Leaky Gut Syndrome Update
In the past few years, there has been a large body of evidence, that ties together many chronic symptoms that people complain of, with the permeability of the gut. This condition is generally referred to, as Leaky Gut Syndrome. This condition allows the body: to be over-loaded with toxins, more susceptible to bacterial and fungal overgrowth, allows undigested food proteins to leak into the blood causing the appearance of food allergy . This condition is believed to be the root cause of many chronic and seemingly impossible- to- treat conditions.

Over-exposure to environmental toxins, frequent use of anti-biotics, poor digestion (usually a lack of hydrochloric acid), chronic use of alcohol and other recreational drugs, over use of anti-inflammatory drugs i.e. NASIDS, all contribute to this gut disorder. Inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is a significant pathological factor that must be addressed. Treatment should be designed to provide for elimination of causes, and to provide healing of the intestinal tissue. Clinical diagnosis of intestinal permeability can be detected by either patient history or laboratory tests.

The health of the small intestine is essential to a healthy body. The gastrointestinal tract has two basic functions: 1) digests food and provides a proper environment for the absorption of nutrients, 2) contains the body's first line of defense against infection. This is accomplished through the action of Secretory IgA (sIgA). These immnoglobulins make up over 50% of our immune defense. Loss of these sIgA exposes the gut to more infections. These infections can originated from food sources, water, or in some cases - air. People with chronic intestinal infections, or frequent systemic infections, need the proper nutritional support to replenish sIgA in order to fight infection and heal gut mucosa.

Leaky gut syndrome is poorly recognized by mainstream medical practitioners. It is rarely tested for. What is a leaky gut syndrome? Essentially this condition exists when there is an increased permeability of the intestinal lining. This allows for the uptake of unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and undigested food proteins. The undigested food proteins cause the immune system to react, and this gives the appearance of food allergies . In this scenario, patients become allergic to more and more foods, usually its the ones that they are presently eating.

The only way to eliminate this allergic merry-go-round, is to heal the intestinal tissue, thus reducing the permeability. Intestinal permeability lessens the immune system's ability to react properly to the overgrowth of microorganisms. Many people with chronic Candidiasis, have Leaky Gut Syndrome. The increase of a toxic load on the liver, causes patients to develop chemical sensitivities. These so-called environmental allergies, cause a multitude of symptoms that are usually very difficult to treat. People can develop so many problems, that trying to deal with each one is literally impossible. Symptoms such as: headaches, bloat, chronic yeast overgrowth, joint pain, brain fog, muscle pain, lethargy, and immune dysfunction are all possible with a leaky gut syndrome.

How can we heal the intestinal mucosa? There are specific nutrients that will assist in healing the intestinal mucosa.

L-GLUTAMINE: Glutamine has been found to be very effective in maintaining normal gut barrier function. It has also been found, that the synthesis of sIgA is dependent upon an adequate supply of glutamine. Animal studies have shown a significant improvement in gut immune function, and protection of sIgA-producing cells following L-glutamine supplementation.

N-ACETYL-D-GLUCOSAMINE: N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (NAG) is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of mucosal glycoproteins, that form a specific intestinal tissue known as glycocalyx.


VITAMIN A: Vitamin A has shown to be very effective in helping to decrease inflammation throughout the intestinal mucosa. This nutrient is believed to stimulate macrophage activity. This can go a long way in healing the intestinal mucosa.

VITAMIN E: Vitamin E provides healing and a reduction of scar tissue of the intestinal mucosa. The reduction of scar tissue will allow for better intestinal function following treatment.

CAT'S CLAW: Cat's Claw has been found to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. By cleansing the intestinal walls, cat's claw enables the body to better absorb nutrients, and allows the intestinal mucosa to better utilize nutrients on site, like glutamine and NAG. Many practitioners believe, that cat's claw has a profound ability to get rid of deep-rooted intestinal infections.

FOLIC ACID AND ZINC: These nutrients are essential in allowing for new cell growth in the intestinal mucosa. These nutrients will provide healing for the intestinal mucosa and underlying tissue. Intestinal function will normalize. In most cases the patient will see dramatic improvements