Crime Scene: The Intestine, Part 2

In the first part, we discussed the symptoms, causes, and consequences of an imbalance in the gut flora of our dogs and cats, and in the second part, we’ll focus on a strategic approach to targeted treatment:

1.    Dietary changes (avoiding irritants and further inflammation)
2.    Mucosal therapy (regeneration of the mucous membranes and intestinal barrier)
3.    Elimination and binding of metabolic byproducts such as ammonia, histamine, toxins, and heavy metals
4.    Micronutrient therapy

The first step is to switch to a highly digestible diet consisting of a single protein source (lean muscle meat) and vegetables, prepared at home and free of synthetic additives (e.g., mineral supplements). We recommend preparing the food yourself for a few weeks and avoiding any commercially produced ready-made food, as these typically contain various ingredients (especially proteins) to which your pet may react. Through an elimination diet, we aim to identify which food component your pet is reacting to and thereby limit the inflammatory process in the intestines.
If the stomach lining reacts to a food ingredient, the primary symptoms—such as salivation, vomiting, and general discomfort—appear shortly after eating. If, on the other hand, the small and large intestines are affected, the body reacts with diarrhea (watery, bloody, mucous, or mushy), which may not occur until several hours after food intake. Excessive release of histamine (a tissue hormone) by the body occurs during inflammatory, allergic, and toxic processes in the skin, lungs, and mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Histamine is therefore an important signaling substance and should not simply be ignored or suppressed exclusively with medication, for example, in cases of constant itching accompanied by damaged skin and paws. Positive effects on the animals’ skin health can usually be attributed to a rebalancing of the gut flora.

To begin mucosal therapy, we must help regulate the pH levels of the individual sections of the intestine; that is, avoid feeding starchy foods when the stool has an acidic pH (below 6 in the animal) accompanied by fermentative flora (bloating). In the case of putrefactive flora (proteolytic flora with foul-smelling diarrhea) and an alkaline pH value (above 8 in the animal) in the feces, we avoid animal by-products containing hard-to-digest proteins. The correct pH level—that is, the right environment—is very important for the healing and regeneration of the intestinal mucosa, because an inflamed and leaky gut cannot perform its protective functions against pathogenic germs and allergens. The amino acid L-glutamine plays a valuable role here, as it is alkaline and is needed by all rapidly dividing cells, especially those of the immune system and the mucosal cells. Glutamine is essential for a strong mucosal barrier and is constantly utilized in the formation of immune cells (lymphocytes and macrophages). Glutamine can be supplemented at a recommended dose of 1 gram per 10 kg of body weight, 1–2 times daily, for several months. “Synerga” by Laves is also a therapeutic agent for the mucous membranes with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects derived from the metabolic products of Escherichia coli and should only be used after consulting a specialist. The addition of natural intestinal bacteria such as enterococci (Enterococcus faecalis) also has a positive immunomodulatory effect.

To establish a metabolically active and healthy gut flora, we need probiotics (“pro” = for / “bios” = life) in the form of live microorganisms, e.g., lactic acid bacteria in high doses (BiosAktiv capsules). Lactic acid bacteria form a protective barrier for the intestinal mucosa, create a slightly acidic pH (6.5–7 in animals) in the large intestine, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, lactic acid bacteria promote the formation of short-chain fatty acids, which serve as an important energy source for intestinal cells. Prebiotics—that is, water-soluble and easily fermentable (broken down by gut bacteria) dietary fibers such as acacia fiber—also support the formation of short-chain fatty acids. In addition, prebiotics lower the pH level in the gut to a healthy physiological range. Acacia fiber is odorless, tasteless, non-flatulent, and contains 80% soluble dietary fiber for the gut. The vegetables included in the food are another type of fiber source that, because they are difficult to ferment, bind to fecal fluid in the large intestine and regulate stool formation.

In cases of  impaired gut flora, toxic metabolic byproducts such as ammonia (liver overload), histamine (skin inflammation), excess acids (from the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and kidneys), heavy metals (from environmental sources and vaccines), and fungal toxins (e.g., from the intestinal fungus Candida) must be bound and excreted. Zeolite is therefore particularly suitable for gentle detoxification in cases of sensitive mucous membranes in the digestive tract and for eliminating pathogenic intestinal bacteria. Without accompanying detoxification therapy, it is difficult to restore the intestinal flora in cases of chronic digestive disorders.
In all forms of digestive disorders, micronutrient deficiencies develop over the long term due to malabsorption resulting from damage to the mucous membranes and chronic inflammation in the stomach and intestines.  The group of micronutrients  in general  includes vitamins, macrominerals and trace elements, phytochemicals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids.  The following substances should be supplemented because they are essential for biological metabolic processes and are consumed at higher rates during illness:
1.    Water-soluble vitamins B and C:
B vitamins are involved in many metabolic processes (e.g., B12 for blood formation) and promote healthy bacterial growth. Vitamin C is needed for the formation of bile acids and to accelerate healing processes
2.    Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K:
Vitamin D regulates inflammatory processes and an overactive immune system; vitamin A supports the healing of mucous membranes; vitamin K2 (the “bone vitamin”) and vitamin E are essential for maintaining healthy bones and skin
3.    Zinc & Selenium:
They are the “immune trace elements” and are responsible for a properly functioning immune system. Zinc also plays a key role in the cellular metabolism of the skin and mucous membranes and in the formation of enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (fats). Selenium promotes the repair of “leaky gut” and the body’s own detoxification processes. 
4.    Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and also promote healthy bacterial growth (e.g., krill oil, which can also be used to treat lipid metabolism disorders)

We, the Dr. Ziegler consulting team, will help you identify the “culprits” in your gut and are happy to assist you with product recommendations.