Leaky Gut - Detoxification:

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Leaky Gut - Detoxification:

 

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The Detox - Leaky Gut Connection

Newsweek focused on an article recently, called " Gut Reactions " , in which

they reported that tiny leaks in the lining of small intestine may play a role

in diseases as diverse as asthma and arthritis (Newsweek, November 17, 1997.

P. 95-99). What is happening is a new awareness of one of the oldest immune

weapons we have - our own gut lining! The lining of our intestine is meant not

only to absorb food, but to act as a barrier to keep out invading pathogens.

Newsweek calls it, " Intestinal Fortitude " , where the mucosal layer of a

healthy gut filters out microorganisms and undigested proteins. When this

lining

gets battered, by things like aspirin, bacteria, or even the pesticides

sprayed on our food, the lining loses its integrity. This is when the door is

open

to let in the bacteria, the viruses, the parasites - (even undigested food

molecules!) which can activate the immune system (and also the autoimmune

system). We refer to this loss of integrity as " the leaky gut syndrome " .

In the Mar-Apr 1996 issue of the Nutri-Notes, we reported on the leaky gut

syndrome and its connection to disease. Various toxins can make their way

through the barrier of the intestinal lining when it is permeable. Those toxins

travel to the liver where they are detoxified. The liver has phases of

detoxification to deal with eliminating foreign substances (phase I and II), but

when the detoxification processes of the liver are impeded, it results in

manifestation of disease, depending on where the toxins exert their effect. If

the

liver is overloaded and can’t remove the toxins, they can recirculate or

deposit in the body. Either way, they will upset the apple cart of balance. The

toxins can recirculate to the intestinal area where they increase the

permeability of the intestinal lining even more. The relation to toxic overload

on

the liver and leaky gut is cyclical: A leaky gut will allow more toxins to

enter the system, and, conversely, toxic overload of the liver increases leaky

gut.

We are exposed to an amazing load of toxins in our everyday encounters, from

environmental poisons to metabolic wastes that are not efficiently

eliminated. As we are exposed to more and more toxic insults, we are losing the

ability to ward off disease-causing agents. The body has no recourse but to

malfunction and lose cell-to-cell communication. Zane Gard remarked that,

" Although

the human mechanism is known to be an accommodating species, ecological

alterations are now occurring at a faster rate than our bodies are able to

adapt.

There is perhaps no single contributing factor, which has accelerated these

environmental transformations more than that of our current widespread uses of

harmful chemical substances " (Gard, Zane R et al., Explore for the

Professional. 1995;6(4):39-45). This issue of the newsletter deals with

positive

solutions for a) protecting the immune barrier of the gut, and b) providing

optimal detoxification aid for waste removal.

" The immunological mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis probably begin when

antigens cross an excessively permeable intestinal mucosa " Carli P et al.

Presse Med 1995;24:606-610.

Disruption of the Barrier

The gastrointestinal lining is supposed to absorb our nutrients, and at the

same time act as a barrier to toxins. Aside from the physical barrier to

invading pathogens, the GI lining makes up a major part of our immune system by

furnishing secretory IgA and white blood cells to attack foreign invaders.

Some of the things which can disrupt that barrier, however, include:

* bacteria, virus, protozoa

* NSAIDS, alcohol

* free radicals

* endotoxins, environmental toxins, cytotoxic drugs

* inflammation (ie lectin binding)

 

The inflammation that is caused by food allergies can increase the

permeability of the intestinal lining even further. The process of food

allergens

being absorbed from gastrointestinal tract and initiating an immunological

reaction is described in Gastroenterology by Walker & Isselbacher

(Gastroenterology

1974;67:531-50). Even in people who do not have excessive permeability, we

know that the low grade absorption of undegraded protein into the blood occurs

regularly in healthy adults, varying from 2% upward depending on the degree

of " leakiness " of their gut (Husby S. et al. Scand J Immunol 1985;22:83-92).

