Discussion

Leaky gut - or leaky gut syndrome (LGS) - is a poorly recognized but very common problem, which is rarely tested for. This condition results from an overly-permeable intestinal lining with spaces between the cells of the gut wall. These spaces allow “foreign” material (bacteria, toxins and food) to leak into your body where they should not be, placing an additional burden on the immune and detoxification systems. If the gut is not healthy, the rest of the body cannot be either. LGS makes it increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of wellness. Chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia and escalating food allergies are among the many manifestations of a leaky gut. The barrier maintained by a healthy intestinal mucosa is an incomplete one to begin with. Small numbers of molecules of different sizes and characteristics do cross the intact epithelium by both active and passive mechanisms. Generally, the larger the molecule, the less likely it is to be allowed across. Once the gut lining becomes inflamed or damaged, it becomes more difficult to keep foreign, larger particles out. As the spaces between cells open up, larger particles are allowed to be absorbed into the body. Normally the body sees only tiny food antigens and limited amounts of bacteria. When it sees these new, larger ones, it considers them foreign invaders. Antibodies are then produced against once harmless foods and your immune system becomes increasingly occupied with chores it should not have to be performing. Your health becomes more difficult to maintain as increasing numbers of foods must be avoided for you to feel well. Even though the gut is becoming leakier, vitamin and mineral absorption becomes reduced - not increased, as you might expect - because some carrier mechanisms of absorption become damaged as part of the process. Many nutrients have to be carried across the barrier and will not otherwise be absorbed. The junctions between cells not only need to be "tight" but the surface area of the small intestine must be large for normal nutrient processing to occur. Continued irritation and inflammation of the gut lining causes an even greater malabsorption by reducing the overall surface area of the lining. Even when consuming the healthiest of diets, inadequate nutrient absorption may compound the problem of having to deal with all these new foreign invaders.

Signs, Symptoms and Indicators
Symptoms - Allergy	Allergies to certain foods   Bloating caused by specific foods
Symptoms - Bowel Movements	Bowel movement changes   (Very/tendency to) infrequent stools
Symptoms - Gas-Int - General	Unexplained nausea   Meal-related bloating

Conditions that Suggest Increased Intestinal Permeability / Leaky Gut
Allergy	Allergies Indoor
Digestion	Lactose Intolerance
Infections	Sinusitis
Organ Health	Gallbladder Disease
Respiratory	Asthma

Risk Factors for Increased Intestinal Permeability / Leaky Gut
Addictions	Alcohol-related Problems
Allergy	Allergy to Foods (Hidden)
Autoimmune	Crohn's Disease   Ulcerative Colitis   Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease
Diet	Protein Deficiency
Drug Side Effects	Chemotherapy Side-Effects/Risks
Immunity	AIDS / Risk
Infections	Yeast / Candida   Parasite, Roundworm Infection   Types of roundworm called Strongyoides and Ascaris lumbricoides can cause increased intestinal permeability.
Musculo-Skeletal	Rheumatoid Arthritis
Supplements and Medications	Pain medication use   Tetracycline use   Antibiotic use
Symptoms - Allergy	History of adult allergies
Symptoms - Gas-Int - General	History of unexplained nausea
Symptoms - Head - Nose	History of sinusitis
Symptoms - Respiratory	History of asthma

Increased Intestinal Permeability / Leaky Gut Risk Suggests the Following May be Present
Addictions	Alcohol-related Problems
Autoimmune	Ulcerative Colitis   Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease
Diet	Protein Deficiency
Drug Side Effects	Chemotherapy Side-Effects/Risks
Immunity	AIDS / Risk
Infections	Yeast / Candida
Musculo-Skeletal	Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recommendations for Increased Intestinal Permeability / Leaky Gut
Amino Acid / Protein	Glutamine   People who use glutamine enhance the health of their intestinal lining. They will be less concerned about leaky gut syndrome and the consequences of allergies, the "leaking out" of pathogens and possible arthritis. Glutamine used to be called the "intestinal permeability factor." Glutamine is the chief source of energy for the cells which line the intestines. Most glutamine in the diet is metabolized by the intestines, helping to maintain the structural integrity of the its lining and supporting its quick cellular turnover.
Diet	Gluten-free Diet   Removal of wheat and dairy products from the diet will produce temporary relief of some of the symptoms of increased intestinal permeability. Patients suffering from this condition as well as reduced amounts of normal gut flora have high levels of antibodies to gliadin and casein.   Dairy Products Avoidance   See the link between Intestinal Permeability and a Gluten-free diet.

