Diaphragm Function
No More Heartburn Part 5 Leaky Gut Syndrome
In the preceding segments, weve learned that if the gut isnt healthy, many other symptoms of un-wellness occur. While its possible to cure gut symptoms, if other symptoms still remain, then the suspected culprit is leaky gut syndrome. LGS increases the likelihood that a food allergy or other harmful immune reactions will occur.
Leaky gut syndrome (LGS), is termed medically as hyper-permeability or increased intestinal permeability. Once again, this a complex topic and there is no one single cause.
Unfortunately, only in the last decade has anyone recognized the concept of a leaky gut. And still, most doctors have never heard of it but its a concept that could well explain the evolution of most food allergies. (Blaylock)
LGS is typically caused by months and years of food allergies, undigested food particles, Candida or anything that causes inflammation of the gut lining. And, it can start after only one round of a powerful antibiotic. We can link afib triggers to many digestive disturbances and inflammation or sensitivities to foods, chemicals and even Candida overgrowth so leaky gut is an important consideration.
The concept of LGS is easy to understand.
The small intestine (duodenum) functions in two ways:
1. Absorbs nutrients from food
2. Acts as a protective barrier to microbes or large food particles (potential allergens) to keep them out of the blood stream
The digestive tract is naturally porous but selectively so. The cellular barrier opens to allow nutrients to pass through and keeps out anything harmful to the body or thats the way it should work. Leaky gut occurs when the pore-like structure (the barrier) becomes damaged by inflammation or pathogens and then toxins, large food molecules, bad bacteria can cross the barrier and enter the whole body via the blood stream to cause illness or symptoms of illness and compromise liver function from the tremendous burden added to detoxification pathways.
The digestive tract is 25 35 feet in length (from mouth to anus) and its function is to turn the food we eat into microscopic nutrient particles that cells can use for energy, maintenance and repair. What is absorbed and assimilated into our bodies actually becomes our bodies.(Lipski)
Dr. Brady explains that if the whole small intestine (duodenum) averaging 15 20 feet long, were opened up and every wrinkle flattened out --even the little villi-- the surface would cover about the size of a tennis court. Graphic visual. These villi are millions of little finger-like projections inside the intestinal walls. The barrier is only the thickness of an eyelid. Many factors cause this lining to become compromised such as stress, foods, chemicals, medications, alcohol, Candida overgrowth.
This large surface is exposed continually to foods, microbes, irritants, chemicals and toxins and it is a highly important surveillance and defense mechanism for our immune system.
Previously, it was noted that there is over a hundred million nerve cells in the small intestine alone which is roughly equal to that of the spinal cord.
Dr. Blaylock notes that 70-80% of the functioning immune system is within the GI tract in a system called gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). These cells and that of the respiratory system secrete the anti called IgA which protects us from harmful invaders and also regulates the tolerance system to various substances ingested. When we examine the immune system segment, this surveillance system will be reviewed.
The focus here is to emphasize the hugely important role of the GI system to keep our entire body healthy and functioning optimally. Along with the liver, this is a very large and important task.
How leaky gut might begin: An otherwise healthy person takes an antibiotic for a sore throat. The antibiotic not only goes to the throat but the entire system killing beneficial bacteria in the GI tract. The typical Candida response to this scenario is just one example. But in this case, the Candida grows uninhibited in large numbers, inflames the intestinal lining and causes LGS. (Rogers)
[Candida will always be found as part of the gut population. Its when the numbers become unbalanced that it becomes harmful or pathogenic. Antibiotic use sets the stage for Candida and other opportunistic bacteria and fungi to proliferate and become harmful.]
A single course of antibiotics kills 90% of the beneficial gut flora (friendly bacteria) and a second or continued course will kill 99%.(Lippman) This is why people in the hospital for intestinal surgery who are given prophylactic doses of antibiotics often end up with the dreaded C. difficile. [of course, no one thinks to also give them probiotics]
When large food particles leak across the intestinal lining, the person may develop new food allergies and have symptoms of arthritis, headache or asthma. Or may begin to experience bloating, pain alternating diarrhea and constipation which is often labeled IBS or spastic colon. But in reality, Dr. Rogers says it is a coverup for the honest answer traditional medicine usually avoids we dont have a clue as to why you have gas, bloating and indigestion and we never look for environmental and nutritional causes because we dont believe in causes like food allergies or Candida nor have we heard of leaky gut. (Rogers)
When the intestinal mucus layer is weakened and bacteria and fungi pass into the bloodstream and throughout the body, they can colonize in other parts of the body ( called bacterial translocation). This happens when there is a disruption of the balance of normal gut flora which results in bacterial overgrowth or decreased immune function. This can occur with surgery or in feeding tube use in hospitals and this translocation can result in organ failure. People with LGS and arthritis have been found to harbor Blastocystis hominis in the synovial fluid of joints. (Lipski) [This will be covered more in the Immune and Probiotic segment later on because it involves the production of the immune complex secretary IgA and the antibody response to antigens.]
