AFIBBERS FORUM

<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 1 DGL
<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 2 GERD, Digestive Issues & Health
<[www.afibbers.org]>- Part 3 GERD & Digestive Ailments – Includes References
<[www.afibbers.org]> – Part 4 Stress & Digestion; Diaphragm Function
<[www.afibbers.org]> – Part 5 Leaky Gut Syndrome

No More Heartburn Part 6 – Leaky Gut Syndrome – continued

Antibiotic Use

Dysbiosis is the term used to describe the disorder where the normal balance of friendly or helpful gut bacteria (intestinal flora) becomes overwhelmed by harmful microbes. Typically all bacteria live in a symbiotic state – living together in mutual harmony – or symbiosis. Tests indicate many microbes show up in the digestive tract but don’t belong there and they can produce chemicals that are poisons to surrounding cells and to the person they live in. These microbes are not as virulent as some like Salmonella, but cause chronic, undiagnosed, deep-seated problems. (Lipski)

The most common cause of dysbiosis is use of prescription and OTC medications. Antibiotics quickly change the balance of intestinal microbes (flora). They kill both good and harmful bacteria throughout the entire GI system including mouth, vagina and skin. (Lipski)

A single round of antibiotic kills 90% of beneficial bacteria; an extended or second round kills 99% - (Lippman)

Published research indicates dysbiosis as a contributing cause in rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune illness, B12 deficiency, chronic fatigue, cystic acne, the early stages of colon and breast cancer, eczema, food allergy/sensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Sjogrens, syndrome and steatorrhea. These problems were previously unrecognized as having a microbial component. (Lipski)

Beneficial gut bacteria supply vitamin B12, detoxify estrogen and other carcinogens, prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi and aid in the digestion of fiber. Basically, they keep the ‘house’ in order. (Blaylock) [more on this in the Probiotics segment]

Candida

Candiasis is a fungal or yeast infection or overgrowth of normally present fungi, but kept in check by friendly gut bacteria. Candida is most likely to flourish with antibiotic use – especially with powerful drugs or longer term treatment. Candida fungi produce acid protease, which cleaves secretory IgA from intestinal mucous membrane which allows the fungi to anchor and colonize there. The toxins fungi produce are easily absorbed into the blood stream and affect immune system function, hormone balance and even thought processes. As the Candida invade the intestinal walls, they destroy cells and create gaps or holes which enables partially-digested food molecules to pass through the intestinal barrier. As a result, the antibody system is activated so the next time those foods are eaten, there will be a sensitivity reaction to foods or food substances or the environment. (Lipski)

Candida infections can be triggered by birth control pills, steroid medications and alcoholic beverages.

Most common symptoms of Candida overgrowth
Abdominal bloating
Anxiety
Constipation/diarrhea or both
Depression
Environmental sensitivities
Fatigue
Feeling worse on damp or muggy days or in moldy places
Food sensitivities
Fuzzy thinking
Insomnia
Low blood sugar
Mood swings
PMS
Recurring vaginal or bladder infections
Ringing in ears
Sensitivities to perfume, cigarettes or fabric odors.

Although these symptoms are the most prevalent, Candida can masquerade in a diverse set of health problems. (Lipski)

What often isn’t known about Candida infections is they often accompany parasitic infections as the parasites drain energy on the system and allow Candida to flourish. Candida is often a factor in ADD and Autism in children from overuse of antibiotics and sugar in the diet. The formation of abnormal organic acids are neurotoxic.

Parasites

We don’t have to travel out of the country these days to become infected with parasites. Dr. Lippman says, in many ways, this is a third world country because we have immigrants from all over and they bring to us whatever they picked up in their own country. When they work in restaurants, there is no guarantee about how well they wash their hands and it is not at all uncommon for people to get a parasite just from going to their local restaurant…even in major, large cities so we get them here in the US just as much as any other country. She comments that very often parasites aren’t a consideration in GI dysfunction but they should be.

