Causes of leaky Gut Syndrome Part 3

The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the gut lining. This inflammation is usually brought about by the following:

· Antibiotics because they lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, parasites, candida, fungi) · Alcohol and caffeine (strong gut irritants)
· Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites like giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis and others
· Foods and beverages contaminated by bacteria like helicobacter pylori, klebsiella,
· citrobacter, pseudomonas and others
· Chemicals in fermented and processed food (dyes, preservatives, peroxidized fats) · Enzyme deficiencies (e.g. celiac disease, lactase deficiency causing lactose intolerance)
· NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ASA, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
· Prescription corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
· High refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, white
· bread) Prescription hormones like the birth control pill Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates.

The leaky gut syndrome can cause the malabsorption of many important micronutrients. The inflammatory process causes 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 as do a long list of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability develop.

Prescription broad spectrum antibiotics, especially when taken for extended periods of time, wipe out all the gut friendly bacteria that provide protection against fungi and amoebic (parasitic) infections, help the body break down complex foods and synthesize vitamins like B12 and biotin. Since this friendly bowel flora is killed off, the body now has no local defence against the parasites or fungi that are normally held in check. This then causes an inflammatory reaction leading to the leaky gut syndrome. Food allergies quickly develop and these may trigger the signs and symptoms of arthritis, eczema, migraines, asthma or other forms of immune dysfunction. Other common symptoms of this bowel flora imbalance and leaky gut syndrome are bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with diarrhea. This set of symptoms is usually labelled as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or spastic bowel disease and treated symptomatically by general practitioners and gastroenterologists with antispasmodic drugs, tranquilizers or different types of soluble (psyllium) and insoluble (bran) fiber.

To be continued