Leaky Gut Syndrome: Root Cause of Eczema, Psoriasis, & Autoimmune Disorders

My dear contributing writer Nicola wrote up an article on some things one can do for treating eczema naturally, which I will post soon. I realized that first I must personally elaborate on this subject  and provide the proper context because I have recently come across research that reveals the root cause. My mother developed psoriasis sometime last year, following my little brother passing away unexpectedly. She’s never had anything like this in her life, and her situation is a clear example of how stress and dealing with overwhelming emotions can bring out diseases that would have remained dormant. I’ve got her taking omega-3’s via flaxseed oil daily, she’s eating a high plant-based diet with some fish, and getting moderate exercise. Thus far her condition has been steadily improving, the skin marks are fading away rapidly, and I intend to see that it disappears altogether.

While researching how to help her I came across a very brilliant book called “Healing Psoriasis” by John O. A. Pagano, D.C. which I highly recommend for anyone dealing with psoriasis or eczema. The book includes accounts of healed patients, research, and recipes/meal plans for those implementing a healing program. What I learned that literally gave me an Oprah AHA! moment, was that skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, along with AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS can all be traced to leaky gut syndrome. For years now, I’ve had friends and colleagues with autoimmune disorders  that are deemed “un-cureable” and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what was behind them. I knew there had to be something. How does the body just starting attacking itself?  Come to find out it all goes back to THE COLON, which shouldn’t have been surprising considering it is the root of almost every disease we know. What is leaky gut? It is exactly what it sounds like…the intestinal walls get weak and “leak” out toxins into the bloodstream causing illness.

In Pagano’s book he mentions Dr. Zoltan P. Rona  who has conducted research on this matter: ”  ‘Leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease, and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.’ He [ Dr. Rona] named diseases in this category such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, vertigo, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diabetes among others as being directly linked to a hyperpermeable intestinal wall.”

Here are some causes the Dr. Rona and Pagano list that may cause leaky gut: antibiotics, alcohol and caffeine, foods and beverages contaminated by parasites, chemicals in processed foods, enzyme deficiencies, prescription corticosteroids, diet high in refined carbs, prescription hormones (birth control pills), chronic constipation, improper elimination, insufficient intake of water, foods high in saturated fat, nightshade foods like tomatoes (destructive to those with eczema or psoriasis), smoking, negative emotions, depression, spinal misalignment (which can be rectified with a chiropractor), and hereditary factors.

All that said, basically if you or someone you know has any of the conditions mentioned above, change in diet  and removal of unnatural foods will help relieve symptoms and lessen inflammation or pain. Colon cleansing will help get rid of stored toxins and also actively working to rebuild the walls of the colon may help address the root cause. How do you do that? There are herbs that are great for that include slippery elm bark powder and American yellow saffron tea that can be taken, and/or you can also supplement with vegetarian glucosamine.

I’m more of an herbal girl, so I would probably try to find the most potent version of the teas, but glucosamine will probably be more aggressive at addressing the issue although it may come with some side effects. Try it and just be wary of how your body feels and reacts. Glucosamines are amino sugars which are an essential component of all bodily tissues. An inability of the body to manufacture glucosamine causes the intestinal walls to thin (leaky gut) and allows toxins and undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream, which leads to the aforementioned diseases and autoimmune disorders. Most glucosamines are made from shellfish and other animal products, so take care to find the vegan/vegetarian brands. The veg friendly brands are out there, and I heard first-hand while at a local health food store from a few suffering from diseases related to leaky gut that this drastically helped reverse their condition.

If you have an autoimmune disorder or any skin condition like eczema and psoriasis, the good news is that there is hope. It’ll take some investigation as to what is aggravating you (as you are probably highly sensitive to chemicals, additives etc.), and determination to change your lifestyle and dietary habits, but it is possible to heal yourself and live symptom-free. Stay the course, and may the veggie force be with you. -XoXo Raw Girl