Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity: Mechanism and Impact on Thyroid Health

Understanding Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)

 

 

 

 

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, refers to a condition in which the tight junctions between intestinal cells become loosened or damaged. These tight junctions are essential for maintaining the barrier between the gut and the bloodstream, allowing only properly digested nutrients to pass through. In a leaky gut, this barrier becomes compromised, allowing larger, undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Mechanism of Leaky Gut

1. Tight Junction Dysfunction: Under normal conditions, the cells lining the gut (enterocytes) are tightly bound by proteins called tight junctions. These junctions control what is allowed to pass from the gut into the bloodstream. In leaky gut, these tight junctions become loosened, leading to increased permeability.
2. Triggering Factors: Various factors can contribute to the breakdown of the gut barrier:
   • Dietary Factors: Gluten, alcohol, processed foods, and sugar can irritate the gut lining.
   • Infections and Dysbiosis: Gut infections or an imbalanced microbiome can damage the gut lining.
   • Chronic Stress: High cortisol levels from chronic stress weaken the gut lining over time.
   • Toxins: Environmental toxins and medications like NSAIDs can contribute to gut inflammation and permeability.
3. Translocation of Antigens: As the gut becomes “leaky,” foreign substances such as partially digested proteins (e.g., gluten), bacteria, and toxins pass through the compromised gut lining into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.

Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity

When the immune system detects these foreign particles in the bloodstream, it mounts an immune response, producing antibodies to attack these invaders.

This immune activity can become overactive and lead to autoimmunity, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

In autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease, this mechanism is particularly important:

• Molecular Mimicry: In Hashimoto’s, it’s believed that some undigested food particles, like gluten, resemble thyroid tissue.
• The immune system may mistakenly target the thyroid as it confuses thyroid cells with these foreign antigens.
• This process, called molecular mimicry, is a key contributor to the autoimmune attack on the thyroid.

Impact of Leaky Gut on Thyroid Health

1. Immune Activation: The gut houses about 70-80% of the body’s immune cells.
   1. When the gut becomes permeable, it triggers systemic immune activation, increasing inflammation throughout the body, including in the thyroid gland.
   2. This heightened immune activity can accelerate the progression of autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.
2. Inflammation: Increased gut permeability leads to systemic inflammation.
   1. Inflammation in the gut triggers inflammatory cytokines, which can impair thyroid function and lead to impaired conversion of thyroid hormone from inactive T4 to active T3.
3. Nutrient Malabsorption: Leaky gut can hinder the absorption of critical nutrients that are essential for thyroid function, such as:
   • Selenium (protects the thyroid gland and helps reduce thyroid antibodies),
   • Zinc (required for the production and activation of thyroid hormones),
   • Vitamin D (which plays a regulatory role in the immune system).

Healing the Gut to Reduce Autoimmune Thyroid Attacks

Functional medicine emphasizes addressing the root cause of leaky gut to manage autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.

Here’s how healing the gut can potentially reduce autoimmune thyroid attacks:

1. Gut-Healing Diet: Removing inflammatory foods (such as gluten, dairy, and sugar) that can contribute to gut permeability.
   1. Following an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which focuses on eliminating triggers and eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods, can support gut healing and immune modulation.
2. Restoring Gut Barrier Function:
   • L-Glutamine: This amino acid is crucial for repairing the gut lining by nourishing enterocytes.
   • Zinc Carnosine: Zinc helps tighten the junctions between gut cells and reduces permeability.
   • Probiotics and Prebiotics: Balancing the gut microbiome can restore intestinal integrity. Certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can support gut health and reduce inflammation.
3. Immune Modulation:
   • Vitamin D: It is essential for modulating the immune system. Adequate vitamin D levels can help regulate the immune response and reduce the likelihood of autoimmune activity.
   • Selenium: This nutrient has been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO) in Hashimoto’s, supporting the thyroid while calming the autoimmune response.
4. Stress Management: Chronic stress disrupts gut function by increasing cortisol, which contributes to gut permeability. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises helps manage cortisol levels and promotes a healthier gut-thyroid axis.
5. Personalized Supplementation: Functional medicine often uses a targeted approach to supplementing key nutrients to support both gut health and thyroid function. Alongside dietary changes, supplements like digestive enzymes and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce gut inflammation and support healing.