Related Products

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Lactic Acid Yeast™
The lactic acid produced by the nutritional yeast in Lactic Acid Yeast establishes proper pH balance which is vital for the promotion of nutrient absorption, integral in maintaining the proper environment in which normal intestinal flora thrive, and beneficial for the overall healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal system.*
Content: 100 Wafers	Product No 5150
Proprietary Blend: 899 MG Corn, whey, malt syrup, and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Other Ingredients: Glycerin, honey, arabic gum, cellulose, and calcium stearate.
Additional links this supplement:
Info Sheet:	Lactic Acid Yeast™
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Cataplex© A-C-P
Cataplex A-C-P combines the vitamin complexes of A and C with the vitamin P complex. The vitamin P complex, a bioflavonoid sometimes known as rutin, found in Cataplex A-C-P is essential for the successful absorption of vitamins A and C, the healthy function of capillaries and connective tissues, and immune system support.*
Content: 90 Tablets 360 Tablets	Product No 0700 0750
Proprietary Blend: 852 mg Dried buckwheat juice, buckwheat (seed), carrot (root), calcium lactate, nutritional yeast, bovine adrenal, bovine kidney, alfalfa flour, dried alfalfa juice, magnesium citrate, mushroom, bovine bone, echinacea (root), defatted wheat (germ), oat flour, soy bean lecithin, veal bone meal, calcium acid phosphate, mixed tocopherols, peanut (bran), and carrot oil. Other Ingredients: Honey, ascorbic acid, calcium stearate, arabic gum, vitamin A palmitate, and gelatin.
Additional links for this supplement:
Info Sheet:	Cataplex© A-C-P
Related Information:	Summer Sun Health Card

Calcium Lactate
Calcium is essential for various body functions beyond bone mineralization; including muscle contraction, nerve conduction, maintenance and function of cell membranes and membrane permeability, blood coagulation, and the proper functioning of many enzyme systems. The calcium lactate that is used in all Standard Process products is made by fermentation on plant sugar. Calcium Lactate contains the proper balance of calcium and magnesium (5:1 ratio).
Content: 90 Tablets 300 Tablets 800 Tablets	Product No: 1865 1885 1900
Ingredients: Calcium lactate, magnesium citrate, calcium stearate, and arabic gum.
Additional links for this supplement:
Info Sheet:	Calcium Lactate
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Cataplex© E2
Cataplex E2 is a specific fraction of the vitamin E complex – a natural phospholipid concentrate. This concentrate is particularly high in the vitamin E2 complex. Vitamin E complex is known for its ability to reduce oxygen consumption of heart and skeletal muscles. It may also increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Content: 90 Tablets 360 Tablets	Product No: 3850 3855
Proprietary Blend: 492 mg Bovine orchic extract, calcium lactate, Tillandsia usneoides, bovine spleen, ovine spleen, inositol, bovine adrenal Cytosol™ extract, oat flour, and ascorbic acid. Other Ingredients: Honey, arabic gum, selenium yeast, mixed tocopherols, and calcium stearate.
Additional links for this supplement:
Info Sheet:	Cataplex© E2
Health Cards:	Muscle Health Card
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Related Products - MediHerb®
	MediHerb® is a quality driven company with significant research capability and the primary objective to produce superior quality, effective herbal solutions for health care professionals and their patients. Not all herbs contain the same levels of active constituents. Not all herbs are grown or harvested or dried or stored in the same way. Not all herb growers’, suppliers’, or manufacturers’ standards are the same and not all methods to determine quality are the same. When you demand quality, demand MediHerb®. MediHerb products are only available through appropriately qualified health care professionals and are not available directly to the public either from MediHerb or through retail stores. To see how you could benefit and receive these products, register with the site and take a free on-line health test.

Chaste Tree
Chaste Tree contains flavonoids (especially methoxylated flavones), iridoid glycosides (such as aucubin), diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, an essential oil and other compounds which together:   promote a natural, healthy balance within the female endocrine system, support female reproductive system health, and ease temporary feelings of tension associated with the menstrual cycle.* Additional Therapies May be combined with LivCo® or Livton® Complex tablets for healthy liver function Combines well with Dong Quai tablets to ease the effects of menstruation Cramplex tablets to provide antispasmodic activity to ease spasms of smooth muscle
Content: 40 Tablets 120 Tablets	Product No: M1190 M1195
Contains: Chaste Tree fruit 6:1 extract from Vitex agnus–castus fruit 500 mg 83.3 mg, Calcium 60 mg
Additional links for this supplement:
Health Cards:	Hormonal Health Card
	Natural Solutions for Menopause
Related Information:	MediHerb.com
Caution: Not to be used during pregnancy and lactation unless otherwise directed by a qualified health care practitioner.

