antifungal alternatives, was,Re: ALTERED IMMUNITY & THE LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

[Guest guest]

Just found this post (also talks about lupus & lotsa other stuff in

here)...skimming & might have to rethink a few of my " leaning

towards. " anyway, in second paragraph under " how to reverse... " it

lists a couple things in the middle.

>

> UntitledWhat's everyone think of this Doctor's Data?

>

> ZOLTAN P. RONA, M.D., M.Sc.

> 1466 BATHURST ST. SUITE 305

> TORONTO, ONT. M5R 3J3

> 416-534-8880; FAX:416-534-6723

> ALTERED IMMUNITY & THE LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

>

>

> The leaky gut syndrome is the name given to a very common health

disorder in which the basic organic defect (lesion) is an intestinal

lining which is more permeable (porous) than normal. The abnormally

large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the

entry of toxic material into the bloodstream that would, in healthier

circumstances, be repelled and eliminated. The gut becomes leaky in

the sense that bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins,

undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the

bloodstream in the healthy state, pass through a damaged,

hyperpermeable, porous or ÒleakyÓ gut. This can be verified by

special gut permeability urine tests, microscopic examination of the

lining of the intestinal wall as well as the bloodstream with phase

contrast or darkfield microscopy of living whole blood.

>

>

> Why is The Leaky Gut Syndrome Important?

>

>

> The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune

disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the

lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just

symptom suppression. An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which

the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases

in this category include lupus, alopecia areata, rheumatoid

arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia,

chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis,

vasculitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives),

diabetes and Raynaud's disease. Physicians are increasingly

recognizing the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in the

development of allergic or autoimmune disease. Understanding the

leaky gut phenomenon not only helps us see why allergies and

autoimmune diseases develop but also helps us with safe and effective

therapies to bring the body back into balance.

>

>

> Due to the enlarged spaces between the cells of the gut wall,

larger than usual protein molecules are absorbed before they have a

chance to be completely broken down as occurs when the intestinal

lining is intact. The immune system starts making antibodies against

these larger molecules because it recognizes them as foreign,

invading substances. The immune system starts treating them as if

they had to be destroyed. Antibodies are made against these proteins

derived from previously harmless foods.

>

>

> Human tissues have antigenic sites very similar to those on foods,

bacteria, parasites, candida or fungi. The antibodies created by the

leaky gut phenomenon against these antigens can get into various

tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding

food is consumed or the microbe is encountered. Autoantibodies are

thus created and inflammation becomes chronic. If this inflammation

occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis)

develops. If it occurs in the brain, myalgic encephalomyelitis

(a.k.a. chronic fatigue syndrome) may be the result. If it occurs in

the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is

the resulting autoimmune problem. If the antibodies end up attacking

the lining of the gut itself, the result may be colitis or Crohn's

disease. If it occurs in the lungs, asthma is triggered on a delayed

basis every time the individual consumes the food which triggered the

production of the antibodies in the first place. It is easy to see

that practically any organ or body tissue can become affected by food

allergies created by the leaky gut. Symptoms, especially those seen

in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, can be multiple and

severely debilitating.

>

>

> The inflammation that causes the leaky gut syndrome also damages

the protective coating of antibodies of the IgA family normally

present in a healthy gut. Since IgA helps us ward off infections,

with leaky gut problems we become less resistant to viruses,

bacteria, parasites and candida. These microbes are then able to

invade the bloodstream and colonize almost any body tissue or organ.

When this occurs in the gums, periodontal disease results. If it

happens in the jaw, tooth extraction or root canals might be

necessary to cure the infection.

>

>

> In addition to the creation of food allergies by the leaky gut, the

bloodstream is invaded by bacteria, fungi and parasites that, in the

healthy state, would not penetrate the protective barrier of the gut.

These microbes and their toxins, if present in large enough amounts,

can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify. This results in

symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, brain fog or facial swelling

when the individual is exposed to a perfume or to cigarette smoke

that he or she had no adverse reactions to prior to the development

of the leaky gut syndrome.

