American Fitness Professionals & Associates

There is nothing more demoralizing than a small but adequate income.
Edmund Wilson (1895-1972)

• Table of Contents:
• Some Vegetable Cooking Methods are Better Than Others
• Probiotics may ease anxiety
• Diet May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer
• Antioxidants Influence Sperm Quality
• Another Study Shows No Link between Dairy & Weight Loss

Some vegetable cooking methods may be better than others to maintain anti-oxidant levels

Some vegetable cooking methods may be better than others when it comes to maintaining beneficial antioxidant levels, according to a new study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists. Results showed that, depending on the vegetable, cooking on a flat metal surface with no oil (griddling) and microwave cooking maintained the highest antioxidant levels.Fruits and vegetables are considered to be the major contributors of nutritional antioxidants, which may prevent cancer and other diseases. Because of their high antioxidant levels and low-calorie content, consumers are encouraged to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Researchers at the University of Murcia and the University of Complutense in Spain examined how various cooking methods affected antioxidant activity by analyzing six cooking methods with 20 vegetables. The six cooking methods were boiling, pressure-cooking, baking, microwaving, griddling and frying. Their findings showed the following:

• The highest antioxidant loss was observed in cauliflower after boiling and microwaving, peas after boiling, and zucchini after boiling and frying.
• Green beans, beets, and garlic were found to keep their antioxidant levels after most cooking treatments.
• The vegetables that increased their antioxidant levels after all cooking methods were green beans (except green beans after boiling), celery and carrots.
• Artichoke was the only vegetable that kept its high antioxidant level during all the cooking methods.

Griddle- and microwave-cooking helped maintain the highest levels of antioxidants, produced the lowest losses while “pressure-cooking and boiling [led] to the greatest losses,” says lead researcher A. M. Jiménez-Monreal. “In short, water is not the cook’s best friend when it comes to preparing vegetables.”

To receive a copy of the study please contact Jeannie Houchins at jhouchins@ift.org

Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit scientific society with more than 20,000 individual members working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia, and government. IFT serves as a conduit for multidisciplinary science thought leadership, championing the use of sound science through knowledge sharing, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.IFT.org

Probiotics may ease anxiety

Supplements of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota may ease symptoms of anxiety in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), according to new research funded by Yakult.

Two months of supplementation with the bacterial strain from a sachet was associated with a decrease in anxiety symptoms, according to findings published in the open-access journal Gut Pathogens.

“These results lend further support to the presence of a gut-brain interface, one that may be mediated by microbes that reside or pass through the intestinal tract,” wrote the authors, led by Venket Rao from the University of Toronto.

The researchers admitted the research was preliminary and raises many questions regarding the mechanism of action. “The results of the present study should be viewed simply as a stimulus for further research,” they added.

The study was described as ‘interesting’ by probiotic expert Professor Gregor Reid from the Canadian R&D Centre for Probiotics at the Lawson Health Research Institute, and The University of Western Ontario. He also agreed that the study raises many questions.

“Do the gut microbiota (and probiotics) influence energy levels (which our own studies of HIV patients indicates is true) and by doing so is there an indirect effect on the brain and perception of how we feel? Do probiotics cause direct gut to brain signaling or indirectly via alterations in the overall microbiota that influence serotonin uptake? The latter seems unlikely as depression per se was not altered,” Prof Reid told NutraIngredients.com.

More of this story: Probiotics may ease anxiety: pilot study

Gut Pathogens 2009, 1:6
“A randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled pilot study of a probiotic in emotional symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome”Authors: A.V. Rao, A.C. Bested, T.M. Beaulne, M.A. Katzman, C. Iorio, J.M. Berardi, A.C. Logan
http://www.gutpathogens.com/content/pdf/1757-4749-1-6.pdf

Diet May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

A new review published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics assessed whether certain modifications in diet have a beneficial effect on the prevention of prostate cancer.
Results suggest that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in fruits and vegetables is beneficial in preventing and treating prostate cancer.

Robert W.-L. Ma and K. Chapman conducted an evidence-based review of dietary recommendations in the prevention of prostate cancer as well as in the management of patients with prostate cancer.

The researchers found that a diet low in fat, high in vegetables and fruit, and avoiding high energy intake, excessive meat, and excessive dairy products and calcium intake may be helpful in preventing prostate cancer, and for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Specifically, consumption of tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, green tea, and vitamins, including Vitamin E and selenium, seemed to propose a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Consumption of highly processed or charcoaled meats, dairy products, and fats seemed to be correlated with prostate cancer.

“Although not conclusive, results suggest that general dietary modification has a beneficial effect on the prevention of prostate cancer,” the authors conclude. “In patients with prostate cancer, dietary therapy allows patients to be an active participant in their treatment.”

