Guarding Against Deficiencies & Toxicities

Deficiencies and toxicities, such as Leaky Gut Syndrome, enzyme deficiency, gallbladder and liver deficiency, and sensitivity to oxalates and salicylates, can worsen herpes outbreaks. Here's what you need to know about Leaky Gut Syndrome, enzyme deficiency, liver and gallbladder deficiency, and oxalate and salicylate toxicity.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

 

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a term used to describe the porous lining of the intestines that allows liquids and small particles (such as food and toxins) to pass into the rest of the body, causing inflammation. The following can contribute to a leaky gut.

 

 

Because a leaky gut causes toxicity and inflammation throughout the body, it also leads to poor pH, which can adversely affect hormones, including cortisol levels.

 

A leaky gut activates TH2 (a helper lymphocyte) to the detriment of TH1. A weaker TH1 response than TH2 triggers a herpes outbreak, often caused by dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria that leads to leaky gut). The absence of typical herpes symptoms depends on a healthy balance between TH1 and TH2. Too much TH2 causes inflammation, weakens the immune system, and makes the body less able to contain HSV. Relapses become more frequent. Coloring agents (dyes), preservatives, and heavy metals also activate TH2 cells to the detriment of TH1 cells. Heal the gut, and you'll be better able to put HSV in remission. 

 

The following are ways to prevent, ease, and eliminate Leaky Gut Syndrome.

 

  • Eat a genetically appropriate diet and avoid or significantly reduce foods that cause a pH imbalance. Eating anti-inflammatory foods are highly beneficial, such as broth, avocados, wild-caught fish and grass-fed meats, nonstarchy vegetables, olives and olive oil, green tea, lemons, limes, apple cider vinegar, fermented vegetables (not everyone can handle fermented foods; see below), coconut oil (the meat of the coconut can bring on herpes outbreaks), ginger, garlic, onions, chive, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. 

 

  • Minimize antibiotic use, except in emergencies.

 

  • Eat fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, miso, tempeh, apple cider vinegar, and yogurt, to support the gut microbiota and improve digestion. There is an exception. People with Histamine Intolerance, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, IBS, and Crohn's (or any other bowel disorder) may find it necessary to avoid fermented foods. While fermented foods typically increase the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut, individuals with these conditions may experience adverse symptoms when consuming them. Taking prebiotic and probiotic supplements is an alternative, but only certain types are recommended. See Vitamins & Supplements. Additionally, refer to HSV & Overlapping Conditions for holistic alternatives to address symptoms and conditions. 

 

  • Reduce foods high in lectins (beans, peanuts, lentils, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, fruits, wheat, and other grains). Most of these are HSV triggers, by the way. Foods likely to cause inflammation include refined grains, whole grains, grain and flour products, deep-fried, processed, and packaged foods, commercial salad dressings, margarine, grain-fed meats and eggs, soda pop, trans fats, and oils from corn, sunflower, safflower, and soybeans.

 

  • Take prebiotics and probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics are similar. The difference is that probiotics are replacements and are effective only if you continue taking them, whereas prebiotics feed your microbiome, allowing microbial communities to repopulate. If you're histamine intolerant, follow an antihistamine diet. You can also take a DAO supplement, which breaks down the histamine in foods you eat. 

 

  • Oats and oat milk contain phytic acid (phytates), which lowers the absorption of vitamins and minerals when eaten too frequently. They also contain high levels of glyphosate, which damages the gut and causes hormonal issues and Cancer. They are a significant source of mold-based micotoxins. I suggest adding these occasional foods to your diet. Think again if you hope to get your daily fiber needs from your morning oatmeal. Oatmeal contains very little fiber.  

 

  • Quinoa contains saponins and lectins that damage gut cells. 

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  • Take glutamine (1500 mg daily) to strengthen the intestinal wall and tighten intestinal junctions. 

 

  • According to Jonathan Otto, a unique combination of butyrate, fulvic acid, Bacillus coagulans, and oligosaccharides effectively repairs the gut lining. Please watch his video to learn more about this topic. 

 

 

Enzyme Deficiency

 

If your body were a factory (in many ways, it is), your enzymes would play the role of your factory workers. There are different types of enzymes at work in your body. Without enzymes, you could not exist. Enzymes trigger thousands of essential actions in the body.

 

Some say we are born with only a limited number of enzymes to maintain our digestive functions, and that these enzymes naturally begin to deplete in our thirties as we age. Furthermore, enzymes deplete more quickly when we consume the wrong foods, experience excessive stress, or are sick. 

 

Enzyme deficiencies are not as age-related as they are diet- and stress-related. If you are over 35 and American, stressed out, and eating a poor diet, you are already deficient in one or two major digestive enzymes. By reducing stress, increasing your intake of plant-based foods, and taking a dietary enzyme supplement, you can alleviate symptoms of enzyme deficiency and food sensitivity.

