Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that a healthy gut microbiome is the most important aspect to keeping your dog healthy all round! There is so much to learn about the gut microbiome – what it really is, what it consists of, what other parts of the body it interacts with, and what happens when it’s not in tip top condition. Many of our readers will notice that most of our blogs mention the microbiome, so this blog post is a full round up of everything gut microbiome related, in one easy read! What is the Gut Microbiome? Every dog has a gut microbiome. It’s one of the most important parts of your dog in terms of digestion and overall health, from joints to skin, to the brain and immunity. The microbiome is a community of microbes, including good and bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The gut microbiome is very carefully balanced. Some of the microbes found in a healthy gut microbiome are ones we would typically class as ‘bad’ which have health conditions associated with them, including bad bacteria such as Salmonella, and Clostridia. Viruses and Fungi are typically classed as ‘bad’ microbes too, but are still part of a healthy microbiome. Good bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus are all found in abundance in the healthy canine gut microbiome – these beneficial bacteria are found in high enough numbers to outweigh the negative impact of the bad microbes found in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome means the ‘good guys’ outweigh the ‘bad guys’. Health problems begin to emerge when the gut microbiome is knocked out of balance, allowing for gut dysbiosis to occur. Gut dysbiosis can lead to a host of health problems including reduced skin and joint health, increased digestive issues, and prominent or mild negative behavioural changes. Findings Here Findings Here Interactions Between the Gut Microbiome and the Rest of the Body The health of the gut microbiome is a huge part of overall health – but why is this? You may be wondering how gut health could impact so many other parts of the body, so let’s take a closer look at these! We can look at the gut as a ‘roundabout’. Roundabouts have multiple exits – these ‘exits’ stemming from the gut are collectively called Axes; and these link to other parts of the body to form a two-way pathway/link from the gut. The main axes are: The Gut-Skin Axis: this pathway connects the gut to the skin, and the skin to the gut. If we start at the gut and work our way to the skin, we can see that poor gut health can cause or exacerbate skin conditions. Going to other way; from skin to gut, we unfortunately have the risk of gut microbiome damage caused by external exposure to toxins, whether they’re from laundry detergents, household cleaning products, external flea and tick medications, or other environmental toxins. The Gut-Joint Axis: this pathway connects the gut to the musculoskeletal system, and the musculoskeletal system to the gut. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can be connected to poor joint health, especially in cases of osteoarthritis due to the increase in inflammation around the joints. In a poorly balanced gut, there is often an increased risk of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory metabolites being produced, which are the main cause of poor joint health in dogs. The Gut-Brain Axis: this is the bidirectional pathway between the brain and the gut. This pathway has connections both physically, and chemically. In terms of physical connections, the Vagus Nerve is the main avenue for carrying signals between the two locations. Chemically, the healthy gut produces neurotransmitters and hormones, which move between the brain and gut. Mood, response to stress, and digestion are three of the main roles of the gut-brain axis. It is also important to note that around 70-80% of the immune system is found in the gut! Keeping the gut microbiome healthy, and perfectly balanced means the immune system, and therefore overall health of an individual remains stable. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here What Happens When the Gut Microbiome is Unhealthy? When the Gut Microbiome is unhealthy, a host of health conditions can occur. As previously mentioned, an unhealthy gut microbiome is unbalanced; and this condition is called Gut Dysbiosis. Gut Dysbiosis occurs when the ‘bad microbes’ outweigh the ‘good microbes’. Here’s some health concerns that we see a lot in those with an unhealthy gut microbiome: Food sensitivities: when the gut microbiome is unbalanced, food sensitivities are common due to increased gut permeability; known as Leaky Gut. When the gut integrity is poor, food particles leak into the bloodstream which encourages the body to create an immune response, presenting as food sensitivities. Yeast: yeast cells are naturally present in the gut; they’re called Candida. When Candida is present, and there’s not enough of the good microbes to keep these in check, a yeast infection will often occur. Symptoms include rust coloured paws, ears and groin, cheesy smelling feet, and itching among others. Digestive problems: digestive upset including diarrhoea and vomiting is common in those with an unhealthy gut microbiome, due to the abundance of ‘bad’ microbes and a lack of ‘good’ ones to keep the effects of the bad ones at bay. Many dogs also suffer with Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) which contributes to these symptoms. Bad breath: a lot of owners assume their dog’s bad breath is caused by poor dental hygiene, however this is often not the case. Bad breath can emanate from the gut, in those with poor gut health. When the gut microbiome is unbalanced, the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut results in the production of VSCs; Volatile Sulphur Compounds, which cause bad breath. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): when the gut microbiome is unbalanced, inflammation occurs as a result. This inflammation often leads to chronic inflammatory conditions such as IBD. Other gastrointestinal conditions occur due to this too, however IBD