Antioxidants Influence Sperm Quality

Low antioxidant intake is associated with low reproductive capacity in semen, according to a new study carried out in two infertility centers in Alicante and Murcia, Spain.
The study, part of continuing research on the topic, is published online in the journal Fertility and Sterility

“Our previous research study, published in March, showed that men who eat large amounts of meat and full fat dairy products have lower seminal quality than those who eat more fruit, vegetables and reduced fat dairy products,” Jaime Mendiola, lead author of the article and a researcher at the University of Murcia, told SINC. “In this study, we have found that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are ingesting more antioxidants, and this is the important point.”

The experts have spent the past four years analyzing the link between dietary habits or workplace exposure to contaminants and the quality of semen among men attending fertility clinics.

The objective was to find out whether a higher or lower intake of vitamins, which act as antioxidants, could affect semen quality. These molecules, which are present in foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, and spinach, work by lowering the level of oxidative stress that can affect semen quality and improve sperm concentration parameters as well as sperm mobility and morphology.

The study was carried out among 61 men, 30 of whom had reproductive problems, while the remaining 31 acted as controls.

“We saw that, among the couples with fertility problems coming to the clinic, the men with good semen quality ate more vegetables and fruit (more vitamins, folic acid and fiber and less proteins and fats) than those men with low seminal quality,” Mendiola said.

“A healthy diet is not only a good way of avoiding illness, but could also have an impact on improving seminal quality. What we still do not understand is the difference between taking these vitamins naturally and in the form of supplements. In the studies we are going to carry out in the United States (where the consumption of vitamins in tablet form is very common) we will be looking at the role of supplements,” Mendiola said.
In the countries of northern Europe, such as Denmark, 40 percent of young men have seminal quality that is below recommended levels for fertility.

“The Danish experts are studying the issue, because it is very worrying. Lifestyle habits could be closely related to seminal quality and human fertility parameters. In addition, emphasis has been placed in recent years on the significance of babies being exposed to toxins and pollutants (pesticides, xenoestrogens, etc.) while in the womb, which could also compromise their future reproductive capacity when they grow to be adults.”

Another Study Shows No Link between Dairy & Weight Loss

Another study has shown that dairy products have no effect on metabolism or weight control. The Swiss study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and funded by Nestlé, tested the hypothesis that boosting calcium intake promotes weight loss, at least in people who are not already getting adequate calcium. Participants took either a 400-milligram dairy calcium supplement or a placebo twice a day for five weeks. Neither treatment had any significant effect on resting energy expenditure or body weight.

The dairy industry has spent millions of dollars on marketing campaigns promoting the dairy–weight loss hypothesis, but this notion has not held up in clinical trials.

Bortolotti M, Rudelle S, Schneiter P, et al. Dairy calcium supplementation in overweight or obese persons: its effect on markers of fat metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;88(4):877-885.
Lanou A, Barnard ND. The dairy and weight loss hypothesis: an evaluation of the clinical trials. Nutr Rev. 2008;66:272-279.

Selected segments are reproduced from:

Dr. Mercola’s excellent website:  http://www.mercola.com/index.htm

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine http://www.pcrm.org

If you wish to remove unsubscribe from this list, you can do so at any time by visiting this page.
Thank you for reading the AFPA Fitness E-newsletter

By: Tammy Petersen MSE

Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and much of this burden of disease can be linked to poor nutrition and a dramatic increase in sedentary lifestyles.

Personal Trainers have the opportunity to do more than just help people they train become more active. Physical activity should not be the only approach to encouraging a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
We need to be prepared to also help our clients implement lifestyle behavior changes related to stress, family history of coronary heart disease, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

A look at what is being called metabolic syndrome will help you understand why, even though increasing physical activity levels is the overall best thing you can do for any client, there are other ways to guide them to a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes you may be able to help them make the changes yourself, and sometimes you will need to refer them to another health professional like a doctor or dietician for guidance. Either way, knowing how to help them, or when to turf them to someone who is more knowledgeable than yourself is important. So first lets get familiar with the syndrome and the clinical criteria that the doctor uses to diagnose it. Your goal is then to help your client understand and make the necessary changes, so that they don’t progress to cardiovascular disease and the almost certain heart attack heart that will be the end result. 

Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and much of this burden of disease can be linked to poor nutrition and a dramatic increase in sedentary lifestyles, leading to overweight and obesity. This increase in weight leads to an increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, and blood pressure and cholesterol problems, which are all well-established cardiovascular disease risk factors. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III has updated the recommendations for the evaluation and management of adults dealing with high cholesterol, renewing its emphasis on the importance of lifestyle modifications for improving cardiovascular risk. The NCEP has coined the term “therapeutic lifestyle changes”(TLC) to reinforce both dietary intake and physical activity as crucial components of weight control and cardiovascular risk management.

As well as focusing attention on the LDL cholesterol (also called bad cholesterol) levels the NCEP also identified the metabolic syndrome as a secondary target of therapy. The importance of lifestyle modifications in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease has heightened and caused growing awareness of this condition. The metabolic syndrome  (also called insulin resistance syndrome and syndrome X) is characterized by decreased tissue sensitivity to the action of insulin (pre-diabetes), resulting in a compensatory increase in insulin secretion. This metabolic disorder predisposes individuals to a cluster of abnormalities that can lead to such problems as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. According to Daniel Einhorn, MD, who is cochairman of the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Insulin Resistance Syndrome Task Force and medical director of the Scripps Whittier Institute for Diabetes in La Jolla, California, the prevalence of the syndrome has increased 61% in the last decade. He says that it is crucial for medical professionals to identify patients at risk and follow these patients closely and counsel them about making lifestyle changes to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Using 1988-1994 data (NHANES III) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 47 million Americans have metabolic syndrome. And, in 2000, more than 97 million adults were considered obese, and more than half the population is now overweight. This epidemic is not likely to plateau because childhood obesity is also increasing at an alarming rate. The explosive increase in the prevalence of obesity observed in the past decade suggests the current rate of metabolic syndrome is now likely higher than that estimated by NHANES III.

Millions of Americans at risk for metabolic syndrome can sharply lower their chances of getting this disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle (stop smoking, low-fat diet, weight loss/maintenance and increased physical activity). Diet and exercise are the cornerstones of treatment in patients with metabolic syndrome. According to Robert Chilton, MD, (November/ December 2002 issue of Men’s Total Health Digest) without diet and exercise modifications, most patients will eventually fail and progress to type 2 diabetes within a decade and experience a heart attack about 10 years later.
Dr. Chilton recommends a diet reduced in saturated fats ((so who out there is surprised??!!).  However, Dr. Chilton says, any exercise is better than none, and a target of 30 minutes every other day is a reasonable level for most patients.

A study by the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), which was discussed in the October 2002 issue of Type 2 Diabetes Digest, found that there was a reduction of 58% in progression to diabetes when moderate life style changes were made. These changes were directed towards getting people to lose 8-10 pounds and becoming more active, mainly by walking briskly for 150 minutes per week.

Other studies have been done by the DPP using a medication called metformin. It reduced the progression to diabetes by about 30%, but was not as effective as behavioral interventions and it didn’t work in all groups. The behavioral intervention, on the other hand worked across the board, regardless of age, body weight, or race and ethnicity. Another drug called acarbose has also been tested and found to reduce progression by about 33%. So, there are medications that can be beneficial, but nothing was as effective overall as the behavioral intervention used in the DPP. Consideration also needs to be given to the potential side effects of a medication used to prevent diabetes compared with lifestyle changes.

According to Frank Vinicor, MD, who is the director of the diabetes program at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the behavioral interventions used in these studies was quite intense and involved 16 interactions with individuals during the first year, with a whole series of very innovative and creative follow-up meetings. The interventions are being explored further to see if they can be made more practical, more feasible, and more economically possible. Another point is that, even within the DPP, a physician did not deliver most of the behavioral interventions. New recommendations from the CDC will call for involving trained nurses, dieticians, and other community health workers in the process.

Also according to Dr. Vincor, about 90% of people with diabetes receive their diabetes care from the primary care community and there is no reason to anticipate that things will be any different with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. He believes the primary care community (internists and family practice physicians) will play a pivotal role in both the identification of people with pre-diabetes, as well as the initiation of therapy. And again he emphasizes, that does not mean that primary care doctors themselves have to do the counseling and behavioral intervention. Instead he anticipates they will make appropriate referrals to others in their communities.

As a fitness professional reading this, hopefully you are not asking yourself “so what?” but are instead seeing an opportunity to educate and motivate some of your current clients and to usie your knowledge to help attract future clients. The medical community is good at diagnosing this syndrome, but not necessarily equipped to provide patients with the tools to be successful with the lifestyle changes they recommend. There exists a wonderful opportunity to build a partnership with physicians in your area.

Most physicians will gladly refer patients to you for help with the all-important exercise and nutrition portion of the treatment program. In many cases, you have more knowledge in this area than the physician who has been trained in tertiary, not preventative, (i.e. most MD’s know very little about diet and exercise since they are not taught this in medical school) medicine.  Often times all that you will need to get a referral is for the doctor to be aware of your existence and to give them an easy way to get the patient to you.

A short introduction letter outlining your qualifications, and showing your desire to help people make lifestyle changes, is a good start. A personal visit to your primary care doctor and others in your area is even better. But, be prepared to take up just a few minutes of their time to introduce yourself, your idea, and leave your letter and cards.

AFPA [American Fitness Professionals & Associates] May 2007 Health & Fitness Newsletter vol. 12 no. 5

Phil Block, M.S. and Len Kravitz, Ph.D.

Article Reviewed:
Simao, R., Farinatti, P.D.T.V., Polito, M.D., Major, A. S., Fleck, S.J. (2005). Influence of exercise order on the number of repetitions performed and perceived exertion during resistance exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Vol. 19(1), 152-156.

INTRODUCTION

Exercise training designs are based upon available research and applications of theoretical knowledge. Since many areas in exercise design have not been thoroughly studied, the value of many common exercise practices is often employed, but subject to debate. One such area is the well-accepted technique of performing large-muscle group exercises prior to small-muscle group exercises during resistance training. The rationale behind this training recommendation is two-fold. First, total force production for the entire workout is greater when large-muscle groups are exercised before small-muscle groups. Second, when small-muscle groups are exercised first, the force production of the following larger muscle groups is decreased. In theory, these tenets support ordering resistance exercise this way because it may result in the greatest overall strength gains. In practice, however, when large-muscle groups are always exercised before smaller-muscle groups, the smaller muscle groups may not become as well trained. If those smaller muscle groups are important in the program of the exercising individual, performance may instead suffer.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise order on the number of repetitions performed and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in a resistance training session composed of five upper body exercises.
The hypothesis was that, regardless of the exercise order of the particular program, muscle groups exercised later in the exercise session would be more greatly fatigued than the muscle groups performed earlier in the session.

METHODS

The study design utilized a counterbalanced crossover research protocol. In essence, using random assignment, this study plan requires each subject to complete all of the treatment sequences. For example, in this investigation eighteen male and female participants (14 male, 4 female; average age = 20 yr), who had at least 6 months of resistance training experience, performed 2 exercise sessions 48 hours apart. Each volunteer was randomly assigned to a particular exercise session to follow, and then completed the second exercise session 48 hours later. Each exercise session consisted of the exact same exercises, but in a different order.  

Sequence “A” worked large-muscle groups before small-muscle groups (free-weight bench press, machine lat pull-down, seated machine shoulder press, standing free-weight biceps curl with a straight bar, and seated machine triceps extension). Sequence “B” reversed the exercise order, working smaller-muscle groups first (seated machine triceps extension, standing free-weight biceps curl with a straight bar, seated machine shoulder press, machine lat pull-down, and free-weight bench press). All exercises in both sequences were performed for 3 sets to volitional fatigue using a pre-determined 10 repetition maximum (10RM) weight. Sets of exercises in both the sequences were separated by timed 2-minute passive rest periods.

All testing and training was completed on Life FitnessTM equipment and free weights. This 10RM weight determination was made 48 hours prior to the two exercise sessions following standardized procedures. Thus the 10RM testing established the training weight for the performance of the 5 upper body exercises during sequences “A” and “B”. After the 10RM of one exercise was reached, no shorter than 10 minutes were allowed before the next exercise 10RM was attempted. During the training sequences, no pause was allowed between the eccentric and concentric phase of each repetition. Also, the warm-up before training sessions “A” and “B” consisted of performing 12 repetitions of the first exercise in the sequence at a weight of 40% of the 10RM.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the number of repetitions performed between the first and second sets for all exercises between sequences “A” and “B”. There were also no differences between the two sequences in the third set, except for the bicep curl (significantly fewer in sequence “A”). Thus, the exercise order DID NOT significantly affect the number of repetitions performed with the five upper body exercises. However, when repetitions per set “within” each sequence was evaluated, there were clear trends for decreased performance for exercises performed later in the protocol, particularly in the third set of the exercise. Thus within sequence “A” and “B”, most subjects were unable to perform as many repetitions on the third set with most of the five upper body exercises. There was no difference in RPE scores.

DISCUSSION

Regardless of whether a large-muscle to small-muscle group or small-muscle to large-muscle group sequence is employed, with multiple-set exercise schemes, sets preformed later in the sequence show the most decreased performance (as measured by repetitions performed). Muscle fatigue causes a decrease in repetitions in the final set of a 3-set (multiple-set) upper body training regime, regardless of order. This research suggests that although many fitness professionals develop exercise programs that focus on large muscle groups earlier in the session, this technique may be too blindly followed with upper body training programs.
In this study, no single muscle group was a primary mover in 2 successive exercises of the five upper body exercises in sequences “A” and “B”. Thus, these sequences represented common training protocols employed by many personal trainers and strength and conditioning professionals.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

This study recommends looking at the particular functional objective of each client and tailoring the upper body exercise sequence to best meet this end. In short, exercise the most important muscle groups early in the training program regardless of whether it is a large muscle group or small muscle group. This will allow the client to target the muscle groups that will help to achieve his or her goals more quickly. Instead of viewing an exercise program in traditional terms of the greatest overall strength gains, our clients are better served by looking at which muscles and muscle-groups are most important to their goals, and then designing programs to achieve these objectives. In addition, for variety in upper body training exercise plans, this study suggests the large-muscle to small-muscle group and small-muscle to large-muscle group exercise designs are viable options to incorporate.

By Zoltan P. Rona MD, MSc

The leaky gut syndrome is the name given to a very common health disorder in which the basic organic defect (lesion) is an intestinal lining which is more permeable (porous) than normal. The abnormally large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the entry of toxic material into the bloodstream that would, in healthier circumstances, be repelled and eliminated.

The gut becomes leaky in the sense that bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the bloodstream in the healthy state, pass through a damaged, hyperpermeable, porous or “leaky” gut. This can be verified by special gut permeability urine tests, microscopic examination of the lining of the intestinal wall as well as the bloodstream with phase contrast or darkfield microscopy of living whole blood.

Why is The Leaky Gut Syndrome Important? The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression.

An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases in this category include lupus, alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis, vasculitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives), diabetes and Raynaud’s disease.

Physicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of allergic or autoimmune disease. Understanding the leaky gut phenomenon not only helps us see why allergies and autoimmune diseases develop but also helps us with safe and effective therapies to bring the body back into balance.

Due to the enlarged spaces between the cells of the gut wall, larger than usual protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance to be completely broken down as occurs when the intestinal lining is intact. The immune system starts making antibodies against these larger molecules because it recognizes them as foreign, invading substances.

The immune system starts treating them as if they had to be destroyed. Antibodies are made against these proteins derived from previously harmless foods. Human tissues have antigenic sites very similar to those on foods, bacteria, parasites, candida or fungi. The antibodies created by the leaky gut phenomenon against these antigens can get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding food is consumed or the microbe is encountered.

Autoantibodies are thus created and inflammation becomes chronic. If this inflammation occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) develops. If it occurs in the brain, myalgic encephalomyelitis (a.k.a. chronic fatigue syndrome) may be the result. If it occurs in the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is the resulting autoimmune problem. If the antibodies end up attacking the lining of the gut itself, the result may be colitis or Crohn’s disease.

If it occurs in the lungs, asthma is triggered on a delayed basis every time the individual consumes the food which triggered the production of the antibodies in the first place.
It is easy to see that practically any organ or body tissue can become affected by food allergies created by the leaky gut. Symptoms, especially those seen in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, can be multiple and severely debilitating.

The inflammation that causes the leaky gut syndrome also damages the protective coating of antibodies of the IgA family normally present in a healthy gut. Since IgA helps us ward off infections, with leaky gut problems we become less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites and candida. These microbes are then able to invade the bloodstream and colonize almost any body tissue or organ. When this occurs in the gums, periodontal disease results.

If it happens in the jaw, tooth extraction or root canals might be necessary to cure the infection. In addition to the creation of food allergies by the leaky gut, the bloodstream is invaded by bacteria, fungi and parasites that, in the healthy state, would not penetrate the protective barrier of the gut.

These microbes and their toxins, if present in large enough amounts, can overwhelm the liver’s ability to detoxify.
This results in symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, brain fog or facial swelling when the individual is exposed to a perfume or to cigarette smoke that he or she had no adverse reactions to prior to the development of the leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies because the various carrier proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract that are needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood are damaged by the inflammation process. For example, magnesium deficiency (low red blood cell magnesium) is quite a common finding in conditions like fibromyalgia despite a high magnesium intake through the diet and supplementation.

If the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasms can occur as a result. Similarly, zinc deficiency due to malabsorption can result in hair loss or baldness as occurs in alopecia areata. Copper deficiency can occur in an identical way leading to high blood cholesterol levels and osteoarthritis.

Further, bone problems develop as a result of the malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.
The Causes The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the gut lining. This inflammation is usually brought about by the following:

Antibiotics because they lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, parasites, candida, fungi) · Alcohol and caffeine (strong gut irritants)
· Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites like giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis and others
· Foods and beverages contaminated by bacteria like helicobacter pylori, klebsiella, · citrobacter, pseudomonas and others
· Chemicals in fermented and processed food (dyes, preservatives, peroxidized fats)
· Enzyme deficiencies (e.g. celiac disease, lactase deficiency causing lactose intolerance)
· NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ASA, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
· Prescription corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
· High refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, white  bread)

Prescription hormones like the birth control pill Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates. The leaky gut syndrome can cause the malabsorption of many important micronutrients.

The inflammatory process causes swelling (edema) and the presence of many noxious chemicals all of which can block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids. A leaky gut does not absorb nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps occur as do a long list of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability develop. Prescription broad spectrum antibiotics, especially when taken for extended periods of time, wipe out all the gut friendly bacteria that provide protection against fungi and amoebic (parasitic) infections, help the body break down complex foods and synthesize vitamins like B12 and biotin.

Since this friendly bowel flora is killed off, the body now has no local defence against the parasites or fungi that are normally held in check. This then causes an inflammatory reaction leading to the leaky gut syndrome. Food allergies quickly develop and these may trigger the signs and symptoms of arthritis, eczema, migraines, asthma or other forms of immune dysfunction. Other common symptoms of this bowel flora imbalance and leaky gut syndrome are bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with diarrhea.

This set of symptoms is usually labelled as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or spastic bowel disease and treated symptomatically by general practitioners and gastroenterologists with antispasmodic drugs, tranquilizers or different types of soluble (psyllium) and insoluble (bran) fiber.

The Leaky Gut and IBS The mainstream thinking on IBS is that it is caused by stress. Irritable bowel syndrome is the number one reason for general practitioner referrals to specialists. In well over 80% of the cases, tests like the intestinal permeability test (a special urine test involving the determination of absorption rates of two sugars called lactulose and mannitol), CDSA or livecell darkfield microscopy reveal the presence of an overgrowth of fungi, parasites or pathogenic bacteria.