Andrographis Complex
Andrographis Complex contains a blend of herbs to support normal immune function. Andrographis, Echinacea angustifolia root and Holy Basil provide a unique range of phytochemicals including diterpenoid lactones (collectively referred to as andrographolides), flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives (especially echinacoside and cynarin), alkylamides, essential oil (rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, typically eugenol) and polyphenols. The Andrographis component of this tablet is standardized to contain 10 mg/tablet of andrographolide to ensure optimal strength and quality. These key phytochemicals and other compounds within this herbal formulation work to:
enhance immune system function, support healthy respiratory system function encourage adaptive response to occasional everyday stress, and promote healthy liver function Additional Therapies For immune support combine with Echinacea Premium tablets or liquid Combine with DiaCo Phytosynergist® liquid for healthy respiratory function
Content: 40 Tablets	Product No: M1110
Each tablet contains: Echinacea root 4:1 extract from Echinacea angustifolia root 500 mg, 125 mg., Holy Basil leaf 4:1 extract from Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf 500 mg, 125 mg., Andrographis herb 10:1 extract from Andrographis paniculata herb 1.0 g, containing andrographolide 10 mg 100 mg , Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) leaf essential oil, 10 mg. calcium, 40 mg. Other Ingredients: Calcium acid phosphate, cellulose, hypromellose, silica, sodium starch glycollate and magnesium stearate.
Caution: Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Contraindicated in known allergy to plants of the daisy family

Contact Reflex Analysis™ Findings

The following reflexes will often be active:

Blood Quality Reflex Circulation Reflex Hemoglobin Reflex Left Master Allergy Lung Sub-Reflex Left Master Allergy Parasite and-or Flu Sub-Reflex Left Master Allergy Spleen Sub-Reflex Left Master Allergy Staph Sub-Reflex Left Master Allergy Strep Sub-Reflex Metabolic Reflex Metabolic Bladder Sub-Reflex Metabolic Duodenum-Small Intestine Sub-Reflex Metabolic Esophagus Reflex Sub-Reflex Metabolic Gallbladder Sub-Reflex Metabolic Heart Reflex Sub-Reflex Metabolic Kidney Sub-Reflex Metabolic Liver Sub-Reflex Metabolic Ovary Sub-Reflex Metabolic Pancreas Sub-Reflex Metabolic Prostate Sub-Reflex Metabolic Spleen Sub-Reflex Metabolic Stomach Sub-Reflex Metabolic Testicle Sub-Reflex Metabolic Toxic Bowel-Large Intestine Reflex Sub-Reflex Metabolic Uterus Sub-Reflex Metabolic Vaginal Tract Sub-Reflex Right Master Allergy Reflex Right Master Allergy Bile Duct Sub-Reflex Right Master Allergy Gallbladder Sub-Reflex Right Master Allergy Liver Sub-Reflex Towers Meridian Reflex Virus Reflex Yeast Reflex The Master Brain Reflex The Cerebellum-Parkinson's Reflex Crown-Sugar Reflex Pineal Gland Reflex Pituitary Brain Sub Reflex Environmental-Lubrication Reflex Gut Reflex Pus Reflex Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Sub-Reflex Intestinal Flora Pus Sub-Reflex Liver-Metal Overlad Pus Sub-Reflex Parasite Pus Sub-Reflex

These reflexes should be tested and treated with the proper supplementation. You should take this preliminary free test or be examined by a licensed health care practitioner for testing.

Related Links - Increased Intestinal Permeability / Leaky Gut
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Additional Information

GLOSSARY IS CONTAINED IN POPUPS

KEY
	Weak or unproven link		May do some good
	Strong or generally accepted link		Likely to help
	Weakly counter-indicative		Highly recommended
	Strongly counter-indicative		May have adverse consequences
	Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative		May have adverse consequences
			Avoid Absolutely

Fibromyalgia: (FMS)

Cellular immunity

Humoral Immunity

Pulmomary

Cancer

Candidiasis

Otitis Media

Seizure

Alzheimer's Disease

Lymph Nodes

Adrenal Insufficiency

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)