Leaky gut plays a pivotal role in autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s. By healing the gut, functional medicine aims to reduce systemic inflammation and immune overactivity, which can help calm autoimmune thyroid attacks. Addressing leaky gut is crucial in restoring thyroid function and improving overall health.

This approach highlights the gut-thyroid-immune connection, underscoring the importance of gut health in maintaining optimal thyroid function and preventing autoimmune progression.

Histamine Intolerance and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Mechanism of Action

Histamine intolerance occurs when the body accumulates too much histamine, or the enzymes that break down histamine (e.g., diamine oxidase (DAO) and histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT)) are not functioning properly. Histamine, a biogenic amine, is involved in various physiological functions such as immune response, regulation of stomach acid, and neurotransmission.

• Histamine Release: Mast cells, a type of white blood cell, store histamine and release it in response to allergens, injury, infections, and stress. When released, histamine triggers inflammatory responses, including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and smooth muscle contraction.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): In MCAS, mast cells are overly sensitive and release histamine inappropriately or excessively, leading to chronic symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body. This can be triggered by infections, stress, environmental toxins, and gut dysbiosis.

Histamine intolerance (HIT) occurs when the body either produces or accumulates excessive amounts of histamine, or when there is a dysfunction in the enzymes responsible for its breakdown.

Histamine is a biogenic amine, meaning it’s a naturally occurring compound involved in several important physiological processes, such as immune responses, the regulation of stomach acid, and neurotransmission. It is also released in response to allergens, infections, and injuries.

Mechanism of Action in Histamine Intolerance:

Histamine is usually broken down in the body by two primary enzymes:

• Diamine Oxidase (DAO): Primarily responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut.
• Histamine-N-Methyltransferase (HNMT): Breaks down histamine within cells, especially in the brain and central nervous system.

In individuals with histamine intolerance, there is often an imbalance between histamine production or intake (from foods, allergens, or infections) and its degradation.

When the body cannot effectively break down histamine due to reduced activity of DAO or HNMT, excess histamine accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to various symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance:

Histamine intolerance often manifests through symptoms that resemble allergic reactions but without a clear allergic trigger.

Common symptoms include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain.
• Skin Reactions: Hives, itching, flushing, swelling.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Nasal congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing.
• Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, migraines, dizziness, anxiety, and brain fog.
• Cardiovascular Symptoms: Palpitations, low blood pressure, or a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
• Menstrual Symptoms: Severe menstrual pain or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as histamine can stimulate estrogen release.

These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the amount of histamine present and the individual’s enzyme activity.

Potential Causes and Triggers:

Histamine intolerance can be triggered by:

1. Genetic Deficiency: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having lower DAO enzyme activity, leading to histamine buildup.
2. Gut Dysbiosis: Imbalances in gut flora can affect DAO production, as the gut is a primary source of this enzyme.
3. Chronic Inflammation or Infections: Conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), leaky gut syndrome, or infections like Candida can increase histamine production.
4. Food Intolerances: Histamine-rich foods (e.g., fermented foods, aged cheeses, processed meats) and histamine-releasing foods (e.g., alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes) can exacerbate symptoms.
5. Medications: Some medications (e.g., NSAIDs, antidepressants, and antihypertensives) can inhibit DAO or HNMT, reducing histamine breakdown.
6. Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated estrogen levels can increase histamine release, which is why some women may experience more symptoms around their menstrual cycle.

Functional Medicine Approach to Histamine Intolerance:

Functional medicine takes a personalized and holistic approach to managing histamine intolerance by addressing the root causes of enzyme dysfunction, gut health, and lifestyle factors.