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we use a combination of healthy diets tailored to your pet’s needs, alongside beneficial gut-friendly herbs, and nutraceuticals. These supplementary additions often come with hosts of benefits, when used in the correct way, for a specific purpose. We often get asked about the various herbs and nutraceuticals we recommend in various blog posts and in our recipes and supplements – you can learn more about some of these here! What Are Gut Healing Herbs? Herbs high in mucilage are often known as the ‘gut healing herbs’. These herbs are usually considered to be a source of prebiotics – food for probiotics; however these herbs have another very important function when it comes to gut health! Mucilage is a soluble dietary fibre, which produces a mucus-like substance which lines the gut wall. When the gut wall is lined with this slimy textured substance, it forms a protective barrier to reduce the risk of further gut damage, and allow the gut to heal. Inflammation is then reduced due to lack of irritation. Mucilage has a fantastic soothing effect on the digestive tract too – those with acid reflux, or having recovered from illnesses like kennel cough which may cause throat irritation may find a powdered form best, due to the soothing effect of the mucilage in these herbs. As an additional benefit of these popular gut healing herbs, the mucilage can increase digestive performance resulting in better stools; this is due to the mucilage adding bulk to the stool (reducing constipation), aiding water absorption, and increasing gut motility. Some studies also suggest that mucilage rich herbs may reduce the build up of cholesterol, and aid the regulation of blood sugar levels. Frequently used mucilage herbs include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root – we will look closer at these later. Findings Here Findings Here What Are Nutraceuticals? Nutraceuticals are components of foods that bring benefit to health. You may often come across plant based supplements for pets; these are packed full of nutraceuticals! Functional foods are also classed as nutraceuticals. Many nutraceuticals enhance basic nutrition, whereas some provide medicinal properties. Some benefits of using carefully selected nutraceuticals include improved overall health, prevention of chronic disease, increased longevity and all round structural support for the body. The term ‘nutraceutical’ is a combination of the words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’ – meaning they share the same properties as pharmaceuticals, but are acquired through nutrition Functional herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins and minerals are all examples of the categories most commonly encountered in the world of pet nutrition. We will delve into these categories in terms of nutraceuticals later. Findings Here Findings Here When Should We Use Gut Healing Herbs and Nutraceuticals? A question we often hear at My Pet Nutritionist, is “should we be giving any supplements?” – and our answer is always “if your pet could benefit from a carefully selected supplement, then absolutely!”. It is important not to needlessly add lots of different nutraceuticals and gut healing herbs to your dog’s diet, unless they require/could benefit from it. When it comes to giving mucilage herbs, these can be incredibly beneficial in situations where gut damage is apparent. Situations a mucilage herb may be beneficial include: Allergies: due to an immune malfunction Intolerances: due to gut damage or leaky gut syndrome Following vaccines, worm or flesa treatment: these products are very damaging on the gut, so gut healing may be necessary. Acid reflux: soothes the digestive tract and reduces the risk of acid reflux Upset stomach or constipation: these herbs help to rectify loose or solid stools when needed. Great to have in the first aid cupboard! When looking at nutraceuticals, we need to look at the symptoms your dog or cat is displaying, alongside gaining a diagnosis from your veterinarian. Some types of illnesses you may use nutraceuticals for include: Joint issues Skin issues Digestive issues Cognitive health issues (anxiety etc) Vision issues As brilliant as nutraceuticals can be as part of your pet’s health regime, many do come with some contraindications with pharmaceuticals your pet may need. Contraindications are negative interactions with drugs – these interactions can often cause downregulation of the drugs themselves, leaving your pet vulnerable to disease progression. An example of this is curcumin – the active compound in turmeric. It is fantastic for joint support/arthritis, cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, eradicating free radicals, immune support, cognitive ability and cancer prevention. The reduction in pain in those who take curcumin is vast; however some individuals may require pain pharmaceutical pain relief for their condition. Curcumin is known to downregulate the effects of some pharmaceutical analgesics, as well as various other drugs. It is always best to check with your veterinarian before starting a new nutraceutical, if your pet is on pharmaceutical drugs. Findings Here Findings Here Popular Gut Healing Herbs The three most popular gut healing herbs can all be found inside our Gut Guardian supplement, along with probiotics and chamomile. Lets take a closer look at these mucilage herbs! Marshmallow Root: this is a sweet smelling and tasting herb derived from the Althaea officinalis plant. When combined with water, it immediately forms a thick, slimy substance due to it’s high mucilage content. Traditionally, marshmallow root is used in cases of digestive or respiratory issues, and also topically to soothe skin issues. As well as being high in mucilage, it also contains high amounts of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antibacterial properties. slippery elm: like marshmallow root, slippery elm produces a slimy substance when combined with water. It originates from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus rubra), and is often used to treat digestive issues, and sore throats by lining the oesophagus. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice): this herb increases mucous production in the body, which helps line the stomach, reducing the risk of harm caused by acid. DGL is thought to have properties to treat ulcers too! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Popular Nutraceuticals There are many nutraceuticals used in the
It seems an odd connection; gut health, and arthritis, but the two are connected in multiple ways. We see a lot of patients here at My Pet Nutritionist, suffering from Leaky Gut, and/or arthritis. Read on to learn more about the connection between Leaky Gut and Arthritis! What is Leaky Gut? The condition is growing more and more common in both us humans, and our canine counterparts, and can lead to some pretty serious health issues, long term. The name ‘Leaky Gut’ does somewhat give the game away, but let’s look deeper into what actually happens in the gut of a normal dog, compared to one with Leaky Gut. In healthy individuals, after eating, the food passes through the gut. The gut consists of the stomach followed by the small intestine, followed by the large intestine (known as the ‘colon’), through which nutrients from the digested food are absorbed, before the waste is pushed out through the rectum, then anus. To enable a large surface area, for optimum nutrient absorption, the small intestine is lined with small finger-like structures called villi, which themselves are covered in even smaller finger-like structures, known as microvilli. The gut also houses lots of good bacteria to aid digestion – the colonies of good bacteria, along with yeast cells, any viral particles, or parasitic burdens, are collectively known as the‘microbiome’. The gut wall is extremely thin, to allow efficient nutrientabsorption. The cells lining the gut stay close together, and are supported by the interactions of immune cells, and good bacteria in the gut. In those suffering with Leaky Gut, inflammation occurs in the gut for various reasons, which causes the tight intestine wall to permeate, creating microscopic channels between the cells. Proteins/partially undigested foods then leak out through these channels and are detected by the immune system as a threat, causing a histamine response to occur, which is why one of the most common symptoms of Leaky Gut, is food intolerances. Other symptoms of Leaky Gut include: – Autoimmune Diseases – Issues with stools or sickness – Joint issues – Yeast – Problems concerning other major organs in the body – Hypothyroidism – Changes in behaviour; often anxious behaviour, and short tempered behaviour Possible Causes of Leaky Gut include: Over-use of vaccines; the adjuvants may damagethe gut flora Use of certain pharmaceuticals – Flea, tick, and worm medications; they disrupt the gut microbiome by not only eradicating the visiting parasites (or often lack thereof), but the good bacteria too. – Antibiotics; these wipe out the good and bad bacteria – Antihistamines; these can interfere with the production of mucus in the gut, and can also interfere with the proper functioning of Diamine Oxidase (DAO), which is the enzyme responsible for breaking down, and removing histamine from within the gut. – NSAIDs and Steroids; these can cause ulcerations in the gut and interfere with mucosal production. SIBO and Yeast overgrowth; Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth and Yeast damage the gut lining Diet; feeding a dry food diet may put stress on the gut. Kibble can sometimes contain Glyphosate, which is an antibiotic herbicide and is toxic, as well as very damaging to the gut. Diets inclusive of legumes and other high-lectin content pulses, nightshades and vegetables may contribute to Leaky Gut as lectin causes poor gut integrity. Microscopic moulds often found on kibbles, known as mycotoxins can also bedetrimental to gut health, contributing to Leaky Gut. Stress can have a huge effect on the gut integrity, as stress leads to inflammation Ageing; as our dogs age, the microbiome becomes less diverse which leads to gut damage. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Read our full Gut Dysbiosis blog here! What is Arthritis, and How is it Connected to Leaky Gut? Arthritis is a disease caused by chronic inflammation of the joints. There are numerous types of arthritis, from Osteoarthritis to Rheumatoid Arthritis to Septic Arthritis. Let’s take a look at these types, and their connection with Leaky Gut. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis seen in our pets, and it is especially common in the later years, or following trauma. Other names for osteoarthritis are Degenerative Joint Disease, and Osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis affects the body’s synovial joints (these are the joints where a smooth layer of cartilage covers the end of each bone associated with the joint) as well as the tissues around them. It can be a crippling disease, but there are some herbal supplements which have been proven to benefit those suffering from it. Read about these here! The gut isn’t the first thing most people think of when looking at internal associations with osteoarthritis, but the gut-joint axis is very much affected! Like all types of arthritis, inflammation is a huge part, which is where Leaky Gut comes into play. When ‘foreign’ particles are leaked through the gut wall, the body’s natural response is highly inflammatory. The pressure on the body from this inflammation causes an increase in risk of Osteoarthritis. Equally, the gut-brain axis may be affected by the pain and stress caused by the Osteoarthritis, causing poor gut motility, and increased permeability causing systemic inflammation. Findings Here Studies show that building intestinal mucosal immunity, and repopulating the gut, has positive affects on those suffering with Osteoarthritis, as well as helping to prevent it. Findings Here Having a highly permeable gut also leads to increased transportation of microbes, including cytokines, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), particularly in overweight individuals. LPS is known for inducing inflammation, and in many studies it is found in unexpectedly high amounts in the serum around the affected synovial joints. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory joint disease. Multiple joints are often affected at the same time, and symptoms not only include swollen, warm joints and joint stiffness, but also fatigue and loss of appetite. The animal model of Rheumatoid Arthritis is called Collagen Induced Arthritis, for which many studies were originally carried out on mice. Findings Here Findings Here A protein called Zonulin plays a
In Part 1, we discussed what Leaky Gut is, what autoimmunity is, and possible causes and symptoms of both. Read on to find out how they are linked, and more about the autoimmune diseases most commonly affected by Leaky Gut, as well as how we can support the body through diet, and supplements. How are Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity linked? A healthy gut microbiome is incredibly important as around 90% of the immune system is located in the gut! That’s quite a staggering figure, but it shows the importance of keeping the gut healthy and the microbiome strong. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most common autoimmune diseases, and their link with Leaky Gut. Thyroid Issues One of the main issues with Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity, involves the thyroid. The body attacks the thyroid tissue as it recognises it as a foreign body. The reason the body sees thyroid tissue as a threat, is down to molecular mimicry. When the immune system releases antibodies to get rid of a threat, they bind at what is known as the ‘active site’, or ‘antigen binding site’. Antibodies are Y shaped proteins, and on the tips of the Y, the binding sites are found. These are a specific shape, to match the proteins on the antigens (the threatening particles). Take a look at the diagram at the top of this blog! Despite food particles clearly being very different to thyroid tissue cells, some of the attached proteins are the same shape on both the food particle and on the thyroid tissue cells. Gluten and Casein (dairy) are particularly alike to thyroid tissue cells, so when an antibody detects the protein it fits with, and binds to it, there’s a high chance it may be thyroid tissue instead of its real target; the food