IBS and diet... (probably going to talk about leaky gut syndrome too! and the scd)

nimh · Aug 31, 2006

here ya go!

start with this book:
Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet (Paperback)
by Elaine Gloria Gottschall

the scd (specific carbohydrate diet) websites:
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.com/
http://www.pecanbread.com/
and there are yahoo groups too with loads of recipes and such

nimh · Aug 31, 2006

Leaky Gut Syndrome (see also Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Symptoms

Leaky gut syndrome is an inflammation of the intestinal (gut) wall. As a result, substances permeate the protective lining of the gut, travel into the bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of the body. The body cannot absorb nutrients properly due to the dysfunction of the intestines. *Bloating, *gas and *cramps are common symptoms. Eventually, other complaints surface such as *fatigue, *memory loss, allergies, poor concentration, confusion, irritability or facial swelling, when exposed to perfume or cigarette smoke.

This syndrome is believed to be an underlying factor in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, in which the *immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Leaky gut syndrome damages the protective coating of antibodies normally present in a healthy gut. These antibodies help ward off infections and make the body less resistant to viruses, bacteria, *parasites and *candida. *Asthma, *diabetes, *lupus, *scleroderma, *colitis, rheumatoid *arthritis, *multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome and *Crohn’s disease are just some of these autoimmune diseases suspected of starting with leaky gut. If inflammation develops in a joint, autoimmune arthritis develops. If it happens in the blood vessels, the inflammation is called vasculitis. Asthma occurs when this process develops in the lungs. When it occurs in the gums, periodontal disease sets in and if the jaw is affected, tooth extractions or root canals are often required to clear up the infection. Every organ in the body can be affected by the toxicity resulting from a leaky gut. Symptoms are not only multiple, but in some cases, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, severely debilitating. Leaky gut is a rapidly increasing disorder, especially among children frequently on antibiotics due to recurring *infections.

Causes

This syndrome occurs when a lesion forms on the lining of the intestines and makes it more permeable, or leaky, than normal. Large spaces form between the cells of the gut wall, allowing the entrance of bacteria, fungi, parasites, toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste material into the bloodstream. These substances, which are normally not absorbed, now pass through the damaged, hyperpermeable (leaky) gut.

The resulting inflammation involves swelling and the presence of toxic chemicals, which block the absorption of important nutrients like vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. The large molecules which now pass through the intestinal walls are seen as foreign substances and the immune system produces antibodies to fight them. The result of this antibody action is a food *allergy. Now, when the "enemy" food is eaten, the antibodies get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction.

Nutrition

Detecting food and chemical allergies and following a yeast-free, whole foods diet is key to healing and preventing a recurrence of leaky gut-related conditions. Vegetarian diets that avoid dairy products and eggs are recommended. Avoid arachidonic acid which is a type of fat, found exclusively in meats and dairy products. It stimulates the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes thereby creating further inflammation. Eliminate refined carbohydrates, caffeine, grains (except rice), red meats and processed foods.

Use flax seed, evening primrose and borage oils, as they are higher in the essential fatty acids which stimulate production of the body’s natural anti-inflammatories. Another way to get these anti-inflammatory acids from the diet is to eat cold-water fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardine, swordfish, shark, cod and halibut. These fish contain high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids which inhibit inflammatory or allergic responses. Citrus fruits, along with the white material just beneath the peel, onions, garlic, peppers, buckwheat and black currants are particularly rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are helpful in the treatment of many autoimmune diseases.

Avoid bread, beer, wine, cheese, chewing tobacco and aged and cured meats, as they all involve a fermentation process which increases the likelihood of exposure to mycotoxins or fungi. Fungi feed off sugar, so avoid foods with a high sugar content, such as maple syrup, honey, molasses and fruit juice. In severe infections, even whole fruits should be eliminated for several weeks. Milk, white-flour products, peanuts, mushrooms, melons and leftover food all worsen a fungal infection.

The majority of cases have auto-antibodies to gluten and casein and benefit from a diet that eliminates dairy and all grains except rice, all refined carbohydrates, caffeine, red meats and processed foods.

