Toxins from the Gut affect disease

When I was a third-year naturopathic medical student in 1973, one of my professors, Bob Carroll, DC, ND, opened the first class of the year with the statement, “Death begins in the colon!”

I was skeptical. Having just finished basic sciences, the textbooks were very clear that the gut was a perfect protective membrane only allowing in nutrients the body needed. He then went on to lecture about how patients with digestive problems were more “toxic” and that by restoring proper digestive function and healthy flora, many experienced improved health. While I could see during clinic rotations that improving digestion and recommending eating natural yogurt helped patients with diverse diseases, I remained skeptical until I graduated in 1975.

Scientific evidence continues to suggest that the metabolic activities in the gut microbiome are intertwined with human health and disease.

During the first year of practice, I subscribed to several journals to read during those slow times while building my patient base. I was quite diverse in my reading, ranging from The Lancet (which, though conventional medicine, had a surprising number of articles on nutrition and environmental medicine), the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (which was very conservative and dismissive of nutritional supplements at the time), and a half dozen others. To my great surprise, I read a startling and controversial study reporting that in healthy animals, up to 1 percent of ingested proteins are absorbed intact, and absorption increases to as much as 10 percent during severe gastrointestinal infection. My immediate thought was that Dr. Carroll might be right!

I have since followed with considerable interest our growing understanding of the gut’s role in health and disease. Integrative medicine clinicians are aware of how maldigestion, malabsorption, leaky gut, small bowel overgrowth of bacteria, inappropriate bacteria in the gut, and other factors that contribute to and may even cause disease.

Gut Dysfunction

Most patients appear to have the wrong bacteria in their gut and their gut permeability control has been lost. This results in unhealthy metabolites, or toxins, from gut bacteria entering into circulation. In fact, research has shown that up to one-third of the small molecules in the blood come from bacteria in the gut. Worse, however, is when a patient has an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, especially Gram-negative (pathogenic) bacteria, the absorbed lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are highly toxic. Perceptible blood levels of these substances correlate with many chronic diseases.

Aggravating these problems are many food constituents that, when improperly digested or not detoxified by the liver, cause diverse metabolic abnormalities—diamines in migraine being a typical example.

Endotoxins

According to Merriam-Webster, endotoxin is defined as “a toxin that is present inside a bacterial cell and is released when the cell disintegrates.” Technically in the research literature, only bacterial LPS are considered endotoxins. LPS are the most studied and considered prototypic activators of innate immunity by gut bacterial products. These LPS represent 80 percent of the cell wall mass of Gram-negative gut bacteria. Here we use the more clinically relevant broader definition of endotoxin as “any metabolite or cell wall constituent released by gut bacteria that damages human physiology,” because a surprising 25 to 33 percent of the small molecules in human blood can be derived from gut bacteria. The effects of LPS and the many other endotoxins from gut bacteria cause substantive and diverse physiological dysfunctions. When endotoxins reach a high enough level in the blood, a threshold called metabolic endotoxemia is reached. Once metabolic endotoxemia is achieved, several strong, dose-dependent disease associations become apparent, including cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and stroke.

Interestingly, high levels of endotoxins also cause epigenetic changes like those seen in obesity, suggesting another mechanism for the association between various gut flora and the risk for obesity.

There are many reasons for the increased levels of endotoxins seen in modern civilizations. Obvious causes are the overuse of antibiotics, increased incidence of Cesarean births, and lack of breastfeeding. Less obvious, perhaps, is stomach acid secretion suppression by proton-pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. The research is very clear that the use of these agents results in increased colonization of the gut by Clostridium difficile, thus substantially increasing the release and absorption of LPS.

Loss of Gut Permeability Control

Even when the unhealthy gut flora is releasing LPS and toxic metabolites, the properly functioning gastric mucosa is normally effective at discrimination and protection. Unfortunately, many factors have resulted in a loss of control over gut permeability. According to haptoglobin (Hp) type, eating foods with gluten grains (wheat, rye, and barley) results in the release of zonulin, which opens up the tight junctions allowing free entry of gut constituents. In the US population, 79.4 percent are homo- or heterozygous for Hp 2, the precursor of zonulin.

Many other factors cause loss of gut permeability control, including both type 1 and 2 diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—the list is long. The latter is particularly important.

There is also emerging research showing that those with some genetic variations have an increased risk of excessive gut permeability. For example, patients with inflammatory bowel disease with a mutation in the NOD2i gene are found to have a 75 percent increased risk of excessive gut permeability. In apparently healthy first-degree relatives, the risk of leaky gut is a significant 40 percent.

