I did find the post that was started I believe last week on this subject. It was called Naturopath Consultation. There has been a lot of information added on that post.

My take is that it varies by individual on how their body responds towards this kind of thinking. Some people might do well on trying to alleviate symptoms through 'leaky gut' while others it is not as successful.

I don't think its quite the cause persay but i believe that it does, as everything we eat, cause an affect on our body. It might be a piece in the complex puzzle. And if you do pursue treatment for it you should include the rest of your medical team so that it wont contradict the medication you're already on.

leaky gut is not a medical condition taught in medical school, and not all doctors see it as a diagnosis. i think webmd's description is pretty good:

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/leaky-gut-syndrome

i do think that gut health and immunity are important to overall health. however, i do not think that leaky gut syndrome is the key to all autoimmune disorders. i believe that what we eat can definitely trigger certain things for all of us, but i do not think that 'treating' leaky gut will cure anything. it may help some people alleviate some symptoms, but it will not cure anything (imho based on research i've found).

i agree with teuness - any natural medicine or diet changes one is using to try and control symptoms should be discussed with one's doctor/medical team.

I agree with the last two comments, though I also think it is worth a try. I tried it, but it did not work for me. Always make sure all your docs know about any supplements or treatments you are taking. Take all the bottles and containers with you so your doc can examine the labels. A large shipping bag works got me.

I find it interesting that this is the topic that has lit a fire under ALL the trolls, salesmen, and imposters we have had on this site this year. I personally would love an agreement to not even bring it up.

I agree with Alto... I would like to see this subject die down for a while ... LOL

I'll go on the record, I don't agree with Alto... (sorry, we can go under the bridge and discuss this -- ;-} )

However, perhaps people could search this forum for a specific topic before starting a new one. I wish that that Daily Strength offered a way to gather similar posts together ...

I think anyone should feel free to ask relevant questions. Our rheumatic diseases have many facets. Unfortunately not a whole lot is known, absolutely fer sure, about them. People are going to come across claims and information about many issues. If we cannot discuss them respectfully, then what's the point of DS?

Nancy

I agree with Nancy that it's not something to be tossed under the rug because it doesn't work for everybody. I also agree with Stephgas on it's question ability since I was the first one to bring up WebMD on the original thread.

The important thing is IF you've noticed particular flare foods, document some 'test runs and resting symptoms' from them. Then avoid them. However IF you notice that ALL of your symptoms disappear and/ or reduce to the point of not needing medicines - talk to your rheumy about it. Mine congratulated me, advised me to stay on paleo diet, recommended food allergy testing and then said that he hoped I wouldn't need to see him again until my next annual checkup.

I did the food allergy testing and every flare food showed up as a strong positive for allergy. Allergist told me to stay away from them at all cost.

So perhaps my food allergy induced RA flares would be considered by some practitioners to be leaky gut. But none of my medical team consider it a valid diagnosis to make.

I'll stick with the advice and dietary 'treatment plan' that my GP, rheumy and Allergist recommend. It has put my once severe RA into a mild/controlled RA that I can very happily live with. (Along with a much smaller dress size now that I've lost the 50 lbs of prednisone weight)

That's 'resulting' not 'resting'... love Droid autocorrect!

:)

Thank you for all your opinions. I apologize for bringing the subject up again. I am new to the message board and didn't realize it had been discussed so much.

Never apologize for bringing up a topic that you have a question about - there are always new people joining the site and the topic is likely new to many others. Everyone has the right to ask and get feedback!
I hope some of the information helped you.

Thank you Indycarr and and yes the information I have received on this board has been so much help. I really don't know what I would do without you guys.

i don't think rehashing 'old' ideas is a no-no if you have new questions about them or missed them on the original go 'round. i think the big deal is when people get pissy or rude or downright nasty about stuff. as long as we're all respectful and pay attention to what it says below the comment box, i think we're all good ;)