When we stop to consider the damage that can be done by a leaky gut, it’s

not surprising that many diseases are associated with leaky gut. These diseases

include: Celiac disease, food allergy, asthma, eczema, dermatitis

herpetiformis, psoriasis, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory

bowel

disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, pancreatic insufficiency, environmental

illness, multiple chemical sensitivity, and various others. Even when the leaky

gut

does not directly cause the disease, the resulting leakiness exacerbates the

disease. Symptoms of leaky gut can include: fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia,

fever, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, skin rashes, toxic feelings, memory

deficit, and shortness of breath, among others.

The leaky gut is also highly implicated in autoimmune diseases. Some people

have more of a genetic tendency than others to activate normal resting T

cells, which then attack cells. These cells are supposed to be foreign

invaders,

but sometimes T cells are activated against the body’s own tissues, as in

autoimmune disease. J. Hoofar implicated the leaky gut and undigested proteins

in this T cell attack when he said, " It is thought that some dietary proteins

escape the enzymatic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract and could

possibly launch a polyclonal activation of the resting T lymphocytes in

susceptible

individuals " (Hoorfar J et al., Diabetes Research. 1992;20:33-41, p. 38).

A prominent researcher in the field of diabetes, F.W. Scott linked the leaky

gut to type I diabetes and proposed it as a possible trigger in development

of the disease. He said that post-weaning time is a crucial time, because

these proteins pass the gastrointestinal barrier and initiate the process of

destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas (Scott FW et al. Diabetes Res,

1988;7:153-157). It is important to keep in mind that this is not the only

trigger for diseases such as diabetes, however it looks as though it may be an

important one. One of the proteins leaking through the gut barrier to initiate

diabetes is suspected to be the beta casein protein in cow’s milk. Antibodies

to the milk protein are thought to cross react with beta cell proteins in the

body and destroy them (Cavallo et al. The Lancet 1996;348:926-928).

Healing the Leaky Gut

Several nutrients help to maintain and fortify the integrity of the

intestinal lining, including:

Glutamine is the main fuel that the intestinal cells need for maintenance

and repair. Glutamine reinforces the immune system, and there is considerable

evidence that glutamine can enhance the barrier function of the gut against

viral, bacterial, and food antigen invaders (Hall JC et al. Br J Surg 1996

Mar;83(3):305-312). Glutamine has been proven to reduce cell injury and

infection. Lactobacillus bifidus is a name for friendly bacteria which

offset

populations of bad bacteria, boosting the immune system. Friendly bacteria

especially counteract candida, which can spread long mycelial arms right

through

the intestinal lining and perforate it, permitting wide-open entry to

microorganisms and toxins. Jerusalem artichoke is a dietary source of FOS

(fructooligosaccharides), which attract beneficial bacteria to inhabit the gut.

NAG (N-acetyl glucosamine), aside from being able to heal the extracellular

tissue surrounding intestinal cells, has the unique ability to decrease the

binding of some lectins to the intestinal lining, which can cause

inflammation. NAG is one of the few nutrients with the power to bind to the

powerful

wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin, which can activate T cells and influence

autoimmunity in susceptible people.

Vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, zinc and ginkgo biloba are all antioxidants

which protect the lining from free radical damage. Additionally, vitamin C and

lipoic acid bind heavy metals which can cause disease when deposited in the

tissues instead of being detoxified in the liver. Vitamin E maintains the

integrity of all lipid cell membranes. Ginkgo biloba also increases circulation

in the smaller vessels and capillaries, which increases nutrient delivery and

tissue healing. The New England Journal of Medicine notes that zinc is

involved in clearance of infection, increased levels of brush-border enzymes,

regeneration of epithelial tissue, and improved absorption of water and

electrolytes (NEJMedicine. Sept. 28, 1995. 333(13):839-844).

Cat’s claw is a novel herb that has been researched lately for its,

" remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help those

suffering

from different stomach and bowel disorders " , including Crohn’s disease,

gastritis, ulcers, parasites, candidiasis, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, leaky

gut,

and intestinal flora imbalance (Dr. Brent Davis, DC Wellness Advocate Feb

1995;5(1):1-4).

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) increases the integrity of the mucosal

cells - it increases the life span of the intestinal cells, improves the

quality

of protective substances, and improves blood supply of nutrients (Glick L.