What causes gut inflammation that leads to LGS?
These lists are extensive and serve to illustrate how many conditions can either cause or are associated with LGS. (Lipski, Rogers, Saputo, Blaylock, Lippman)
ADD, ADHD
Aging
AIDS
Alcoholism
Allergic disorders
Ankylosing spondylitis
Arthritis/inflammatory joint disease
Asthma
Autism
Burns
Cancer
Celiac disease
Chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic infections
Compromised liver function
Chronic stress
Crohns disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic acne
Diabetes
Dysbiosis
Eczema
Endotoxemia
Environmental Illness
Food allergies or sensitivities
Giardia and other parasites
H2 Blockers
HIV positive
Hives
Hypoglycemia
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inadequate digestive enzymes
Intensive illness
Intestinal infections
Irritable bowel syndrome
Joint and collagen problems
Liver dysfunction
Lupus erythmatosis
Malabsorption
Multiple chemical sensitivities NSAIDs (asprin, motrin etc)
Nutritional deficiencies/malnutrition
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic insufficiency
Physical injury, trauma
Primary Biliary cirrhosis
Psoriasis
Radiation therapy
Reiters syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Shock or anaphylaxis
Skin disorders ranging from urticaria to acne and dermatitis
Systemic Lupus erythematosus
Thermal injury
Trauma
Toxic shock syndrome
Ulcerative colitis
Dr. Lippman says anything can cause any symptom.
Many conditions exacerbate LGS and flare-ups often mimic symptoms of exposure to certain foods
Symptoms Associated with or caused by Leaky Gut Syndrome (Lipski)
Abdominal pain or bloating
Aggressive behavior
Anxiety
Asthma, hayfever, airborne allergies
Bed wetting
Bloating
Chronic joint pain
Chronic muscle pain, swelling
Confusion
Constipation/diarrhea
Fatigue and Malaise
Fevers of unknown origin
Fuzzy thinking, poor memory
Gas/flatulence
Indigestion
Migraines
Mood swings
Nasal congestion
Nervousness
Poor exercise tolerance
Poor immunity
Poor memory
Recurrent bladder infections
Recurrent vaginal infections
Shortness of breath
Skin rashes, eczema, hives
Toxic feelings
The bottom line is when the bowel lining is damaged by (something that causes) inflammation, the nutrients that need to be transported into cells by nutrient carrier proteins cant get there because of damage to the carrier proteins. The result is malabsorption; you take in the nutrients, but they cant be absorbed. So in addition to food and chemical allergies and immune diseases, the leaky-gut victim may develop mineral and vitamin deficiencies in spite of taking adequate supplemental levels and it is these nutritional deficiencies that can proceed to cause any disease we might face in a lifetime. (Rogers)
Leo Galland M.D. FACN, estimates that leaky-syndrome plays a role in 70 % of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, eight out of 10 aspirin or ibuprofen users, most alcoholics, and anyone who is hospitalized. Galland also believes parasites that can lead to leaky-gut syndrome may lurk in most municipal water systems.
Digestive problems can cause illness anywhere in the body. Research suggests that degradation of the gastrointestinal environment is one of the primary points at which health is lost. The toxins known to be associated with GI dysfunction are frequently absorbed and distributed to other parts of the body and place a burden on the liver and immune system. (Nichols)
A classic chart showing the resulting dysfunction of organ systems will typically include a diagram that starts at the top with Leaky Gut and then will have arrows descending down the chart to these pathways and implications:
Leaky Gut ->Toxins -> liver burden + compromised liver detoxification->Toxins + oxidative stress-> altered function or structures of the bodys organ system -> muscles + bones, immunity, glands, nervous system, heart, reproduction (Nichols)
Relevancy to AF, LGS
After the gut is inflamed and carrier protein damaged so malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies occur meaning slower healing of gut tissue and one example: Magnesium deficiency = induced angina or gut spasms. (Rogers)
[another afib connection Mg deficiency = arrhythmia]
Without going into each cause, second segment of LGS (Part 6) will review in a bit more detail some everyday, common influences that can cause LGS since we all can relate to these examples.
