Human bodies are a complex system of nerves, tissues, and cells. What most of us don’t realize is how intricately the system works. Each body part, nerve, and tissue is interconnected, and exclusively inside our bellies. We have an extensive intestinal lining covering more than 4,000 square feet of surface area. When our gut is working properly, it forms sort of a protective layer of tissues that controls what gets absorbed in the bloodstream, while if it is not working properly, an unhealthy gut may cause large holes in the gut lining that allows partially digested food and toxins to penetrate the tissues beneath it, triggering chronic inflammation and severe changes in gut’s normal bacteria.

Surprisingly, the research world is buzzing with studies showing that several modifications in intestinal bacteria and inflammation may play a major role in the development of several chronic issues and diseases, including leaky gut, which is a syndrome that is recognized as a “presumed condition”. It is founded on the idea of relative intestinal permeability.

What is leaky gut

Leaky gut, commonly defined as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine is destroyed, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and germs to “leak” through the intestines and into the bloodstream. Although this is a syndrome that is hypothetically recognized and is not currently well-studied as a medical diagnosis, it is severely based on the concept that increased permeability occurs in some gastrointestinal diseases. Let's take a look...

Intestinal permeability and leaky gut syndrome

Intestinal permeability is the property that allows solute and fluid exchange between the lumen and tissues. Conversely, intestinal barrier function refers to the ability of the mucosa and extracellular barrier components, such as mucus, to prevent this exchange. A critical function of the intestinal epithelium is to form a barrier that prevents the permeation of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as pathogens, toxins, and antigens, from the luminal environment into the mucosal tissues and circulatory system.

As stated by researchers in their study “Intestinal Permeability Regulation by Tight Junction: Implication on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases,” conducted back in 2015. While its evidence suggests that it is related to the Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it contributes to several other diseases as well, such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease, celiac disease, etc.

Potential warning signs of leaky gut syndrome

Most of the warning signs of the leaky gut syndrome mimic the symptoms of other health conditions and that is why, without a proper diagnosis, it is impossible to say someone has it.

Its symptoms include:

Diarrhea, constipation, and bloating

These digestive issues might be an indication that something is going on with your digestive system, and your gut health is compromised. The damaged intestinal lining affects nutrient absorption and causes digestive discomfort.

Unhealthy diet

Diets high in refined sugars, gluten, processed foods, and artificial additives can irritate the gut lining. In addition, nutritional deficiencies in zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D can also weaken the intestinal barrier.

Chronic inflammation

Inflammation is responsible for a lot of things that happen in our bodies. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are caused by inflammation that can also contribute to intestinal permeability.

Acne, Psoriasis, and other skin conditions

Acne and other skin conditions are the immune system's reaction to the toxins present in our bodies. It is not difficult to conclude that these toxins can be the byproduct of leaky gut.

Food sensitivities

Some of the most common offenders are gluten, dairy, and certain food grains. These can trigger an inflammatory reaction in sensitive people, usually manifesting itself as bloating, fatigue, and inflammation.