Lancet ii:817, 1982). Additionally, it has a high healing rate and

significantly low relapse rate for ulcers (Kassir ZA Irish Med J 78:153-56,

1985; Irish

Med J 1985;78:153-156).

Slippery elm is a soothing, protective demulcent reknowned for its

beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal lining. Slippery elm calms the

inflamed

mucous membranes of the stomach (Balch JF Presc for Nutr Healing 1990, Garden

City, NY). In addition to a soothing texture that coats the stomach lining,

slippery elm contains the fiber-rich ingredient mucilage which stimulates mucus

secretion (especially protective against ulcers).

Recommended Product for Leaky Gut Sufferers

Lynn Toohey, PhD, recommends Total Leaky Gut as it provides a comprehensive

array of nutrients to support the integrity of the intestinal lining, one of

the most crucial assets to health we have. Click _here_

(http://www.nutriwest.com/cat/2703.htm) for more information on Total Leaky

Gut, and click _here_

(http://www.nutriwest.com/) for more information on Nutri-West, Inc., the

manufacturer.

Part II: Detoxing

Healing the intestinal lining fortifies our first line of immune defense. We

must also address the accumulation of toxins already in the body, and those

which we constantly add. Environmental toxins are rising at an alarming rate.

James Braly says that, " Seriously allergic and sensitive people are

essentially no different from everyone else - it’s a difference in degree,

not kind.

Their suffering is a clear warning to the rest of us about the incredible

invisible dangers of our surroundings " (James Braly, MD. Dr. Braly’s Food

Allergy and Nutrition Revolution. Keats Publ. New Canaan, Conn. 1992).

Fasting to detox can release the toxins from the fatty tissue too quickly,

especially in those who are overloaded. Reducing caloric intake can facilitate

the process and rest the liver without trauma. Fasting also robs the body of

the necessary nutrients needed to conjugate toxins, and stresses the already

abused adrenal glands and pancreas by forcing low blood sugar regulation. A

good protein powder to mix with fruit juice or tomato juice is an excellent

way to slowly reduce caloric intake enough to rest the system while

detoxifying.

 

 

For best results, add a good detox supplementation product to the regimen to

assure efficient removal of toxins without intense and dramatic overload. If

detox pathways are not running efficiently, released toxins are left to

recirculate and redeposit in body tissues, causing pain, inflammation and

disease.

Systemic Toxin Removal

There are seven detox pathways in the body - liver, bowel, blood, lungs,

lymph, skin and kidney. All of these pathways should be addressed, and the

proper nutrients should be provided to ensure a slow, efficient, healthy

removal

of stored toxins, both environmental and internal.

The Liver: The liver bears the brunt of detoxifying poisons. One of the

reasons the cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, have a reputation for being

anticarcinogenic is because they have beneficial effects on the liver’s detox

paths.

Glutathione is one of the most important detoxifying agents in the liver

because it conjugates toxins, making them water soluble and drawing them out of

the body. Other important conjugating agents include taurine, glycine, and

methionine. As part of the detoxification process, free radicals are generated.

It is imperative to have adequate antioxidant protection. Antioxidants

include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, quercetin, selenium, coenzyme Q

10,

taurine and curcumin. Zinc, selenium and glutathione are necessary for

antioxidant enzymes in the body. When glutathione is taken in the reduced,

active

form, it saves the body the energy it takes to reduce it to its active form.

 

Other liver detox nutrients: N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has specific

antioxidant action in the liver, and is known to protect cells. Red beets are

very

cleansing and have a specific action on the liver. Chlorophyll helps liver

detox,

and reduces carcinogen binding to DNA (J Nat Canc Inst Jan 4 1995;871):11).

Dandelion has been traditionally used to treat liver congestion and

inflammation of liver and gall bladder (Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal),

and

yellow dock also helps in liver detoxification.

The Bowels: Our colon is sometimes called, " the final elimination pathway " .