Gestational Diabetes

DCM, Dilated Congestive Cardiomyopathy

Intertrigo

Chronic

AIDS

Diabetes Mellitus

Allergy

Epilepsy

HIV

Hypertension

Anemia

Mucosa

Antibody

T4, Thyroxin

Tuberculosis

Vascualr Dementia

Antigen

Bacteria

Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Many people, often pregnant women, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. Some doctors believe that some people suffer from GERD due to a condition called hiatal hernia. In most cases, heartburn can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes; however, some people may require medication or surgery. Up to 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Some studies have reported that 36% to 44% of adults experience heartburn at least once per month, 14% every week, and 7% once a day. Gastroesophageal reflux disease itself is common. One study reported that 20% of people had frequent symptoms of GERD but that very few of them sought help for the condition. People at all ages are susceptible to GERD. Elderly people with GERD tend to have a more serious condition than younger people with the problem.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to GERD in their third trimester as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach. Heartburn in such cases is often resistant to dietary interventions and even antacids.

In normal digestion, the LES opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately allowing the stomach's contents to flow up into the esophagus.

Unlike the lining of the stomach, which has a thin layer of protective mucus, the lining of the esophagus offers only a weak defense against stomach acid and other harmful substances. The most important structure in protecting the esophagus is the LES but if, in spite of LES pressure, there is some acid back-up (reflux), an additional defense mechanism, the peristaltic action of the esophagus, pushes the residue back down into the stomach.

If the LES or the peristaltic action is impaired, stomach tone is increased or other protective mechanisms fail, then acid and other substances back up into the esophagus from the stomach, causing GERD. The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest and throat) and regurgitation (a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus). In most people, the symptoms are short-lived and occur infrequently. In about 20% of cases, however, the condition becomes chronic. In such cases, the acid can cause irritation, inflammation, and even erosion of the esophagus (a condition called esophagitis). Although acid is a primary factor in damage caused by GERD, other products of the digestive tract, including pepsin and bile, can also be harmful.

In some cases the esophagus may be hypersensitive. When irritants are introduced into the esophagus, the immune system reacts with an exaggerated (hyperreactive) response to them, triggering the release of agents that cause inflammation and possibly injury. This event is similar to the asthmatic response to irritants in the airways.

The severity of GERD depends on tissue sensitivity, LES dysfunction, the type and amount of fluid brought up from the stomach and the neutralizing effect of saliva. Some doctors believe a hiatal hernia may weaken the LES and cause reflux. Recent studies show that the opening in the diaphragm acts as an additional sphincter around the lower end of the esophagus. Studies also show that hiatal hernia results in retention of acid and other contents above this opening. These substances can reflux easily into the esophagus.

Dietary and lifestyle choices may contribute to GERD. Certain foods and beverages, including chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, garlic, onions or alcoholic beverages, may weaken the LES or increase stomach tone causing reflux and heartburn. Caffeinated drinks and decaffeinated coffee increase acid content in the stomach. Other acidic foods include citrus and tomato products. All carbonated beverages increase the risk for symptoms of GERD by bloating the abdomen and causing pressure that forces acid up into the esophagus. Food allergies may be responsible for some cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Studies show that cigarette smoking relaxes the LES and that obesity and pregnancy can also cause GERD.

Anyone who eats a heavy meal, particularly if one subsequently lies on the back or bends over from the waist, is at risk of an attack of heartburn. Anyone who snacks at bedtime is at high risk of GERD.

Persistent GERD may be due to abnormal biologic or structural factors which, as well as malfunction of the LES muscles, include defects or injuries in the lining of the esophagus, {CONG390}peristalsis problems, over-acidic stomach contents, amongst others. Some people may be sensitive to digestive factors other than acid; such substances can cause GERD symptoms, but are likely to be missed during a medical examination.

Indigestion might be caused by a disease or an ulcer in the digestive tract, but for most people it is simply a result of eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, being tired, or having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse.

In one study, over half of GERD patients showed abnormal nerve or muscle function in the stomach, which caused impaired motility - an inability of the muscles to contract normally. This causes delays in stomach emptying, increasing the risk of acid reflux.

In a small percentage of chronic patients, a serious form of GERD called Barrett's esophagus may eventually develop, in which the erosion can lead to cancerous changes in the tissue lining of the esophagus. It should be noted that symptoms of GERD may be present without any signs of injury to the esophagus.

Using antacids and other acid blockers can begin a vicious cycle. When the acid is neutralized, the LE sphincter is weakened. This allows any remaining acid to sometimes slip past and irritate the esophagus. So, you take an antacid and you feel better, because you lessen even more what little acid remains that has been irritating your already sensitive esophagus. This really is not the solution to the problem.