by Dr. Ana Freire
(She/Her/Hers)ND
LEAKY GUT could YOU have it?
Intestinal hyperpermeability. It is everywhere. The gastrointestinal condition commonly known as “leaky gut syndrome” has been gaining momentum throughout the medical community. More and more research is beginning to link the occurrence of many chronic diseases and other health issues with this syndrome.
Leaky Gut – Sounds Awful!
SO, what is it? Simply put, leaky gut happens when the structural integrity of the intestines is altered. Specifically, the intestinal tight junctions are not working as they should. The tight junctions, essentially, function as border control, between what can pass between the intestines and the bloodstream. The unusually large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the entry of foreign material into the circulation such as toxins and microbes. When leaky gut occurs, inflammation throughout the body will ensue, leading to a slew of health concerns.
Inflammation and Leaky Gut
Inflammation is also a key trigger to enlarging the spaces between the cells in the gut. Protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance of being broken down appropriately, and so are much larger than they should be. Our immune system will then think of them as foreign (and so potentially dangerous), thus mounting an attack via antibodies against these molecules. In essence, the immune system becomes overly stimulated and therefore over-reacts to substances that are in other respects harmless. The antibodies that are created by this process can then get into various tissues in our body and consequently trigger an inflammatory reaction. Depending on where this inflammation is located, various disease states will manifest.
Common Causes of Leaky Gut-
Infections-Dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut microbiome)-
Toxin burden-Use of antibiotics and NSAIDs (ex. aspirin, ibuprofen)-
Chronic stress-Poor diet (highly processed foods and excessive alcohol consumption)
Signs of Leaky Gut
In addition to the appearance of certain autoimmune diseases1 , the following can also be clues to a potentially underlying leaky gut:
• Malabsorption and other digestive concerns
As one can imagine, if your gut is not working well, various nutritional deficiencies can result. From B12 to key enzymes that help digest food, these deficiencies can be traced to leaky gut in certain individuals. Often people will experience bloating, gas, and changes to bowel movements.
• Food Sensitivities
Individuals with various food sensitivities will often find that leaky gut is the main culprit. Due to the assault of the toxins that enter the circulation, the immune system of these individuals is on high alert producing huge amounts of antibodies. Consequently, this will lead to these individuals being more susceptible to other proteins found in different foods (especially gluten and dairy).
• IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Recently, research has pointed to the observation of leaky gut in people with irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. In addition, one other study suggests that in individuals with Crohn’s, leaky gut can be present in a majority of cases.2
• Thyroid Disorders
Of the thyroid disorders, leaky gut has been linked to Hashimoto’s disease. This disorder can lead to hypothyroidism, which in turn can impair metabolism. Hypothyroidism can manifest for example as fatigue, depression, weight gain, and various changes to skin, hair, and nails.
• Inflammatory Skin Conditions
As discussed, leaky gut causes both systemic and local inflammation, which in turn contributes to skin disease. Of particular mention in this category is acne and psoriasis.
• Mood Issues and Autism
The theory behind the connection between leaky gut and mood goes back to the inflammatory response which is characteristic of leaky gut. This response triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that induce depression.3,4 In relation to other disorders such as autism, research has suggested that in a specific subset of patients, leaky gut could be a contributing factor, having found a high percentage of abnormal intestinal permeability values in 36.7% of patients with autism.5 If you think you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, be sure to check with your naturopath and get assessed for leaky gut. As you work to repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation, leaky gut can be reversed!
If any of this resonates with you. book a consultation with our naturopath so we can move forward towards a healthier you
References1. Fasano A. Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012;42(1):71-8.
2. Arrieta MC, Bistritz L, Meddings JB. Alterations in intestinal permeability. Gut. 2006; 55(10): 1512–1520.
3. Galland L. The Gut Microbiome and the Brain. J Med Food. 2014; 17(12): 1261–1272.
4. Maes M, Kubera M, Leunis JC. The gut-brain barrier in major depression: intestinal mucosal dysfunction with an increased translocation of LPS from gram negative enterobacteria (leaky gut) plays a role in the inflammatory pathophysiology of depression. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008;29(1):117-24.
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