Discussion

The gastro-intestinal  (GI) tract, from the stomach right down to the colon, is lined with cells forming the mucous membranes. The cells lining the GI tract are the most dynamic in the body, being replaced totally every six days in a properly functioning system.

They need to be dynamic, because they are exposed to more chemical assaults than any other cells in the body. This includes powerful acids (mostly hydrochloric acid) released into the stomach, strongly alkaline conditions in the duodenum, and numerous toxins released by various parasites, bacteria, yeasts and fungi.

The mucous membranes are our first line of defence against all potential enemies, and if they become thinner, then chemicals, toxins and even whole microbes can penetrate into the bloodstream, and to all parts of the body. This condition is known as “leaky gut” syndrome, and it can have serious consequences for health.

Causes

There are a number of bodily malfunctions which can cause this syndrome:

Nutritional deficiencies

Obviously, if the body is short of the building blocks for the mucosal membranes, then it cannot rebuild the cells fast enough to replace those that are damaged, and holes form in the mucus itself, and in the membranes that it normally protects. There are two groups of nutrients involved; the micronutrients, which aid rebuilding by helping to form the necessary enzymes, and the macronutrients, which supply the materials.

The main micronutrients involved are vitamins A and C, and the mineral zinc. The macronutrients, or building materials, are proteins, mucopolysaccharides and sulphur.

Proteins are formed from amino acids. One amino acid, L-glutamine, is particularly important. Not only is it a major component of the mucosal proteins, but it is also a major fuel or energy provider for the re-building of these cells.

Poor Digestion

Probably the main cause of nutritional deficiencies is poor diet, but poor digestion, for many people, is an even more important cause. Shortage of acid in the stomach causes insufficient breakdown of proteins in food. Because protein components remain too large, enzymes in the duodenum are unable to break them down completely, and they therefore cannot be properly absorbed across the intestinal walls. This leads to protein deficiency.

Some of the minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are alkaline in nature, and a shortage of digestive acid will lead to poor absorption.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances are different from allergies. Allergic reactions are caused by the release of immunoglobulins by the immune system. This causes inflammation, and at times severe reactions. Food intolerances are merely a chemical unsuitability of particular foods to the individual. They can give rise to chronic inflammation and erosion of tissues. Foods commonly causing intolerance are milk, citrus fruits, tomatoes, wheat and eggs.

Allergies

These reactions can be acute, but can also be chronic. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in any part of the intestines. Where this occurs, replacement of cells in the mucous membranes is impaired, causing excessive permeability.

Chronic lowgrade chemical assaults

Certain chemicals, contained in foods that are consumed frequently, have slight effects on mucous membranes, but constant repetition has a cumulative effect. Alcohol, caffeine, sugars and the ever-increasing number of artificial additives can be involved. Also, residues of the many pesticides sprayed onto crops can do damage.

Severe chemical assaults

A number of pain-killing and anti-inflammatory drugs can severely erode mucous membranes, particularly in the stomach and duodenum. These include aspirin and various non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen. It is probable that these drugs, plus antibiotics and steroids, cause more problems than all the other causes put together.

Candidiasis

This is a modern scourge. Further information is available here about this.

Immune system malfunction

A number of problems in the body are known to be caused by the “auto-immune response”, an immune system malfunction in which it attacks the body’s own components. This is frequently caused by poor digestion, where partly digested proteins pass through the intestinal walls. Being only partially digested, the immune cells recognise them as the enemy. As these proteins are similar to our own, immune cells, after a while, attack our own tissues. Inflammation and erosion result.

Treatment

Digestion

The health of the whole GI tract begins in the stomach. Poor digestion is often caused by shortage of digestive acid, so taking betaine hydrochloride with each meal can help. Digestive enzymes may also be advisable.

Nutritional Supplements

¨    Vitamin A and zinc; important for skin, inside and out.

¨    B vitamins; help skin condition and digestion.

¨    Vitamin C; important for building all tissues.

¨    L-Glutamine; this amino acid is the most important fuel for the regeneration of mucous membranes. It is also a major component of the tissues. In Eastern countries, it is prescribed for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

¨    Glucosamine sulphate and MSM; both of these molecules are important building blocks for all tissues.

Diet

This is possibly the most important part of the treatment. Certain foods are known to cause intolerance, and should be avoided. These are milk, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Wheat and other gluten grains cause allergic reactions in some & may need to be avoided.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and all additives. Because of the latter, consumption of exclusively organic food is advisable.

Drugs

We make no further comment.

Herbal Aids

Many herbs can help damp down allergic reactions, and also help healing; cats claw and scutellariae are probably the most useful.

The herb ashwaganda and extracts of an Eastern mushroom, reishi, both damp down an over-active immune system when there is an auto-immune component to the problem.

Probiotics

The intestines are normally inhabited by vast numbers of beneficial bacteria, which produce some vitamins, kill pathogens, and generally keep the intestines in good health. These are available as supplements.

To buy any of these products (except the drugs!), click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk