Healing Leaky Gut in Breast-Fed Infant...help!

[letileon]

Does anyone have experience healing leaky gut syndrome in a baby? My 6 month old has been have severe food allergies through breastmilk (he does not eat solids yet). I have eliminated most major allergens (dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, gluten, corn, chocolate, alcohol) but he still seems to react. I just heard about yeast causing leaky gut which leads to food allergies. My son had thrush until he was about 3 months old because of the antibiotics I received during labor. It all makes sense to me now, except I have no idea how to help him. I figured to give him probiotics but what else can I do?

[bluets]

if you are feeling overwhelmed, begin by finding yourself a good naturopath or integrative medicine doc... ask around for recommendations.

there is a huge healing the gut thread lurking somewhere.  you should also check out the allergy forum - they have a weekly (or monthly?) chat thread.

i would imagine that both of you have leaky gut - i'd start by focusing on you.  if you're a book person, read Matsen's book "Eating Alive" - it is by far the best book i've encountered about the journey on which you are embarking (and i've read lots and lots and lots...)  it's also fairly easy reading.

i'd also start by introducing a glutamine supplement - Metagenics is a good brand but pricey.  you'll need to hunt to see if there are ingredients that cause you issue.  MSM is also a good supplement to use, but i'd for sure start with the glutamine.  Metagenics also has a dairy free probiotic.  i've also heard that VSL#3 is a good one.  depending on how sensitive you are to dairy, you may need to find one that isn't cultured on dairy.

rest assured, you are not the first mama to go through this, and there are lots of others around here who can assist.

[Panserbjorne]

I've not heard of this book before.  thanks for the rec!

I agree, OP that you should be looking at yourself as well in terms of sensitivities.  Babies can be hyper-reactive, and that may well be the case, but the fact is that they're supposed to have a leaky gut.  There's something else going on here.  I would second finding support from an ND that works with peds.

[bluets]

Originally Posted by Panserbjorne 

I've not heard of this book before.  thanks for the rec!

*boggle*  most of my reading list comes from your suggestions so I'm glad I can return the favor :)

[Panserbjorne]

Ha!  I can always use a good book rec!  Even if I end up in a support group because of it.

I'm pming you now...Matthew Wood is speaking tonight for free-you may already know...but just in case!

[goldenwillow]

Another good read about leaky gut...

http://www.gutandpsychologysyndrome.com/

Thanks bluets for the other rec... have not seen that one. 

[mellowjello]

I second the recommendation to look into Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet book and/or website. The book is fantastic and the diet/program has been phenomenal for my daughter.

VSL3 probiotic was great for her. For yeast, S boullardi probiotic works especially well. FOS, inulin, and chickory etc (prebiotics) in general feed bad bugs. Increase vitamin and mineral supplementation and make sure its a high quality brand. Avoid supplemental iron (if anemic try to increase high iron foods) and perhaps avoid copper. Look into zinc/copper balance (many people have either high copper/low zinc or just low zinc which makes it really hard to fight pathenogenic organisms. Make sure to supplement zinc). Support the liver. Drink electrolyte. Epsom salt baths. Make changes slowly, don't detox too much at once. Consider homeopathy.