1. Gut Health Restoration: Since DAO is produced in the gut, optimizing gut function is critical. Strategies may include:
   • Probiotics and Prebiotics: Supporting beneficial bacteria in the gut, especially strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum, which can help modulate histamine metabolism.
   • Treating Dysbiosis: Managing conditions like SIBO, Candida, or leaky gut through tailored diets (e.g., low-FODMAP, SCD) and supplements to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
2. Dietary Management: A low-histamine diet is often recommended to reduce symptoms, especially during initial treatment. This involves avoiding:
   • Histamine-rich foods: Fermented foods, aged cheeses, smoked fish, alcohol, and processed meats.
   • Histamine-liberating foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and shellfish.
3. Supporting Enzyme Function:
   • DAO Supplements: In cases where gut-derived DAO activity is low, DAO enzyme supplements can help break down histamine before it enters the bloodstream.
   • Nutrient Support: Nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, and zinc can help boost the activity of DAO and HNMT, promoting better histamine degradation.
4. Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can exacerbate histamine release, so stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and regular exercise are encouraged.
5. Mast Cell Stabilization: Mast cells, which release histamine, can become overactive in individuals with histamine intolerance or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Certain natural compounds like quercetin, luteolin, and vitamin C can help stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine release.

Solutions in Nutritional Therapy for MCAS and Histamine Intolerance:

Nutritional therapy focuses on stabilizing mast cells, enhancing detoxification, and reducing histamine intake. Key strategies include:

• Low-Histamine Diet: Limiting histamine-containing foods to reduce total histamine load.
• Mast Cell Stabilizers: Nutrients such as quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol can inhibit mast cell degranulation and reduce histamine release.
• DAO Support: Certain foods like peas and lentils are rich in DAO, and supplements can provide additional support.
• Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatories: Antioxidants such as vitamin C and anti-inflammatory foods help reduce oxidative stress, which may promote better enzyme function and overall gut health.

Chronic Infections and Their Link to Histamine Intolerance:

Chronic infections such as Lyme disease, mold toxicity, or Candida overgrowth can perpetuate histamine intolerance by creating a state of chronic inflammation. The treatment approach often includes:

• Antimicrobial Therapies: Personalized protocols using herbal or pharmaceutical antimicrobials to treat the underlying infection.
• Detoxification: Supporting the body’s detox pathways (liver, kidneys, gut) to clear out toxins produced by chronic infections, which can worsen histamine overload.

Histamine intolerance and MCAS involve a complex interplay between gut health, immune function, and enzyme activity. In functional medicine, a holistic approach, including dietary changes, gut healing, stress management, and enzyme support, is essential for reducing histamine overload and managing symptoms effectively.

Signs and Symptoms:  Common symptoms of histamine intolerance and MCAS include:

• Allergic-like reactions: Hives, itching, flushing, swelling, nasal congestion, asthma-like symptoms.
• Digestive issues: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn.
• Neurological symptoms: Headaches, migraines, dizziness, anxiety, brain fog.
• Cardiovascular effects: Heart palpitations, low blood pressure, or rapid heartbeat.
• Hormonal imbalance: Dysregulated menstrual cycles, heightened PMS, or worsening menopause symptoms (since histamine can stimulate estrogen production).

Solutions in Functional Medicine and Nutritional Therapy:  Functional medicine approaches histamine intolerance and MCAS by addressing root causes, supporting mast cell stabilization, and reducing histamine load.

