Part Three: Immune System & Leaky Gut

Nutritional Therapy & Leaky Gut:  How do we get a leak in our GUT?

1. Once the mucosal lining in the intestines becomes damaged, weak, or underdeveloped, the foreign invaders are able to easily pass into the body.
2. How does the mucosal lining get damage? Causes of increased intestinal permeability can be a result of…
   • Chronic stress!
   • Maldigested foods – poor chewing, low stomach acid and digestive enzymes
   • Lack of breast-feeding during infancy
   • Poor dietary habits including consuming alcoholic beverages
   • Use of antibiotics
   • Use of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
3. When we get a “leak” or “holes” in our gut- then we are more prone to:
   • Allergies
   • excess inflammation
   • autoimmune disease
   • progressive breakdown (poor longevity!)
4. GUT FLORA impacts our IMMUNE System:
   • Our lining of the GI Track, epithelial tissues, depend on optimal gut flora for regeneration
   • If our gut flora is not at optimal levels, then our epithelial lining does not regenerate.
   • We are more prone to an increase in pathogenic bacteria in our microbiome if we are deficient in “good” bacteria and diversity
5. Micro-organisms and our Immune System:
   • A compromised microbiome diminishes our IgA levels which reduces neutrophils and macrophages
     • IgA = antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune system
       • SIgA is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions, including tears, saliva, sweat, colostrum and secretions from the genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, prostate and respiratory epithelium. It is also found in small amounts in blood.
       • The secretory component of SIgA protects the immunoglobulin from being degraded by proteolytic enzymes; thus, SIgA can survive in the harsh gastrointestinal tract environment and provide protection against microbes that multiply in body secretions.[6]
       • SIgA can also inhibit inflammatory effects of other immunoglobulins.[7]
     • Neutrophils = “Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. In fact, most of the white blood cells that lead the immune system’s response are neutrophils. There are four other types of white blood cells. Neutrophils are the most plentiful type, making up 55 to 70 percent of your white blood cells.”
     • Macrophages = “a large phagocytic cell found in stationary form in the tissues or as a mobile white blood cell, especially at sites of infection.”  (Pacman)
6. The gut can not protect itself with low IgA and reduced members of its self-defense “army” team
7. The gut needs the micro-organisms around to help destroy any sign of viruses and pathogenic invaders hiding out in the digestive system
8. We need an abundance of “beneficial” micro-organisms to eat up (“Pac man”) to eat up and destroy the viruses, toxins, bacteria, fungus, and other dead tissues (autophagy).
9. Probiotics:  help increase the diversity of the beneficial micro-organisms while they extend the life of Secretory IgA.?

What is Secretory IgA?

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity and is produced in greater quantities than all other types of antibody combined.

• In its secretory form, SIgA is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions and provides protection against potentially pathogenic microbes, due to its ability to resist degradation by enzymes and survive in harsh environments such as GI and respiratory tracts.
• SIgA is the first line of defense against bacteria, food residues, yeast, parasites and viruses, and imbalances may provide the link between gut imbalances and systemic illness.
• Deficiency of SIgA is a common finding with, Lifestyle, stress, and nutritional factors all able to influence levels.
• SIgA is an important indicator of digestive immune function.
• Chronic intestinal infections (due to bacterial, yeast or parasites), food sensitivities, aging, antibiotics, medication, and stress all decrease SIgA levels.
• Low levels can lead to recurrent infections and food intolerances.
• Exceptionally low levels of this important antibody class have also been observed in autistic spectrum disorders.
• IgA accounts for approx. 15 – 20 % of serum immunoglobulin but is the most abundant immunoglobulin in secretions: saliva, tears, colostrum and bronchial, intestinal, and G.I secretions.
• This represents the first line of defense against potential pathogens, toxins, and food allergens.
• https://www.gdx.net/uk/product/secretory-immunoglobulin-a-siga

TEST AND NOT GUESS about your IMMUNITY and GUT HEALTH!! 

Clinical applications of secretory IgA antibody testing

• Production is stimulated by bacteria & viruses, which are removed by SIgA and
• phagocytosis
• Patients deficient in SIgA are susceptible to pathogens in the G.I tract
• There is a particularly high prevalence of IgA deficiency in coeliac (5%)
• Deficiencies may be associated with asthma, autoimmune disease, candidiasis, coeliac
• disease and food allergies
• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s patients all have low SIgA. There is some evidence that increasing the levels may help disease
• High levels are often found in patients with chronic infection (CMV, EBV and HIV)
• Lifestyle and nutritional factors influence levels
• Choline, EFA’s, glutathione, glycine, phosphatidylcholine, Vitamin C & zinc are all needed for efficient production
• Chronic dermatological conditions
• Any irritation to the gut lining can contribute to increased permeability.
• Irritation results from inflammation, imbalanced intestinal organisms, intolerances, and allergies, maldigestion and exposure to NSAIDs.
• Leaky gut can lead to increased burden on the hepatic detoxification systems, which can deplete important nutrient co-factors and increase toxic reactions.
• Chronically impaired gut immune function leads to an increase in susceptibility to toxic substances and bacterial translocation.
• The comprehensive adrenal stress profile also measures secretory IgA as chronic stress can have a dramatic effect on secretory IgA production.

https://www.gdx.net/uk/product/secretory-immunoglobulin-a-siga

Stay connected for Part Three: Allergies and Food Sensitivities