Epithelial Growth Factor for Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Leaky gut syndrome is associated with numerous inflammatory disorders, including food allergies, chronic fatigue, eczema, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis, asthma, irritable bowels, diabetes type I, celiac disease and Crohn's disease. According to Andrew Weil, M.D., the leeching of bacteria, undigested fats and proteins, and waste byproducts into the bloodstream triggers an autoimmune response that may contribute to the development of these disorders. Supplementation with epithelial growth factor for leaky gut syndrome is considered an adjunct therapy to conventional treatments to help reduce intestinal permeability.
- Epithelial growth factor (EGF) is one member of a group of polypeptides, specialized proteins composed of long chains of amino acids. Collectively, these polypeptides are referred to as growth factors. However, the "factor" as it relates to actual growth may be positive or negative. In other words, some growth factors stimulate cellular growth and division, while others inhibit receptor sites and prevent the proliferation of cells. Epithelial growth factor belongs to the former class.
- Epithelial growth factor is involved in regulating the growth of skin cells, which is why it is also known as epidermal growth factor. Its function is to bind to the surface of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) cells, which triggers the release of tyrosine kinase, an enzyme that promotes several signal transduction processes. This basically means that the receptor cells interpret these events as signals to initiate a series of reactions, namely an increased conversion of glucose into cellular energy, increased protein production and increased EGFR gene expression. All of these processes contribute to the replication of DNA and cell growth.
- According to Leo Galland, M.D., director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine, epithelial growth factor occurs naturally in significant levels in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), and in the prostate and salivary glands. Dr. Galland further notes that thoroughly chewing food may benefit a leaky gut since this helps increase the amount of saliva-based EGF entering the gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum, the milk produced by mammals in the first few days after giving birth, also contains high levels of EGF. In terms of human consumption, bovine colostrum serves as the primary supplemental source. According to the Center for Nutritional Research, bovine colostrum contains several other beneficial agents besides epithelial growth factor for leaky gut syndrome. For example, this substance also contains immunoglobulins that deter several pathogens that lead to bacterial infection, including salmonella and Escherichia coli.
- While bovine colostrum is considered safe for human consumption, individuals who are lactose intolerant should not take this substance.