The one-celled parasite, blastocystis hominis and different species of candida are the most common microbes seen in IBS. The only stress associated with IBS is that which is generated by infection and the leaky gut syndrome. If allowed to persist without the correct treatment, IBS can progress into more serious disorders like the candidiasis syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, many autoimmune diseases and even cancer. If treated medically, IBS is rarely cured.

To treat it correctly, natural treatments work best and must include the removal of the cause, improvement of gastrointestinal function and healing the lining of the gut. How to Reverse Leaky Gut Syndrome Band-aid treatments with corticosteroids, prescription antibiotics and immuno suppressive drugs may be temporarily life-saving for acute episodes of pain, bleeding or severe inflammation as occurs in lupus or colitis. In the long run, however, none of these treatments do anything to heal the leaky gut problem.

To reverse the leaky gut syndrome the diet must be completely changed to one which is as hypoallergenic as possible. Sugar, white flour products, all gluten-containing grains (especially wheat, barley, oats and rye), milk and dairy products, high fat foods, caffeine products, alcohol and hidden food allergies determined by testing must all be eliminated for long periods of time (several years in the most severe cases).

Treatment might also include the use of natural antibiotics (echinacea, colloidal silver, garlic), antiparasitics (cloves, wormwood, black walnut) and antifungals (taheebo, caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract) depending on the type of infection which shows up on objective tests. It is rare that victims require prescription drugs for these infections and they should be discouraged.

The drugs are usually expensive, have unpleasant side effects and are best reserved for life-threatening conditions. Leaky gut syndrome patients can help themselves by chewing their food more thoroughly, following the basic rules of food combining, eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones and taking more time with their meals.

Gastrointestinal function can be improved with a juice fast or a hypoallergenic diet and supplements like lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus as well as FOS (fructooligosaccharides) derived from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, the dahlia plant or burdock root.

Beneficial Supplements for Leaky Gut Syndrome

Natural digestive enzymes - from plant (e,g, bromelain, papain) or pancreatic animal tissues (porcine, bovine, lamb) and aloe vera juice with a high MPS concentration (good brands are International Aloe, Earthnet and Royal) stomach acidity enhancing supplements - betaine and pepsin, glutamic acid, stomach bitters, apple cider vinegar amino acids - L-glutamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) essential fatty acids - milled flax, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, black currant seed oil soluble fiber - psyllium seed husks and powder, apple or citrus pectin, the rice derived gamma oryzanol, antioxidants - carotenoids, B complex, vitamin C, E, zinc, selenium, germanium, Coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, rutin and proanthocyanidins (pycnogenols, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry) herbs and plant extracts - kudzu, various high chlorophyll containing green drinks like spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae, burdock, slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb, sheep sorrel, licorice root, ginger root, goldenseal, bismuth and bentonite. Combination Green Foods - two excellent products are Green Life (Bioquest) and Greens Plus (Supplements Plus) Due to the increasing recognition of chronic fatigue syndrome, the leaky gut syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity, a number of supplement companies have been marketing powdered hypoallergenic formulations containing most of the nutrients mentioned above in one convenient package. Some brand names include Ultrabalance ®, UltraClear Sustain ®, UltraClear Plus ®, Pro-Cleanse ®, Pro-Support ® and ActiClear ®.

The products are only available through natural health care practitioners like chiropractors, nutritional doctors and naturopaths. If you suspect you may be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, the most important thing to do is get yourself tested by a natural health care practitioner. A personalized natural program of diet and supplements can then be instituted to help you reverse this debilitating condition.