 

What are live foods? Live foods are foods that have not been heated, cooked, or refined in any way. At least 50% of the foods you eat should be live. Some folks call these foods raw. Examples of raw foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, milk (straight from the cow), and raw honey. Live foods contain their natural enzymes and support your entire system. Live foods lose their enzymes when heated above 113 degrees. Therefore, it is best to eat live foods uncooked whenever possible. Otherwise, they become "dead" foods.

 

Dead foods (foods without enzymes) are not entirely without value. They contain essential nutrients, so it's best not to eliminate them from your diet. But eating more dead foods than live ones will cause too much acid waste in the body, creating acidosis.

 

Acidosis is the primary cause of most non-inherited diseases. When you eat dead foods, your body becomes shortchanged elsewhere, as other enzymes have to leave their posts in different parts of your body to assist with digesting the dead food you just ate. 

 

 

Amylase Deficiency Symptoms: Food cravings include carbohydrates, such as pasta, cakes, sweets, coffee, chocolate, and bread. Deficiency consists of the following symptoms.

 

 

 

Lipase Deficiency Symptoms: Food cravings include fatty foods, creams, smoked or rich-tasting foods, ethnic foods, and decadent desserts. Deficiency consists of the following symptoms.  

 

 

 

Protease Deficiency Symptoms: You crave proteins, such as meat, fish, bacon, and chicken. Deficiency includes the following symptoms.

 

 

 

Combination Deficiency Symptoms: Cravings include daily sweets and carbohydrates. Deficiency consists of the following symptoms.

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Supplementing with Digestive Enzymes

 

Most multiple-enzyme products contain the following necessary ingredients.

 

  • Protease (digests proteins): Helps alleviate anxiety, low blood sugar, kidney problems, cancer, bacterial and viral infections, bone issues, and water retention, and supports immunity.
  • Lipase (digests fats) helps with high cholesterol, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
  • Cellulase (digests fiber): Helps with bloating, gas, food allergies, and yeast infections. 
  • Amylase (digests carbohydrates): Helps with liver and gallbladder, herpes, and skin problems.
  • Sucrase (digests sugars): Helps with lung (breathing) problems, mood swings, insomnia, depression, dizziness, and chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diarrhea (IBS-D). 

 

See HSV & Overlapping Conditions for witchy alternatives for symptoms and conditions. 

 

Chewable multi-enzymes, such as Super Papaya Enzyme Plus by American Health, are available for those who experience occasional indigestion. This particular product combines key dietary enzymes with a hint of peppermint, known for its comforting qualities, making it a big plus when you are on the go because they're chewable. These work instantly to calm your stomach and bowel. They work best to aid the digestion of light meals and snacks. Do not use their original papaya product, as it is not strong enough to address enzyme deficiency. Ensure you purchase the bottle with this exact name, not the one labeled 'Original Papaya Enzyme'. For larger meals, a multi-enzyme product, such as Source  Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes, is better suited for daily use. I've used this brand daily for over 15 years without any side effects.

 

Suppose you have a history of IBS or acid reflux due to a relaxed sphincter muscle (the muscle that closes the opening to the stomach from the esophagus). In that case, you'll want to choose a multiple-enzyme capsule that does not contain peppermint. Peppermint relaxes the muscles between your stomach and throat, which can aggravate Acid Reflux Syndrome. Its main ingredient, menthol, may also cause your tongue to burn and turn white after continuous use. Peppermint oil capsules are available, which can be used separately to alleviate IBS symptoms. They bypass your stomach and are better for long-term use. In rare instances, peppermint can cause hot flashes, sweating, a burning sensation in your rectum, muscle pain, or tremors, which would be considered an allergic reaction or a sensitive reaction from overuse. If you experience any of these reactions to peppermint, do not use the peppermint capsules.

 

 

Digestive Enzyme Side-Effects

 

Studies have not shown any side effects associated with enzyme use. Multi-enzymes are not toxic, nor do they become so in the body. Follow the directions on your product label. Loose stool and anal itching may occur when using a dose higher than necessary or taking a proper amount without eating enough food. Should this happen, reduce the dosage slightly and make minor personal adjustments as needed. Side effects are temporary.

 

 

An Important Note Regarding Proteolytic Enzymes

 

Proteolytic enzymes in the body (pancreatin, papain, bromelain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and rutin) break down dietary protein. Like the Herpes Simplex Virus, Cancer cells have a protein-like coating (a biofilm) that proteolytic enzymes can help destroy, which is the power of enzymes. Proteolytic enzymes tend to thin the blood and may interfere with your treatment and healing ability. Proteolytic enzymes also break down fibrin, a protein that helps form blood clots.