particle. Findings Here Findings Here Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) A condition we hear a lot about, particularly on a professional basis as well as on social media posts when people ask advice on their poorly pets, is Inflammatory Bowel Disease. As per it’s name, this involves inflammation in the bowel, which can be as a result of Leaky Gut. When looking at IBD, diet is so important – many processed foods contain emulsifiers, which can include Cellulose Gum, and Polysorbate-80 (though this one is most inhuman foods, not pet foods). These have been found to interrupt interactions between the bacteria in the intestine, and the gut wall; resulting in the gut wall being less protected than it would be without the presence of these substances. This lack of positive interaction, teamed with the already permeable gut wall (due to Leaky Gut) can cause the onset of IBD. Findings Here Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Yeast, and Candida can also contribute to IBD (and are all symptoms of Leaky Gut), which causes inflammation of the bowel, which further increases the risk of IBD onset. Studies show a huge affect on gut permeability when up-regulation of the protein called Zonulin is present. Zonulin helps regulate the permeability of the small intestine, but is detrimental in high numbers as it causes the gut to become more permeable. It is secreted by numerous organs within the body, and can be linked to Leaky Gut and the onset of IBD. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) IMHA is one of the more worrying autoimmune diseases, with a mortality rate close to 70%. There are many reasons a dog may be diagnosed with IMHA, including Vaccine Induced IMHA. When a dog has IMHA, the body is attacking it’s own red blood cells, which are important for transportation of oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body for healthy muscle usage. IMHA can be caused in some rare cases, by a deficiency in Vitamin B12, which can be linked back to Leaky Gut. IMHA is also often as a knock on effect of other autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Findings Here Findings Here Diabetes Largely linked to Leaky Gut, Diabetes mellitus often requires lifelong medication. Similarly to the mimicry of thyroid tissues by antigens like Gluten and Casein, the onset of diabetes can be facilitated through normal cells being attacked incorrectly by the antibodies circulating the bloodstream. With diabetes cases, the immune reactions affect, and damage pancreatic beta cells (responsible for producing and secreting insulin), which then causes the over-production of cytokines, which in turn causes insulin resistance within the body. Healing the gut, and decreasing gut permeability may help relieve sufferers of diabetes symptoms. Studies show Type 1 Diabetes can be caused as a result of gut damage, but can also cause gut damage. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Immune-Mediated Trombocytopenia (ITP) ITP is a platelet disorder, in which sufferers are unable to properly clot blood due to low platelet counts. Pathogenesis of ITP as a result of leaky gut has been proven to be due to imbalances in the gut microbiota, and the presence of cytokines which interfere with metabolism of fats. Patients with Leaky Gut, as we know, have a very imbalanced microbiome as bacteria leaks out through the channels in the gut wall. Certain strains of bacteria play an essential role at keeping ITP at bay, but are found to be of low levels in those diagnosed with ITP. When these helpful bacteria are leaked from the gut, cytokine production is increased, which then affects the metabolism of fats, which in turn causes pathogenesis of ITP because the lack of fat metabolism causes a lack of available fatty acids to enable the blood to clot. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Rheumatoid Arthritis The previously mentioned protein called Zonulin plays a part in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); a joint related autoimmune condition. Just like in IBD, when Zonulin is over-represented, the gut permeability cannot be controlled, and allows useful and harmful substances to enter the blood stream, which are then detected as threats by the immune system. The upregulation of
At My Pet Nutritionist, we regularly help people with their pets suffering with Leaky Gut Syndrome. There is a lot of evidence to link Leaky Gut with a variety of autoimmune diseases; issues we so very often offer support for. Read on to learn more about Leaky Gut, and the role it plays in autoimmunity. What is Leaky Gut? The condition is growing more and more common in both us humans, and our canine counterparts, and can lead to some pretty serious health issues, long term. The name ‘Leaky Gut’ does somewhat give the game away, but let’s look deeper into what actually happens in the gut of a normal dog,compared to one with Leaky Gut. In healthy individuals, after eating, the food passes through the gut. The gut consists of the stomach followed by the small intestine, followed by the large intestine (known as the ‘colon’), through which nutrients from the digested food are absorbed, before the waste is pushed out through the rectum, then anus. To enable a large surface area, for optimum nutrient absorption, the small intestine is lined with small finger-like structures called villi, which themselves are covered in even smaller finger-like structures, known as microvilli. The gut also houses lots of good bacteria to aid digestion – the colonies of good bacteria, along with yeast cells, any viral particles, or parasitic burdens, are collectively known as the ‘microbiome’. The gut wall is extremely thin, to allow efficient nutrient absorption. The cells lining the gut stay close together, and are supported by the interactions of immune cells, and good bacteria in the gut. In those suffering with Leaky Gut, inflammation occurs in the gut for various reasons, which causes the tight intestine wall to permeate, creating microscopic channels between the cells. Proteins/partially undigested foods then leak out through these channels and are detected by the immune system as a threat, causing a histamine response to occur, which is why one of the most common symptoms of Leaky Gut, is food intolerances. Other symptoms of Leaky Gut include: – Autoimmune Diseases – Issues with stools or sickness – Joint issues – Yeast – Problems concerning other major organs in the body – Hypothyroidism – Changes in behaviour; often anxious behaviour and short tempered behaviour Possible Causes of Leaky Gut include: – Over-use of vaccines; the adjuvants damage the gut flora – Use of certain pharmaceuticals ^ Flea, tick, and worm medications; they disrupt the gut microbiome by not only eradicating the visiting parasites (or often lack thereof), but the good bacteria too. ^ Antibiotics; these wipe out the good and bad bacteria ^ Antihistamines; these can interfere with the production of mucus in the gut, and can also interfere with the proper functioning of Diamine Oxidase (DAO), which is the enzyme responsible for breaking down, and removing histamine from within the gut. ^ NSAIDs and Steroids; these can cause ulcerations in the gut and interfere with mucosal production. – SIBO and Yeast overgrowth; Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth and Yeast damage the gut lining – Diet; feeding a dry food diet can put stress on the gut. Kibble often contains Glyphosate, which is an antibiotic herbicide and is toxic, as well as very damaging to the gut. Diets inclusive of legumes and other high-lectin content pulses, nightshades and vegetables may contribute to Leaky Gut as lectin causes poor gut integrity. Microscopic moulds often found on kibbles, known as mycotoxins are also detrimental to gut health, contributing to Leaky Gut. – Stress can have a huge effect on the gut integrity, as stress leads to inflammation – Ageing; as our dogs age, the microbiome becomes less diverse which leads to gut damage. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Read our full Gut Dysbiosis blog here What is Autoimmunity? To better understand the link between Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity, we need to understand more about autoimmunity, what it is, and how it affects our pets (and us too!). Autoimmunity is sadly fairly common in both humans and pets and is often overlooked. When an individual has an autoimmune disease, the immune system releases antibodies and T-Killer Cells (cells of the immune system which target and kill cells infected with viruses and cancers) even when they are not in the presence of a necessary target, which causes them to attack normal, previously healthy parts of the body. In layman’s terms, the body attacks itself! There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases in existence, though not all of these affect dogs. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases we see in dogs are: – Hypothyroidism – Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) – Diabetes – Immune-Mediated Trombocytopenia (ITP) – Rheumatoid Arthritis – Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) – Periodontal Disease – Degenerative Myelopathy – Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA) – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) Symptoms of Autoimmunity These will, of course, vary depending on which autoimmune disease an individual has, but general signs and symptoms of autoimmunity, which may spark a look into further investigation with your veterinarian, include: – Constant lethargy – Racing, or very slow heartbeat – Weight loss (often dramatic) – Increased panting – Collapse – Excessive drinking and urination – Seizure activity – Discolouration of gums and skin – occasionally yellowish as a result of jaundice. – Hair loss or coat texture changes – Regular vomiting and diarrhoea – Increased temperature – Behavioural changes, including aggression or depression Findings Here Read Part 2 here to find out more on the autoimmune diseases affected by Leaky Gut, and how we can support the body, naturally. If you feel your dog may be experiencing Leaky Gut, or an autoimmune disease, seek veterinary attention, and book in for a consultation with one of our team! Team MPN x
We sometimes talk about intolerances and allergies like this is the only thing that can cause your cat or dog’s itching. There can be so many reasons, layered reasons and some more serious than others. Here we explore some of the undetected and misdiagnosed reasons for your dog being itchy. Adrenal function The adrenal glands are located just in front of the kidneys. You will recognise them from when we discuss the stress response more often than not. The adrenal gland has 2 parts—the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex is subdivided into 3 layers, and each layer produces a different set of steroid hormones. The outer layer produces the mineralocorticoids, which help regulate sodium and potassium salts. The middle layer produces glucocorticoids, which are involved in metabolising nutrients and reducing inflammation and immune responses. Finally, the inner layer produces sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens. The adrenal medulla plays an important role in response to stress or low blood sugar levels in the body. It releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, both of which increase heart rate and blood pressure, increase blood sugar and slow digestion; the hallmark responses when us or our dogs are exposed to a stress trigger. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system – which is simply a system of glands that release chemical messengers called hormones. The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function in the body. So, if there is any issue in any part of it, things can start to go wrong. The two most common ways in which adrenal glands cause health issues are by producing too little or too much of certain hormones, which leads to hormonal imbalances. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) due to an excess of cortisol production frequently causes dogs to itch, lose hair, have thin skin with dark pigment, drink excessively and have recurring skin problems. But this raises another point, even if there are no physiological issues with the adrenal glands, high cortisol levels due to daily stress can also lead to itchy skin! Thyroid Function We’ll continue with the hormones for a minute and look at thyroid function. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland found in the neck. One of its main functions is to produce hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism, the process that turns food into energy. This too can produce too many hormones, or too few. These conditions are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively. Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism in Cats Skin issues are regularly noted in times of thyroid dysfunction, and this includes itchiness. Kidney Function Intense itchiness often accompanies late-stage kidney disease, and whilst the jury is out on the exact reasons behind it, it is thought that it’s relating to the build up of toxins in the body. This leads us nicely into the same itchy symptoms associated with early-stage liver disease, and this is considered for similar reasons. Detoxification Detoxification is carried out by a range of mechanisms, and this comes in particularly handy if one pathway is overwhelmed, another can pick up the slack. The Liver The liver neutralises a range of toxic chemicals, both those produced internally (waste from used hormones or neurotransmitters for example) and those from the environment, like air pollution, pesticides, and food additives. It does this by filtering the blood to remove large toxins, synthesising, and secreting bile and lastly enzymatically disassembling unwanted chemicals found in the body. Liver Guard Enzymatic Detoxification This enzymatical detoxification occurs in three phases. Phase I directly neutralises chemicals and changes them into new metabolites. These are then processed by phase II enzymes. This is known as the conjugation phase, which in short, liver enzymes attach small chemicals to the toxin. There are many ways in which this is done, it all depends on the type of chemical the liver is trying to manage. Phase I results in high levels of reactive oxygen species so antioxidant levels are key in modulating potential damage. Phase II is nutrient demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron are essential. Phase III is the elimination phase. For optimal excretion of toxins through the digestive system, gut health is vitally important. Maintaining the mucosal barrier is key for gut health along with supporting motility. The kidneys will also filter and process toxins from circulation, excreting them as urine. The skin also forms as an elimination pathway. This is why detoxification issues can result in skin issues. In cases of liver disease, it is considered that bile salt deposits under the skin, which results in itchiness. The most important thing to do to support detoxification is to avoid exposure in the first place, so consider how much you and your dog are exposed to: Pesticides Heavy smoke Phthalates Mould Medications like steroids, antibiotics, and painkillers Heavy metals Cleaning products Air fresheners Eating foods cooked at high temperatures (most commercial dry foods) This list is not exhaustive, but it is a place to start. This mechanism also applies to vaccines. There is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is associated with the development or aggravation of immune-mediated disorders and chronic diseases in individual pets that are genetically predisposed. The primary role of the immune system in dogs is to protect against foreign invaders, or abnormal cells that invade or attack. The immune system must distinguish between self and non-self. Substances that stimulate a response are antigens. These can be contained within bacteria, viruses or microorganisms or cancer cells. They may also exist on their own, like pollen or food particles. There are three lines of defence, physical barriers, nonspecific immunity, and specific immunity. But the immune system does not always function properly, it can be underactive and overactive. An underactive system puts the animal at risk of infection, but an overactive immune system can attack parts of its body that it misidentifies as being foreign. This is what happens in autoimmune conditions. The immune system can also overreact
If you’ve been following us here at My Pet Nutritionist for a while then you will likely have come across the concept of the gut barrier, and how when it gets compromised, things can start to go a little awry. Whilst leaky gut is being blamed for all sorts, we’re here to sort fact from fiction and we’ll start with the basics. What is the Gut Barrier? The gut barrier in effect, forms the lining of the gut and it has two main features: the physical barrier and the chemical barrier The physical barrier consists of tight junctions which form a selective permeable seal between adjacent epithelial cells. This “seal” is dynamically regulated by various extracellular stimuli and is closely associated with both health and disease. TJs contribute to the function of the physical intestinal barrier by regulating the paracellular movement of ions, solutes, and water across the intestinal epithelium. It also protects against pathogens and large, harmful molecules. The regulation of these TJs is therefore crucial to a healthy barrier and there are a number of things that can influence this. Immune mediated TJ function is well documented; cytokines play a key role in the integrity of the gut barrier. Tumor necrosis factor-α Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced mainly by activated T cells and macrophages (cells of the immune system). TNF-α is known to induce cell death and inflammatory response in intestinal epithelial cells and recent studies have also demonstrated that it impairs the intestinal TJ barrier. Findings Here Interleukin-1β Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), another inflammatory cytokine is markedly elevated in intestinal mucosa under inflammatory conditions. In addition, recent studies show that IL-1β causes increased intestinal TJ permeability. Findings Here On the other hand, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is regarded as an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IL-10 opposes the cellular functions induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ. It is suggested that IL-10 has a role in the protection of the intestinal barrier by regulation of TJ proteins. Findings Here Pathogenic Bacteria and Lipopolysaccharides It is well established that pathogenic bacteria also alter the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier. The most commonly referenced are Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Salmonella which lead to intestinal inflammation. In addition, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also called endotoxins, a component of the outer walls of gram-negative bacteria also alter TJ protein assembly. In studies, LPS treatment is seen to increase TJ permeability and induce epithelial cell death. The other part of the barrier is the mucosal layer. Mucous Layer The mucus layer is the very first line of defence that external molecules encounter when they arrive in the gut, it prevents bacteria from directly contacting the epithelial cells, along with toxic substances and digestive enzymes. The main building blocks of the mucus layer are mucin proteins that form a gel-like sieve structure overlying the intestinal epithelium. In the small and large intestine, mucin 2 (MUC2) is the most abundant mucus protein secreted by goblet cells. MUC2 expression is critical in protection against disease, as Muc2 knock-out mice will often develop colitis. Findings Here The ability of mucins to bind water offers another protective element – they moisturise and lubricate, protecting the epithelial cells from dehydration and mechanical stress during the passage of food. Immune regulators are also found in the mucosal layer, which highlights its collaboration with the immune system. Mucous Turnover and Degradation The turnover of the intestinal mucous layer includes mucous synthesis, secretion, and degradation. It is a complex process that needs to be regulated and balanced to ensure optimal protective function. Mucin degradation has been recognized as a normal process of mucus turn-over in the GI tract, starting a few months after birth. Selective intestinal bacteria can