What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a tube of connected organs that runs from the mouth to the anus. The organs of the GI tract include:
Digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine break down nutrients in food and drink into smaller molecules that the body uses for energy, growth, and repair.
The intestines also play a vital part in protecting the body from harmful bacteria and toxins.
Tight openings in the intestinal walls allow water and nutrients to enter into the bloodstream while keeping harmful substances inside. In LGS, these openings become wider, allowing food particles, bacteria, and toxins to enter directly into the bloodstream.
The intestines are also home to a wide range of bacteria called the gut microbiota. These bacteria help digestion, protect the intestinal wall and support regular immune function. LGS may involve imbalances in gut microbiota.
According to a 2016 article, imbalances in the gut microbiota can trigger the body's immune response. This leads to gut inflammation and increased intestinal permeability (IP). IP describes how easily substances can leak out of the intestines and into the bloodstream.
Symptoms
A leaky gut shares a lot of its symptoms with other health problems. This can make the disorder hard for physicians to diagnose.
A leaky gut might cause or contribute to the following symptoms:
Causes and Risk Factors
Professionals do not yet know precisely what causes the leaky gut syndrome. However, various risk factors can interfere with the gut microbiota and contribute to increased IP. Examples include:
Treatment and Improving Gut Health
Since a lot of doctors do not consider leaky gut to be a genuine medical condition, there is no standard treatment.
However, certain dietary and lifestyle changes might help people to improve their gut health. This, in turn, might minimize leaky gut symptoms.
The following dietary suggestions might help to improve gut health:
The following lifestyle changes can improve digestion and support a healthy gut:
