GI Flashcards
What does “DIGIN” stand for?
Digestion/absorption Intestinal permeability Gut microbiota/dysbiosis Inflammation/immune modulation Nervous system
(key functional roles and aspects of the gut)
What pathophysiological processes contribute to impairments in digestion & absorption?
Inadequate mastication Hypochlorhydria Pancreatic insufficiency Bile insufficiency Brush Border injury
What are triggers for increased intestinal permeability?
Poor diet, stress, infection, dysbiosis, inflammation, systemic disease, impaired digestion (low stomach acid), toxins, nutritional insufficiencies, medications, food reactions, malnutrition, increased uptake of toxins and lipopolysaccharides
What are the 5-Rs?
Remove - foods, pathogens, stressors, toxins
Replace - digestive factors, HCl, pancreatic enzymes, bile, fiber
Reinoculate - pre-, pro-, & synbiotics; eg. inulin, FOS, soluble fibers, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, S boulardii,
Repair - Gln, Arg, vitamins A/D/C/E/B5, carotenoids, Zn, phosphatidylcholine, etc
Rebalance - relaxation, mindfulness, HRV/biofeedback, etc
What nutrients/nutraceuticals may be used for GI repair?
Nutrients for GI repair & healing: glutamine, arginine, vitamins A, D, C & E, pantothenic acid, carotenoids, Zn
Mucosal lining support - phosphatidylcholine
Mucosal secretion protectants - phosphatidylcholine, plantain, polysaccharides
GALT support - lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, whey immunoglobulins
Antioxidants - catechins
Anti-inflammatories - curcumin, EPA/DHA
What conditions are causes of conjugated bile acid deficiency?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
Liver disease, biliary obstruction, SIBO, ileal disease, CCK deficiency
Leads to malabsorption of fat, fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, magnesium
What condition are causes of pancreatic insufficiency?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
Congenital, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, hyperacidity (deactivates pancreatic enzymes)
Leads to malabsorption of fat, protein, CHO, fat-soluble vitamins, B12
What conditions are causes of reduced mucosal digestion?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
Mucosal disease (ie Crohn’s, celiac), brush border enzyme deficiency (eg. lactase)
Leads to malabsorption of CHO, proteins
What are causes of dysfunctional intraluminal consumption of nutrients?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
SIBO, parasites
Leads to malabsorption of B12, macronutrients
What conditions are causes of reduced mucosal absorption?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
Mucosal disease (eg Crohn’s, celiac), intestinal surgery, infections, malignancies
Leads to malabsorption of fat, CHO, protein, vitamins, minerals
What conditions are causes of reduced GI transport?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
Lymphatic disease, venous stasis (ie CHF)
Leads to poor fat, protein absorption
What conditions can reduce gastric acid and IF production?
What nutrient becomes malabsorbed?
Atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastric resection
Leads to B12 malabsorption
What conditions can increase gastric emptying and reduce gastric mixing?
What nutrients become malabsorbed?
Gastroparesis, prior surgery, autonomic dysfunction
Leads to malabsorption of fat, protein
What pathogenic mechanisms are likely responsible for non-celiac wheat sensitivity?
FODMAP reactions (intestinal sx only) non-celiac gluten sensitivity Amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) Wheat germ agglutinin (a lectin) Other identified protein antigens/epitopes
What genetic SNPs are responsible for predisposition to celiac disease?
HLA-DQ2 & HLA-DQ8 - give rise to proteins which display gluten fragments to immune cells
Which are the IFM advanced therapeutic interventions? (4)
Detox, GI-specific, Mito & ReNew
Which are the “first step” IFM dietary interventions
Cardiometabolic, Elimination
then transition to advanced plans, if needed
What are some types of elimination diets?
Comprehensive
Six food - wheat, eggs, dairy, legumes/peanuts, soy, seafood/fish
Four food - wheat, eggs, dairy, legumes/peanuts
Simplified (Caveman) elimination - lamb, rice, pear, sweet potato
Single food group elimination - gluten, egg, dairy
Sugar
FODMAP (low prebiotic, lactose, fructans, galactans, polyols)
Paleo
What are some proposed causes of dysbiosis?