1. Gut Health Optimization:
   • Reduce gut dysbiosis: Gut issues like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can produce excess histamine, exacerbating symptoms.
   • Functional medicine focuses on balancing the gut microbiome using antimicrobial herbs and probiotics.
   • Heal leaky gut: Increased intestinal permeability can worsen histamine-related symptoms.
   • Gut-healing protocols include glutamine, zinc, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
2. Low-Histamine Diet: A key strategy involves reducing intake of histamine-rich foods, which can help alleviate symptoms:
   • Avoid high-histamine foods: Fermented foods (sauerkraut, yogurt), aged cheese, processed meats, alcohol, and vinegar.
   • Focus on fresh foods: Fresh meats, fruits (like apples and pears), vegetables (like zucchini), and gluten-free grains.
   • Increase DAO-supporting foods: Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and copper (found in spinach, salmon, and sunflower seeds) support DAO enzyme function.
3. Mast Cell Stabilizers and Supplements:
   • Quercetin and luteolin: Flavonoids that act as natural mast cell stabilizers, reducing histamine release.
   • Vitamin C: Reduces histamine levels in the body and supports immune function.
   • DAO supplements: Can be taken to aid the breakdown of histamine in the gut, reducing overall histamine load.
4. Addressing Root Causes: Treating underlying infections like Lyme disease, Candida overgrowth, or mold toxicity (which can trigger mast cell activation) is essential. Functional medicine practitioners may use antimicrobials, antifungals, or detoxification protocols to address these triggers.

---

Chronic Infections: Mechanism, Symptoms, and Solutions

Mechanism of Action

Chronic infections like Lyme disease, Candida overgrowth, and mold toxicity often compromise the immune system and can have far-reaching effects on other systems, including the gut, nervous system, and endocrine system.

1. Lyme Disease: Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. Chronic Lyme disease occurs when the infection persists, leading to systemic inflammation.
2. Candida Overgrowth: An imbalance in gut flora where Candida albicans (a yeast) proliferates, releasing toxins and creating a vicious cycle of inflammation and immune suppression.
3. Mold Toxicity: Chronic exposure to mycotoxins from mold can overwhelm the detoxification system, causing immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lyme Disease: Joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, heart palpitations, skin rashes.
• Candida Overgrowth: Fatigue, digestive issues (bloating, gas), sugar cravings, brain fog, recurring fungal infections (like yeast infections).
• Mold Toxicity: Headaches, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, cognitive impairment, mood changes, sinus congestion.

Solutions in Functional Medicine

1. Herbal Antimicrobials: For Lyme, herbs like cat’s claw, andrographis, and Japanese knotweed are used to target bacterial infections. For Candida, antifungal herbs such as oregano oil, garlic, and caprylic acid are often employed.
2. Immune System Modulation: Supplements like beta-glucan, colostrum, and vitamin D help modulate the immune system, reducing chronic inflammation associated with infections.
3. Detoxification Support: For mold toxicity, binders such as activated charcoal, chlorella, or bentonite clay are used to help bind and eliminate mycotoxins. Additionally, supporting liver detox with glutathione or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is crucial.
4. Gut Health: Chronic infections often lead to gut dysfunction, so restoring gut integrity with probiotics, anti-inflammatory foods, and digestive enzymes is a priority.

---

Brain Health: Mechanism, Symptoms, and Solutions

Mechanism of Action

Brain health is closely linked to gut health, neuroinflammation, and hormonal balance. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, plays a significant role in brain function. Imbalances in this axis can lead to conditions like brain fog, anxiety, and depression.

1. Neuroinflammation: Chronic infections, gut dysbiosis, and toxins (like mold and heavy metals) can trigger neuroinflammation, impairing brain function.
2. Gut-Brain Connection: An imbalanced microbiome or gut permeability can send pro-inflammatory signals to the brain, exacerbating symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.

Signs and Symptoms

• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, mental fatigue.
• Mood disorders: Anxiety, depression, irritability, emotional instability.
• Cognitive decline: Slower processing speed, difficulty with decision-making.

