What Causes Leaky Gut In Humans

What Are The Dangers Associated With Leaky Gut

These gaps in your intestinal lining cause inflammation and negative changes in your gut bacteria.

The unwelcome intruders that take advantage of these porous portals have been blamed for everything from:

• bowel distress

• hormonal imbalances

• and autoimmune diseases

The list above is not an exaggeration, gut health really is tied to every single one of these.

Intestinal Permeability And Autism

, researchers confirmed an association between gut microbiota imbalances and autism.

A 2010 study observed increased IP in autistic people and their first-degree relatives. However, reported no significant differences in the IP of autistic children.

Scientists must carry out more research to establish whether IP plays a role in autism.

Since many doctors do not consider leaky gut to be a legitimate medical condition, there is no standard treatment.

However, certain dietary and lifestyle changes may help people to improve their gut health. This, in turn, may alleviate leaky gut symptoms.

The following dietary tips may help to improve gut health:

• eating more probiotics to boost beneficial gut bacteria
• eating foods rich in prebiotic fiber, such as vegetables and whole grains
• eating less meat, dairy, and eggs
• avoiding added sugar and artificial sweeteners

The following lifestyle changes can improve digestion and support a healthy gut:

• exercising regularly

Leaky Gut Syndrome/intestinal Permeability Symptoms

In alternative medicine, symptoms are said to include: abdominal pain, asthma, chronic joint pain, chronic muscle pain, confusion, gas, indigestion, mood swings, nervousness, frequent colds, recurrent vaginal infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, recurrent bladder infections, poor memory, shortness of breath, constipation, bloating, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.

You May Like: Heartburn Dizzy

Undergoing Chemo Or Radiation Therapy

Watch out for leaky gut syndrome if youre planning to undergo chemo or radiation therapy.

Studies show that radiation therapy increases intestinal permeability in humans, rapidly disrupted tight junctions in mice, and increased gut permeability in monkeys.

Several studies have shown that chemotherapy likewise increases gut permeability in humans, although the exact reason why has yet to be found .

Support Gut Health To Improve Symptoms Of Leaky Gut

Leaky gut can cause a wide variety of symptoms, both in the digestive system and in the rest of the body. But to improve the symptoms of leaky gut, its not necessary to try to address all those symptoms individually. Because leaky gut syndrome is more of a side effect of a gut imbalance, working to improve your overall gut health will improve your leaky gut symptoms.

Read Also: Does Colostrum Heal Leaky Gut

What Are The Risk Factors For Leaky Gut

While experts do not yet definitely know what causes leaky gut syndrome, there are various risk factors that can disrupt the gut microbiota and contribute to increased intestinal permeability. Some examples are:

• Diabetes
• Stress

With autoimmune disorders being a risk factor, the question of whether or not LGS is a cause or symptom of a disease like inflammatory bowel disease once again becomes relevant, since IBD is an autoimmune disorder.

What Is Leaky Gut

Is leaky gut a real issue? Research thats increasingly accumulating on the subject suggests that it may be. However, leaky gut is not recognized as a legitimate medical issue because, at this point, there is simply not enough evidence to support it.

On one hand, there is a lot that scientists still dont know or understand about the gut and the microbiome within it. On the other hand, there is a lot of speculation that has been derived from small-scale human or animal studies. In this article, we will try to objectively review the research on this subject.

The theory is fairly simple. When there are abnormalities in the intestinal barrier, the intestinal permeability increases. This potentially means that more of the gut content can pass/leak through, which is referred to as leaky gut .

Some scientists think that when the gut is leaky, gut bacteria and their products may escape the gut, which could potentially produce inflammation and cause tissue damage. Similarly, food-derived antigens could pass through the gut and promote both local or whole-body immune responses .

On the molecular level, researchers have found zonulin, a protein that causes tight junctions to open. When tight junctions open, intestinal permeability increases. Studies suggest that some agents, such as bacteria and gluten, may be able to cause leaky gut by increasing zonulin .

Recommended Reading: What Does It Mean When You Keep Having Heartburn

Gluten The Mother Of Leaky Gut

This conversation wouldnt be complete without discussing gluten. For gluten-sensitive individuals, gluten causes leaky gut in the following ways.

What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome

There isnt a strong medical consensus on the root cause of leaky gut, but studies have shown that chronic conditions like celiac disease and type 1 diabetes can play a role in disrupting the gut microbiome . Long-term use of some anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin may also affect the gut. When the gut is unhealthy the intestinal lining can become worn and broken, literally forming cracks or holes at the cellular level, explains naturalistic nurse Audrey Christie, MSN, RN, CCMA.