>

>

> Leaky gut syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies

because the various carrier proteins present in the gastrointestinal

tract that are needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the

blood are damaged by the inflammation process. For example, magnesium

deficiency (low red blood cell magnesium) is quite a common finding

in conditions like fibromyalgia despite a high magnesium intake

through the diet and supplementation. If the carrier protein for

magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of

malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasms can occur as a result.

Similarly, zinc deficiency due to malabsorption can result in hair

loss or baldness as occurs in alopecia areata. Copper deficiency can

occur in an identical way leading to high blood cholesterol levels

and osteoarthritis. Further, bone problems develop as a result of the

malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.

>

>

> The Causes

>

>

> The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the

gut lining. This inflammation is usually brought about by the

following:

>

>

> Antibiotics because they lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora

in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, parasites, candida, fungi)

> Alcohol and caffeine (strong gut irritants)

> Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites like giardia

lamblia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis and others

> Foods and beverages contaminated by bacteria like helicobacter

pylori, klebsiella, citrobacter, pseudomonas and others

> Chemicals in fermented and processed food (dyes, preservatives,

peroxidized fats)

> Enzyme deficiencies (e.g. celiac disease, lactase deficiency

causing lactose intolerance)

> NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ASA,

ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc.

> Prescription corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)

> High refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. candy bars, cookies, cake,

soft drinks, white bread)

> Prescription hormones like the birth control pill

> Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined

carbohydrates

>

> The leaky gut syndrome can cause the malabsorption of many

important micronutrients. The inflammatory process causes swelling

(edema) and the presence of many noxious chemicals all of which can

block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids. A leaky

gut does not absorb nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps

occur as do a long list of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss,

poor concentration or irritability develop.

>

>

> Prescription broad spectrum antibiotics, especially when taken for

extended periods of time, wipe out all the gut friendly bacteria that

provide protection against fungi and amoebic (parasitic) infections,

help the body break down complex foods and synthesize vitamins like

B12 and biotin. Since this friendly bowel flora is killed off, the

body now has no local defence against the parasites or fungi that are

normally held in check. This then causes an inflammatory reaction

leading to the leaky gut syndrome. Food allergies quickly develop and

these may trigger the signs and symptoms of arthritis, eczema,

migraines, asthma or other forms of immune dysfunction. Other common

symptoms of this bowel flora imbalance and leaky gut syndrome are

bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with

diarrhea. This set of symptoms is usually labelled as IBS (irritable

bowel syndrome) or spastic bowel disease and treated symptomatically

by general practitioners and gastroenterologists with antispasmodic

drugs, tranquilizers or different types of soluble (psyllium) and

insoluble (bran) fiber.

>

>

> The Leaky Gut and IBS

>

>

> The mainstream thinking on IBS is that it is caused by stress.

Irritable bowel syndrome is the number one reason for general

practitioner referrals to specialists. In well over 80% of the cases,

tests like the intestinal permeability test (a special urine test

involving the determination of absorption rates of two sugars called

lactulose and mannitol), CDSA or livecell darkfield microscopy reveal

the presence of an overgrowth of fungi, parasites or pathogenic

bacteria. The one-celled parasite, blastocystis hominis and different

species of candida are the most common microbes seen in IBS. The only

stress associated with IBS is that which is generated by infection

and the leaky gut syndrome. If allowed to persist without the correct

treatment, IBS can progress into more serious disorders like the

candidiasis syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic

fatigue syndrome, many autoimmune diseases and even cancer. If

treated medically, IBS is rarely cured. To treat it correctly,

natural treatments work best and must include the removal of the

cause, improvement of gastrointestinal function and healing the

lining of the gut.

