~Michelle Tonkin ND
“Your gut is not Las Vegas. What happens in the gut does not stay in the gut.”
– Dr. Alessio Fasano
Our gut takes care of us, unfortunately our modern fast paced society isn’t always kind to gut health. With stress, unhealthy diets, tons of sugar, and lack of exercise, it’s no wonder that our poor stomachs often take a hit.
Did you know that between 70-80% of the body’s immune cells lie in the gut?
As “there is an intricate interplay between the intestinal microbiota, the intestinal epithelial layer, and the local mucosal immune system”
In a national survey done with 71,000 participants 61% of those in the study had suffered with some type of Gi distress such as: “heartburn/reflux (30.9%), abdominal pain (24.8%), bloating (20.6%), diarrhea (20.2%), and constipation (19.7%)”
At the conclusion of the study the researchers discovered that two thirds of those surveyed suffered from some type of Gi issues.
Most common bowel disorders
The NIDDK found that between 60-70 million Americans deal with some type of chronic digestive issue.
Some of these are:
*GERD (acid reflux that occurs on a more regular basis - at least 2x/week)
*Celiac Disease and or Gluten Intolerance
*Crohn's Disease (Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract but most commonly affects the terminal ileum and large intestine, which connects the end of the small bowel to the beginning of the large intestine, or colon. More than half a million Americans are living with Crohn’s disease, according to the NIDDK.) “ (https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/common-digestive-conditions-from-top-bottom/)
*Ulcerative colitis (affects colon mainly/ autoimmune responses from body)
*IBS (alternating constipation, diarrhea, gut gets aggravated. Symptoms at least 3x/month, several months)
Chronic Bowel Disorders
Many autoimmune diseases start with an unhealthy intestinal terrain, which in
turn can cause “Leaky Gut Syndrome”.
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is the result of an imbalance of beneficial gut flora (more bad bacteria than good, i.e. dysbiosis), which can result in reduced immunity and is present in most cases of Lyme. By definition, Leaky Gut Syndrome is “an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to luminal macromolecules, antigens and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative and/or atrophic mucosal damage.”
Even if not the direct cause, it is possible that secondary infections of Candidiasis would add insult to an already present viral activity. Its presence will perpetuate exhausting and debilitating conditions for the immune system in this disease process.
When the immune system is weakened for a period of time, then opportunistic Candidiasis can develop. If this overgrowth is permitted to continue, it will produce very long roots called rhizoids. These vine-like roots can actually puncture the mucosal lining of the intestine. When this lining becomes damaged, the resulting condition is called “Leaky Gut Syndrome” (meaning that the mucosal lining has developed small holes).
Picture from cksinfo.com
These microscopic holes allow food particles, bacteria, viruses, parasites, funguses, and yeasts like Candida to flow freely into the bloodstream. The body sees these particles in the bloodstream as foreigner invaders and goes on the offensive, producing antibodies to attack the intruders. This can result in the development of food allergies, environmental/chemical sensitivities, and ultimately autoimmune disease processes.
Although not “officially” recognized in the medical community, Leaky Gut is becoming an epidemic in our world. Most medical professionals would agree that if the gut is not healthy, the body is not healthy. Many of them have come to the understanding that chronic disease begins with the gut.
The Seven Stages of the 'inflamed’ Leaky Gut
1. It cannot absorb nutrients properly, usually resulting in fatigue and bloating.
2. Large food particles pass through the lining, causing an autoimmune response, resulting in food or environmental/chemical allergies or sensitivities.
3. The carrier proteins are damaged causing nutrient deficiencies, which can also be the cause of many symptoms (e.g. a magnesium deficiency may induce muscle spasm or a copper deficiency, high cholesterol).
4. Chemical sensitivities can develop. This leakage of toxins can overburden the liver, making the body less able to handle the elimination of chemical/toxins.
5. The protective coating of IgA (immunoglobulins A) is adversely affected, and the body is not able to ward off protozoa, bacteria, viruses and yeast’s, such as Candida.
6. Bacteria and yeasts are able to trans-locate, meaning that they can pass from the gut lumen or cavity into the bloodstream, enabling this parasite to set up infection anywhere in the body.
7. The formation of antibodies can leak across and look similar to antigens on our
own tissues. When an antibody is produced to attack it, it also attacks our tissue.
The result is autoimmune disease.
How does the gut affect the brain?
The gut is also responsible for assisting the brain in producing what are known as neurotransmitters. These chemical reactors help produce one’s emotions. Serotonin for example is a happy neurotransmitter which also help to regulate our internal clock. Many of the body’s neurotransmitters like serotonin are actually made in our digestive system- made possible by microbiome and gut cells. GABA which is also manufactured in the gut is responsible for helping the body deal with fear and anxiety.