The type of fat found exclusively in meats and dairy products is known as arachidonic acid. Saturated animal fats and arachidonic acid increase the inflammatory response by stimulating the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These should be avoided. Vegetarian diets that avoid dairy and eggs and use flax seed, evening primrose oil, borage oil and canola oil are higher in the essential fatty acids. These fatty acids stimulate the synthesis of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that block the pain and inflammatory effects of chemical mediators like leukotriene.

An alternative way of obtaining anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids from the diet is to consume more cold water fish, such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, swordfish, shark, cod and halibut. These fish contain high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids which have also been documented to blunt the inflammatory or allergic response. If fish is either unpalatable for the individual or not readily available in certain inland areas, supplementation on the order of 9-12 grams daily from fish oil capsules is an alternative.

Whole leaf aloe vera juice with high MPS (mucopolysaccharide) content also contains high levels of dozens of natural antioxidants.

Bioflavonoids are found in many foods including citrus fruits (the white material just beneath the peel), onions, garlic, peppers, buckwheat and black currants. In supplemental form, they have been successfully used for many years as a treatment for pain, bumps, bruises and more severe athletic injuries. Bioflavonoids work together with vitamin C to protect blood vessels. They are also useful in the treatment of asthma and other allergic conditions which seemingly "only respond to antihistamines or steroids." Side-effects of bioflavonoid supplementation in even megadoses are extremely rare.

Nutritional Supplements

Leaky gut syndrome produces a long list of mineral deficiencies because the carrier proteins in the gastrointestinal tract, needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood, are damaged by the inflammation. For example, magnesium deficiency is common in conditions like *fibromyalgia, despite a high magnesium intake through diet and supplements. If the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of *malabsorption. *Muscle *pain and spasm result. Zinc deficiency leads to high blood *cholesterol levels. Bone problems are often the result of malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.

Inflammation damages tissues, but using antioxidants can prevent tissue damage. Antioxidant supplements include the natural carotenoids, vitamin A, rutin, hesperidin, quercetin, catechin, grape seed extract, pycnogenol and bilberry. Vitamins C and E and sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, methionine and reduced L-glutathione are other important antioxidants. Vitamin C protects blood vessels and is also useful in treating *asthma and other allergic conditions.

Coenzyme Q10, the B complex vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12, and selenium should also be supplemented.

Plant enzymes such as those found in spirulina, chlorella, barley green, green kamut, bee pollen and royal jelly are all potent additions to repair leaky gut.

Most autoimmune diseases involve low hydrochloric acid production by the *stomach. This deficiency leads to pernicious anemia and is only rectified by regular B12 injections with folic acid. Low stomach acid may be the result of heredity, extended use of drugs such as antacids and anti-ulcer medications, infection in the gut or food *allergies, especially to dairy and wheat products. If the cause of low stomach acid is heredity, a variety of supplements can be tried. These include glutamic acid, hydrochloride, betaine hydrochloride, pepsin, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, stomach bitters, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin C, PABA (paraminobenzoic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride).

Colloidal silver is a good antifungal supplement. If there are enough friendly bacteria in the body, fungi are less likely to grow. Take Lactobacillus acidolphilus regularly as it stabilizes healthy intestinal flora. Other supplements good for this include Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus bifidobacterium.

Autoimmune diseases respond to the hormone DHEA. It is the most abundant hormone produced by the brain in males and females. Testosterone is synthesized from DHEA in both sexes. DHEA is used in the treatment of fatigue, *obesity, loss of libido, allergies, autoimmune diseases, *stress and *hypoglycemia.

In conditions like leaky gut, despite a high magnesium intake through the diet and supplementation, the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged. Magnesium deficiency develops as a result of malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasms can occur as a result. Similarly, zinc deficiency due to malabsorption can result in hair loss or baldness as occurs in alopecia areata. Copper deficiency can occur in an identical way leading to high blood-cholesterol levels. Further, bone problems develop as a result of the malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.

Inflammation involves swelling (edema) and the presence of many noxious chemicals, all of which can block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids. A leaky gut does not absorb nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps occur. Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability develop.

Prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone and betamethasone are commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drugs used to block pro-inflammatory mediators in the body such as histamine, some prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These mediators are thought by scientists to be responsible for pain, swelling, redness and eventual scarring reactions like fibrosis in the body. Since autoimmune diseases like lupus, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, thyroiditis and vasculitis involve these pro-inflammatory chemicals, prednisone is used to offset some of their more serious effects. Allergic conditions like asthma, psoriasis and eczema also involve these chemical mediators. Corticosteroid pills or creams are often prescribed for these conditions as well.