According to a 2020 study by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, leaky gut is most often experienced by people who are older, have chronic conditions, or high-stress lifestyles. The same study also found evidence of what may be the root cause of leaky guta molecular mechanism called the stress-polarity signaling pathway, which helps keep the gut lining functioning properly. When this mechanism comes under stress, it can create chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, which can be a trigger for more gut damage and other issues. And because the immune system is on high alert, it can result in body-wide inflammation. This manifests in a variety of physical symptoms, from digestive issues to skin irritation.

Also Check: Does Peanut Butter Cause Heartburn

Is There A Test For Leaky Gut

While diagnosis is incredibly difficult as mentioned, there is one specific test that some physicians will use in order to test intestinal permeability. The test is called the mannitol and lactulose test. Both of these are water-soluble molecules that the body cannot use. Mannitol is easily absorbed by people with healthy intestinal linings, whereas lactulose is a larger molecule, and thus is only slightly absorbed. A person is instructed to drink a solution containing both of these molecules, and then their urine is collected for six hours. The amount present in the urine reflects how much was absorbed by the body a healthy test will display high levels of mannitol, and low levels of lactulose. If high levels of both are found, it indicates increased intestinal permeability. If low levels of both are found, it indicates general poor absorption of all nutrients .

It is important to note that this test is an indicator of small intestine permeability, and cannot definitively diagnose leaky gut with full certainty. Most physicians steer clear of this test, as they do not believe it is very reliable. Additionally, since increased intestinal permeability is a symptom of many other diseases, it should not be used to necessarily diagnose leaky gut syndrome, as this could prevent a patient from receiving treatment for a more serious condition they may have. Seeking the advice of a gastroenterologist is recommended, as they specialize in digestive health and the GI tract.

Adopt A Nourishing Diet

It is important to eat organic foods as much as possible. This ensures that the food is non-gmo and free of pesticides, antibiotics, and additional hormones.

A diet that improves digestive health needs to include fibrous and fermented vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and lean, unprocessed meats.

N-butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that helps feed the cells that line the gut and facilitate the healing process. Your gut bacteria can produce more n-butyrate if you feed them soluble fibers that are found in fruits and vegetables.

N-butyrate is also present in healthy fats including ghee and coconut oil so include those in your diet.

You May Like: Can Turmeric Give You Diarrhea

Leaky Gut Causes And Risk Factors

A few key risk factors increase your likelihood of having a leaky gut. Research does indicate that the following factors increase your risk of having a leaky gut.

Just To Recap How Your Emotions And Stress Impacts Your Gut

• There is definitely a brain-gut connection within your body
• When you are stressed and in an emotional state, your body flips into a catabolic state meaning you start breaking down tissue
• You can have a leaky gut solely from mental and emotional stress
• Have patience a leaky gut doesnt occur overnight and it will take time to heal expect anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the condition.

Heal your gut now and prevent other serious symptoms with the Gut Health Secrets 30-Day Boot Camp.

References

1 Zanefled, R. J., McMinds, R., Thurber, R.E. Stress and stability: applying the Anna Karenina principle to animal microbiomes. Nature Microbiology. 17121 .

2 Song, H., Fang, H., Tomasson, G., et al. Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease. JAMA. 2018 319:2388-2400.

3 Monda, V., et al. . Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. Volume 2017, Article ID 3831972.

You May Like: Why Does Lettuce Give Me Diarrhea

Factors Contributing To The Healing Of Leaky Gut

In the early 1860s, microbial intoxication of the gut was believed to be a major cause of systemic illnesses and mental disorders, and, for many decades, scientists agreed. Modern studies validate these allegations by illustrating that commensal microflora being recognized by Toll-like receptors is essential for promoting epithelial cell multiplication. Hence, it accelerates the healing of the surface epithelium after being damaged and impedes inflammation . TLR signaling is critically vital for protection from pathogenic irritation and for promoting tolerant conditions to commensalism . The gut microbiome interacts with the host cells under the influence of a highly regulated immune system that involves pattern recognition receptors like TLRs and NOD-like receptors . The stimulation of TLRs boosts intestinal epithelial integrity through translocation of the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 . A pathogen being acknowledged by specific TLRs results in several events, including the stimulation of NF-B signaling that follows an increase in the production of cytokine and T-cell activation.

How Leaky Gut Affects The Body

Gut health is closely linked to many other functions throughout the body. If you arent properly absorbing vitamins and nutrients from the foods you eat, it can lead to a wide range of health symptoms. Your immune system function can also be compromised, and the inflammatory responses that occur throughout the body in the presence of foreign particles can cause additional processes to malfunction. In short, a leaky gut can affect nearly every area of your health not just your digestive health.

Read Also: Gas From Bananas

Taking Care Of The Intestinal Microbiota

The human gut contains the same number of bacteria as there are cells in the entire organism. With more than 400 different species of bacteria, were just beginning to understand the role of microbiota in health. Among other things, it promotes normal gastrointestinal function, provides protection against infection, regulates metabolism, and strengthens the immune system.

