The gut lining (known as the intestinal mucosa) serves a critical yet paradoxical role in the body: it must allow essential nutrients from digested food to be absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, while simultaneously blocking the entrance of toxins, bacteria, allergens and other harmful macromolecules.

Any irritation to the gut lining can cause increased intestinal permeability, leading to an increased "flow" of toxins and allergens seeping into systemic circulation. Over time, this onslaught of foreign invaders puts stress on the body's immune system and can lead to chronic illness and/or an exacerbation of existing disease symptoms. Impaired intestinal permeability can also lead to poor absorption of nutrients.

Alterations in healthy intestinal function have been linked with the development of AIDS symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss.1 Some researchers have estimated that up to 20% patients with AIDS may have
abnormal intestinal permeability.2

One study of over 80 AIDS patients found increased intestinal permeability in all subgroups of patients, including those without overt symptoms.3 In fact, the level of absorption-permeability was similar to that seen in patients with untreated celiac disease--an inflammatory disease of the small intestine. A recent study revealed that the health of the gastrointestinal tract--including gut immunity and gut permeability--could
impact the progression of HIV to full-blown AIDS. The authors recommended that exposing and treating "leaky gut" should be an integral part of treatment for HIV/AIDS.4

The Intestinal Permeability Assessment is a non-invasive assessment that measures how well two nonmetabolized sugars, mannitol and lactulose, penetrate the intestinal mucosa. Results can be used to set up a therapeutic program based on diet and specific supplements.

References:

1 Pernet P, Vittecoq D, Kodjo A, Randrianarisolo MH, Dumitrescu L, Blondon H, Bergmann JF, Giboudeau J, Aussel C. Intestinal absorption and permeability in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Scand J Gastroeneterol 1999;34(1):29-34.

2 Noyer CM, Simon D, Borczuk A, Brandt LJ, Lee MJ, Nehra V. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of glutamine therapy for abnormal intestinal permeabilityin patients with AIDS. Am J Gastroetnerol 1998;93(6):972-5.

3 Keating J, Bjarnason I, Somasundaram S, Macpherson A, Francis N, Price AB, et. al. Intestinal
absorptive capacity, intestinal permeability and jejunal histology in HIV and their relation to diarrhoea. Gut
1995;37(5):623-629.

4 Kaminski M, Weil S, Bland J, Jan P. AIDS Wasting Syndrome as an Entero-Metabolic disorder: the gut
hypothesis. Alt Med Rev 1998 (3): 40-53.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealth institute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.