Although prednisone and other steroid drugs are effective at reducing inflammation, this comes at a huge price. These drugs primarily cripple the immune system if taken for long periods of time. Some of the more common side-effects include weight gain, fluid retention, increased appetite, increased risk of infection, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, acne, weak muscles, osteoporosis, insomnia and an increased risk of blood clots. Alternatives to prednisone and other corticosteroids include antioxidants, hydrochloric acid, enzymes and herbs.

Since the inflammatory response creates oxidative damage to tissues, the use of antioxidants helps prevent tissue damage that leads to permanent dysfunction. Antioxidant supplements include vitamins like natural carotenoids (carotenes, lycopenes and others), vitamin A, bioflavonoids like rutin, hesperidin, quercetin, catechin and the proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry and others loosely also called pycnogenols), vitamins C and E, sulfur containing amino acids like cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, methionine and reduced L-glutathione. Other important antioxidants are coenzyme Q10, B complex vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12, selenium, zinc and hormones like DHEA and melatonin. Plant enzymes and other phytochemicals found in superfoods like spirulina, chlorella, barley green, kamut, bee pollen, royal jelly and herbs of many different kinds are all potent antioxidants.

Pancreatin (animal based pancreatic digestive enzymes), plant enzymes and bromelain (from pineapples) not only help with protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract but have been demonstrated to work as anti-inflammatory chemical mediators like some prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Most autoimmune diseases are associated with a lack or insufficiency of hydrochloric acid production by the stomach. Achlorhydria (no acid) or hypochlohydria (low acid) leads to dozens of nutrient deficiencies. This is because most high-protein foods need acid for digestion. If acid is low or absent, amino acids, vitamins and minerals are poorly absorbed. The best recognized nutrient deficiency caused by low or deficient stomach acid is vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency leads to pernicious anemia and can usually only be rectified by regular vitamin B12 injections.

Evidence now exists that fungi, through their production of mycotoxins, initiate many autoimmune diseases by triggering inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract leading to the development of the "leaky gut syndrome." The major killer diseases in North America are intimately connected to fungal mycotoxins. Diseases of "unknown etiology" also often have a fungal connection, with treatment of the fungal infection bringing about an improvement or elimination of that disease.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

PABA, 2,000-3,000 mg, for up to six months

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg twice daily

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, 50 mg

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 2,000 IU or more

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000-3,000 mg, to bowel tolerance (For more information, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements)

Helpful

Vitamin B5

Pycnogenol, 50 mg three times

Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1-2 capsules or 1 tsp.

Colloidal silver, 1 tsp.

DHEA, 0.5-10 mg

N-acetyl-cysteine, 250 mg

Reduce L-glutathione, 75 mg twice daily

Selenium, 100 mcg

Coenzyme Q10, 320 mg

Herbal Remedies

Herbs can assist with fighting the various autoimmune diseases spawned by leaky gut syndrome.

Aloe vera, comfrey, licorice root, white willow bark, feverfew, devil’s claw, yarrow, yucca and marsh mallow are helpful. Effective dosages need to be individualized, so the use of these natural supplements should be planned with qualified supervision.

Garlic, caprylic acid, olive leaf extract and whole leaf aloe vera juice are natural antifungal remedies with no side-effects.

Echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection, a common occurrence in those afflicted with autoimmune disease. Echinacea can be used for extensive periods of time for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.

Ginger is not only a good treatment for nausea and motion sickness, but also has a natural anti-inflammatory effect. One to two grams of powdered ginger a day is an average dose, but some people with inflammatory conditions need higher doses taken over several months. If a burning sensation develops in the stomach, take ginger with food.

Chaparral or creosote bush is common in the southwestern United States as well as Mexico and has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Other Suggestions

Colloidal silver has both antiparasitic and antibiotic qualities. Take 1 tsp. daily.

It would be advisable to determine hidden food or chemical hypersensitivities by the immunological test ELISA/ACT. (For more information, see Appendix 1.)

