Indican Test
The Urinary Indican Test is an accurate screening tool, allowing identification of the putrefaction of protein in the gastrointestinal tract. A positive test, reflects a state of intestinal bacterial dysbiosis (dysfunctional bacteria) in the bowel. Current dietary and lifestyle practices have produced an increasing number of health disorders caused by a malfunctioning digestive tract and the toxicity that results from it. The scale for measurement ranges from 0-4. If the level is high (3 or 4) chances are you don't just suffer from Dysbiosis but also leaky gut and potential auto immune disorder as well.
Leaky Gut
This is a loss of integrity in the gap junctions of the intestines, causing non digested material from the small intestine to leak through to the blood stream. These gap junctions are microscopic openings allowing protein wastes to move into the blood stream. Once in the circulatory system, these molecules are attacked as the body cannot recognize them as self. That is the immune system releases antibodies to attack these perceived antigens. This antibody: antigen response drives down the immune system and also creates an inflammatory response including histamine cascade. This inflammation and concomitant lowered immune system due to the constant fight leads to auto immune disorders such as sinusitis, eczema, arthritis, lupus, cfs, fibromyalgia, asthma and other allergy related disease states. If this inflammatory condition is driven back in using anti inflammatorys and steroids then there will be deeper organic issues created.
Treatment for leaky gut is aimed at removing the protein fractions that create the antigen load from the diet. These include wheat or gluten the protein in wheat and dairy. Then the focus is on refurbishing the gut with healthy bacteria (probiotics) and 'fixing' the gap junctions with a special protein called glutamine as well as 'mopping' up the auto immune reaction and inflammation. This includes boosting the immune system and clearing symptoms.
Pancreatic and biliary insufficiency (i.e. digestive insufficiency) needs to be addressed at cause. This can be supplemented for in the short term with digestive enzymes and / or herbs however in the long term the cause (usually psycho/social stress) needs to be addressed.
Leaky gut is a major trigger of inflammation throughout the body. Fatty acids of the omega 3 family suppress the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and arachidonic acid/free radical cascade. Adrenal stress exhausts reservoirs of omega 3 fatty acids.
We recommend anybody who has tested with a grade 3 or 4 on their indican attends one of our detox seminars held monthly at NatMed to get further education about the effects of gut health on immunity and general health as the cause is not only lifestyle related but also caused by psychosocial stress and thus requires a management approach long term rather than a quick treatment fix. This enables you to skill up and heal yourself by taking small steps back if the body goes out of acid alkaline balance leading toward Dysbiosis and leaky gut.
