What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

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The following is an excerpt from my book now available on Amazon:

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome anyway?  This syndrome occurs when the digestive lining of the intestines becomes damaged and permeable.  When this occurs, the bacteria, undigested food particles, toxic waste and viruses can leak from the intestines through the digestive lining into the bloodstream.  In response, our immune system reacts negatively, which can result in inflammation in the body. Bloating, food sensitivities which appear like allergies, achy joints, cramps, headaches, rashes,  skin issues and hives can appear. This condition may potentially create or worsen a number of other conditions or create symptoms , including: asthma, arthritis, Celiac disease, Crohn’s, colitis, gas, cramps, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. With leaky gut, not only is the digestive lining more porous and less selective about what can get in, but normal absorption is affected. Nutritional deficiencies may develop as a result of damage and the intestines are not able to absorb the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs.

Scientists are learning that serotonin made by the nervous system might also play a role in the gut. In a new Nature Medicine study published online February 7, 2010, it said, “a drug that inhibited the release of serotonin from the gut counteracted the bone-deteriorating disease osteoporosis in postmenopausal rodents… Serotonin seeping from the second brain (the gut) might even play some part in autism, the developmental disorder often first noticed in early childhood.” Gershon has discovered that the same genes involved in synapse formation between neurons in the brain are involved in the alimentary synapse formation. “If these genes are affected in autism,” he says, “it could explain why so many kids with autism have GI motor abnormalities” in addition to elevated levels of gut-produced serotonin in their blood.” (13)

In a June 2012 study, Scientists at the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at UCC found that brain levels of Serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’ that controls your mood, are regulated by the amount of bacteria in the gut.  This means that if your gut is not functioning properly, serotonin production slows down.  Candida or yeast overgrowth (bacteria) is said to be present in the body in at least 80% of the US population and yeast grows with sugar intake.  And as I have mentioned in other posts, cancer grows in sugar as well.

Gut and Psychology Syndrome GAPS Dr. Campbell-McBride of Cambridge Nutrition Clinic in the UK, believes that abnormal gut flora can affect your brain and your entire body. Bacteria, yeast, viruses and other microbes that rage unchecked in the digestive tract can cause devastating consequences. Dr. Campbell-McBride believes autistic children are born with normal brains and normal sensory organs.She believes that during birth, and as a baby goes through the birth canal, he or she swallows the first mouthfuls of bacteria and that becomes the baby’s gut flora, originating from antibiotics, birth control pills, and even the father’s bacteria.No matter what symptoms an adult or child may experience, diet is the place to start according to Dr. Campbell-McBride. In 2004, she published Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Depression and Schizophrenia, in which she explores the connection between the patient’s physical state and brain function.

Now what?  First, get a Gastro Intestinal or GI test for verification purposes, then BEGIN TO EAT RIGHT! Consuming lots of anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids in fish and nuts, and filling up on green leafy vegetables, high-fiber and fermented foods help to promote the growth of good bacteria.  A strong Probiotic* with large amounts of good bacteria can heal a damaged intestinal lining by restoring balance in the gut flora. Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces boulardii is said to help children shorten the duration of infectious diarrhea, create a healthy flora and keep pathogens from passing through the intestinal wall to the rest of the body, as well as boost the immune system. For adults, consider S. boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium.

Take Vitamin A or Cod Liver Oil to replenish deficiency of essential fatty acids. Supplements like glutamine, show that in some studies they help with intestinal injury after chemotherapy and radiation and may also be beneficial with leaky gut.  Apple Cider Vinegar can help repair the gut, and taking digestive enzymes (pill form) can also be of benefit. By doing all these things, most people should notice improvement within 6 weeks, although it may take months or even years to heal a damaged intestinal lining in extreme cases of leaky gut.  –Also melatonin for reflex as proven by recent studies.

Did you know? Low thyroid hormone level increases stress gastritis, and this effect can be decreased by treatment with Nigella sativa. ( Study link.  ).  Also, menopause can cause many gut issues and hormone levels should be checked if you want improvement. Other treatment options or things you can do: aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, bone broth, Deglycyrrhizinated licorice,  detox, enzymes, ginger, Hydrochloric Acid,  non-GMO food, Supplements, Vitamin D, baking soda, zinc and magnesium citrate. 

Ulcerative Colitis:  Some believe that colitis is caused by bacteria.  If you have colitis, you may want to try this combination as some acknowledged it worked for them: 250mg (1/8 tsp.) of magnesium citrate plus 1/2 tsp. of baking soda with 1 full glass of filtered water.

Do you have leaky gut?  Bacteria could be a possible cause for these as well. Here is a list of diseases and conditions that are also possible causes of GI infections and Leaky Gut:

• Adenoviruses
• Alcohol
• Antibiotics
• Astroviruses
• Campylobacter jejuni
• Clostridium
• Cryptosporidium
• Escherichia coli
• Giardia
• Hormones
• Noroviruses
• Parasites
• Parvoviruses
• Rotavirus
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Staphylococcus
• Stress
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Yersinia                                               

♥The detox program called Flor Essence is what I believe to be the very best.  This one is easy to do, has great ratings and is gentle on the body if taken according to instructions.  You can learn more about it if you read The Essiac Report.  This report has some INCREDIBLE documentation on how this detox helped to rid toxins and some diseases including cancer, MS, Parkinson’s, Diabetes from their patients.  There is also a video on this incredible combination of herbs that originated from the Ojibwa Native American Indian tribe.

The Bible says, “… their fruit will be for food and their leaves for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:12