Since it is an elimination pathway for toxins, it is important that this

pathway is not obstructed. Inefficient colon elimination results in toxin

storage

instead of removal. There are many nutrients which can facilitate the

optimal functioning of the bowels. Many plant substances are high in fiber,

such as

beet root, asparagus, and broccoli. Additionally, there are many

phytochemicals in these plants that favorably influence detox pathways. Beets

also

provide a good substrate source for the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA’s)

which

maintain the health of the colon (Titgemeyer, E C et al. American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition, 1991;53:1418-24). These SCFA’s can be effective against

inflammatory conditions and those conditions associated with abnormal cell

proliferation (Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:75-81). Yellow dock stimulates bile and

can

relieve constipation without pain (Tierra L. The Herbs of Life. The Crossing

Press, Freedon, Ca. 1992 pp. 82-83). Dandelion can also relieve constipation.

Blood: Chlorophyll is the main component of the plant’s blood, just as

hemoglobin is the main component in human blood. Chlorophyll has long been used

for its blood-cleansing and medicinal properties (J Nat Prod 1992;55:1241-44).

Chlorophyll has been known to correct bacteria-scavenging activity in the

blood (Vestn-Dermatol-Venerol 1990;(8):67-9). Dandelion purifies the blood,

mainly by straining and filtering toxins and wastes from the bloodstream (Mowry

DB. Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Keats Publ. New Canaan, Conn.

1986). Yellow dock is so well-known for its blood-cleansing properties, it is

used synonymously with the term, " blood purifier " (Tyler V. The Honest Herbal.

PPP, Ny, NY 1993).

Lungs/lymph: Mullein is important in the detox pathway of the lungs and the

lymph; it tones mucus membranes, reduces inflammation, and facilitates

expectoration (Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal. Element Publ. Rockport,

Mass.

1990). One of the flavonoids contained in mullein is hesperidin, which

inhibits histamine release from mast cells (histamine can cause sneezing,

itching,

watery eyes, etc.) and has proven to have effective anti-allergic action

(Yakugaku-Zasshi, 111:193-98). Additionally, mullein possesses antibacterial

properties to prevent toxic invasion (Mowry DB. Scientific Validation of Herbal

Medicine. Keats Publ. New Canaan, Conn. 1986).

Skin: Yellow dock is helpful in skin conditions, especially those caused by

blood-borne toxins; it has a natural iron content which builds the blood

(Mowry DB. Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Keats Publ. New Canaan,

Conn. 1986). Robyn Landis advises that skin conditions that are the result of

accumulated wastes can temporarily appear worse, because backed-up wastes are

released into the blood; the more aggressive the liver detox, the more of a

load that is unleashed (Landis, R. Herbal Defense. Warner books, NY, NY 1997).

(This is why a gentle, non-fasting, nutrient-supported detox regimen is

recommended!) Kidney: Dandelion works on four of the major detox pathways:

kidney, blood, liver, and colon (Mowry DB. Scientific Validation of Herbal

Medicine. Keats Publ. New Canaan, Conn. 1986). It has the power to stimulate

kidney

function and the urea detox pathway, while preserving potassium status. " This

herb is a most valuable general tonic and perhaps the best widely applicable

diuretic and liver tonic " (Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal, Element Publ.

Rockport, Mass. 1990 p. 196).

 

Recommended Product for Leaky Gut Detoxification

Lynn Toohey, PhD, recommends Total Systemic Detox, a new and

technologically-advanced product that utilizes the latest research in the

development of a

scientific formula designed to optimize support of all the detoxification

pathways. Click _here_ (http://www.nutriwest.com/cat/2705.htm) for more

information on Total Systemic Detox, and click _here_

(http://www.nutriwest.com/) for

more information on Nutri-West, Inc., the manufacturer.

Leaky Gut - Detoxification Tips

Some of the toxins which enter through a leaky gut are actually undigested

food macromolecules which the immune system doesn’t recognize. To reduce the

antigenicity of food, hydrochloric acid (HCL) can be utilized to break down

protein. HCL also prevents bacterial invasion. Additionally, pancreatic enzymes

can help break down food particles so that they are not recognized as

foreign objects by the immune system.

When detoxing, reducing caloric intake can rest the system without the

nutrient depletion of fasting. A good protein powder mixed with juice or rice

milk

can help in detox by providing cell-building amino acids while providing

reduced caloric nourishment.

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