Are Your Suffering From Leaky Gut Syndrome?
By Dr. Rita Louise

The function of the GI or gastrointestinal tract is to break down the
foods we eat so they can be used by our bodies to produce energy.  A
part of the GI tract, the small intestine's task is to absorb and
transport the vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat across the
gut lining into the bloodstream.  It also acts as a barrier to
prevent the re-absorption of toxins and large molecules back into the
blood.

If the gut lining becomes inflamed or damaged, it is typically
experienced as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion and bouts
of alternating constipation or diarrhea.  Often identified as
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, this may not be the only thing going on.
You may also be suffering from a condition called Leaky Gut
Syndrome.

Leaky Gut Syndrome is characterized by the formation of large porous
spaces between the cell walls that make up the gut (the part of the
gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the anus).  These
spaces allow bacteria, fungi, parasites, undigested proteins, waste
materials, toxins and food particles to be absorbed back into the
system where it activates our internal defense mechanisms which work
to protect us from invading substances.

Advanced symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome include:  chemical
sensitivity, escalating food allergies, fibromyalgia, Crohn's
disease, celiac disease, many dermatological conditions and colitis.
Leaky Gut Syndrome is also believed to be the underlying factor for
many autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.
In addition to the many and varied disorders associated with Leaky
Gut Syndrome, it can also impair our ability to absorb vitamins,
minerals and other phytonutrients, thus opening the door to a number
of nutritional deficiencies.

Leaky gut syndrome is a very common and real problem.  Recent
research has uncovered a direct connection between the health of the
gut and the health of the rest of the body, making it important to
take care of this vital body system.  If you think that you are
suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome, there are a number of things you
can do to help repair the gut wall.

Recommendations For Wellness

Drink plenty of water.  Water helps keep the body clean and assists
in the elimination of toxins.

Avoid or reduce your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, cokes,
chocolate, coffee and caffeinated tea as well as foods that contain
additives, preservative, dyes and artificial flavorings which can
irritate the gut wall.

Eliminate refined sugars and other simple carbohydrates found in
white bread and white flower which can promote the proliferation of
Candida in the intestinal tract.

Keep antibiotic use to a minimum.  Try using a natural alternative
such as a combination of Echinacea and golden seal or pau d' arco to
fight bacterial infections.  If you have to use an antibiotic, always
supplement with a good probiotic like acidopholis and bifidophilus to
help promote a healthy environment within the colon.  Colostrum can
be used to help preserve the balance of intestinal flora as well.

Use caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, wild oregano, pau d' arco or
Natures Sunshine's Yeast/Fungal Detox to eliminate Candida and its
roots from your gut.

Consume a high fiber diet made up of lots of fruits, vegetables and
whole grains.  If that is not possible, incorporate a dietary fiber
supplement such as psyllium hulls, Natures Sunshine's Nature's Three
or their Irritable Bowel Fiber into your daily health routine.
Dietary fiber holds water and help to keep the stool soft, while
added bulk help to move the stool through the colon.

Inflammation in the gut can lead to permanent tissue damage.  Using
antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E & selenium which can be found in
Nature's Sunshine's Defense Maintenance, their Super Antioxidant or a
product like coenzyme Q10, you can greatly reduce damage to healthy
tissues.

Herbs such as grape seed extract, bilberry and green tea are
antioxidants as well and can help to reduce damage to inflamed
tissues.

The herb ginger has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and can help
calm down inflamed tissues in the gut.

Digestive enzymes, such as digestive bitters, and ones that contain
pepsin and hydrochloric acid (HCL) can help to break down foods in
the stomach for easier absorption in the intestines.

Do a 14 day colon cleanse to eliminate toxins from the colon.

You might also try doing a parasite cleanse.  Don't forget, it is
important to day any parasite cleanse twice:  once to get rid of any
active parasites and then another one in 10 days to kill off any
hatching eggs.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the
books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within". It is her
unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates
and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health, healing
and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy
Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit
http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.