degrade mucous glycans as an energy source, suggesting that there is a relationship between the microbiota and the mucosal layer. This is of concern in low fibre diets because in the absence of fibre as a fuel source, the microbiota will switch to mucosal glycans. It has been well established that low fibre diets are associated with a thinner colonic mucosa. Findings Here The rate of mucin turn-over can be modified by bacterial colonization, for example, the intestinal mucous requires the presence of bacteria to develop its full functionality; analysis has shown thin or even absent mucous layer in the colon of germ-free rats. Findings Here In addition, short chain fatty acids can stimulate mucous production. SCFA’s are the end products of microbial fermentation of undigestible carbohydrates with acetate, propionate and butyrate being the most common in the intestinal lumen. Starvation also influences mucin turnover. The mechanism during times of starvation is much the same as on low fibre diets, diverse bacterial species will switch to mucin as an energy source during nutrient deprivation. This poses food for thought in fasting. To Fast or Not To Fast? Finally, the consumption of a Western Style Diet (WSD) has been linked to the impairment of intestinal mucosal function. Animal studies have administered a WSD, high in fat, simple sugars and low in complex fibre and found that in just three days the mucosal layer was diminished. A reduction in MUC2 was found. However, when mice were transplanted with microbiota from a control diet, the mucosal dysfunction was prevented, despite being fed a WSD themselves. This suggests that in addition to dietary choices influencing the composition of the mucosal layer, so too does the microbiota. Your Puppy’s Microbiome What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis What Can Help Dysbiosis Furthermore, there seems to be a bidirectional relationship between stress and mucosal barrier function. Animal studies have demonstrated that early life stress impairs development of mucosal barrier function, becoming a predisposing factor to intestinal disorders in adult life. Findings Here Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System 6 Tips for Your Anxious Dog Why Dogs Need To Chew Top Tips to Support Gut Barrier Health: Offer a species appropriate diet Limit toxic exposure Support beneficial microbiome formation and maintenance Limit stress exposure Address existing inflammation If you would
Histamine intolerance (HIT), more technically known as enteral histaminosis, is characterised by the development of problematic symptoms after the ingestion of histamine containing foods. However, current schools of thought are that HIT is not solely due to dietary histamine exposure, but exposure along with insufficient or impaired histamine detoxification. We can see the raised eyebrows from here, so here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d take a closer look at this issue. What is histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is synthesised from the amino acid histidine which is in fact an essential amino acid for humans and dogs. It is primarily associated with the functioning of the immune system. During an immune reaction, histamine is released from mast cells throughout the body and contributes to the physical changes necessary for the immune system to fight the pathogen, like the increase in blood pressure, temperature, swelling, and constriction in the lungs. Histamine is released to carry out a function and then it is removed, or it should be, efficiently. Detoxification of dietary histamine normally occurs in intestinal epithelial cells via the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) as well as histamine-N-methyl-transferase (HNMT) in the liver. The term histamine intolerance is used similarly to lactose intolerance in humans (LIT). LIT, with a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, shows parallels to the definition of HIT, with a deficiency of the GI enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO is a secretory protein stored in structures of the plasma membrane and is responsible for the degradation of extracellular histamine. The expression of DAO is restricted to certain tissues, mainly the small intestine, colon, placenta and kidneys. In the intestine, DAO activity increases progressively from the duodenum to the ileum and is located mainly in the intestinal villi. On the other hand, the enzyme HNMT is expressed in a wide range tissues including the kidneys and liver, the spleen, colon, prostate, ovaries, spinal cord cells, trachea, and respiratory tract. The gateway for dietary histamine is the intestinal epithelium. So, although HNMT is also present in the gastrointestinal tract, the more highly expressed DAO plays the major role in protecting the body against exogenous histamine, whether originating from ingested food or generated by the intestinal microbiota. What Can Cause Deficiencies in DAO? There are polymorphisms in the genes that encode for the DAO enzyme, but certain medications, including over the counter products are seen to inhibit the activity of DAO enzyme too. They include: Analgesics – morphine, NSAIDs Antiarrhythmics Antibiotics Antifungals Antimalarial Diuretics Motility agents Muscle relaxants Vitamins – ascorbic acid, thiamine Findings Here Furthermore, several inflammatory bowel pathologies affecting mucosal integrity are known to result in impaired DAO activity. DAO activity has been proposed as a marker of the integrity of intestinal mucosa. In inflammatory bowel diseases, reduced DAO activity was related to the degree of mucosal damage. In one human study, DAO activity was significantly reduced in cases of ulcerative colitis compared to the control population. gut guardian can help support histamine intolerance and allergies. Findings Here Gut Guardian Prevalence of DAO deficiency in HIT In human studies, 80% of patients showing symptoms of HIT also demonstrated DAO deficiency. Symptoms of HIT include: urticaria pruritus diarrhoea abdominal pain vomiting constipation cough rhinitis If DAO production is low, histamine blood serum will inevitably be high. This is where the liver needs to be functioning effeciently, to assist with excess histamine metabolism. Liver Guard Diagnosing HIT Currently the general rule of thumb is that two or more symptoms of HIT are being presented. Other gastrointestinal pathologies should also be dismissed. Low histamine diets are recommended in the short term, to establish remission or improvement in symptoms. Low Histamine Diets Foods that potentially contain high levels of histamine are: a) those microbiologically altered, such as fish and meat, or derived products that may have been preserved or processed in unsuitably hygienic conditions. b) fermented products, in which the bacteria responsible for the fermentation process may also have aminogenic capacity. If you would like more information on low histamine diets check out our blog here. Low Histamine Diets for Dogs More are now acknowledging the role of DAO inhibitor medications and the result on histamine load. In addition, we must consider how the health of the gut may be influencing enzyme capacity and so we really need to take a look at the bigger picture. Does My Pet Need to Detox 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets If any of this is ringing a little true for your dog, then please check out our services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
