What is Leaky Gut? (Intestinal Permeability)

What is Leaky Gut? (Intestinal Permeability)

Our intestines are lined with cells which are held closely together by tight junctions.  These tight junctions allow the small nutrients our body needs to get through into the bloodstream while keeping larger food products, toxins from bacteria, and metabolic wastes from getting through.  In a good gut, the tight junctions are closed and in a leaky gut, they are open. 

How do these tight junctions open?

The intestines can be damaged by various mechanisms. Chronic inflammation, eating bad foods, nutrient deficiencies, infections, and food intolerances are all ways that these tight junctions can open up. Infections and food intolerances are extremely important factors to look at.  Each of the cells lining our intestines have receptors. Certain molecules can attach to these receptors and cause the tight junctions to open up, with bacterial toxins and certain foods being two of the most causative factors of leaky gut syndrome. In the picture below, you can see a disruptive molecule attaching to the purple receptor, which opens up the space between the cells.

Why is this bad?

The problem with leaky gut syndrome is that molecules (foods, bacteria, toxins, and even your own cells) that were never meant to be in the blood stream start to get in.  The body doesn’t recognize these molecules and your immune system starts to attack them. Every time a white blood cell sees one of the molecules, not only will it attack that molecule, but the surrounding tissue is also caught in the cross-fire and damaged. They can spread everywhere and your body will begin to notice the excessive inflammation and collateral damage in the areas these molecules deposit. Remember, when I say molecules, I’m talking about food molecules, bacteria, toxins from the environment, and even your own intestinal cells that were damaged and now floating in the bloodstream. 

What conditions can leaky gut cause?

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lupus

Psoriasis

Eczema

Fibromyalgia

Vasculitis

Memory Disorders

Asthma

Food Allergies

Brain Fog

Migraines

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Digestive Problems

Stomach Pains

Anxiety

Depression

Constipation/Diarrhea

How do you test for leaky gut?

 If the disruptive molecules are passing between the cells and into the bloodstream, it will cause the breakdown of zonulin and occludin, and we can test for those in your blood.

If the disruptive molecules are passing through the cells and into the blood stream, it will cause the breakdown of actomyosin, and we can test for actomyosin in your blood.

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, is fairly common in the United States. If you feel that you have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above, it is important to get tested or talk to your functional medicine doctor about ways to treat and prevent! Leaky gut has been scientifically related to many different health conditions, but these other symptoms can take a few years to appear after leaky gut begins. This is why it's important to start taking care of your body now; to prevent anything from going wrong later and instead  enjoying a long, healthy life!