Solutions in Functional Medicine

1. Gut Health Restoration: As gut dysbiosis can exacerbate neuroinflammation, functional medicine addresses this by restoring balance in the microbiome. Probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and prebiotics help support the gut-brain axis.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Nutritional therapy focuses on reducing neuroinflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil), antioxidants (from berries, green tea), and polyphenols (from turmeric and green leafy vegetables).
3. Nootropic and Neuroprotective Supplements:
   • Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA): These essential fats help reduce inflammation in the brain and support cognitive function.
   • Phosphatidylserine: A phospholipid that supports the structure of brain cell membranes and improves memory and mental clarity.
   • Curcumin: From turmeric, this powerful anti-inflammatory compound can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation.
4. Hormonal Balance: Brain health is also influenced by hormone imbalances.
   1. Functional medicine practitioners often evaluate thyroid and adrenal function, as imbalances can lead to mood disorders and cognitive impairment.
   2. Hormonal support may involve supplements such as adaptogens (like ashwagandha), bioidentical hormones, and nutrients like B vitamins to support neurotransmitter production.

Histamine intolerance, chronic infections, and neuroinflammation are interconnected issues in functional medicine. Addressing these problems holistically—by focusing on gut health, detoxification, immune regulation, and nutrition—can reduce symptoms and promote overall well-being.

Treating SIBO With Probiotics

Even though it may seem counter-intuitive, research CLEARLY shows that probiotics can be very effective for treating SIBO, improving both symptoms and lab values [1].

• One SIBO-probiotics study found probiotics to be more effective than Metronidazole, an antibiotic treatment for SIBO [2].
• A meta-analysis summarizing 18 clinical trials concluded that probiotics are an effective treatment for SIBO [3]. Specifically, probiotics reduce bacterial overgrowth and hydrogen concentrations, and improve symptoms, including abdominal pain.
• Another study found that probiotics work much better in patients with both IBS and SIBO, as compared to those who have IBS without SIBO [4].

The SIBO-IBS Link

Before we dive into other research-backed treatments for SIBO, it’s important to clarify the link between SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

SIBO is not a “condition” in itself. It is, in fact, a lab finding, usually based on a glucose or lactulose breath test. It’s possible to test positive for SIBO and be perfectly healthy, without symptoms.

IBS is not exactly a “condition” either, it is a set of digestive symptoms that include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation. There is no test for IBS. Patients who test positive for SIBO may have IBS symptoms.

SIBO is a potential cause of IBS. However, it is not the only possible cause. A recent meta-analysis (highest quality research) reviewed 50 clinical studies and found that:

• More than one-third of IBS patients tested positive for SIBO [5].
• IBS patients were nearly five times more likely to test positive for SIBO compared to healthy controls [6].

SIBO falls under a broader umbrella term of digestive tract dysbiosis. Dysbiosis, simply stated, means an imbalance of bacteria, fungus, and other organisms of the digestive system. Most treatments that work for dysbiosis also work for SIBO.

Probiotics and Your SIBO Treatment Plan

When it comes to treatment of SIBO, quick fixes don’t always work. Long-term success is possible, however, through a combination of treatments that address intestinal dysbiosis and improve digestive health. This may include probiotics [7], diet [8], fasting [9], digestive supports [10], and herbal antimicrobials [11]. All of these treatments are supported by research.

Every SIBO patient has a unique intestinal microbiome and the best combination of SIBO treatments for one may not be the best for another. What will work for you can only be learned through a process of personal experimentation.

Probiotic supplements are an excellent place to start in your personalized SIBO treatment plan. They are simple to use, safe over the long term [12, 13], and backed by research. In fact, while the research described above supports using probiotics for SIBO, there’s even more research to support using probiotics for IBS symptoms [14, 15, 16, 17].

 

Which diet is ideal for you today?

In Dr. Michael Ruscio’s functional medicine clinic, several gut-healing diets are implemented to restore balance in the gut and treat conditions like IBS, SIBO, and other digestive issues. These diets aim to reduce inflammation, eliminate trigger foods, and promote gut health by enhancing digestion and the gut microbiome.

Here’s an overview of the main diets used in his practice:

1. Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods that our ancestors might have eaten during the Paleolithic era. It eliminates modern, inflammatory foods like grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and processed foods.

