Fibromyalgia and the Leaky Gut Syndrome

The natural treatment of FMS requires an understanding and amelioration of the leaky gut syndrome phenomenon. The basic lesion in leaky gut syndrome is an intestinal lining that is more permeable than normal. In simple terms, this means that larger-than-optimal spaces are present between the cells of the gut wall, allowing the entrance of bacteria, fungi, parasites, toxins, undigested protein, fat, and waste material into the bloodstream. Substances that are normally not absorbed in the healthy state, pass through a damaged, hyperpermeable, or "leaky" gut.

The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the gut lining. Inflammation causes the spaces between the cells to enlarge, allowing the absorption of large protein molecules. These are usually broken down into much smaller pieces before being absorbed through the normally small spaces between the gut-lining cells.

The immune system starts making antibodies against the larger molecules because it perceives them as foreign, invading substances. Antibodies are produced against the "invading" proteins and previously well-tolerated foods. The antibodies can get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding food is consumed. This occurs because body tissues have antigenic sites very similar to those on the foods, bacteria, parasites, candida, or fungi. Auto-antibodies are thus created and inflammation can become chronic. If this inflammation occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis develops. If it occurs in the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is the resulting autoimmune problem. If it occurs in the muscles and multiple organ systems, the result may very well be FMS or ME/CFS.

The inflammation that causes leaky gut syndrome also damages the protective coating of antibodies of the IgA family. These are normally present in a healthy gut. As a result, the individual becomes less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites, and Candida. These microbes are then able to invade the bloodstream and colonize almost any tissue or organ. The microbes and their toxins -- if present in large enough amounts -- can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify. Resulting symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, brain fog, or facial swelling when the individual is exposed to a perfume or cigarette smoke, for example. He or she may have had no adverse reactions to these odors prior to the development of leaky gut phenomenon.

Leaky gut syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies. The inflammation process damages the various carrier proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract, needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood. For example, magnesium deficiency is quite common in conditions such as FMS, despite a high magnesium intake through diet or 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, another autoimmune disease. Inflammation involves 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, alternating diarrhea with constipation, and cramps occur, leading to irritable bowel syndrome. Eventually, systemic complaints such as fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration, or irritability develop.