Leaky Gut Treatment with Specialist Doctor in New York

Leaky Gut Treatment with Specialist Doctor in New York

Gut refers to the stomach and intestine along with the food pipe or esophagus, which constitutes the gastrointestinal system that performs numerable functions. It includes conversion of food to absorbable molecules, production of certain vitamins (Vit K, Biotin) and enzymes and performs immune mediated reactions for elimination of toxic products.

Gut is considered as a membrane with fine porosity, allowing only selective materials to pass through. But due to many factors causing inflammation, the diameter of the membrane holes enlarge. It leads to the condition called leaky gut, or inflamed digestive tract, or permeable gut lining, as first described by Stephen Barret, an American psychiatrist.

Causes or Etiology of leaky gut

The etiology can be classified as

  • Primary causes
  • Possible causes
  • Other causes

The four primary causes include:

  • Chronic stress related release of corticotropic hormones.
  • Poor diet with high sugar and low fibers or consumption of contaminated foods.
  • Bacterial imbalance or dysbiosis
  • Toxin overload

The possible causes are:

  • Chronic inflammation leading to degradation of mucosal lining.
  • Nutritional deficiency of zinc, proteins, fatty acids and antioxidants.
  • Alteration of fatty acid ratio of omega 6: omega 3 ratio from 1:1 (normal range) to high levels (> 10:1)
  • Improper digestion due to insufficient or inefficient enzyme levels.
  • Increased allergen consumption like gluten, caffeine, dairy, peanut, lentils, beans, and spicy or capsaicin containing food, raw ginger, garlic and onions.

Others

  • Drugs: Steroids (Prednisolone, hydrocortisone etc,) NSAIDS (Diclofenac, Aspirin, Ibuprofen etc,) Antibiotics and Oral contraceptives.
  • Alcohol
  • Parasitic and fungal infections
  • Pollution
  • Radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Normal gut vs leaky gut:

The normal gut has cells adhered to each other with tight junctions that forms a mechanical barrier. Hence it allows only selected substances to pass through it and let the food substances slide over them for absorption and assimilation process for energy production. The Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) helps in eliminating toxins and bacteria.

Other functions include:

  • Fermenting unused food
  • Turnover of shed cells
  • Production of Vitamin K and Biotin
  • Maintain gut flora
  • Drug and bile acid metabolism

When the irritant and etiologic agent lead to inflammation,the membrane integrity is disturbed. It leads to alteration in functions and hence normal microbiota, leading to inflammation and ulcers. Chronic persistence of the condition increases toxins levels, leading to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus disease. Fatal outcomes include sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction may even lead to death.

Symptoms of leaky gut:

This disease causes intestine specific symptoms as well as certain systemic manifestations.

Specific symptoms include:

  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Pain
  • Burning sensation during spicy food consumption
  • Stomach cramps during gluten consumption
  • Food sensitivities and allergies

General symptoms are:

  • Sinusitis
  • Skin eczema and acne
  • Migraine and headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Weight gain

Certain conditions associated with this disease are Parkinsonism, Autism, Type 1 Diabetes, Gastritis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and HIV.

Diagnostic tests:

The complete history along with clinical symptoms and laboratory tests aid in diagnosis of this hypothetical and unrecognizable disease.

Antibody titre test:

The serum elevation of IgG levels from normal range of 6-16g/L or IgA levels from 0.8-3g/L indicate inflammation.

Zonulin test:

The elevation of fecal zonulin levels from normal range of 25.1-160.8ng/L indicates increase in membrane porosity.

Stool test:

The samples taken from individuals are used to assess probiotic, yeast, bacterial and parasitic levels.

Urine analysis:

The lactose and mannitol levels in urine can be analyzed using a kit obtained from a medical practitioner after ingestion of these sugars.

LMIPI test:

Large Molecule Intestine Permeability Identificationis used to analyze levels of occludens that maintain adherence of cells through tight junctions. Antibodies to occludens indicate leaky gut condition.

Actomyosin network test:

This molecule keeps the gut epithelial flexible and hence antibodies to this network indicate dysregulation of cell lining by cell infiltration.

Treatment for leaky gut syndrome:

The leaky gut treatment protocol for this condition involves a four R step process.

  • Remove
  • Replace
  • Repair
  • Rebalance

Remove the cause: Avoiding allergen and spicy foods and reducing the dosage of causative drugs and less usage of tap water aid in reducing the severity of the symptoms. Sugars, grains, conventional meat and dairy with genetically modified foods aid in suppression of symptoms. Lifestyle changes and hygiene habits aid in positive reinforcement of health along with proper dietary habits.

Replace the diet with healing foods: Yogurt, butter, cottage cheese, fermented foods like kimchi, kvass etc, and fermented vegetables like carrots, cabbage (sauerkraut), sprouted seeds, coconut (yogurt, kefir) and omega 3 foods (salmon, grass fed beef etc,) bone broth (contains collagen and amino acids) help in healing of the epithelial cells.

Repair using supplements:

  • Probiotic of 50 billion units per day.
  • Digestive enzyme capsules one or two before each meal.
  • L-glutamine 2-5 g/ twice a day.
  • Quercetin 500 mg/ thrice a day.
  • Zinc supplements for reducing nausea and indigestion issues.
  • Licorice root is used for reducing cortisol levels.

Rebalance the microbial flora: Consumption of healing foods with lactobacillus reconstitution balancing foods like yogurt, fermented foods, dark chocolate, microalgae, kombucha tea, is an ideal decision as the institution of microbial flora keeps healthy cells of the gut intact.

Always seek professional help for comprehensive cure of the disease rather than self medication. Holistic and integrated health care leads to healthier cure than speedy temporary approaches. Stay healthy and stay amazing.


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To make an appointment with one of our physicians, please call us at 1-212-794-8800. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

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