It’s also easy to pick up parasites from pets and also very common to pick up parasites from raw fish in sushi. (Lippman)

Dr. Lipski notes that back in 1978, a report from the CDC found that 1 out of every 6 randomly selected people had one or more parasites. Today, 30 years later we certainly would find more prevalence. In fact Dr.Lipski says parasites have become pandemic for many reasons… including contaminated water supplies, day care centers, ease of international travel, increased immigration, pets and sexual revolution. She says, contrary to popular belief, having parasites isn’t a reflection of cleanliness.

Common symptoms are abdominal pain, allergy, anemia, bloating, blood stools, chronic fatigue , constipation, coughing, diarrhea, gas, granulomas, irritate bowel, itching, joint and muscle aches, nervousness, pain, poor immune response, rashes, sleep disturbances, teeth grinding, unexplained fever and unexplained weight loss.

Parasites are difficult to detect, but fortunately a number of the labs now detect by doing an antigen/antibody test for the parasites themselves because on slides the parasites themselves may be missed. Metametrix now looks for DNA strands in stool samples to detect presence parasites which is much more accurate. However, one negative stool test should not be relied upon as being absolute or conclusive.

Specific Microbes (Optimal Wellness )

Amoebic Dysentery – Entamoeba hystolytica infection can affect the colon, liver and other organs. Symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, cramps, gas and bloating. While prevalent in South America and Mexico, upwards of 5% of the US population is infected by amoebas.

Giardia lamblia can cause diarrhea, cramps, bloating. Prevalent in patients with a history of drinking untreated water from camp sites, lakes, rivers… and is difficult to diagnose. Dr. Nichols says Giardia is the parasite treated most frequently in his practice in Pennsylvania. It is pandemic worldwide because water supplies frequently contain giardia, especially in wilderness areas.

Cryptosporidia – becoming much more prevalent in the US – causes diarrhea. Transmitted through water and animal hosts including reptiles and birds. Prevalent in AIDS patients.

Blastocystis – intestinal protozoa. Patients may not have symptoms but can test positive. Symptoms range from diarrhea or severe constipation, weight loss, cramping, flatulence or bloating. Previously considered nonpathogenic; but is now known to be two different strains and one is believe to be quite virulent.

Garry Gordon MD, says:

“Let’s stop being so sensitive to many foods and let’s get more use out of our foods and supplements. Let’s optimize your flora.

A recent news release about food poisoning and potential long term adverse effects take DYSBIOSIS to a level where I believe we are all going to need to learn more. [www.mercurynews.com]

I think whether we blame it on food poisoning 10 years ago or just Dysbiosis, many of us have needless irritable bowel, reactive arthritis, and renal failure etc. from the toxins released by many of the pathogens that will be found in competent stool analysis today, if we could afford in-depth anaerobic stool analysis. Experts state that there are at least 700 strains of organisms found in the mouth alone and some state that they do not even have names for many found growing there and in the intestine.” www.gordonresearch.com

Also see:
[www.lef.org]

Food, Poor Food Choices and Environmental Sensitivities (Lipski, Nichols, Blaylock)

Poor food choices contribute to an imbalance of intestinal flora and pH or degree of acidity or alkalinity of cells. An intestinal tract that is too alkaline promotes dysbiosis. Low fiber diets cause prolonged transit time allowing toxic digestive by-products to concentrate and irritate gut tissue. Processed foods are typically low in fiber and have high levels of food additives, sugar and restructured fats. All promote inflammation of the GI tract. Even foods normally thought as healthy can be irritating to the gut lining…ie, milk can be highly irritating to people with lactose intolerance.

Food sensitivities and leaky gut exist in a chicken and egg relationship.
Whether intestinal damage initiated the problem or foods irritated the intestine, they continue to multiply the damage. People eventually become more easily sensitized to food remnants and the gut becomes progressively more inflamed.

