4. Likewise, when the detox pathways that line the gut are compromised, chemical sensitivity can arise. Furthermore, the leakage of toxins overburdens the liver so that the body is less able to handle everyday chemicals.
5. When the gut lining is inflamed the protective coating of IgA (immunoglobulin A) is adversely affected and the body is not able to ward off protozoa, bacteria, viruses and yeasts like candida.
6. When the intestinal lining is inflamed, bacteria and yeasts are able to translocate. This means they are able to pass from the gut lumen or cavity, into the bloodstream and set up infection anywhere else in the body.
7. The worst symptom is the formation of antibodies. Sometimes these leak across and look similar to antigens on our own tissues. Consequently, when an antibody is made to attack it, it also attacks our tissue. This is probably how autoimmune diseases start. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, thyroiditis and many others are members of this ever-growing category of “incurable” diseases.” (AIA Newsletter, 1997)
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Causes of LGS
What Causes the Breakdown of the Intestinal Walls?
We know now that the inner walls (lumen) of the intestinal tract can break down to such an extent that macro (large) molecules of one type or another pass through this natural barrier and travel, along with the smaller molecular nutrients, and deposit in the blood stream via the lymphatic channels located in the walls of the microvilli of the villi.
But, what is it that destroys these walls? Get the answer to that and you have half the solution on correcting the problem, if possible. That it is possible is not so remote. The inner lumen has remarkable regenerative powers. It is the most recuperative of any organ in the body by virtue of the fact that it has a very rich blood supply that allows it to renew itself every three to six days. This is a physiological fact. The question then is why doesn’t it repair itself routinely in cases of leaky gut? As long as the irritant(s) continue to be present, it cannot repair itself. The first counterattack to the problem, therefore, is to identify the culprit(s). Once it is determined, remove it or stop it in its tracks. Just that action alone may solve a major part of the healing process. Whether the breakdown is due to destructive organisms (like yeasts), too many antibiotics, a poor diet (you may be eating good food—but for you it may be the wrong food!) will determine the course of action to take in resolving the problem.
Fig. P4—Damaged Intestinal Microvilli [Reproduced through the courtesy of the Cenova Diagnostic Lab]
It has been my experience, after being in clinical practice for nearly half a century, that in many cases, it is what the patient stays away from that brings about a healing. I am convinced that this is the case when it comes to hyperpermeable intestinal damage—or the Leaky Gut.
What Causes the Gut to Leak?
We have listed many aspects of LGS, from what happens when the gut leaks, signs and symptoms, definitions, etc. That is all well and good—but one aspect of the condition remains which must be understood. What causes the pinholes to occur in the first place? The leaky gut may be the cause of the various diseases, but what causes the leaky gut?
There is a very helpful Web site, www.candidafree.net, maintained by Mark and Alyson Cobb. On their site, they inform us of a Dr. William Cowden, a physician who studied the underlying cause of many diseases, who determined that a major etiology of many diseases is an overgrowth of candida albicans, or simply candida.
Here’s how it works. A yeast build-up forms within the folds of the small intestine. Since these are very prolific, they will continue to grow within the villi and microvilli of the intestinal walls. It is true that yeast is normally found in the intestines, but when they are allowed to grow undisturbed, the yeast begins to morph and forms a fungus deep in the folds of the intestines. They make a “home” there so to speak, and settle in. The fungus then forms roots, like a plant, called rhizoids. These rhizoids eventually actually penetrate the intestinal walls, and in so doing, they form the holes which characterize the leaky gut—thus the yeast/fungal overgrowth of candida. The rhizoids continue their growth through the walls of the intestine in their quest for blood and the glucose it contains, which is needed to feed the yeast. This process is not unlike the roots of a tree that grow deep in the ground, much longer and more extended than the tree itself, in search of water. The result is the Leaky Gut Syndrome. Therefore, the most effective way to control, alleviate or even cure the disease is to destroy the yeast overgrowth or flush it out of the system.
The Cause of the Perforations—The Yeast-Fungi-Mold Connection
We have learned that the fungus formed by yeast overgrowth is one of the major causes of the breakdown of the intestinal wall as mentioned earlier. The fungus grows roots that eventually penetrate the intestinal walls, thereby forming the holes that allow the toxic elements of bacteria, viruses, undigested protein, acids, and numerous other waste products to gain passage through the natural barrier and enter the lymphatic system.
Fig. P5—Cross-section of Intestinal Villi from Gray’s Anatomy This demonstrates the many crevasses where yeast may collect and continue to grow undisturbed.
Gray’s Anatomy (26th ed. Philadelphia, Lea and Febiger, 1954.
30th Ed., Pub. 1985, Carmine D. Clemente, Ed.)
The lymphatic system dumps into the blood circulatory system primarily through the thoracic duct, the lymphatic system’s main trunk which lies along the spine, and enters a large vein on the left, close to the heart, thus establishing the pollution of the blood stream.
We are dealing with infected or polluted blood and lymph. Blood, as you well know, goes everywhere. In fact, if any organ or cell is deprived of blood, that organ or cell malfunctions, deteriorates, and eventually dies. By everywhere I mean exactly that—from the largest organ of the body, the skin, which in the average adult measures about eighteen square feet, to the tiniest microcells of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of every description can soon become apparent, thus the reason for the many seemingly different diseases previously listed as having an inflamed, damaged, or leaky gut as their origin.
Please understand, I am not implying that all diseases are caused by a leaky gut. What I am saying is that it can be a major basic underlying cause of many, especially the chronic degenerative diseases. Perhaps more important is the fact that it is rarely taken into consideration by the attending physician. He/she will run every test imaginable to assess the cause of the patient’s problem—from blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, isotrophic testing, sound, and mental evaluation, etc., etc., etc. But how often does a physician order a simple, inexpensive Intestinal Permeability test (lactulose/mannitol challenge)? The answer is hardly ever! And if the doctor has never heard of the test, he cannot order it. (More on this test is featured later.)
In my opinion, any physician who orders such a test when LGS is suspected is doing his patient a great service. Even if it comes back negative, at least it will give the attending doctor an indication of what may be ruled out.
I end this section with