Digestive Health

The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for two primary functions: absorbing nutrients and screening out toxins. If the gut is not working effectively, cell health is compromised as too few nutrients and too many toxins enter the blood and penetrate cells. 

Intestinal permeability  

Compromised mucosal barrier function, also known as gut permeability or ‘leaky gut’ is often associated with intestinal dysbiosis and contributes to metabolic, neurological and immunological problems. Treating and correcting gut function is a primary naturopathic focus and can produce benefits throughout the body. 

The digestive tract and its contents are separated from systemic circulation by a 3mm epithelial lining. This lining is responsible for the absorption and exclusion of substances within the digestive tract. When the body’s defence systems are compromised, there is absorption of normally excluded substances. Such increases in intestinal permeability are associated with many symptoms and many diseases. Researchers recognise the possibility that increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules can lead to disease processes distant from the gastrointestinal tract.

Associated symptoms include:   

Abdominal pain and flatulence

Abdominal distension and bloating  

Food and chemical intolerances

Diarrhoea and/or constipation

Skin rashes  

Fatigue and malaise  

Poor immunity  

Poor exercise tolerance Myalgias/Arthralgias  

Cognitive and memory deficits

Associated diseases include:  

Inflammatory bowel disease  

Irritable bowel syndrome

Auto-immune diseases  

Eczema/urticaria

CFS/fibromyalgia

Coeliac disease

Autism

Hyperactivity in children

Numerous factors alter the permeability of the intestine including stress, age, medication, alcohol, food sensitivities, caffeine and intestinal dysbiosis.

Intestinal dysbiosis  

Dysbiosis is a state of altered gut microflora, characterised by the overgrowth of certain species and resulting in an abnormal bacterial balance. Normal gut flora include viruses, bacteria, yeasts and unicellular parasites, however, these must be balanced in order to maintain optimal health. Probiotics are live microbial supplements which have beneficial effects in improving microbial balance. 

Additional contributing factors include:  

Antibiotic use

Corticosteroid and hormone therapy

Low fibre diet

Impaired gastric acid secretion  

Impaired pancreatic enzyme secretion

Oral contraceptive pill use

Diagnosis  

Clinical diagnosis involves taking a thorough case history – initial consultations are an hour long to allow for this. Other diagnostic tools which may be used in clinic include a Hemaview Blood Screening which involves taking one drop of a patient’s blood and examining it under a microscope (patients are able to view this procedure via a screen). Hypersecretory platelets are the Hemaview marker most often seen in patients with ‘leaky gut’. Poor iron absorption and other inflammatory markers may also be seen using Hemaview. In some patients it may be necessary to do a CDSA – comprehensive digestive stool analysis – to ascertain the exact nature of the problem.  

Treatment  

Identification and treatment of the root cause of the problem is the initial focus.   

Treatment may then proceed by removing the load of the GIT by avoiding reactive foods and irritants. A gentle detoxification program may be implemented. Mucosal healing and protection, gastric acid and digestive support will be given using herbs, supplements and diet. Specific strains of beneficial probiotics will be added to reinoculate the system and any nutrient deficiencies, commonly protein and zinc will be addressed.

All patients receive an individualised treatment and management plan according to their specific case history.