REFERENCES

1. Gittleman, A.L., Guess What came to Dinner - Parasites and your health, Garden City Park,New York: Avery, 1993.
2. Gottschall, Elaine. Breaking The Vicious Cycle. Intestinal Health Through Diet. Kirkton, Ont.:The Kirkton Press, 1994. 3. Martin, Jeanne Marie and Rona, Zoltan P. The Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.
4. Robert L, et al. The effect of procyanidolic oligomers on vascular permeability. A study using quantitative morphology. Pathol Biol 38:608-616; 1990.
5. Rogers, Sherry, MD Finally Healing the Immune System. Macrobiotics Today. September/October 1995; pp. 16-20.
6. Rona, Zoltan P. Childhood Illness and The Allergy Connection. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.
7. Castro GA, Arntzen CJ. Immunophysiology of the gut: a research frontier for integrative studies of the common mucosal immune system. Am J Physiol; 265 (Gastroinest Liver Physiol. 28):G599-610,
8. Castro GA Immunophysiology of Enteric Parasiticism. Parisitology Today 1989;5- 1: 11-19.
9. Zhang ZJ et al. Supression of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice by oral administration of procine insulin. Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 1991;88:10252-6
10. Weiner HL, Mackin GA, Matsui M, et al. Double-blind trial of oral tolerization with myelin antigens in multiple sclerosis. Science 1993;259:132-4
11. Ciprandi G et al. Pharmacological treatment of Adverse Reactions to Foods: A comparison of different protocols. Ann Allergy. 1987:58:341.
12. Howard PJ, heading RC. Epidemiology of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. World J Surg
13. Walker-Smith J.A., Ford P.K., Phillips A.D. The Spectrum of Gastrointestinal Allergies To Food. Ann Allergy 1984;53:629-636 14. Saavedra-Delagado A.M., Metcalfe D.D. Interactions Between Food Antigens and the Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal Diseases. Ann Allergy 1985;55:694-700.
15. Ciprandi G., Canonica,G.W. Incidence of digestive diseases in patients with adverse reactions to foods. Annals of Allergy 1988;61:334-336.
16. MacDonald T.T., Spencer J. Evidence that Activated Mucosal T Cells Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Enteropathy in Human Small Intestine J.Exp. Med. 1988;167:1341-1349
17. Jenkins HR, Pincott JR, Soothill JF, Milla PJ, Harries JT. Food allergy: the major cause of infantile colitis. Arch Dis. Chil. 1984;59:326-329
18. Moon A, Kleinman RE. Allergic gastroenteropathy in children. Ann Allergy 1995;74:5-15
19. Hill Sm, Milla PJ. Colitis caused by food allergy in infants. Arch Disease in Childhood.1990; 65:132-140
20. Hill Sm, Phillips AD, Mearns M, Walker-Smith JA. Cow’s milk sensitive enteropathy in cystic fibrosis. Arch Disease in Childhood. 1989;64:1251-1255
21. Lothe L, Lindberg T. Jakobsson I. Cows milk formula as a cause of infantile colic: A double-blind crossover study. Pediatrics 1983;71:268-271
22. Harmatz PR, Bloch KJ. Transfer of dietary protein in breast milk. Ann Allergy 1988:61-2:21-24
23. Jacobsson I, Lindberg T. Cow’s milk proteins cause infantile colic in breast-fed infants: a double-blind crossover study. Pediatric 1983;71:286
24. Lynn RB, Friedman LS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. N. ENG. J Med 1993;329:1940-5
25. Brostroff J. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. N Engl J Med 1994; May 12:1390
26. Jones A.V., McLaughlin P. Shorthouse M. et al. Food intolerance: a major factor in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet 1982;2:1115
27. Jones Al, Shorthouse M., Workman E. et al. Food intolerance and irritable bowel. Lancet
28. Nanda R. et al: Food Intolerance and the irritable bowel syndrome. Gut 1989;30:1099-104.
29. Pagnelii R. et al Intestinal Permeability in irritable bowel syndrome… Annals of Allergy 64; 377-380
30. Iacono G. Et al Chronic Constipation as a Symptom of Cow milk Allergy. Jour Pediatrics
31. Gardner MLG. Evidence for, and Implications of, Passage of Intact Peptides Across the Intestinal Mucosa. 1983 Biochem. Soc Trans 11; 813.
32. Reinhardt M.C. Macromolecular Absorption of Food Antigens in Health and Disease. 1984 Ann Allergy.53.597-601.
33. McNeish, A.S.Enzymatic Maturation of the Gastrointestinal Tract and its Relevance to Food Allergy and Intolerance in Infancy. 1984 Ann Allergy 53: 643.
34. Bienstock J. Mucosal barrier functions. 1984 Nutr reviews 42:3 105-116.
35. Coombs RRA, McLaughlan P. Ann Allergy 1984;53:592. 36. Yates VM, Watikinson G, Kelman A. Further evidence for an association between psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Br. J Dermat 1982;106:323-330
37. Gardner ML Absorption of intact proteins and peptides. Biol Rev 1984;59:289-331
38. Gardner M.L. Gastrintestinal Absorption of Intact Proteins 1988 Ann Rev. Nutrition 8:329
39. Walker W.A. Pathophysiology of intestinal uptake and absorption of antigens in food allergy. Ann Allergy 1987:59,II:7-16
40. Kleiman RE, Bloch KJ, Wlaker WA: Gut induced anaphylaxis and update of a bystander protein: an amplification of anaphylactic sensitivity. Pediatr Res 1981:15:598
41. Schrander JP, Dellevoet MD, Arends JW, et al. Small Intestinal muscosa IgE plasma cells and specific anti-cow milk IgE in children with cow milk protein intolerance. Ann Allergy 1993; 70:404
42. Castro GA, Powell D.W. The Physiology of the Mucosal Immune System and the
