Gastrointestinal Health: The 5R Protocol Flashcards
Q: What is the 5R protocol?
A: The 5R protocol is a structured approach to addressing GI dysfunctions by asking five key questions: Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, and Rebalance.
Q: What should be removed to support healthy GI function?
A: Remove dietary irritants like processed foods, additives, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and allergens (e.g., gluten, dairy). Also, avoid toxins (pesticides, plastic packaging) and unnecessary drugs (e.g., NSAIDs).
Q: What are some anti-microbial herbs used in the removal phase of the 5R protocol?
A: Anti-microbial herbs include berberine, garlic, oregano, and uva ursi.
Q: What are examples of anti-bacterial agents in the 5R protocol?
A: Oregano oil, berberine, garlic, and neem are common anti-bacterials.
Q: What are common anti-parasitic agents in the 5R protocol?
A: Anti-parasitics include black walnut hulls, wormwood, oregano, neem, clove buds, and pumpkin seeds.
Q: What are some anti-fungal agents used in the 5R protocol?
A: Anti-fungal agents include caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, and garlic.
Q: What anti-viral agents can be used in the 5R protocol?
A: Olive leaf extract, nano silver, and elderberry are examples of anti-viral agents.
Q: What should be replaced in the 5R protocol to support digestion?
A: Replace digestive factors such as stomach acid (with digestive bitters, betaine HCl), pancreatic enzymes, and bile salts (choleretics or ox bile).
Q: How can beneficial bacteria be reinoculated in the 5R protocol?
A: Reinoculation can be done with probiotics (cultured vegetables, fermented foods, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium supplements) and prebiotics (foods rich in fructans, FOS, inulin, like chicory, leeks, onions).
Q: What nutrients support epithelial and tight junction repair in the 5R protocol?
A: L-glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, quercetin, zinc, essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA), B vitamins, vitamin A, collagen, and bone broth support epithelial repair.
Q: How can the mucous barrier be supported in the 5R protocol?
A: Support the mucous barrier with demulcent herbs (slippery elm, liquorice, marshmallow root), fibre, and polyphenols to enhance mucin production and increase SIgA.
Q: What can be used to increase SIgA and reduce inflammation in the 5R protocol?
A: Saccharomyces boulardii can increase SIgA, and curcumin can reduce inflammation.
Q: What lifestyle changes should be made in the Rebalance phase of the 5R protocol?
A: Address stress with breathing exercises, adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha, passionflower), practise good sleep hygiene, and engage in regular exercise.
Q: What are key timing considerations for applying the 5R protocol?
A: Parasites may need two phases of treatment (e.g., 10 days on, 10 days off), SIBO or dysbiosis may need 4 weeks of antimicrobials, deficient microbiomes need a minimum of 4 weeks for reinoculation, and food intolerances require at least 6 weeks of gut wall repair before reintroduction.