Genetic mutations (NOD2, IL23R, ATG16L, IGRM), diet, stress, poor early colonization (hospital births, altered exposure to microbes), vaccinations, antibiotics, hygiene, T-cell imbalances (low Treg, high Th1, Th2 & Th17)
What are non-immune mediated food reactions?
Toxic Non-toxic: Enzymatic - deficiencies (eg lactase), conversion (eg. scombroid) Pharmacological (eg vasoactive amines) Other - e.g., additive intolerances
What are immune mediated food reactions?
IgE - immediate & late phase allergies
IgA mediated
IgG immune complexes (food sensitivities)
T-cell mediated
What supplements may be useful for:
prevention of food reactions
symptomatic
Prevention: maternal fish oil during breast-feeding, prebiotics, probiotics, breast feeding
Symptomatic herbals: quercetin, stinging nettle
What are possible mechanisms of action for probiotics?
Neutralization of dietary carcinogens, immune stimulation, antioxidant, survival & adhesion competition w/pathogenic bacteria, bacteriocin, bioactive peptides, SCFAs, cholesterol assimilation, oligosaccharides, B-galactosidase activity, organic acids, free amino acids
What type of fiber is useful for microbiome restoration? Give examples
Soluble fiber
Eg. modified citrus pectin, oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds beans, lentils, citrus, apples, strawberries, many vegetables
Note: increases SCFAs
What is the approach to SIBO?
Dx w/breath test or empirically
symptom improvement w/low FODMAP x4-6wks
Antimicrobials and/or probiotics for 2-4 weeks; slow introduction of pre- & probiotic foods
Always treat methane-positive w/antimicrobials
Address root causes
Must restore gut balance to prevent recurrence
What tests are used for assessing GI function?
Stool analysis & PCR gene analysis, OAT, amino acids, fatty acids, mineral analysis, oxidative stress, food reactions, candida immune activity
What are markers for gut immunology?
calprotectin lactoferrin secretory IgA lysozyme eosinophilic protein X
Through what biochemical does the gut microbiota modulate the function and anatomy of the enteric nervous system?
Release of 5-HT and activation of the 5-HT receptor
How does the nervous system effect GI function?
Alters GI motility, increases visceral perception, changes GI secretion, increases intestinal permeability, negative effects on GI mucosal regeneration and intestinal microbiota, portal of entry of pathogens into the CNS
What are the ranges of function for stool pancreatic elastase?
> 350ug/g - Normal
200-350 declining function, consider supplementation
100-200 moderate pancreatic insufficiency; supplement with broad spectrum enzymes
<100 severe insufficiency, supplement with broad array of enzymes
(not impacted by enzyme supplementation)
Note: this works if stool is formed; less reliable with unformed stools due to low levels
What can cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Chronic pancreatitis, DM, celiac, IBD, CF, alcohol, gallstone disease and other obstructions of pancreatic duct, gastric ulcers, anemia, Crohn’s, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, bone loss, neurological problems
What are the ranges of function for stool calprotectin?
<50ug/g - no inflammation
50-120 - some inflammation
>129 - significant inflammation; refer for pathology
>250 - active disease present; predicts imminent relapse in treated patients
What are some stool markers of inflammation?
Calprotection
Lactoferrin
Eosinophilic protein X
What are benefits of butyrate?
Intestinal health, immune-balance, anti-inflammatory, CA suppression, neuronal health, longevity, weight control & satiety, insulin sensitivity, dietary balance, reversal of damage of alcohol, microbiome balance, gut motility, bone health
Note SCFAs= butyrate, propionate, acetate; impt energy source for colonocytes, liver cells, skeletal muscle
What can elevate stool beta-glucoronidase?
Tobacco, toxins & carcinogens, red meat, Abx
What does elevated stool beta-glucoronidase a marker for?
Increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers (esp of breast and prostate)
What is the risk of secondary bile acids (SBAs) ? Where do they come from?
