Gastrointestinal Relationship to Chronic Illness
The origins of many chronic health problems can be traced to compromised digestive function. Exposure to toxins, intestinal permeability defects and parasitic infections are examples of common conditions associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction which can lead to profound health consequences. These conditions may occur independently but often exist together, producing cumulative damage which leads to a cascade of chronic illness. A growing body of research has shown that lifestyle, environmental and nutritional factors play a significant role in the prevention and management of chronic disorders associated with compromised digestive function.
Toxicity due to foreign chemicals, or xenobiotics, can produce damage affecting virtually all organs and systems in the body. Common signs and symptoms of xenobiotic toxicity include weakness, headache, neurologic disturbances, multiple chemical sensitivities, immune dysfunction and liver disorders. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common route of exposure to these toxins and, as a result, the integrity of the mucosal barrier is a key factor in limiting absorption.
Increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome, results not only in increased absorption of xenobiotics, but also in the increased absorption of endogenously produced toxins (endotoxins), antigens, immune complexes and intact microorganisms normally confined within the intestinal lumen. It is by this mechanism that chronic permeability defects have been shown to contribute to the development of certain autoimmune diseases, liver dysfunction, septicemia and other systemic disorders.
Parasitic infections, candidiasis and other imbalances in intestinal microflora (dysbiosis) can give rise to similar local and systemic problems. Chronic insults to the gut wall produce abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and can lead to the development of malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disorders and ultimately leaky gut syndrome. Endotoxins and antigens produced by intestinal pathogens are then absorbed systemically producing allergic responses, autoimmune illness, liver damage and other toxic reactions.
Under normal conditions, intestinal endotoxins and xenobiotics absorbed from the gut are principally detoxified in the liver. Hepatic detoxication pathways transform toxic molecules into less toxic metabolites which can be readily excreted. This capacity of the liver can become impaired due to excessive exposure to toxins as well as deficiencies in key nutrients. Signs and symptoms of toxicity often occur as a result of compromised liver function.
Successful approaches for
the management of gut-associated chronic illness are addressed here in
three broad objectives: reducing exposure to xenobiotics, normalizing gastrointestinal
function, supporting detoxication. Reducing exposure to xenobiotics decreases
the body's burden of toxins. Normalizing gastrointestinal function helps
to improve digestion, reduce intestinal endotoxins, eliminate parasites
and maintain gut wall integrity. Supporting hepatic detoxication assists
the body in transforming and eliminating xenobiotics and endotoxins.
I.
Reducing Exposure To Xenobiotics
II.
Normalizing Gastrointestinal Function
III.
Supporting Detoxication