Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky Gut Syndrome 

Leaky gut syndrome is often misdiagnosed and the culprit in a number of disease disorders.  It is almost common medical knowledge that a healthy gut is they key factor to a healthy immune system.  But when GI tracts become "permeable", auto-immune diseases arise.  And where does immune activity occur?  Two-thirds inside the gut.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that develops inside the small intestine when the mucous lining allows the entry of poisons, bacteria, micro-organisms and food particles into the bloodstream.  Normally, when you eat, food passes through the stomach into the small intestine where the absorption of nutrients is possible through the semi-permeable mucous lining of the intestinal walls.

The importance of this lining cannot be overstated, as it's job is to shield the bloodstream from unwanted toxins, pathogens and undigested food and hence becomes a vital link in your immune system which screens out the bad guys. 

The body is an amazing machine and renews itself on a regular basis, so when it comes to stomach lining, every 3 to 5 days, new cells form to keep it semi-permeable.  However, once toxins enter the bloodstream through a leaky gut, their first target is the liver.

When the liver is overtaxed from all these invaders, it cannot keep them in check so these toxins either re-circulate or are left inside the liver.  When they re-circulate to the intestines the lining is again assaulted leading to increased permeability (leaking, of sorts).

What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?

There are a variety of factors involved when digestion is impaired.  These include:

• Stress

• Eating processed foods

• Not chewing foods thoroughly

• Excessive fluid intake along with meals

• Improper food combining and overeating (if too much is eaten in one sitting, the stomach cannot possible produce enough enzymes to process all the food).

• NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and non-aspirin pain relievers)

• Antacids

• Steroids

• Antiobiotics

Why do the above factors cause leaky gut?  Because when bacteria is present in the intestines and they confront undigested food, toxic gases are formed.  Also, the drugs listed can cause irritation and inflammation in the intestinal tract, leading to colitis, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis.

For more information about who develops leaky gut syndrome, what are its symptoms, how it is diagnosed and how to treat it, please see our next article in this series:  Leaky Gut Syndrome Symptom.

Incidentally, maintaining a well nourished intestinal lining and accompanying mucous, with beneficial bacteria (friendly flora) throughout your life means controlling intestinal permeability.  Fiber, both soluble and insoluble, is important as are essential fatty acids, good bacteria, and plant-based digestive enzymes.

Our favorite plant-based enzymes and active probiotics are formulated by Michael O'Brien.  Here is one source: Active and Alive Enzymes and Probiotics.
 

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And it must be said that these health articles are for educational purposes only.  If you are pregnant, nursing or have any medical condition, please see a qualified and licensed health practitioner.