Leaky Gut

Leaky gut occurs when the tight junctions in the gut are not functioning properly. Specialized epithelial cells in the gut are linked together by these tight junctions which allows for important nutrients to enter the bloodstream while keeping out larger, unneeded particles from entering the bloodstream. When the tight junctions are not working properly, particles that should not enter the bloodstream are now able to move in and cause chronic inflammation and decreased immunity. This creates problems for the gut and the rest of the body because the gut plays an important role in the immune system. Acute inflammation and autoimmune reactions can then occur from these particles. Other possible symptoms could be chronic diarrhea or gas, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, or food sensitivities. Food sensitivities are common because digested proteins or fats can enter the bloodstream through the intestinal lining and cause an allergic response.

There are many causes as to why leaky gut may occur in the body. Genetics and chronic stress are two main causes. Chronic stress can be dangerous to the gut and the entire immune system because the body is continuously producing hormones to counteract with stress levels, so it never has time to relax. Toxin overload, such as too much consumption of antibiotics, pesticides, NSAIDS, or tap water, can also cause inflammation and affect the gut. Antibiotics destroy the bacteria that causes the infection, however they also kill the helpful bacteria. For a digestive system that is already weakened and lacking good bacteria, killing off even more bacteria that can aid in gut health is not beneficial. In addition, antibiotics and NSAIDS can cause serious inflammation in the intestinal lining which allows for even more space to open up between the cells in the gut that substances can enter through. The Standard American Diet does not help with proper gut function and inflammation either. Sprouted grains, processed oils, added sugar, lectins, conventional dairy, and unnecessary food additives should be avoided because they are likely to cause inflammation as well. Lectins are fine in small amounts, and raw dairy, such as goat’s milk, is recommended. 

In order to help heal a leaky gut, there are a few dietary adjustments that should be made. Removing foods that damage the gut is the first step. This could mean simply removing foods that cause symptoms or completely switching over to a FODMAP diet if symptoms continue to worsen. A FODMAP diet is designed to help patients who have IBS, which could eventually become present if leaky gut is ignored and not treated properly. The next option is to replace the removed foods with healing foods. Some of the top foods to help with a leaky gut are bone broth, raw cultured dairy, fermented vegetables, coconut products, and sprouted seeds. These foods play a part in improving gut health by balancing intestinal pH, promoting healthy bacterial growth, and providing probiotics to the gut. Probiotic, digestive enzyme, and l-glutamine supplements can also be beneficial in promoting gut health. Probiotic supplements are crucial because they replenish the good bacteria in the gut while blocking out the bad bacteria. Digestive enzyme supplements can aid with proper digestion, which decreases the likelihood that undigested particles will break through the tight junctions and enter the bloodstream. Lastly, l-glutamine is an essential amino acid that can help heal the intestinal wall by coating the cell walls and repelling unwanted particles. With proper dietary changes and added supplements, leaky gut can be healed.