Experiencing gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, as well as other symptoms such as allergies, eczema, acne, and even depression can all be related to the syndrome known as “Leaky Gut”.

The theory is that leaky gut syndrome, also called “increased intestinal permeability”, is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to filter and digest nutrients. As a consequence, some bacteria and their toxins as well as incompletely digested proteins and fats, may "leak" out of the intestines into the blood stream.

This medical mystery is a very gray area for many physicians who can't seem to put a finger on the exact cause of the condition. Although the diagnosis of leaky gut syndrome is controversial, there are hundreds of research articles in traditional medical literature connecting leaky gut syndrome to many diseases because the intestinal lining is the first mechanism of defense for our immune system.(1)

Symptoms of Leaky Gut can vary from person to person depending on the level of damage and the tissues being affected. Multiple food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and skin rashes are all signs that your immune system is becoming overburdened by the foreign invaders entering the blood stream.

There could be several contributing factors to this issue…

Gliadin:

Many of the grains consumed in the western diet contain gliadin which gives bread the ability to rise properly during baking. Gliadin is one of the main components of the gluten fraction of the wheat seed and is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Research published by the Center of Celiac Research of the University of Maryland found gliadin plays a role leading to increased intestinal permeability in both those with and without, celiac disease.(2) These grains are actually interfering with the absorption of minerals and digestive enzymes.

Lectins:

Research has shown that lectins have damaging effects on cells lining the intestinal cavity where digested food passes through and from which nutrients are absorbed.(3)

Lectins may alter your gut flora which allows harmful bacteria to grow and have even been associated with leptin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition.(4)

Foods with high concentrations of lectins, such as beans, cereals, soy, nuts, and potatoes, may be harmful if consumed in excess, in uncooked or improperly cooked forms. Most lectins are destroyed by cooking or through digestion and rarely cause serious problems, but they can cause chronic digestive issues. For example, eating raw nuts and seeds may allow lectins to be absorbed into the bloodstream more effectively than roasted or other prepared varieties.(5)

Stress:

Beyond a poor diet, our gut is also vulnerable to chronic stress. Stress induced changes affect gastric secretions, gut motility and function, and blood flow.(6) The hormones responsible for the body's response to stress (like cortisol) have an effect on the gut through modulation of inflammation, hypersensitivity, increased perception to pain, and regulation of gut motility.(6)

Reducing inflammation and providing a healthier gastrointestinal environment can make a big difference in your gut's susceptibility to the negative effects of stress.

Restoring your gut's health

Eat a healthy diet: Avoid refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, packaged foods, junk foods, processed foods, sodas, white flour, and preservatives.

A basic healthy diet would include:

daily intake of fresh vegetables and fruits
high quality protein from organic (if possible) sources of fresh fish, chicken and eggs
healthy fats such as coconut oil, avocados and olive oil.

Fish Oil: omega-3 fatty acids boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
L-Glutamine has been shown to feed the cells that line the intestinal tract, increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut and help heal and restore the gut's functional integrity.
Exercise can reduce stress levels and contribute towards lower levels of inflammation.

try to get 20-30 minutes of physical activity 4-5 times a week
be sure to include a weight routine for at least 2 of those days
see one of our past newsletters for an Aerobic Exercise Guide

Leaky Gut syndrome is associated with many symptoms that may be leading you towards further disease. Nutrient deficiency is common in many individuals who express these symptoms related to Leaky Gut. It is vital to optimize your vitamin and mineral levels before it's too late. Testing methods including a comprehensive blood test and tissue mineral analysis can tell you exactly what you need and how much. Take the guesswork out and get tested today!

References:

Dr. Massey, Patrick. M.D. PhD. Conditions - Gastrointestinal - Leaky gut syndrome. ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy. 2013. http://www.alt-med.org/conditions-gastrointestinal-leaky-gut-syndrome.php. Acessed on April 28, 2013
Drago, Sandro, Asmar, Ramzi El, Di Pierro, Mariarosaria, et. al. Gliadin, zonulin and gut permeability: Effects on celiac and non-celiac intestinal mucosa and intestinal cell lines. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2006 Apr;41(4):408-19. PMID: 16635908
Ovelgönne JH, Koninkx JF, Pusztai A, et. al. Decreased levels of heat shock proteins in gut epithelial cells after exposure to plant lectins. Gut. 2000 May;46(5):679-87.
Jönsson, Tommy. Olsson, Stefan. Ahrén, Bo. Agrarian diet and diseases of affluence – Do evolutionary novel dietary lectins cause leptin resistance? BMC Endocrine Disorders 2005, 5:10
Power, Laura. Dietary Lectins: Blood Types & Food Allergies. http://www.laurapower.com/page5.html. Accessed on April 29, 2013
Konturek, T., Brzozowski, S.J., Konturek. Stress and the gut: Pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach, and treatment options. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2011, 62, 6, 591-599.