43. Immune-Mediated Responses in the Gastrointestinal Tract. Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract . Ed. Johnson R. 1994: 709-750 Raven Press NY.
44. Van Der Meer, S.B., et al. Small Bowel Permeability to Cr-EDTA in Children With Recurrent Abdominal Pain. ACTA Pediatr. Scand., 1990;422-426.
45. Bjarnson I, Williams P, So A. et al Intestinal Permeability and inflammation in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Lancet 1984;ii:711-4
46. Bjarnson I, Zanelli G, Smith T et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induced inflammation in humans. Gastroenterology 1987;93:480-9
47. Draper LR, Gyure LA, Hall JG, Robertson D. Effect of alcohol on the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Gut 1983;24:399-404
48. Bjarnson I, Ward K, Peters TJ. The leaky gut of alcoholism. Possible route for entry of toxic compounds. Lancet 1984;:179-82
49. Peters TJ, Bjarnson I. Uses and abuses of intestinal permeability measurements. Can J Gatroenterol
50. Unsworth DJ, et al IgA anti-gliadin antibodies in Celiac disease. Clin Exp Immunol. 1981:
51. Keiffer M, et al Wheat gliadin fractions and other cereal antigens reactive with antibodies in the sera of celiac patients. Clin Exp Immunol. 1982;50:651-60
52. Kelly CP Case records of the Mass General Hosp 30-1994 NEJM 1994;331-6:383-9.
53. Ciclitira PJ, et al Secretion of gliadin antibody by coeliac jejumal mucosal biopies cultured in vitro. Clin exp. Immunol.1986;64:119-24
54. O’Farrelly C. et al alpha-Gliadin antibody levels: a serological test for coeliac disease. Br. med Jour
55. Bjarnson I, Peters TJ A Persistent Defect in Intestinal permeability in Co on the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Gut 1983;24:399-404
56. Bjarnson I, Ward K, Peters TJ. The leaky gut of alcoholism. Possible route for entry of toxic compounds. Lancet 1984;:179-82
57. Peters TJ, Bjarnson I. Uses and abuses of intestinal permeability measurements. Can J Gatroenterol
58. Unsworth DJ, et al IgA anti-gliadin antibodies in Celiac disease. Clin Exp Immunol. 1981:
59. Keiffer M, et al Wheat gliadin fractions and other cereal antigens reactive with antibodies in the sera of celiac patients. Clin Exp Immunol. 1982;50:651-60
60. Ciclitira PJ, et al Secretion of gliadin antibody by coeliac jejumal mucosal biopies cultured in vitro. Clin exp. Immunol.1986;64:119-24
61. O’Farrelly C. et al alpha-Gliadin antibody levels: a serological test for coeliac disease. Br. med Jour
62. Bjarnson I, Peters TJ A Persistent Defect in Intestinal permeability in Coeliac Disease demonstrated by a 51Cr EDTA absorption test. Lancet Feb 12 1983:323-325
63. Mulder CJJ, Tygat GNJ. Celiac disease and related disorders. Netherlands Jour Med 64. Homes GKT, Prior P, Lane MR, Pope D, Allan RN. Malignancy in celiac disease -effect of a gluten-free diet. Gut 1989;30:333-8.
65. Braegger C.P., MacDonald T.T. Immune mechanisms in chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Ann Allergy 1994;72:135-141
66. Voigt AJ, Echave V, Feller JH, et al. Experience with elemental diet in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Is this primary therapy? Arch Surg 1973;107:329-33
67. Rocchio MA et al Use of Chemically Defined diets in the Management of Patients With Acute Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Am Jour Surg.1974;127:469-475
68. O’Morain C, Segal AW, Levi AJ et al Elemental diet as a primary treatment of acute Crohn’s Disease; a controlled trial. Br. Med J 1984:288:1859-62
69. Morin Cl et al Continuous elemental enteral alimentation in the treatment of children and adolescents with Crohn’s disease. J Parent Nutr 1982;6:194-199
70. Saverymuttu S, Hodgson HJF, Chadwick VS. Controlled trial comparing prednisolone with an antibiotic in active Crohn’s disease. Gut 1984:26:994-998
71. Teahon K., Bjarnason I., Pearson A.J., Levi A.J. Ten years experience with an elemental diet in the management of Crohn’s disease. Gut,1990,31;1133-1137
72. Frieri et al. Preliminary investigation on humoral and cellular immune responses to selected food proteins in patients with Crohn’s
73. Knicker W. Non-IgE Mediated and Delayed Adverse reactions to Food or Additives. Handbook on Food Allergies, Ed Breneman J.C.; Marcel Dekker Inc. N.Y. 1985.
74. Rowe, A.J. Allergic toxemia and migraine due to food allergy. Calif West Med, 33:785,1930.
75. Randolph T.G. Allergy as a Causative factor in fatigue, irritability, and behavior problems in children. Pediat, 31:560,1947.
76. Speer, F. The allergic-tension-fatigue syndrome. Pediat Clin N. Amer, 1:1019,1954. 77. The allergic-tension-fatigue syndrome: Allergy of the Nervous System. Charles C. Thomas Pub.
78. Landay AL., Jessop C., Lennette ET., Levy JA. Chronic fatigue syndorme: clinical condition associated with immune activation. Lancet;338(1991): 707-711.
79. Gupta,S. Vayuegula, B. A Comprehensive Immunological Analysis in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Scand J. Immunol 33,319-327 1991.
80. Strauss S.E., Dale J.K., Wright RN, Metcalfe D.; Allergy and the chronic fatigue syndrome. J. Allergy Clin Immunol;81:5,1; 791-795;1988.
81. Strauss S. History of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Reviews of Inf. Disease 13: sup 1; Jan-Feb ‘91 Bak P., Kan C., Self-Organized Criticality. Sc American Jan ‘91;46-53.