Advanced Barrier Assessment

The advanced intestinal Barrier Assessment tests levels of DAO, histamine, DAO: Histamine ratio, zonulin and LPS.

Zonulin is an important indicator of the gut’s wall permeability and integrity. We see increased levels of zonulin in states of hyperpermeability (leaky gut) and inflammation.

Histamine is released in our body when experiencing an allergic reaction or inflammatory process. It is also consumed in our diet in varying amounts depending on the foods we eat. When out of balance, histamine can cause a myriad of symptoms from hives, runny nose, diarrhea, headaches, and anaphylaxis.

Diamine oxidase ( DAO) is an enzyme produced in the small intestine that our body uses to break down histamine. Elevated histamine is seen in conditions such as histamine intolerance syndrome.

Low Diamine Oxidase levels and/ or elevated Histamine levels may lead to Symptoms of histamine intolerance which may include:

• Skin related symptoms such as hives, itching and swelling
• Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal bloating and abdominal pain
• Cardiovascular related symptoms such as low blood pressure, elevated heart rate, easy fainting and peripheral edema
• Respiratory related symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic sinus congestion, chronic runny nose and chronic cough
• Other symptoms may include anxiety, brain fog, headaches and vertigo

Certain medications, supplements and following a low histamine diet may help alleviate the symptoms of histamine intolerance.

LPS is another marker for assessing increased intestinal permeability and leaky gut. LPS is produced by gram negative bacteria. It is a bacterial toxin that contributes to inflammation and increased permeability at a cellular level. Elevated LPS levels in the blood may be associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, Food sensitivities, Autoimmune conditions and chronic digestive disorders. Low LPS levels in the blood may be associated with chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohns, Colitis and IBS.