1. Use of antibiotics and prevalence of Candida albicans infection (yeast)
2. Food, Poor Choices and Chemical Additives and, Environmental Sensitivities and Chemicals found in commonly used personal care.
3. Also will be a brief discussion on parasites infection which is much more common these days than we think.
This is the end of this segment.
Added to the experts list for resource references:
Cathie Lippman, MD, has practiced Environmental and Preventive Medicine in Beverly Hills for 20 years. Environmental Medicine regards illness as possibly being a result of sensitivities to foods or chemicals or some other aspect of the environment. To screen for these sensitivities, Dr. Lippman evaluates each patient with an FDA-registered device that non-invasively assesses whether food, inhalant, or chemical sensitivities may be issues for the person. In addition, it allows her to screen for infections, toxicities, and nutritional deficiencies that may also contribute to the persons symptoms.
Dr. Lippman received her M.D. in 1973 from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. After a pediatric internship at LA County-USC Medical Center, she studied Adult and Child Psychiatry at UCLA and was Board Certified in each specialty in 1980. Dr. Lippman became dissatisfied with the limitations of a purely psychiatric focus. She changed her practice from psychiatry to alternative medicine in order to address the whole individual.
Dr. Lippmans extensive knowledge and understanding of the whole person, including psychological, nutritional, and physiological influences, as well as environmental factors, make her uniquely qualified to examine how these various influences affect the patient. Her special approach enables her to prioritize the actions one should take to regain health. Dr. Lippman often recommends that patients do laboratory studies to confirm the presence and severity of infections, toxicities or deficiencies. She then makes recommendations for change in diet as well as employing homeopathics, nutritional supplements, and/or herbs to effect the desired changes. (Source: Designs for Health Clinical Rounds Teleconference)
Leo Galland, MD, FACN has received international recognition as a leader in the field of Nutritional Medicine for the past 20 years. A board-certified internist, Dr. Galland is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Nutrition, an Honorary Professor of the International College of Nutrition, and the author of more than 30 scientific articles and textbook chapters, including an invited chapter on Functional Foods in the Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition, 2nd Edition (Elsevier 2005). He has also written two highly acclaimed popular books, Superimmunity for Kids (Dell 1989) and Power Healing (Random House 1997), and has created Drug-Nutrient Workshop.
Dr. Galland received his education at Harvard University and the New York University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine at the N.Y.U.-Bellevue Medical Center. He has held faculty positions at New York University, Rockefeller University, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and the University of Connecticut. In addition to a full-time private practice in New York City, Dr. Galland has been committed to educating physicians and other health professionals in the scientific application of nutrition to clinical practice. In 2000, he received the Linus Pauling Award from the Institute of Functional Medicine for formulating key concepts underlying the discipline of Functional Medicine.
Leo Galland, MD
Foundation for Integrated Medicine
133 East 73rd Street
Room 308
New York, NY 10021
[www.mdheal.org]
|
Shaun
Re: No More Heartburn Part 5 - Leaky Gut Syndrome Question January 29, 2008 07:38PM |
Leaky Gut ->Toxins -> liver burden + compromised liver detoxification->Toxins + oxidative stress-> altered function or structures of the bodys organ system -> muscles + bones, immunity, glands, nervous system, heart, reproduction (Nichols)
Very interesting, I'm wondering Jackie, would compromised liver function (caused by leaky gut) show up with standard blood test based liver tests, Bilirubin, Urea etc?
Regards
Shaun
Very interesting, I'm wondering Jackie, would compromised liver function (caused by leaky gut) show up with standard blood test based liver tests, Bilirubin, Urea etc?