Removing mercury dental amalgam is often effective at reversing symptoms. Mercury is suspect in immune system abnormalities that lead to chronic infection and subsequent fungal conditions.

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http://www.alive.com/2837a9a2.php

nimh · Aug 31, 2006

What are the symptoms?

Typical symptoms include abdominal bloating and soreness, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. People with IBS are more likely than others to have backaches, fatigue, and several other seemingly unrelated problems.

Medical options

Over the counter fiber supplements or laxatives may be used to treat constipation. These products are best divided into fast- and slow-acting agents. Rapid relief of constipation is achieved with suppositories containing bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) or glycerin (Fleet®), enemas, and magnesium-containing products (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia®, Magnesium Citrate Solution®). Overnight relief is obtained with senna (Senokot®, Fletcher’s Castoria®) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) tablets. Bulk-forming laxatives containing psyllium (Metamucil®, Konsyl-D®), polycarbophil (Fibercon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®), as well as the stool softener docusate (Colace®, Surfak®), may require up to 72 hours before relief is observed. The antidiarrheal product loperamide (Imodium A-D®) may be used to treat episodes of diarrhea.

Though no prescription medications specifically treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs may be used for people with mental depression or chronic pain, or for people who have symptoms that worsen during periods of stress. The anticholinergic drug L-hyoscyamine (Levsin®, Levbid®) may be used to treat colon muscle spasms and abdominal soreness.

A common treatment for IBS includes limiting the intake of dairy products and beans, as well as foods containing caffeine, fructose, or sorbitol. Concentrated amounts of fructose are found in dried fruit and fruit juice. Sorbitol is found primarily in dietetic foods, where it is used instead of sugar (sucrose). No conventional treatments of IBS have been proven to be effective in controlled trials.

Dietary changes that may be helpful

Several trials report that food sensitivities occur in only a small percentage of people with IBS.1 2 3 However, a leading researcher in the field claims at least 3.5 ounces of the offending food need to be consumed at frequent intervals to provoke IBS symptoms,4 and the amount of test foods used in these studies was generally less than this amount. Therefore, inadequate quantities of food may have affected the outcomes of these trials. Other trials have reported that most IBS sufferers have food sensitivities, and that gas production and IBS symptoms diminish when the offending foods are discovered and avoided.5 6 7 8 Some researchers report that problem foods need to be eaten at every meal for at least two days to evaluate the potential of food sensitivity.9
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personally, i think that food sensitivities are probably the leading cause of ibs. someone i know irl went to a naturopath for her ibs. he took her off of gluten, and now she's fine. gluten and dairy are very inflammatory foods and many pple are unable to digest them properly.

Researchers have found that standard blood tests used to evaluate allergies may not uncover food sensitivities associated with IBS, because IBS food sensitivities may not be true allergies.10 11 The only practical way to evaluate which foods might trigger IBS symptoms is to avoid the foods and then reintroduce them. Such a procedure requires the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Attempts to find and avoid problem foods without professional help may fail and may aggravate symptoms.

Preliminary evidence suggests that some people with IBS have greater trouble absorbing the sugars lactose (as found in milk), fructose (as found in high concentration in fruit juice and dried fruit), and sorbitol (as found in some dietetic candy) than do healthy people.12 In this report, restricting intake of these sugars led to reduction in symptoms in 40% of people with IBS.

Limited research has suggested that fiber might help people with IBS.13 14 However, most studies find that IBS sufferers do not benefit by adding wheat bran to their diets,15 16 17 18 and some people feel worse as a result of wheat bran supplementation.19 The lack of positive response to wheat bran may result from a wheat sensitivity,20 which is one of the most common triggers for food sensitivity in people with IBS.21 Rye, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, vegetables, and psyllium husk are good sources of fiber and are less likely to trigger food sensitivities than is wheat bran. Except for psyllium, little is known about the effects of these other fibers in people with IBS.

Vitamins that may be helpful

Double-blind research has shown that avoidance of lactose (present in milk and some other dairy products) by people with IBS who are also lactose intolerant will relieve IBS symptoms.22 Alternatively, lactase enzyme may be used prior to consuming milk. Several different lactase products are commercially available and the amount needed depends on the specific preparation being used.

