Definition:
Increased Intestinal Permeability, also known as Leaky Gut or Hyperpermeable
Gut.
The lining of the small intestine allows for absorption of nutrients,
while providing a barrier to keep out toxins, microorganisms, and
other unwanted molecules like undigested food proteins. This absorption
of undesirable molecules is toxic to the body. Increased toxins
will lead to many undesirable symptoms. Chronic use of anti-inflammatory
medications, over-use of anti-biotics, real food allergies especially
gluten allergy have been shown to increase to probability of developing
Leaky Gut. Leaky gut has been clinically linked to inflammatory
joint disease
Symptoms:
"Leaky Gut" causes a wide assortment of symptoms. Most
common is multiple food and chemical allergies, chronic headache,
joint inflammation, skin disorders, mental fogginess, bloating,
frequent yeast infections, digestive disorders.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
The best treatment is to focus on the areas that are most affected
by this condition. First, provide digestive support to reduce the
amount of undigested food proteins from entering the body. Second,
provide the proper nutrients to increase the body=s ability to remove
toxins. Third, provide nutrients that allow the gut to heal. Because
chronic candidiasis or parasitic infection can cause this condition,
treatment may need to include removing those organisms from the
intestine.
References:
Howell, Edward, Dr., Enzymes Nutrition -The Food Enzyme Concept, NJ: Avery
Publishing, 1985; Griffin, LaDean, Herbs to the Rescue, Provo, UT:
Bi-World Publishers, 1978; Pedersen, M., Nutritional Herbology, Bountiful,
UT: Pedersen Publishing, 1987; Intestinal Permeability: Gamma Oryzanol, Townsend
Letter, Jan. 1993; Rogers, Sherry, M.D., Chemical Sensitivity: Breaking the Paralyzing
Paradigm; How Knowledge of Chemical Sensitivity Enhances the Treatment of Chronic Disease,
Internal Medicine World Report, 1992:7(8),13-41.
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