Regards
Shaun
|
Re: No More Heartburn Part 5 - Leaky Gut Syndrome Question January 30, 2008 02:03AM |
Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 18,881 |
Shaun - In addition to the typical liver function tests, more specific tests are needed to determine the function of the detoxification pathways... this would be the Phase 1 and Phase 2 pathways. There are tests to determine if you re a pathological detoxifier... that is opposite normal detoxification. There are slow detoxifiers and pathological detoxifiers and it all depends on clearance efficiency from these two phases. These are called functional testing to assess liver capacity. (You can google CP450 activity and liver function or the pathway designation. There is a huge amount of data on the Internet.)
Here's a quote from the Optimal Digestion book...
"A specific functional test has been developed to assess liver capacity. The test is extremely valuable because it can identify problems with the liver earlier than traditional evaluations. In the standard liver test, enzymes are detected only when the liver has begun to break down and cell death is beginning to occur. In contrast, the functional liver evaluation meaures the efficiency of liver function.
Many patients whose livers appear normal in a standard liver screen are found to have poor liver detoxification in a functional assessment. So the absence of disease does not necessarily mean the presence of healthy liver function. The loss of reserve capacity means the liver is functionally aging more rapidly than it should, losing resilience; this incrases the risk of chronic health problems.
A functional liver test provides the information neded to develop a therapeutic nutritional program. This assessment can be particularly valuable, because liver function can be enhanced by providing the specific nutrients that may be lacking. Damaged tissue can also regenerate with the right nutritional support." page 111 Optimal Wellness
Here's a case history as an example of what this means...again from the book Optimal Wellness. (p. 112)
"Elizabeth's biopsy showed evidence of a fatty liver. She seems to have inherited this tendency and she's always liked the wrong foods. She's been plagued most of her life by an overweight condition that just hasn't responded to dieting. She also has diabetes and is troubled by constant fatigue. She was seen recently by a respected hepatologist who implied that until she is a liver-transplant candidate, there is little they can do. The specialist recommended trying water-soluble vitamin E and although the vitamin has helped a little, it hasn't really been enough.
Her condition is complicated by a severe candida infection throughout her GI tract and elsewhere in her body; this periodically causes her mental confusion and loss of concentration. Her detoxification process is so compromised it's impossible to give her medications for the candida. She has been treated with Glucophage to help her liver produce more insulin and stabilie her blood sugar but her live is now so toxic she's been unable to tolerate the drug.
We imediately scheduled her for a liver detoxificatin profile so we could confirm where the breakdown was occurring in her liver's processing . We also began her on a nonallergenic rice powder supplement for one meal a day which will provide her good nutritional support and enable her to start losing weight gradually.
With the information from the functional liver evaluation, we'll be able to tailor a program of specific nutrients and foods to help her liver begin to heal. Then she can start a weight loss reduction program with medication. She'll also be able to begin a medication that will reduce some of the excess fat in her liver (using a supprisingly effective drug called Urso developed from a Chinese remedy made from bear bile). At the same time we'll continue to gradually detoxify her liver, decreasing the fat and restoring the capacity to detoxify. Without the ability to clear toxins, Elizabeth will find it hard to become truly well." ... contributed by Trent Nichols, MD.
Something worth noting from this case study... in people with a liver unable to process or detoxify there would be reason to sususpect liver overload when a person is unable to tolerate supplements....or as in this case, her diabetes medication.
Jackie
Here's a quote from the Optimal Digestion book...
"A specific functional test has been developed to assess liver capacity. The test is extremely valuable because it can identify problems with the liver earlier than traditional evaluations. In the standard liver test, enzymes are detected only when the liver has begun to break down and cell death is beginning to occur. In contrast, the functional liver evaluation meaures the efficiency of liver function.
Many patients whose livers appear normal in a standard liver screen are found to have poor liver detoxification in a functional assessment. So the absence of disease does not necessarily mean the presence of healthy liver function. The loss of reserve capacity means the liver is functionally aging more rapidly than it should, losing resilience; this incrases the risk of chronic health problems.
A functional liver test provides the information neded to develop a therapeutic nutritional program. This assessment can be particularly valuable, because liver function can be enhanced by providing the specific nutrients that may be lacking. Damaged tissue can also regenerate with the right nutritional support." page 111 Optimal Wellness
Here's a case history as an example of what this means...again from the book Optimal Wellness. (p. 112)
"Elizabeth's biopsy showed evidence of a fatty liver. She seems to have inherited this tendency and she's always liked the wrong foods. She's been plagued most of her life by an overweight condition that just hasn't responded to dieting. She also has diabetes and is troubled by constant fatigue. She was seen recently by a respected hepatologist who implied that until she is a liver-transplant candidate, there is little they can do. The specialist recommended trying water-soluble vitamin E and although the vitamin has helped a little, it hasn't really been enough.