Benefits for Gut Health:

• Reduces inflammation by eliminating processed foods and common allergens.
• Promotes gut-friendly foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats.
• Encourages the intake of nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods that support gut flora and digestive function.

Ideal for: People with general gut inflammation or autoimmune conditions, as it removes many potential irritants.

---

2. Low-FODMAP Diet

The Low-FODMAP diet eliminates fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which are short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to gas, bloating, and other IBS symptoms.

Benefits for Gut Health:

• Helps reduce bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation by eliminating poorly absorbed carbs that feed gut bacteria excessively.
• Reduces the symptoms of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) by starving bacteria that thrive on fermentable carbs.

Ideal for: Individuals with IBS, SIBO, or chronic bloating and gas. The diet is often temporary and followed by a reintroduction phase to identify specific triggers.

---

3. Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet

The AIP diet is an extension of the Paleo diet designed to reduce autoimmune responses. It eliminates foods that may trigger immune system overactivity, including grains, legumes, nightshades (e.g., tomatoes, peppers), eggs, nuts, seeds, and processed foods.

Benefits for Gut Health:

• Calms inflammation in the gut and entire body, which may reduce autoimmune flares and improve gut permeability.
• Supports immune function by removing foods that may exacerbate autoimmune responses or damage the gut lining.

Ideal for: Patients with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease or Crohn’s disease, where gut healing is a key part of reducing autoimmune triggers.

---

4. Elemental Diet

The elemental diet is a liquid formula consisting of pre-digested nutrients like amino acids, simple sugars, and fats. It’s used to “rest the gut” while still providing nutrition, reducing the burden on the digestive system, and starving bacteria in the small intestine.

Benefits for Gut Health:

• Helps treat SIBO by reducing the availability of nutrients that pathogenic bacteria feed on.
• Promotes gut healing by minimizing inflammation and giving the digestive system a break.
• Highly effective as a short-term intervention to reset gut function, especially in cases of severe digestive dysfunction.

Ideal for: Patients with severe SIBO, IBS, or Crohn’s disease who may not tolerate solid foods or are looking for rapid symptom relief.

---

5. GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome)

The GAPS diet is designed to heal the gut lining by removing hard-to-digest and inflammatory foods, while focusing on nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods like broths, stews, and fermented foods.

Benefits for Gut Health:

• Helps restore gut barrier integrity by emphasizing healing foods like bone broth, fermented vegetables, and animal fats.
• Supports beneficial gut bacteria with probiotic-rich foods and minimizes gut irritation by eliminating grains, sugars, and processed foods.

Ideal for: Individuals with leaky gut syndrome, digestive disorders, and even those with neurological symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, or depression that are linked to gut health.

---

6. SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet)

The SCD diet eliminates complex carbohydrates that can feed harmful bacteria and cause fermentation in the gut. It focuses on simple, easily digestible carbs that don’t require digestive enzymes, thus reducing gas, bloating, and inflammation.

Benefits for Gut Health:

• Reduces fermentation in the gut by eliminating hard-to-digest carbohydrates.
• Improves nutrient absorption and reduces digestive symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.

Ideal for: Individuals with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, and SIBO.

---

How Functional Medicine Personalizes These Diets

Dr. Ruscio’s clinic emphasizes bioindividuality, meaning diets are tailored to each patient’s specific needs based on their symptoms, gut health status, and any underlying conditions. A functional medicine approach typically involves:

• Testing: Gut health assessments, including stool tests or breath tests (for SIBO), to guide dietary recommendations.
• Phased Approach: Starting with elimination, then reintroducing foods to identify specific triggers.
• Gut Healing Supplements: Supportive therapies like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-inflammatory nutrients (e.g., L-glutamine, zinc) are often paired with these diets to accelerate healing.

By combining diet with lifestyle changes and personalized supplementation, Dr. Ruscio’s clinic aims to restore balance in the gut, reduce inflammation, and support long-term gut health.