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Leaky Gutby Stan Meyerson, Pharmacist The 'leaky gut' may be the underlying cause of food allergies. It may also be a signal of other conditions such as candida, parasites, heavy metal toxicity, asthma, skin problems and multiple chemical sensitivites. It has also been linked to certain autoimmune diseases (MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus). Common bowel disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, and colitis are also related.CAUSES "Leaky gut" occurs when there is an increased permeability of the mucous membrane walls of the intestines. The causes may be infection, injury or nutritional deficiencies. Exposure to over 10,000 chemical contaminants, including additives in processed foods, excessive intake of alcohol and/or coffee, as well as the prolonged use of antibiotics or NSAIDS may also contribute to the degeneration of the intestinal lining.As the intestinal wall becomes more 'porous', the protective mucous membrane lining of the intestine is damaged, creating spaces which allow the passage of materials into the bloodstream which are not normally absorbed. These materials include undigested food protein, food allergens, bacteria, fungi and parasites, as well as chemical and environmental toxins. A two-fold occurrence results. The materials entering the blood stream are seen or construed as being foreign substances. The immune system creates antibodies to fight them. When these antibodies have 'destroyed' the enemy, they are not eliminated but make their way into the tissues, triggering inflammation, pain, and a variety of ailments. Paradoxically the results are not only the introduction of toxins into the body, but also the exclusion and depletion of vital nutrients and probiotics or "friendly bacteria." The body becomes nutritionally deficient, as the required nutrients are not absorbed properly for use by the body.SYMPTOMS The first response symptoms are usually gas, bloating and cramps. When these occur over an extended period of time they may eventually produce fatigue, allergies, loss of concentration and memory problems. The symptoms not only become more severe with time, but the toxicity produced may spread to every organ in the body. This can cause a breakdown of the immune system resulting in MCS, chronic fatigue and a debilitating lifestyle.FOODS TO EAT AND WHAT TO AVOID The avoidance of white flour, processed foods, coffee, tea, alcohol, milk and dairy products, fermented foods, sugars, and red meats is key to the reversal of leaky gut syndrome.FOODS TO CONSUME Cold water fish such as salmon, cod, sardines, halibut and mackerel, contain an essential fatty acid (omega-3) which decreases the inflammatory and allergic responses in the body. Citrus fruits, onions and garlic are rich in bioflavonoids, which also curtail the allergic responses. The intake of whole grains and vegetables high in fiber allows digested foods to pass through the intestinal tract. The decrease in the transit time (the time it takes for digested foods to pass through the G.I. system) helps prevent food waste from being reabsorbed through the intestine and into the blood for recirculation.NUTRIENT AND VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES Even if there is a high intake of food and nutrients, when the gut is compromised, there is a major malabsorption of the nutrients, causing vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The proteins that attach to minerals (chelators) and transport them to the cells are damaged by the inflammation, thereby creating low levels of minerals. Magnesium deficiency manifests itself in ailments like fibromyalgia, muscle pain, and spasms. Zinc deficiency may lead to high cholesterol and sugar levels. Calcium deficiency may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.

HEALING THE LEAKY GUT REQUIRES ELIMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTATION

Eliminate and/or reduce Food allergens. Alcohol and caffeine. Check for candida and parasites. NSAID and other anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin, when possible. Stressful situations.SUPPLEMENTS WHICH PROMOTE HEALTHY INTESTINE AND BODYHydrochloric acid is required to break down proteins and is essential in the healing process. Glutamine is utilized by the body for organ repair. It helps support and maintain a healthy digestive tract and also decreases intestinal permeability by strengthening the mucosa.

Foods such as flax, borage and evening primrose contain essential fatty acids, which stimulate certain prostaglandins that perform anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy functions. ALOE VERA, high in muccopolysaccarides, has been shown to have healing properties for the GI tract and benefits for the immune system. PROBIOTICS - Probiotics help heal the G.I. tract and promote a healthy digestive system while normalizing and recolonizing "friendly bacteria." They are essential for strengthening the immune system, and for the manufacture of niacin, folic acid, biotin and vitamin B-6. They are also needed for proper absorption of calcium. Probiotics aid in the suppression of candida. These friendly bactria also secrete enzymes that are used as digestive aids. These include lactase enzyme which is necessary for the digestion of dairy products. Extra acidophilus may be helpful to persons who have lactose intolerance. Probiotics may benefit other G.I. problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas, bloating, and halitosis. Probiotics help increase the functioning of the immune system by stimulating production of phagocytes and lymphocytes.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES - Digestive enzymes break down the proteins, carbohydrates and fats from the foods we eat and convert them to energy for use by the cells. They have been shown to help with digestive problems, as well as food allergies and autoimmune disorders. There are three distinct categories of digestive enzymes: Proteases or proteolytic enzymes are involved in the breakdown of protein. Protein is composed of 20 amino acids and there is a protease for each amino acid. Lipases break down fats and oils; amylases break down carbohydrates including sugars.

DEGLYCYRRHIZITE LICORICE (DGL) - DGL helps restore the integrity of the intestinal lining by increasing the production of the mucous secreting cells.

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Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537