Leaky Gut Syndrome: An Introduction

By K. D. Haws

"Leaky Gut Syndrome" is a condition where the cells of the lining of the small intestine are overly permissive in what they allow to pass from the gut to the blood stream. The most common result is that incompletely prepared amino acids enter the blood stream (along with normal good nutrients). These incompletely prepared amino acids cause varying degrees of harmful results, ranging from mild to severe.

Cause

Leaky Gut is caused by two events. First the villi of the small intestine get plugged up with gluey mucous, or get damaged by substances, such as gluten, in sensitive individuals, so that they are no longer effective at passing nutrients into the blood. Second, because the body recognizes the low level of micronutrients that it is receiving, it produces a hormone called zonulin calling for relaxed standards for passing nutrients from the small intestine to the blood. (Ref: http://dogtorj.com/what-is-food-intolerance/what-is-the-leaky-gut/)

Effects

These relaxed standards allow the coated or damaged villi to supply nutrients once again to the body. However, this comes with a price which is that many harmful substances also enter the blood stream from the gut. These most commonly fall into the category of partially prepared amino acids or “toxic lectins”. These are large proteins, too large to be used properly. They scar the walls of blood vessels and are responsible for elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. These toxic lectins settle in the joints and cause arthritis. They excite the autoimmune system and contribute to a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis. They also excite the brain and can cause epilepsy. One of the more common effects is to excite the appetite control system of the brain and result in food cravings and obesity. Numerous other ill effects in the neurological system of the body can result, such as ADHD, schizophrenia, etc.

Cure

The Cure for Leaky Gut lies in first removing the glue makers and intestine damaging substances from the food and drink intake. Secondly it is also necessary to remove for a time those food items that have become secondary allergens because of the presence of leaky gut, until the leaky gut is healed.

As John Symes (dogtorj.com) says there are several foods almost always indicated in making glue and/or damaging the gut, and these are: gluten (wheat, rye, barley), casein from cows milk (dairy products), soy products, and to a lesser extent modern corn. Added to these “natural” substances, there are many manmade chemicals that either make glue in the gut, or damage it outright. These include MSG, aspartame and sugar, high fructose corn syrup, anti caking agents, preservatives and many other chemicals and refined foods. It is best to avoid everything but natural whole foods known to be safe (not wheat, rye, barley, corn, soy and dairy).

“Secondary allergens” that most often take advantage of the existence of leaky gut syndrome to enter the blood stream unprepared and therefore also cause problems, until the leaky gut is healed, include eggs, peanuts, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and beans.

The good news is that many symptoms have abated after just one week on a pristine healing diet, per Symes: http://dogtorj.com/what-is-food-intolerance/gluten-intolerance/

For more information please Google “John Symes Leaky Gut GARD”, and also see “All Purpose Power Healing Diet” by K. D. Haws for information on healing diets for leaky gut and other conditions.