An imbalance or lack of good bacteria therefore could contribute to stress, anxiety or depression.
Research has also shown that there is a connect between the central nervous system and the gut known as “the microbiome–gut–brain axis (MGBA)”
Steps for a healthy gut
Did you know that the gut lining is replaced by the body every 2-3 weeks?
For most people this can mean that between 2-12 weeks the gut can be healed. However, according to functional medicine practitioner William Cole, this time can take potentially longer for those with more chronic conditions such as those dealing with
autoimmune conditions like Lyme Disease, Chronic inflammation or viral issues, blood sugar imbalances, adrenal problems, SIBO, candida or “histamine intolerance”
For these this process will not be overnight, but more of an expedition, however I believe that along the way to the destination of health, their health can also be improved.
Some recommendations for Gut Health
• Antifungals (essential to get candida overgrowth under control, so
that the vicious cycle that causes L.G.S can be halted. Examples are: Cumanda, Oil of Oregano, Olive Leaf Extract, Pau D’ Arco, MonoLaurin (from coconut)
• Bowel Cleansers
There are trillions of cells in the human body, 80% of which are actually bacteria living
in the gastrointestinal tract. If food is inadequately digested, putrefaction can occur, which in turn can cause intestinal toxemia or dysbiosis. With this rotting of food, chemicals are formed that are toxic to the body. The more putrefaction that occurs, the more constipated and toxic the individual becomes. Undigested food can become the breeding ground for parasites, fungus, and bacteria of all kinds.
Periodic cleansing of the bowel and affiliated organs is essential to health. There are
many bowel cleansers on the market today, from herbal to ozone. Most are safe and effective, and non-habit forming. The best product that we have found that works effectively as a bowel and internal cleanser is a magnesium oxide product called Isa Flush. Whole Leaf Aloe Vera capsules can also be a safe alternative to use as needed. However, it is suggested to start slowly with like a 1/2 capsule as it can be pretty powerful. It is important to note that
stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas are not considered cleanses.
Change Diet to more Whole Foods Based and avoid known
allergens.
Common ones are wheat, corn, gluten, shellfish, dairy. (very little lactose in whey, most are fine) very little refined sugar as it can feed yeast. Good herbs you can add are marshmallow root and Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root. These two are adaptogenic and are known for helping to decrease inflammation, stimulate the body in producing protective mucus, help to heal the gut lining, reduce discomfort in cases of constipation and diarrhea and also improve the function of acid.
Be aware of potential food allergies or triggers
Food allergies can also affect gut health and should be addressed to help the gut heal and aid in decreasing inflammation. Sone common food allergens include:
Nuts
Beans
Corn
Wheat
Fish
Eggs
• EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) Aid against inflammation, provide the
body with essential nutrients, good fats, helps with hormones (hormones are made from cholesterol- these provide good fats to build from and are recognizable by the body. Also helps to soothe the lining.
• Enzymes (naturally present since birth but decrease as we age. Used to be present in our foods but farming practices have stripped not only nutrients but enzymes- even organic. Use supplement form to help the body in digestion taking burden off of gut.
• L-Glutamine (amino acid the body uses for repair of muscle- you
need more than you would normally get from food sources to heal gut
plus it needs to be in an easy to absorb form. A great way to get L-Glutamine is from Whey Protein. The Whey however needs to come from a good source and need to be whey concentrated so that is the whole part of the whey and not just isolated parts. Also L-Glutamine is present in Bovine Colostrum and Colostrum is great for immune
health as well as healing muscle and nerve tissue.
• Probiotics (re-establishing the good bacteria in the gut so it is once again at a healthy balance (80-20) A good probiotic is stable meaning it can survive the heat of the gut and has at least the 2 most common found in the body – Bifidus and Acidophilus. Another good bacteria to be on the lookout for is Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG as studies have
shown it to be very good in leaky gut issues. Some other good ones are Lactobacillus Casei and Saccharomyces Boulardi. Many to choose from on the market, also good to get it in foods like fermented foods. (Keifer, Natto, sauerkraut etc)
Lastly if you are an individual who struggle with chronic bowel and/or gut issues you may want to have your gut bacteria levels checked to see where imbalances are. Gut ID is a great way to get those levels checked with recommendations on how to achieve a healthy gut biome.
Having a Healthy gut is essential to maintaining a healthy and vibrant life. Try some of these tips today to improve not only your digestion, but also your life!
References
Tonkin M (2012) Lyme and Co: infections, The Road to Recovery Lu Lu Press Raleigh, NC
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