John H. Boyles Jr., M.D. James J. Howard, M.D. William E. Rogers, M.D.
While everyone is familiar with our gastrointestinal tract’s (gut) role in food digestion, it also plays a critical role in immune function to protect us from ingested pathogens. Either one, or both, of these functions may be adversely affected by dietary factors, some in ways still poorly understood.
The common, and usually minor, problem of intolerance to the milk sugar lactose, and sometimes more serious intolerance to wheat protein gluten (gluten enteropathy, sprue or celiac disease), will not be discussed further.
Serious, systemic reactions to foods are fortunately rare, including allergies to peanuts and shellfish, and treated with scrupulous avoidance.
Less well understood is the concept of food intolerance, where the repetitive eating of common foods (milk, wheat, soy, etc.) can promote a wide variety of systemic symptoms, including headache, fatigue, joint pain, and even behavior issues such as ADHD. Abdominal symptoms may include gas, cramping, and intermittent diarrhea and is often diagnosed as “irritable” or “spastic” colon after more serious diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, have been excluded. While usually attributed to stress, it is surprising how many of these patients’ symptoms are relieved after simple food skin testing and dietary changes based on the results.
Finally is a condition called intestinal dysbiosis, which may develop in patients after repeated courses of antibiotics. This may alter the bacterial flora in our gut and allow unhealthy bacteria, or yeast, to overpopulate. While these will not invade the body of an otherwise healthy person, this imbalance may alter the digestion or possibly lead to the absorption of toxins through a “leaky” bowel wall. Often, simple dietary avoidance of sugars and yeast, along with Nystatin (nonabsorbable antifungal) plus Probiotics (healthy yeast cultures), can restore a more healthy bowel balance.
We are one of the few practices in this area to offer a comprehensive approach to these food related issues.