Chronic Illness
A Unique Look at Chronic Illness
Many health problems may be traced to problems of the digestive system. Exposure
to toxins, intestinal permeability defects, dysbiosis, and parasitic infections
are examples of gastrointestinal dysfunction. These conditions may occur by
themselves, but often they exist together, producing cumulative damage. Insult
to the gut lining usually leads to chronic illness. There is a growing body
of research, that confirms the association of chronic illness and digestive
dysfunction.
Toxicity due to foreign chemicals, or xenobiotics, may produce damage affecting
virtually all organs and systems in the body. Common signs and symptoms of xenobiotic
toxicity include: weakness, headache, neurologic disorders, multiple chemical
sensitivities, immune system dysfunction, and liver disorders. The gastrointestinal
tract is the most common source of exposure to these toxins, and the integrity
of the mucosal barrier is key to the health of the individual.
Increased intestinal permeability, results not only in increased absorption
of xenobiotics, but also an increase of endogenously produced toxins, antigens,
immune complexes, and intact microorganisms, normally confined within the intestinal
environment. By allowing the passage of these substances, a leaky gut can contribute
to the development of certain autoimmune diseases, liver dysfunction, septicemia,
and other disorders.
Parasitic infections, candidiasis, and any imbalance of the intestinal micro
flora, can give rise to various systemic problems. Chronic insults to the gut
wall, can produce abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease,
and leaky gut syndrome. Endotoxins and antigens produced by intestinal pathogens,
are then absorbed systemically, producing allergic reactions, autoimmune illness,
liver damage, and in some cases nuero-toxic reactions such as Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome.
When the gut is intact and functioning properly, toxins absorbed from the intestine
are detoxified by the liver. Liver detoxification pathways, transform toxic
molecules into less toxic metabolites, which are easily excreted. But when exposure
to these chemicals rises dramatically, the liver's capacity to cope is reduced,
and systemic toxicity will occur.
There are three main objectives that must be met, in order to help the body
regain its normal function.
- Reducing Exposure to Foreign Chemicals
- Re-establishing Normal Gastrointestinal Function
- Improving Detoxification
Reducing Exposure to Foreign Chemicals
The body is exposed to foreign chemicals from many sources. Studies have shown
that the total load of toxins to which the body is exposed is inversely related
to its ability to detoxify them. That means that the greater the toxic load,
the less toxins you will be able to detoxify. Lifestyle, environment, and dietary
factors all play a role in determining the amount of toxins we are exposed to.
If your lifestyle consists of the frequent use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine
and drugs your toxic load will be greater than if you eliminated these foreign
chemicals. Limiting consumption of these substances is vital for restoring health.
Exposure to toxic chemicals may also take place when painting a room, fueling
your car, using various building materials or just being exposed to these substances
second hand. These chemicals can, and do cause, much harm to many people.
Much of our exposure to toxic chemicals results from our food and water sources.
There are many studies that have shown high levels of contamination from residential
drinking water. The use of uncontaminated water, or water purification systems,
can be an effective means of reducing xenobiotic exposure. Foods are also a
large source of xenobiotic exposure. Approximately 3,000 chemicals are used
by the food industry during processing. Add to that number another 12,000 chemicals
that are used in food packaging materials. The use of organically grown and
unprocessed foods are an effective means of reducing exposure to food-borne
toxins.
Re-establishing Gastrointestinal Function
By improving gut function a number of good things happen.
Food must get digested and absorbed properly. This provides nutrients for the
body, and it eliminates the potential for more microorganism imbalance. The
use of plant enzymes (VEGYZYME) has been shown to be very valuable in aiding
digestion. This digestive aid is capable of promoting digestion, and absorption
of nutrients even in individuals with imbalances of gastric ph. Thorough digestion
can reduce allergic reactions to foods, and the production of endotoxins.
By providing fiber, which is made up of both soluble and insoluble components,
the health of the gut can be re-established. Soluble fibers assist, by fermenting
in the gut, to release short chain fatty acids. These SCFA, such as butyric
acid, is the preferred fuel source for colonic mucosal cells, second to glutamine.
Fiber has also been shown, to restore the normal structure and physiology of
the intestinal microvilli.
Rebuilding the intestinal mucosa is most important. Using nutrients such as
glutamine, N-acetyl-glutamine, cat's claw, folic acid, gamma oryzanol, vitamin
A, zinc picolinate, and vitamin E (MPF) will provide healing for the intestinal
mucosa. This rebuilding will improve immune function of the intestinal mucosa,
and eliminate any permeability of the gut lining.
It is very important to eliminate gut pathogens, and to re-establish probiotic
colonies in the intestines. This can be accomplished by using Paradex, Can-Plex,
and Cat's Claw. These products contain grapefruit seed extract, garlic, black
walnut husks, pumpkin seeds, pau d'arco, artemisia amus, and undecylic acid.
All of these substances, have a long track record in reducing pathogens found
in the gut. We re-inoculate the gut with good bacteria. This promotes intestinal
health, and actively controls the growth of pathogenic organisms. Multidophilus,
Pro-Dophilus,or Acidophilus Ec would be good choices.
Improving Detoxification
Reducing oxidative damage is necessary, to repair the damage incurred by oxidative
stress. This oxidative stress can occur as a result of tissue damage from disease
or injury, chronic drug use, NSAID's, and antibiotics. Reducing this oxidative
stress will lower the levels of toxins, and thus reduce the detoxification load
of the liver. The use of anti-oxidants is very important; Oxy Pro and Pro Anthro
Forte are very useful in providing anti-oxidant support. The combination of
these products will enhance liver detoxification through the up-regulation of
cytochrome P-450 and improving conjugation. Research shows, that quercitin found
in Pro Anthro Forte, acts to stabilize intestinal mast cell membranes, thus
inhibiting the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Following these steps will improve the health of your chronically ill patients.
This comprehensive approach will address the objectives of reducing exposure
to toxins, normalizing gastrointestinal function, and support hepatic detoxification.
Posted
by Dr. Steven Felder
