Up until recently, much of conventional medicine attempted to discredit the ancient notion of gut health imbalance and its association with digestive and non-digestive illness. As modern scientific research has proven, ancient healers and today’s integrative doctors were correct on this matter. For example, Harvard Health Publishing recently published an article recognizing the legitimacy of leaky gut and noted that most doctors would not recognize the term.
Also, an article in the mainstream medical journal Frontiers in Immunology states. "Disruption of the epithelial barrier increases intestinal permeability, resulting in leaky gut syndrome (LGS)." The epithelial layer refers to the cells that line the small intestine.
Now medical researchers and gastroenterologists at the forefront of gut permeability research have done a complete turnaround and acknowledge the medical reality of "leaky gut." Simply put, leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) occurs when the small intestine lining is damaged by a variety of factors (diet, stress, medications, toxins, infections, and others). As a result, there is increased permeability to substances that should not penetrate the intestinal barrier and two things happen. First there is an immune and inflammatory reaction in the intestinal cells which causes localized damage. And second, molecules that should not be absorbed through the gut wall make their way into the bloodstream. The immune system reacts with an inflammatory response which can then affect other areas of the body in an adverse fashion. In accordance with what I am claiming, the Journal of the Endocrine Society reports:
Intestinal barrier function is critical for normal homeostasis of the gut, and the breakdown or dysfunction of this barrier is associated with local as well as systemic consequences largely related to direct contact of bacteria/bacterial products with the epithelial cells, and translocation of these to the systemic circulation.
Many experts agree that leaky gut occurs in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease. However, research also shows that leaky gut increases in various diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recent research has shown that a leaky gut is a common occurrence with aging. However, integrative doctors like myself have found that leaky gut can occur in a less severe disease state.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine we provide personalized testing and treatment for digestive and other ailments. We also provide lab testing for leaky gut syndrome.Here are some of the common supplements we use in addition to diet and lifestyle changes to help people heal their leaky gut.
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
Ghosh, Siddhartha S, Jing Wang, Paul J Yannie, and Shobha Ghosh. “Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, LPS Translocation, and Disease Development.” Journal of the Endocrine Society 4, no. 2 (February 1, 2020). https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvz039.Kinashi, Yusuke, and Koji Hase. “Partners in Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity.” Frontiers in Immunology 12 (April 22, 2021). https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.673708.
Marcelo Campos, MD. “Leaky Gut: What Is It, and What Does It Mean for You?” Harvard Health, November 16, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/leaky-gut-what-is-it-and-what-does-it-mean-for-you-2017092212451.