Cold, Flu, and Congestion

As the holidays come around year after year, so does the cold and flu season. Whether it is the stress we place upon ourselves, the unlimited gatherings we attend, the crowded shopping, or the blistering weather, our body’s immune system can take a hit if we don’t maintain protection and resistance. One of the longest parts of a cold is the congestion that comes either before or after or even during the worst days. The annoying reddish nose from too many tissues and watery eyes can get rather frustrating after a while. Here are some tips to help speed up the process for breaking up congestion.

Oil of Oregano

Carvacol and thymol, two phytochemicals in oregano, have powerful antiviral and antifungal properties. Carvacol has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from the immune system. Research suggests that oxygen molecules in it react with water in your body to create heat that kills germs by dehydrating them. It is best when taken with food. However, since this volatile oil is quickly absorbed and associated with inducing heartburn, some may require them to be taken in coated capsules, so they do not break down in the stomach but instead are delivered to the small and large intestine. This also delivers the oil further down in the GI tract, where its killing action may be needed. You can take it internally for infections/colds/flu. Depending on the age, chronicity, and severity of the respiratory infection, you should speak with your experienced nutritionist on how much to take per day. For maintenance, a 150 lb adult can take 2-3 per day.

Ginger

Ginger has been used to loosen and break up congestion for years. As natural decongestant and antihistamine, it is often included in herbal remedies and teas that are designed for people recovering from colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Ginger can improve the circulation helping the body to excrete toxins more efficiently. One of the constituents of ginger is shogaol. The chemical structure of shogaol has a very strong anti-cough effect. Ginger can also help alleviate nausea, reduce a fever, soothe the digestive system, and may even have an effect to help lower your blood pressure.1 A safe dosage of ginger to take daily would be 250 mg ginger 4 times daily.2

“Ginger Tea”: Shred or cut 1-2 tbsp of the fresh root or 1 tsp of ginger powder, steep in hot water and drink. You can add organic lemon juice or 1 slice lemon and 1 tbsp honey as well.

Turmeric

As a natural decongestant this herb also has strong anti-inflammatory responses. Although you need some level of inflammation in the body to protect you from foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, the inflammatory response can get out of control and actually slow the healing process. Diet also plays a key role in your body’s inflammatory levels. This is a whole other topic to discuss with your nutritionist, but a diet free from processed foods, toxic chemicals, and artificial additives is desired.

Eliminate Dairy

Did you know that we are the only adult mammals on Earth that drinks another mammal’s milk? There are numerous side effects of the Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) and antibiotics given to cattle which we ingest when drinking milk. rBGH milk is contaminated by abnormally high pus levels, due to the mastitis commonly induced by rBGH, and antibiotics used to treat the mastitis. rBGH milk is chemically and nutritionally different than natural milk. Dr. Mark Hyman, New York Times best-selling author and seen on the Dr. Oz Show states that up to 60% of the population could be affected by hidden sensitivities to foods such as dairy.3

Drink more fluids

One quart of water per 50 lbs of body weight is recommended daily. You can also drink decaffeinated herbal teas as well. Add honey to your tea to help coat the throat if it is sore. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which can cause dehydration and aggravate your symptoms.

Use a humidifier

Humidifiers help break up congestion by adding moisture to the air, which helps to thin the mucus in your nose advises Scott P. Stringer, MD, professor of otolaryngology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. “When the nose is stimulated by any irritant, the nervous system is also stimulated, causing valves to open, which results in more blood entering the nose. This causes swelling in your nasal passages, which makes it difficult to breathe.”4

Other supplemental compounds and vitamins to consider for prevention and breaking up congestion would be:

Vitamin C: 3000 mg to 8000 mg daily
Lauricidin: 2-3 scoops daily
Vitamin D: 5000 IU per day
Fish Oil: 500 mg per day
Vitamin E: 400 mg per day

Don't forget to wash your hands throughout the day and get plenty of rest.

Do you find yourself getting sick more often? Is it taking a very long time to get over colds, flu, and sinus? There may be key factors in your body’s chemistry that you are missing. By doing a comprehensive blood panel and tissue mineral analysis, you will be able to see exactly what your body is missing. Although supplements do not replace a healthy diet, it is nearly impossible to get all of the required nutrients in daily. Build your body’s immune system this winter by making sure its foundation is strong. Discussing a supplement program and dietary guidelines with your nutritionist based on comprehensive testing is the most desirable way to seek optimal health for your body. Get tested today!

Ghayur MN, Gilani AH. Ginger lowers blood pressure through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2005;45:74-80.
Wood CD, Manno JE, Wood MJ, and et al. Comparison of efficacy of ginger with various antimotion sickness drugs. Clin Research Practices & Drug Reg Affairs 1988;6(2):129-136.
Dr. Hyman, Mark. The Anti-Allergy Diet. 1/27/12 http://www.doctoroz.com/article/anti-allergy-diet Accessed on 10/31/14
Patino, Erica. 7 Natural Remedies for Congestion Relief. http://www.everydayhealth.com/congestion-relief/natural-congestion-remedies-pictures.aspx#01

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