Environmental Toxins: Effect on the Gut-to-Brain Axis in Health and Disease

Presented by: Robert G. Silverman, DC,CNS, CCN Naturopathic care includes treating many patients with joint disorders. Some ofour most common musculoskeletal conditions have an autoimmune componentto their etiology and may account for their relentless progression and difficulty intreatment. The role of dietary and gut-related pathogens as triggers orexacerbators of joint disorders has been defined; the gut-joint axis is real. Gut-related antigens from bacteria, oral pathogens and food proteins can play a rolein multiple joint disorders including joint tissue inflammation, tissueautoimmunity and tissue degeneration. Gram-negative bacteria in the gutproduce a toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which, if translocated to thebloodstream, upregulates the production of inflammatory cytokines that targetjoints, as seen in arthritis. Antibodies made against specific foods (gliadin, dairyproteins, pork) and pathogens (Clostridium botulinum, Porphyromonasgingivalis, Streptococcus and Klebsiella) are known to cross-react with jointtissues, such as collagen, fibulin and arthritic peptide. Additionally, lectins andagglutinins from wheat, lentils, peas and beans, can bind to cartilage andconnective tissue. These mechanisms result in the destruction of self-tissues.Tissue antibodies can appear in the blood up to 10 years before the onset ofdisease. If detected in the early subclinical stages of autoimmunity, protocols canbe implemented to stop the autoimmune process and potentially prevent theonset of disease. Through inflammation, cross-reactivity and covalent binding,gut-related antigens can contribute to joint disorders. When the gut barrier isbroken these potential triggers of joint disorders can more easily ignite or fuel theautoimmune pathogenesis. Thus, the importance of intestinal barrier healthcannot be emphasized enough. Gut barrier integrity testing, autoantibodyassessments, identification of environmental triggers and intestinal barrierpractitioner protocols will be presented. Doctors attending this lecture should understand and be ready for "Monday-morning" clinic implementation on areas such as: Connecting the gut andimmune system with joints for better management of chronic joint disorders;knowing how to expertly assess intestinal barrier dysfunctions; being able toidentify key gut-related triggers of joint disorders; using predictive antibodies forthe identification of tissue damage caused environmental triggers; understandinghow to repair the broken intestinal barrier; and knowing ways to keep the gutbarrier functioning throughout one's lifetime for healthier living.