Not only does excessive gut permeability increase the absorption of endotoxins, but so does a high-fat diet. This may be part of the reason for the upregulation of inflammation after even a single high-fat meal. The bottom line is, loss of gut permeability control is surprisingly common in our modern age, emphasizing the critical importance of optimal gut flora for health as well as optimizing digestion and healing the gut mucosa.

Conclusion

After spending approximately 100 hours studying the research, I am convinced the idea of toxins from the gut has substantial clinical relevance. In fact, the more I look at the research, the more evidence I find, suggesting we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Once again, the old-timers were right. I continue to be amazed by their remarkable clinical acumen. While often the explanation was not validated, their observations and interventions were spot-on.

The post Toxins from the Gut affect disease appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does holistic refer to?

Holistic refers to being whole-based. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. This can be hard because we are used seeing things as parts.

Most people think only in terms of white and black. However, grey comes in a wide range of shades.

So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. Look at it from all sides.

Consider how the whole thing fits together. How does each of its components interact with one another?

If you do find a problem, try to figure out why. Remember to think about the consequences of any changes you make.

What do we mean by complementary medicine?

Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This covers treatments such as acupuncture (aromatherapy), chiropractic care, homeopathy and hypnosis.

Complementary medicine should not be considered in isolation of conventional medicine. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.

What are the 5 domains that make up integrative medicine (IM)?

Integrative medicine encompasses five domains: mind-body; nutrition; social determinants; lifestyle and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.

Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It encompasses both conventional medical treatments as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture and yoga, meditation and massage therapy.

What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?

Ayurveda acupuncture and homeopathy are the five alternative medical systems.

Acupuncture employs fine needles to stimulate the flow qi (energy) throughout your body.

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine derives its name from the Greek homoios which means similarity and pathos which denotes disease. Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. They prescribe small doses of substances to treat symptoms similar to those that are experienced when a person is ill.

Energy Healing can also refer to Reiki, EFT and Rolfing. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch and intention to help restore balance and harmony between our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.

What are the main advantages of holistic medicine over conventional medicines?

Many cultures and religions around the globe have been using holistic medicine for thousands of year. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.

These medicines can be used safely, effectively, naturally, and are affordable. Side effects are less common than with prescription drugs.

They can help you attain better health, and overall wellness.

They can prevent disease and promote your overall well-being.

They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.

There are hundreds of different traditional medicines worldwide, each with unique benefits.

The World Health Organization has estimated that around 80% rely on traditional methods of treating illness and injury.

A reported half-billion people use traditional herbal remedies to get primary healthcare.

The global market for complementary therapies is estimated to reach $22.2 billion by 2020.

Alternative medical treatments are becoming more popular to avoid the side effects of conventional treatment.

If they don’t respond to any other treatment options, many people look to complementary therapies. These complementary therapies can also be used before undergoing surgery or medication.

There are several reasons why people choose complementary therapies:

To improve the quality and quantity of your life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To ease pain
To enhance immunity
To support you in dealing with serious illness
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal with chronic diseases

What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs or surgery for its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. The whole person, mind and spirit are treated by naturopathy. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.

It is important not to forget that some CAM modalities overlap or complement conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. But, naturopaths are more concerned with lifestyle changes than prescribing medications.

Naturopathy can be called “complementary” when it is used in combination with conventional medicine. Naturopaths may prescribe medication when needed.

There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:

Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
Naturopathic physicians are regulated by provincial licensing boards, whereas CAM practitioners are self-regulated.
Naturopathy stresses prevention and wellness, while offering education on diet and exercise.
Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issues licenses for Naturopaths.
Provincial regulatory bodies grant licenses to naturopatrists.
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners has licensed Naturobiotic Therapists.
Homeopaths are licensed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.

Statistics

An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

How do I deal with my girlfriend who trusts alternative medicine?

Internet advice is available for those who are dealing with someone suffering from mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.

It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Those who are skeptical about conventional medicine and those who are open-minded to its benefits.

What happens if you meet someone who believes in alternative treatment for mental health problems?

Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What do you tell your partner if he says he would rather go to an acupuncturist than his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?

Asking questions is crucial. It’s important to ask them early. This will save you many heartaches later.

These are difficult questions to ask without offending the patient. What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Do you tell him that he shouldn’t trust anyone?

Or, what if she tells you that she believes antidepressants don’t work? You should tell her she is wrong.

This is where the conversation becomes tricky. It can cause further irritation if you point it out that she is wrong.

You could also suggest she see a psychiatrist. This may create more problems than it solves. This could cause her to be upset at you. Then again, she may think you’re trying to control her life.

So what are you supposed to do?

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By: Dick Benson
Title: Toxins from the Gut affect disease
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/gut-health/toxins-from-the-gut-affect-disease/
Published Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:36:14 +0000