Melatonin plays a role in the regulation of gastrointestinal function and sensation. In a double-blind trial, people with irritable bowel syndrome and associated sleep disturbances received 3 mg of melatonin or a placebo at bedtime for two weeks. Compared with the placebo, melatonin significantly decreased the severity of abdominal pain, although it did not affect bloating, stool frequency, or sleep patterns.23

In one trial, women with IBS who experienced worsening symptoms before and during their menstrual period were helped by taking enough evening primrose oil (EPO) to provide 360–400 mg of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) per day.24 In that trial more than half reported improvement with EPO, but none was helped in the placebo group. The effects of EPO in other groups of IBS sufferers have not been explored.

A preliminary trial investigated the effectiveness of grapefruit seed extract in people with eczema and symptoms of IBS.25 Participants received either 2 drops of a 0.5% oral solution of grapefruit seed extract twice daily or 150 mg of encapsulated grapefruit seed extract three times daily. After a month, IBS symptoms had improved in 20% of those taking the liquid, while all of the patients taking capsules noted definite improvement of constipation, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and night rest. These results need confirmation in double-blind trials.

Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

Herbs that may be helpful

Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium seeds (3.25 grams taken three times per day) have helped regulate normal bowel activity in some people with IBS.26 Psyllium has improved IBS symptoms in double-blind trials.27 28

In the intestinal tract, peppermint oil reduces gas production, eases intestinal cramping, and soothes irritation.29 Peppermint oil has been reported to help relieve symptoms of IBS in two analyses of controlled trials.30 31 Evidence supporting the use of peppermint oil has come from double-blind trials that typically have used enteric-coated capsules that supply 0.2–0.4 ml of peppermint oil taken three times per day.32 33 34 Some trials have found peppermint oil ineffective.35 36 The reason for these conflicting findings remains unclear.

The combination of 90 mg of peppermint oil plus 50 mg of caraway oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times per day led to significant reduction in IBS symptoms in a double-blind trial.37 In a similar trial, capsules that were not enteric-coated were as effective as enteric-coated capsules.38 The same combination has compared favorably to the drug cisapride (Propulsid®) in reducing symptoms of IBS.39 The purpose of enteric coating is to protect peppermint oil while it is passing through the acid environment of the stomach.

Whole peppermint leaf is often used either alone or in combination with other herbs to treat abdominal discomfort and mild cramping that accompany IBS. The combination of peppermint, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, and wormwood was reported to be an effective treatment for upper abdominal complaints in a double-blind trial.40

In a preliminary study of people with irritable bowel syndrome who took an artichoke leaf extract daily for two months, 26% reported an improvement in symptoms.41 Because no placebo group was used in this study and because irritable bowel syndrome has a high rate of response to placebo, additional research is needed to confirm this report. The amount of artichoke leaf used in the study was 320 or 640 mg per day of a 1:5 standardized extract.

Chamomile’s essential oils have eased intestinal cramping and irritation in animals.42 Chamomile is sometimes used by herbalists to relieve alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, though research has yet to investigate these effects. This herb is typically taken three times per day, between meals, in a tea form by dissolving 2–3 grams of powdered chamomile or by adding 3–5 ml of herbal extract tincture to hot water.

A standardized Chinese herbal combination containing extracts from 20 plants (including wormwood (Artemisia absinthium),ginger, bupleurum, schisandra, and dan shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) reduced IBS symptoms.43 In that double-blind trial, people were given five capsules of the herbal combination three times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.

Holistic approaches that may be helpful

IBS sufferers have increased sensitivity to rectal pain that has been linked to psychological factors.44 Stress is known to increase symptoms of IBS.45 Reducing stress or practicing stress management skills have been reported to be beneficial. In one trial, psychotherapy and relaxation combined with conventional treatment were more effective than conventional treatment alone in two-thirds of people with IBS.46 Hypnosis for relaxation has dramatically and consistently relieved symptoms of IBS in some people.47 48 49

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies, has been reported to be helpful in the treatment of IBS,50 although no formal research has evaluated this claim.
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IBS and diet... (probably going to talk about leaky gut syndrome too! and the scd)

nimh ~foodie~

nimh ~foodie~

nimh ~foodie~

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Log in or Sign up

IBS and diet... (probably going to talk about leaky gut syndrome too! and the scd)

nimh ~foodie~

nimh ~foodie~

nimh ~foodie~

Share This Page

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