Elevated SBAs (hydrophobic) can cause intestinal cell membrane damage, increase inflammatory cytokines, and increase risk of colorectal CA
Formed from bacterial metabolism of bile acids and increased primarily by red meat and saturated fats
When should Blastocystis hominis be treated?
If patient is symptomatic, or if one of the more virulent subtypes are detected by PCR.
Symptoms: IBS, cutaneous (urticaria, pruritis, intense palmoplantar itching; from mast cell degranulation)
Sub-type 3 has strong correlation with disease. Also 1,2,4 and 6 have been associated with symptomatic patients
Note: short-term exacerbation with die off can occur
What protozoans have been associated with intestinal permeability?
Blastocystis, Giardia
What are some Rx treatments for parasites?
Nitozoxanide, metronidazole, tinidazole, iodoquinol, paramomycin
What are some botanical treatments for parasites?
Black walnut hulls, wormwood/Artemisia, bitterwood/Quassia, garlic, goldenseal, oil of oregano, olive leaf extract, citrus seed extract, thyme
x4-6 wks
What are some Rx & duration used for dysbiosis?
Cipro/norflox, co-trimoxazle, rifaximin (DOC for SIBO)
x 7-10days
What are some herbals used for dysbiosis, and duration of treatment?
Garlic, goldenseal, all berberine, wormwood/Artemisia, clove, curcumin, echinacea, Glycyrrhiza, grapefruit seed extract, oregano oil, sage thyme, uva ursi, usnea
x 4-12 weeks
What are signs and symptoms of hypochlorhydria?
Bloating or belching immediately after a meal, Sense of fullness after eating, Rectal itching Weak, peeling or cracked fingernails Post-adolescent acne Undigested food in stool Dilated capillaries in the face Iron deficiency Chronic intestinal infections Multiple food allergies Morning diarrhea/diarrhea after big meals Constipation N/V/GERD flatulence Symptoms worse after eating meat or protein, Or NO symptoms
What are signs and symptoms of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency?
Indigestion/fullness 2-4 hours after meal
Bloating or flatulence 2-4 hours after meal
Undigested food in stool
How can you support gastric acidity?
Betaine HCl w/protein-containing meal Umeboshi plums Digestive enzymes with acid pH range Bitters (gentian, ginger, wormwood, Angelica, cinnamon, rhubarb, myrrh, orange peel, fennel, dandelion root, artichoke) - usually 30-60 drops before meals Gentian root Vinegar Decrease stress: increase vagal tone, HRV Acupuncture
What are some pancreatic enzymes and how long are these used?
Pancreatin (mix of lipase, proteases & amylases), porcine or bovine derived: 500-2500U/kg/meal
Bromelain, papain
Also, lactase, gluten support enzymes,
Used long-term
What are cholagoges/choleretics that may be used and the duration? Food cholagogues?
Dandelion root 2-4g w/food, taurine, limonene Bile salts (ox bile) 500-1000mg w/food - Treatment time is variable
Foods which act as cholagogues: coffee, radishes, dandelion, chicory & other bitter greens, artichoke
What are the 3 criteria necessary for prebiotic food?
- Must be non-digestible
- Must be fermented in the GIT tract by endogenous anaerobic colonic bacteria
- Must be selective in the stimulation of intestinal flora/metabolic activity
Fruit-oligosaccharides and galactic-oligosaccharides are the two most important groups of probiotics
Examples:
FOS, inulin, larch, modified citrus pectin
Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic, chicory, bananas, asparagus, peas, legumes, eggplant, honey, green tea, yogurt
What conditions can probiotics be beneficial for?
What is the treatment duration?
allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, depression (L helventicus, B longum, L casei), GI conditions/IBD/IBS, recurrent UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, systemic inflammation, dental caries, constipation, CV risk reduction, RA, radiation-induced diarrhea, H pylori
Treatment duration is indefinite or until fundamental diet change for 3 months
What interventions have been shown to change the microflora of the gut?
Dietary changes and stool transplants