True food allergies only affect a small portion of the population but food sensitivities are common. Food allergies that cause an immediate reaction trigger type IgE antibodies (remember this by associating E for “immediate” reaction). The reaction causes release of cytokines and histamines and typically result in closing of the throat, hives, itching, respiratory distress, runny nose, skin rash or hives and sometimes severe reactions of asthma and anaphylactic shock. These reactions are typically tested and diagnosed by the skin patch tests (not always reliable or conclusive) and RAST blood testing. These IgE foods are typically shellfish – crab, lobster or shrimp – nuts…peanuts especially and cinnamon. IgE represents about 10% of allergies and are typically inherited responses

However, food sensitivities called delayed hypersensitivity reactions, will have delayed responses from several hours to several days…long after eating the offending food so a connection may be relatively difficult to determine. With leaky gut, food particles enter the blood stream via the damaged membrane and the body recognizes them as foreign substances (antigens) and triggers an immune reaction or response. The liver also recognizes the foreign antigens as toxins and begins breaking them down. Continuing to eat foods to which we are sensitive creates a vicious cycle and increases intestinal permeability and the tendency to develop more food sensitivities. Prolonged insults will overwhelm the liver’s ability to eliminate the food antigens.

The IgG response (gradual) accounts for about 90% of all delayed allergic responses and may or may not be genetic.

While almost any food can cause a reaction, the most common are wheat/gluten/gliaden (the proteins in grain), corn, beef, dairy products, eggs, pork, citrus fruits, corn, soy, cheese, coffee and even chocolate.

Wheat is known to cause typically long delays in response – as long as two days after the food is eaten… but as you could project, eating wheat/gluten, many times a day every day would prolong an ongoing reaction that manifests in illness.

Food colorings, additives, preservatives, and pesticides found in both food, water and OTC products add to the sensitivity burden.

Patients report that certain items irritate the bowel and aggravate their condition – including high fat foods, coffee (even decafe) carbonated drinks and alcohol. (Blaylock)


If you have a tendency toward sensitivities, as a general principle, it’s better to cook your food as raw food is more allergenic than cooked. Cooked apples (applesauce) are less allergenic than raw apples. The same is true for Tomato sauce as opposed to fresh tomatoes. (Nichols)

Food Additives

Food colorings, additives, preservatives and pesticides found in both food, water and OTC products add to the sensitivity burden.

Carrageenan, a common food additive made from seaweed, is known to produce intense inflammation – even in small doses. It is found in baked goods, ice cream and breads. It tends to worsen all bowel conditions including IBS and can also dramatically stimulate cancer growth. (Blaylock)

MSG and similar food additives can powerfully stimulate the bowel muscles resulting in diarrhea and cramping. Sensitivity to MSG is heightened when the bowel is inflamed from IBS, Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. With IBS, it is critical to avoid carrageenan, soy products and MSG or similar products to avoid more inflammation and colon spasms.

Mast cells in the intestinal walls play a major role in intestinal disease. Glutamate (MSG etc.) stimulates these cells to release histamine which intensifies bowel inflammation and damage. (Blaylock)

Presently, there are over 3,000 flavors and dyes being used in packaged foods. Of particular concern is the presence of high levels of glutamate in the form of MSG, caseinate, hydrolyzed proteins and soy proteins. In children consuming these packaged foods, this has been shown to cause abnormal development of the brain and other problems including asthma. MSG exposure early in life can lead to gross obesity in childhood. (Blaylock)

For adults, the first step would be to diagnose the problem by testing for food antigens and spices. [This will be reviewed in the testing section.]


SUMMARY

Q. Why is leaky gut such an important consideration? (Rogers)

A. Because leaky gut causes a cascade of untreatable symptoms.

• When the gut is inflamed it does not secrete digestive enzymes to digest foods properly or absorb nutrients from foods properly. The result can be indigestion with gas and bloating called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by the GI specialist. When large food particles are absorbed, food allergies and new symptoms are created (IBS, ulcers, gallbladder disease, arthritis fibromyalgia). Dr. Rogers says IBS is typically leaky gut in disguise.

• When the gut is inflamed, carrier proteins are damaged so malabsorption and nutrients deficiencies occur. This slows down the ability of the gut to heal and can cause any number of symptoms (magnesium deficiency-induced angina or gut spasms, chromium deficiency-induced high cholesterol or sugar cravings, zinc deficiency-induced prostatitis or lack of gastric acid formation).