Her condition is complicated by a severe candida infection throughout her GI tract and elsewhere in her body; this periodically causes her mental confusion and loss of concentration. Her detoxification process is so compromised it's impossible to give her medications for the candida. She has been treated with Glucophage to help her liver produce more insulin and stabilie her blood sugar but her live is now so toxic she's been unable to tolerate the drug.
We imediately scheduled her for a liver detoxificatin profile so we could confirm where the breakdown was occurring in her liver's processing . We also began her on a nonallergenic rice powder supplement for one meal a day which will provide her good nutritional support and enable her to start losing weight gradually.
With the information from the functional liver evaluation, we'll be able to tailor a program of specific nutrients and foods to help her liver begin to heal. Then she can start a weight loss reduction program with medication. She'll also be able to begin a medication that will reduce some of the excess fat in her liver (using a supprisingly effective drug called Urso developed from a Chinese remedy made from bear bile). At the same time we'll continue to gradually detoxify her liver, decreasing the fat and restoring the capacity to detoxify. Without the ability to clear toxins, Elizabeth will find it hard to become truly well." ... contributed by Trent Nichols, MD.
Something worth noting from this case study... in people with a liver unable to process or detoxify there would be reason to sususpect liver overload when a person is unable to tolerate supplements....or as in this case, her diabetes medication.
Jackie
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Shaun
Re: No More Heartburn Part 5 - Leaky Gut Syndrome January 30, 2008 04:04AM |
Thanks Jackie. I've never had trouble with supplements and don't really suffer any of the vast list of symptoms in the list on your post apart from constipation and bloating, despite following all the usual guidlines to prevent them:
fluid intake
fibre
pre & probiotics
various herbs
digestive enzymes
low sugar diet
food combining
dairy free diet
gluten free diet
various stool and blood tests, all negative
Sometimes my digestion is fine, on another day I can eat exactly the same food at the same time and get really bad bloating.
Likewise, sometimes I produce 'model stools' daily, other times I can go 5 or 6 days without going to the loo and get cramping and lumpy and or loose stools when I do go.
As you say on your side of the pond 'go figure' :-))
Regards
Shaun
fluid intake
fibre
pre & probiotics
various herbs
digestive enzymes
low sugar diet
food combining
dairy free diet
gluten free diet
various stool and blood tests, all negative
Sometimes my digestion is fine, on another day I can eat exactly the same food at the same time and get really bad bloating.
Likewise, sometimes I produce 'model stools' daily, other times I can go 5 or 6 days without going to the loo and get cramping and lumpy and or loose stools when I do go.
As you say on your side of the pond 'go figure' :-))
Regards
Shaun
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Re: No More Heartburn Part 5 - Leaky Gut Syndrome January 30, 2008 04:47AM |
Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 18,881 |
Shaun - maybe by the time you get through the whole series of segments, something will click for you. In the meantime, suggest you increase your pure water intake significantly without fail - every day.
I imagine that you do have some food sensitivity but without testing, you won't know for sure what causes the gas and bloating...but as said...it's typically a lack of an enzyme that breaks down a food component.... could be that you can't process fruit sugar; or carbohydrate; could be something else. Often times when one takes digestive enzymes, one or two doesn't do it; it has to be several and with every meal or snack. And, if the enzyme doesn't contain extra betaine hydrochloric acid, that could also be an issue.
A classic sign of Candida overgrowth is gas and bloating after meals.
It's extremely difficult to pin down without functional testing. When we get to that part of this series, you can check the links to read about testing and if any are available to you there.
Jackie
I imagine that you do have some food sensitivity but without testing, you won't know for sure what causes the gas and bloating...but as said...it's typically a lack of an enzyme that breaks down a food component.... could be that you can't process fruit sugar; or carbohydrate; could be something else. Often times when one takes digestive enzymes, one or two doesn't do it; it has to be several and with every meal or snack. And, if the enzyme doesn't contain extra betaine hydrochloric acid, that could also be an issue.
A classic sign of Candida overgrowth is gas and bloating after meals.
It's extremely difficult to pin down without functional testing. When we get to that part of this series, you can check the links to read about testing and if any are available to you there.
Jackie
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