Digestive Disorders
When a person is under prolonged stress, the increased Cortisol levels seen in Stage I Adrenal Exhaustion are very destructive to the GI and immune systems. This period of time when Cortisol is very high, directly causes a breakdown in the SigA (Secretory Immunoglobulin A) mucosal barrier lining of the small intestine. 80% of a person’s immune system is in this (SigA) antibody layer. This mucosal barrier is similar to a walled fortress with gates guarded by soldiers. A healthy gut wall allows for the proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat into the gut wall and into the blood stream to be used by the body for building up and keeping tissue healthy.
When this mucosal barrier becomes destroyed by the high levels of Cortisol, two negative reactions occur. First, there is not a complete breakdown of nutrients such as proteins. As undigested protein particles pass through the broken down barrier, they pass directly into the blood stream and migrate to areas of the body creating inflammation (joints, cardiovascular tissue, etc.). this is known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome”. The weakened, broken down gut lining is also not efficient at absorbing other nutrients like vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat. The other negative reaction that happens when the gut wall is deteriorated is now the mucosal barrier is not strong enough to fight off and destroy a variety of pathogens including: bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens now can invade into the gut and cause such things as GERD/ Reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc. and other more serious health conditions.
If the doctor determines that you have GI issues, then a GI lab test will be performed on the patient and sent in to BioHealth Labs for evaluation.
This stool analysis determines the presence of ova and parasites such as protozoa, flatworms, and roundworms; Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia antigens; bacteria, fungi (including yeasts), and occult blood; and Clostridium difficile colitis toxins A and B. Sensitivity to pathogenic organisms will be reported as necessary. Causes for concern are both an overgrowth of microorganisms that are normally present in the intestines and the presence of microorganisms that are not normally present in the intestines. Either condition signals that major physiological pathways in the intestinal environment are outside homeostatic limits.
Parasite infections in particular can be silent but destructive, perpetuating chronic stress on the infected individual 24/7 by raising cortisol levels and causing inflammation. Treatment protocols using natural methods and/or prescription drugs are often necessary to resolve infections.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium which can be found in the stomach mucosa of infected individuals. The infection may produce little or no noticeable symptoms, but can cause gastritis, gastric ulcers, stomach cancer, and other serious pathologies. By neutralizing stomach acid through the destruction of parietal cells in the stomach, H. pylori causes digestive problems, constant acute stress on the hormonal stress response, and can lead to progressively threatening disease conditions unless treated.
Another common occurrence following mucosal barrier breakdown is a food sensitivity or food intolerance condition. The doctor will determine which foods the patient has developed sensitivities to, and recommend a special healing diet plan. Common sensitivities include dairy and gluten. Most people report marked improvement in their overall health when they complete the Gut Pathogen Killing Program.