• Detoxification pathways lining the gut are compromised, chemical sensitivity can arise. Further – the leakage overburdens the liver so the body is less able to handle everyday chemicals in food, water and air. Then, many foods can cause symptoms that never did before because the gut’s detoxification system is unable to cope with the hundreds of chemical additives dyes, colorings, preservatives and pesticides common to our foods.

• When the but lining is inflamed, the protective coating of gut antibodies can be lost and with less secretary IGA, the body become more vulnerable to infections in the intestines from bacteria, yeast, viruses etc and worse – they can become resistant to treatment. The more antibiotics prescribed, the more resistant they become and as more unwanted bugs grow, the gut becomes more inflamed and leaky… the major cause of so many “incurable” diseases.

• There are hundreds of species of bacteria and yeast in the intestine and with gut inflammation, these can translocate and set up infection anywhere in the body including the brain. This is often the cause of infections in teeth, gums, bones, prostate, bladder and sinuses.

• When antibodies form, the food antigens that leak across the gut wall can sometimes resemble the natural antigens on tissues. This is what happens when we hear the body “attacks” itself like in auto-immune diseases like Lupus, MS, RA, myocarditis dermatomyositis, iritis and thyroiditis… and the numbers are growing “mysteriously incurable auto-immune diseases”.

Dr. Rogers’ point is that we can see how the sick get sicker when patients are prescribed drugs that mask the real cause of the symptoms. She says they end up being a victim on the fast road to multiple illnesses when in reality, most IBS is really LGS in disguise and totally curable.

From the book Optimal Wellness which is a compilation of articles written by experts in the GI field:

Genetics - Adding to the genetic factor in permeability, Len Saputo, MD, writes that observations imply a genetic predisposition to leaky gut but not all individuals will go on to inherit or manifest.

Mental disorders – he says elevated toxins leaking into the system via hyperpermeability are seen to cause a range of symptoms from spaciness to brain fog to attention deficit disorder. Many children with ADHD have increased permeability and in the extreme form, can cause disorientation resembling autism or schizophrenia. In some cases, these are also linked to specific food sensitivities such as gluten intolerance. They find that if a number of stressors can produce a toxic load on the system that seems to affect neurotransmitter production and specific allergies that may directly affect the nervous system as well.

Dr. Saputo says the widespread frequency and critical importance of the leaky gut syndrome has been largely underrated. He notes that in a study that tested for LGS in an intensive care unit, all patients studied had LGS, regardless of the condition that originally brought them to intensive care.

He says because of the high frequency of incidence of LGS and the high incidence of chronic disease, testing for intestinal permeability is worthwhile whenever associated conditions are present and that skilled management of the syndrome will help alleviate the primary illness, regardless of its nature. (Nichols/Saputo)

Testing for leaky gut is most accurate but initially, assessing the function of small intestine by questionnaire gives an indication that assistance from a physician knowledgeable about LGS should be consulted.

In the case of a patient with pan-allergies, that is a list of 20 or more foods to which they are sensitive, then, Dr. Brady says, “always think Leaky Gut.”

This concludes a very cursory examination of the highlights concerning LGS but it does serve to point out the complexities and obscurities. Anyone with one or more of the many associated symptoms would do well to investigate further.

Next: The Immune System and Probiotics

Additional Source: Leaky Gut Syndrome, 1998; Elizabeth Lipski, MS, CCN

Author: Jackie (---.neo.res.rr.com)
Date: 02-01-08 12:25

<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 1 DGL
<[www.afibbers.org]> -Part 2 GERD, Digestive Issues & Health
<[www.afibbers.org]>- Part 3 GERD & Digestive Ailments – Includes References
<[www.afibbers.org]> – Part 4 Stress & Digestion; Diaphragm Function
<[www.afibbers.org]> – Part 5 Leaky Gut Syndrome
[www.afibbers.org] - No More Heartburn Part 6 – Leaky Gut Syndrome - continued

Thank you, Ajax. This is great!
Marian