In order to take care of the microbiota you should:

• Remove toxin-ridden food from your diet
• Maximize your digestive capacity by eating when youre hungry and leaving space between meals for your gastric juices to function normally
• Eat fermentable fibers such as resistant starch, pectins, and fructans
• Eat fermented goods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and any other quality probiotic
• Treat the presence of intestinal pathogens such as parasites.

What Is Leaky Gut 6 Leaky Gut Causes And How To Cure It

July 20, 2021 | By Diana Orchant

If youve browsed the internet regarding digestive distress or gut health, chances are youve run across some form of gut health information. Today, research reveals that what goes on in our gut happens to impact our entire body. As Hippocrates said, all disease begins in the gut.

One of the conditions that is showing up more frequently in research is leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability. Leaky gut syndrome is a relatively new medical diagnosis that thousands of people have embraced as an explanation for a host of troubling symptoms.

You May Like: Does Almond Milk Cause Bloating

Is Leaky Gut Syndrome A Real Condition An Unbiased Look

A phenomenon called leaky gut has gained quite a bit of attention lately, particularly among natural health enthusiasts.

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to leak through the intestinal wall.

Mainstream medical professionals do not recognize leaky gut as a real condition.

However, there is quite a bit of scientific evidence that leaky gut does exist and may be associated with multiple health problems.

This article takes a critical look at the evidence on leaky gut syndrome.

Babies Have A Higher Risk

Dont be alarmed, but your baby may have a leaky gut. This is natural in babies because it allows them to absorb immune substances from their moms milk.

Science suggests that preterm babies actually have a leakier gut than full-term babies for their first two days of life.

However, another study did show that 75% of 62 preterm babies had lower intestinal permeability when fed mostly human milk when compared to those fed with low amounts of human milk or baby formula alone .

Don’t Miss: Bovine Colostrum For Leaky Gut

What Are The Symptoms Of Leaky Gut

As mentioned, leaky gut, or increased permeability is not fully recognized by the medical community at large, which makes finding symptoms a tough task. Many of the symptoms are shared with other health conditions, making the disorder difficult for doctors to identify. Leaky gut may cause or contribute to the following possible symptoms:

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Skin problems, such as acne, rashes, or eczema
• Joint pain
• Widespread inflammation

These symptoms overlap with many other health conditions, leading experts to believe that leaky gut may actually contribute to their manifestation. While it is not clear if LGS is a cause or a symptom, it has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome, Crohns disease, celiac disease, diabetes, and food allergies, among others. A peer-reviewed study suggested that increased intestinal permeability may actually contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease . However, more peer-reviewed studies need to be conducted before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Furthermore, scientists have closely looked at the gut-brain axis, which is the relationship between the GI tract and the brain. Some research has shown that leaky gut may be a factor for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression

Leaky Gut And Autoimmune Disorders

Several disease states have been associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and microbial translocation. These include Alzheimers disease, ALD, cancer, and multiple autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders are characterized by the generation of autoantibodies against self-antigens that attack the bodys own tissues, resulting in damage. Genetic and environmental triggers have been long known as the major contributors to the development of autoimmunity. Increasing evidence in recent years suggests that microbial translocation and intestinal barrier dysfunction, which may be affected by gut microbiota, are another important causative element for autoimmune disorders . T1D and SLE are examples discussed below that reveal advancements in the understanding of the mechanisms behind the interaction between the leaky gut and autoimmune disorders.

Don’t Miss: How Long Does Gerd Flare Up Last

Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome

Intestinal hyperpermeability in obese patients has been associated with symptoms of metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers suggest that an association between altered gut barrier function and hyperglycemia may be responsible for the inflammatory effects of the metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that include high blood pressure, increased abdominal fat, and elevated cholesterol levels. Elevated levels of zonulin were also found to be associated with factors involved in obesity and metabolic syndrome, such as waist to hip ratio, fasting insulin, body mass index, and interleukin-6 , a marker of immune activation.

Do I Need A Supplement

According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, there is some evidence that probiotics can improve the function of your gut and even help reverse leaky gut, but long-term studies are still needed. There is not a single study to date suggesting that probiotics are harmful.

Probiotic supplements are more like a fertilizer that communicates to your existing gut bacteria. It can regulate the pH and cross-talk to other bacteria, increasing short-chain fatty acids which is the food for the gut cells and help regulate inflammation and the immune system of the gut, says Dr. La Vella. Transitioning away from processed foods and toward whole foods is usually enough to keep your gut healthy.

Herbal supplements may be helpful in certain situations, but arent necessarily a quick fix.

I think of supplements as medications there is always a risk and a benefit. I prefer to think about restoring ecosystem balance rather than supplementing to cover up a bad dietary or lifestyle choice, says Dr. La Vella.

Recommended Reading: Pepcid Bloating