Leaky Gut Syndrome

The lining of our digestive tract is probably the most important protection that we have from disease and parasites. Leaky Gut Syndrome is a defect in the intestinal wall which causes it to be more porous than normal. This "leakyness" allows passage of toxic material such as undigested proteins and fats, parasites, fungi and bacteria into the bloodstream. When the lining of the digestive tract is healthy, it prevents bacteria, large protein molecules, and toxins from entering the blood. If it is not healthy, the blood becomes contaminated and in turn the internal organs, especially the liver, become damaged. This happens to all species who are subjected to today’s processed and preserved diets.

If you or your animals have unresolved health problems, this syndrome could be one of the missing pieces of the puzzle. Some doctors and veterinarians now view Leaky Gut Syndrome as one of the leading causes of health problems from parasites to auto-immune diseases. These are conditions where the immune system makes antibodies against the body's own tissue. Diseases in this category include Lupus, Alopecia Areata, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Vitiligo, Thyroiditis, Vasculitis, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Hives, and Raynaud's Disease.

What Causes a "Leaky Gut"?

A healthy digestive tract has has a protective mucous layer barrier in addition to a thriving community of beneficial gut flora. This protection prevents toxins and parasites from having direct contact with the "skin" or epithelial surface. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interfere with secretion of mucous, and antibiotics decrease healthy gut flora (bacteria), thereby reducing this protection.

Many vets now routinely prescribe antacids and acid-blocking drugs to treat ulcers, these upset the acid/alkaline balance in the intestinal tract, creating a hostile environment for healthy bacteria and an attractive environment for pathogenic bacteria. This improper pH creates a very unhealthy gastrointestinal system that then impairs proper digestion and absorption of nutrients and irritates the intestinal lining.

Other causes of leaky gut syndrome include chronic intestinal infections, drugs such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, malnutrition, and vaccinations. Another leading cause is a diet high in refined carbohydrates. These readily available sugars feed and support unhealthy pathogenic flora. The increased acid levels from a diet high in refined carbohydrates also harm the mucosal layer that is supposed to protect the gut.

In my opinion, one of the leading factors may be the build up of indigestible fats and residues from highly processed foods and preservatives such as ethoxyquin, used to extend the shelf life of most commercial animal foods.

How does Leaky Gut Syndrome progress?

The lining of the digestive tract responds to toxins by binding these noxious substances and releasing chemicals to destroy them. These bound up toxins are then washed out in the feces. When the lining of the gut is damaged, small tears appear in weakened areas which allow large protein molecules to pass directly into the bloodstream. These large molecules may be parasites, toxins or, often, undigested food particles.

When these particles (antigens) pass through the intestinal wall, the immune system reacts by forming antibodies to combat them. This is the foundation for many food allergies and auto-immune conditions. Much of what we think of as “allergies” is actually the outward symptoms of these antigen/antibody complexes and may display as hives, skin eruptions, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (heaves).

Many animals with leaky gut syndrome display chronic diarrhea, lose weight and display substantial body stiffness and soreness. Leaky gut syndrome has a devastating effect on the liver when it is called upon to clean all this contaminated blood coming from the intestine. When the liver is overwhelmed all of it’s important functions (such as Digestion, energy production, detoxification, cell repair, immune T-cell production) are negatively affected. Some of the symptoms resulting from this overload of the liver include muscles soreness, poor quality hooves, weak, easily injured tendons and ligaments, eye disorders and irritability.

These symptoms precede any elevation in liver enzymes which would show up on routine bloodwork. As the liver continues to fail the body becomes more toxic. As these toxins reach the blood more free radicals build up which contribute to more chronic diseases.

A Nutritional Approach

In order to reverse Leaky Gut Syndrome the body needs the opportunity to heal and repair. Our first priority is to support the organs of elimination; the liver and kidneys. If these are clogged and overwhelmed, toxins continue to back up into the body. Implementing a biologically appropriate diet, free of processed grains and sugars, along with a detoxification program is key. It is equally important to restore the healthy gut flora so we add Dynamite’s DynaPro probiotic to each meal.

For detoxification I prefer the gentle and effective approach of herbs along with substantial amounts of chlorophyll. No matter what the species - from horse to human - we begin with Amazon Herbs Treasure Tea and raw apple cider vinegar to flush the kidneys and begin to alkalize the body. I use the Amazon Horse formula or regular Fiberzon to support and cleanse the liver. Both of these products contain substantial amounts of Sangre de Drago. This herb not only provides large amounts of bioflavonoid antioxidants, it helps seal and repair the tears in the intestinal tract.

To ensure that we are feeding a complete diet we add in both Aquazon (a super food of blue green algae) and Illumination from Amazon Herbs. These two products provide a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals and amino acids along with a high level of essential fatty acids. Aquazon is extremely high in chlorophyll which supports blood oxygen levels. Most pathenogens can not tolerate a high blood oxygen level. Blue green algae also provides a high level of B vitamins which are a primary food for the health gut flora necessary for digestive health. Blue green algae has also been shown to bind up aflatoxins and remove them from the liver. The 34 herbs in Illumination support many body processes: digestion, metabolism, reducing stress, immune function and detoxification.

If the animal (or person) is also affected by high levels of pain and inflammation, we also add Amazon Herbs’ Recovazon to the diet. Recovazon assist the body to lower inflammation and supports cellular repair.

Natural Cellular Defense (NCD), a liquid zeolite product from Waiora, can also assist by removing damaging heavy metals from the blood stream, alkalizing the blood and reducing fungal and yeast levels. Dynamite’s Miracle Clay (food grade bentonite) also helps to remove toxins from the liver and alkalize the digestive tract.

Supportive Modalities

In addition to diet and detoxification processes, alternative modalities can speed the bodies’ recovery. We use BioScan light therapy to balance the energetic meridians and stimulate detoxification. Light therapy, acupressure, massage and Reiki all help lower pain levels and support the immune system. We also use IV, rectal or dietary ozone to increase oxygen levels and fight infection without antibiotics.

As pain levels subside, it is important to add slowly increasing levels of exercise. This helps the body to rebuild muscle and stimulate circulation. Exercise also improves the mental and emotional balance.

Conclusion

The best prevention against Leaky Gut, autoimmune diseases, allergies and many metabolic failures is proper diet and detoxification. By implementing healthy biologically appropriate diets and regular cleansing protocols, you and your animals can avoid many health challenges. By the time Leaky Gut has been diagnosed, the body may be severely compromised. If you find you or your animals in this situation make changes immediately and you CAN turn these problems around!

Yours in Nutritional Health -

Kay Aubrey-Chimene, RMT
Bio-Nutritional Therapist
Grand Adventures Ranch





This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any person or animal. The opinions given are my own and not intended to replace the advise of your veterinarian. I am