>

>

> How to Reverse Leaky Gut Syndrome

>

>

> Band-aid treatments with corticosteroids, prescription antibiotics

and immunosuppressive drugs may be temporarily life-saving for acute

episodes of pain, bleeding or severe inflammation as occurs in lupus

or colitis. In the long run, however, none of these treatments do

anything to heal the leaky gut problem. To reverse the leaky gut

syndrome the diet must be completely changed to one which is as

hypoallergenic as possible. Sugar, white flour products, all gluten-

containing grains (especially wheat, barley, oats and rye), milk and

dairy products, high fat foods, caffeine products, alcohol and hidden

food allergies determined by testing must all be eliminated for long

periods of time (several years in the most severe cases).

>

>

> Treatment might also include the use of natural antibiotics

(echinacea, colloidal silver, garlic), antiparasitics (cloves,

wormwood, black walnut) and antifungals (taheebo, caprylic acid,

grapefruit seed extract) depending on the type of infection which

shows up on objective tests. It is rare that victims require

prescription drugs for these infections and they should be

discouraged. The drugs are usually expensive, have unpleasant side

effects and are best reserved for life-threatening conditions.

>

>

> Leaky gut syndrome patients can help themselves by chewing their

food more thoroughly, following the basic rules of food combining,

eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones and taking

more time with their meals. Gastrointestinal function can be improved

with a juice fast or a hypoallergenic diet and supplements like

lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus as well as FOS

(fructooligosaccharides) derived from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory,

the dahlia plant or burdock root.

>

>

>

> Beneficial Supplements for Leaky Gut Syndrome:

>

> natural digestive enzymes - from plant (e,g, bromelain, papain)

or pancreatic animal tissues (porcine, bovine, lamb) and aloe vera

juice with a high MPS concentration (good brands are International

Aloe, Earthnet and Royal)

> stomach acidity enhancing supplements - betaine and pepsin,

glutamic acid, stomach bitters, apple cider vinegar

> amino acids - L-glutamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG)

> essential fatty acids - milled flax, flax seed oil, evening

primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, black currant seed

oil

> soluble fiber - psyllium seed husks and powder, apple or citrus

pectin, the rice derived gamma oryzanol,

> antioxidants - carotenoids, B complex, vitamin C, E, zinc,

selenium, germanium, Coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, especially

quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, rutin and proanthocyanidins

(pycnogenols, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry)

> herbs and plant extracts - kudzu, various high chlorophyll

containing green drinks like spirulina, chlorella and blue green

algae, burdock, slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb, sheep sorrel, licorice

root, ginger root, goldenseal, bismuth and bentonite.

> Combination Green Foods - two excellent products are Green Life

(Bioquest) and Greens Plus (Supplements Plus)

>

> Due to the increasing recognition of chronic fatigue syndrome, the

leaky gut syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity, a number of

supplement companies have been marketing powdered hypoallergenic

formulations containing most of the nutrients mentioned above in one

convenient package. Some brand names include Ultrabalance¨,

UltraClear Sustain¨, UltraClear Plus¨, Pro-Cleanse¨, Pro-Support¨ and

ActiClear¨. The products are only available through natural health

care practitioners like chiropractors, nutritional doctors and

naturopaths. If you suspect you may be suffering from leaky gut

syndrome, the most important thing to do is get yourself tested by a

natural health care practitioner. A personalized natural program of

diet and supplements can then be instituted to help you reverse this

debilitating condition.

>

>

> REFERENCES

>

>

> Gittleman, A.L., Guess What came to Dinner - Parasites and your

health, Garden City Park,New York: Avery, 1993.

>

>

> Gottschall, Elaine. Breaking The Vicious Cycle. Intestinal Health

Through Diet. Kirkton, Ont.:The Kirkton Press, 1994.

>

>

> , Jeanne Marie and Rona, Zoltan P. The Complete Candida Yeast

Guidebook. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.

>

>

> L, et al. The effect of procyanidolic oligomers on vascular

permeability. A study using

>

> quantitative morphology. Pathol Biol 38:608-616; 1990.

>

>

> , Sherry A. Finally Healing the Immune System. Macrobiotics

Today. September/October 1995; pp. 16-20.

>

>

> Rona, Zoltan P. Childhood Illness and The Allergy Connection.

Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.

>