In 1988 a hospital launched a “healthy eating day” in its staff canteen at lunchtime. One dish contained red kidney beans, and 31 portions were served. At 3pm one of the customers, a surgical registrar, vomited in theatre. Over the next four hours10 more customers suffered profuse vomiting, some with diarrhoea. All had recovered by next day. No pathogens were isolated from the food, but the beans contained an abnormally high concentration of the lectin phyto haemagglutinin. What on earth are these we hear you wonder? Well, lectins are often described as an anti-nutrient and as they are found in potatoes, beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, nightshade vegetables and grains, we thought we’d give you the 411 on them. Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins present in most plants, especially seeds and tubers like cereals, potatoes, and beans. Their original purpose was protection. They would produce an inflammatory response in the animal that ate them – so they wouldn’t eat them again. Humans and Dogs are largely unable to digest them, but friendly bacteria in the gut can lend a hand. Until recently their main use was as histology and blood transfusion reagents, but in the past few decades we have realised that many lectins are (a) toxic, inflammatory, or both; (b) resistant to cooking and digestive enzymes; and (c) present in much of our food Well, it’s not sounding good is it! The really disturbing finding came with the discovery in 1989 that some food lectins get past the gut wall and deposit themselves in distant organs. At high dietary levels, it is thought that lectins cause damage to the structure of the brush borders of the small intestine. In lectin fed rodents, the mucosal membrane in the small intestine was stripped, compromising the gut integrity. This compromise has also been linked to abnormal bacterial proliferation. Findings here As we know, the gut wall does exactly that – keeps things in and keeps things out! It requires tight junction integrity to ensure rogue particles of food don’t get where they shouldn’t. Whenever and however this integrity is compromised, inflammation ensues! The other issue here is that lectins are also seen to inhibit the repair of resident gut epithelial cells. Sadly, not only do rogue particles get where they shouldn’t, but so do the lectins and because of their binding properties, lectins stimulate antigens on cells that do not normally display them like pancreatic islet and thyroid cells – what this means is the body will attack cells it normally wouldn’t because of the confusion. This is why lectins are sometimes implicated in autoimmune disorders, including cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Lectins and Rheumatoid Arthritis A normal IgG (type of antibody) molecule possesses carbohydrate side chains, which end with the molecule galactose. In rheumatoid arthritis much of the galactose is missing, so the next molecule along—N-acetyl glucosamine—is exposed instead. Wheat lectin has an affinity for this molecule, and so binds (when it normally wouldn’t with the terminal molecule inits normal place). This is why glucosamine has found it’s way as an anti arthritic supplement – wheat lectin can be blocked by N-acetyl-glucosamine. Lectins and Urinary Tract Infections In a similar premise, D-mannose is a sugar with a similar activity to N-acetyl-glucosamine. This too binds to lectins found on some microorganisms. Some bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections contain lectins specific for the sugar mannose and use these lectins to bind tightly to mannose -rich tissue in the bladder walls – therefore initiating infection. D-mannose supplementation provides a decoy for these bacteria. Lectins and Gluten There is also the idea that gluten can act as a lectin with toxic properties for intestinal cells. Together with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and the neuroendocrine network, the intestinal epithelial barrier plays a role in the tolerance and immunity to non-self-antigens. Zonulin is a protein that helps regulate permeability in the gut by opening and closing tight junctions. Zonulin has been shown to be upregulated in many autoimmune diseases and it appears that gluten may be a strong trigger of zonulin. Lectins and Histamine Lectins also cause discharge of histamine from gastric mast cells which stimulates acid secretion. We need acid secretion to aid digestion, but it’s like the story of Goldilocks again – we need just enough, not too much (or too little). Not only does histamine stimulate acid secretion, but it has also its own little purpose in the body, chiefly the immune response. So, not only do we have rogue particles escaping due to poor gut integrity (thanks to lectins), but we also have increased histamine production, when then increases the likelihood of cross-reactivity. In short, tricking the body into thinking it needs to react to something it most likely doesn’t. Can you see why lectins are often dubbed the great mimics? They confuse the body into doing all sorts of things. They also appear to mimic insulin. Now, insulin is needed in the body, it helps get glucose to where it needs to be, but do we really need things mimicking it? Not when “Low concentrations of wheat germagglutinin (plant lectin) enhance the specific binding of insulin to receptors of fat cells and liver membranes.” Findings here In this case, imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery. But there are other reasons why lectins are deemed anti-nutrients. Animal and cell studies have found that active lectins can interfere with the absorption of minerals, especially calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Legumes and cereals often contain these minerals, so the presence of lectins may prevent the absorption and use of these minerals in the body. As we have already explored, lectins can also bind to cells lining the digestive tract which may also disrupt the breakdown and absorption of nutrients and affect the growth and action of intestinal flora. However, on the other side of the scale, lectin containing foods are sometimes associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, because they are rich in fibre. So, what do we do? Lectins are most potent in their raw