 

Vitamin K (often included or taken with vitamin D) is a natural blood thinner. For this reason, you should avoid taking vitamin K if you take enzymes that break down proteins, which also thin the blood. Under healthy circumstances, taking dietary enzymes containing proteolytic enzymes and a low-dose vitamin K together shouldn't be a problem. However, if you take blood-thinning medication, have Cancer, or are in Cancer therapy, do not take supplemental proteolytic enzymes, usually included in over-the-counter enzyme products or vitamin K, without consulting your doctor first. 

 

"If it were not for the information you provided about enzyme deficiency, I'd still be charting a map of restrooms all the way across town and back each day. Thanks to you, I finally have my independence and my energy back! Thank you!"  ~ Karen

 

 

Gallbladder & Liver Deficiency

 

If you have gallbladder disease or have had your gallbladder removed, you are likely deficient in digestive enzymes (see above). As you eat, the gallbladder releases bile from its storage sack, which helps break down fats, particularly saturated fats. Excess bile is released when fats and carbohydrates (foods containing natural sugar) are combined. The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid in the digestion of food.

 

If your gallbladder isn't functioning correctly or is missing, bile can trickle unregulated from the liver into the small intestine. There may not be enough bile to digest animal fats completely. On the other hand, the liver can dump too much bile. When bile isn't regulated, it can cause various symptoms, such as indigestion, stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, eye irritation, poor night vision, difficulty metabolizing calcium, and hormonal problems. Vegetarians often experience these types of symptoms as a result of choosing not to consume saturated fat. 

 

Post-gallbladder syndrome symptoms can appear years after removal. Symptoms can include Tinnitus, pain under the right shoulder blade, gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intermittent abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatty food intolerance. Without a gallbladder and the inability to digest fats properly, you might also begin to have higher histamine levels in your body. Higher histamine levels trigger allergy symptoms, muscle pains, IBS, and Interstitial Cystitis.

 

DAO (diamine oxidase) is the enzyme that breaks down food-derived histamine in the gut. If you have low DAO levels, histamine accumulates, leading to symptoms in various parts of the body. DAO is available over the counter.

 

Many believe that acid reflux and GERD are caused by too much stomach acid, hence the use of antacids. However, these conditions are caused by insufficient stomach acid, which prevents the valve at the top of the stomach from closing correctly. Sufficient stomach acid automatically closes this muscle to avoid reflux. When it stays open, food particles move up into the esophagus. 

 

To counteract these symptoms, consider taking digestive enzyme supplements. Natural bitters, such as dandelion tea, can help improve stomach acid and digestion. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A (in the form of beta-carotene), D3, E, and K, function like hormones in the body. They can help to balance hormonal issues caused by a lack of bile. Bile salts can help your body digest saturated fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Most people without gallbladders also experience difficulty maintaining optimal vitamin D and magnesium levels. 

 

Problems with the gallbladder meridian can cause Tinnitus (ringing in the ear), pain under the right shoulder blade, and gray-colored stools. Eating more fiber (like General Mills Fiber One cereal) can feed your gut microbiota, easing digestion and constipation and promoting overall immunity. Fiber One tastes good and sweet (unlike other "cardboard" fiber cereals). You get 18 grams of fiber in 2/3 of a cup of cereal!

 

 

Symptoms of a Struggling Liver That You May Not Be Aware Of

 

  • Often waking up between 1 AM and 3 AM when the liver is trying to detoxify. 
  • Dry eye, gunky eyes (causing blurry vision), or macular degeneration
  • Deep lines between the eyebrows above the nose (frown creases)

 

Note: The liver plays a crucial role in removing excess hormones from the body. A struggling liver can cause hormonal imbalances, and vice versa, especially when it comes to estrogen.

 

 

Oxalate & Salicylate Toxicity

 

Oxalates and salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants that protect the plant from being eaten by insects or attacked by a disease. However, they can become toxic to those who are sensitive to them. Oxalates bind with minerals in the body, creating oxalate salts. Most of these salts are soluble and are quickly excreted from the body. However, oxalates that bind with calcium solidify in the kidneys, producing kidney stones.

 

Raw plant foods contain higher levels of salicylates. Commercial plant foods can be harvested way too early, posing problems. Although poisonous, salicylates are usually well-tolerated when ingested in small amounts. However, consuming them too frequently can cause a wide range of symptoms. Many commercially prepared food products, personal hygiene products, and drugs, such as Aspirin, contain salicylates.

 

Oxalates and salicylates can cause overlapping conditions such as Tinnitus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bladder Syndrome, Vulvodynia (irritation of the vaginal entrance), Depression, panic attacks, headaches, skin rashes, and chronic pain conditions. Again, refer to HSV & Overlapping Conditions for holistic alternatives to address symptoms and conditions. 

 

Feel free to download a copy of my Oxalates & Salicylates Foods & Substances Lists directly below. 

The Oxalates & Salicylates Foods & Substances Lists