Leaky gut

What is leaky gut?

The term “leaky gut” is gaining increasing attention, but the scientific approach to leaky gut syndrome is something new. What is already known is that leaky gut begins with an excess of substances that are harmful to the intestine, such as pesticide residues in food and substances released by excessive stress in the body, among others.

These substances can cross the intestinal barrier and trigger an intestinal inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammatory mechanism can attack the cells of the intestinal mucosa and break down their epithelial cell junctions, generating leaky gut syndrome.

 Effects of leaky gut

We all have some degree of permeability in the intestine, since this barrier is not completely impenetrable. And it shouldn’t be, since it is through there that we absorb nutrients from food. However, with the impaired junction of intestinal cells, allergens (substances that can induce an allergic reaction) and immune complexes (which are deposited in parts of the body and cause localized inflammation and tissue damage), as well as microorganisms, end up passing into the bloodstream.

 Today, it is known that leaky gut is linked to diseases in several organs:

In the intestine: irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and gluten intolerance;

In the brain: depression, anxiety, attention deficit, hyperactivity, chronic fatigue syndrome;

In the skin: eczema and psoriasis;

There are also links between leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, as well as other diseases linked to the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, arthritis and allergies in general.

Leaky gut symptoms

Before these diseases manifest, less intense symptoms may appear, but they are also usually linked to leaky gut syndrome. These are:

Acne (pimples)

Rosacea

Constipation

Diarrhea

Frequent flu

Food sensitivity

In all cases, it is important to highlight that the diagnosis of leaky gut cannot be made based on just one symptom, and should always be confirmed by a doctor.

 What causes leaky gut

Research indicates that the modern lifestyle may be one of the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome. Excessive stress, for example, contributes to the imbalance of intestinal flora and stimulates inflammatory processes in the organ. The standard Western diet, low in fiber and rich in sugar and trans and saturated fats, can also initiate this process. In addition, excessive alcohol use tends to overload organs such as the liver, which releases toxic substances that affect the intestine, generating an imbalance and increased inflammation.

Other risk factors for leaky gut are:

Proliferation of the fungus Candida

Ingestion of food with pesticide residues

Ingestion of food with artificial colors, flavorings and sweeteners

Excessive medication

Excessive pro-inflammatory foods

How to treat leaky gut

There is no established drug treatment to cure leaky gut syndrome. Therefore, the focus should be on eliminating factors that can cause or worsen leaky gut. Check out these practical tips:

Choose your foods better – Invest in natural food sources, rich in antioxidants and high anti-inflammatory content, such as fish and seeds rich in omega 3, vegetables and fruits. Avoid products that use artificial versions of colors, flavorings, sweeteners or preservatives. Test your body's reaction to potentially allergenic foods, such as dairy products, wheat products, shellfish and peanuts. The good news is that all this information is on the food packaging itself. Learn how to read and interpret the nutritional table.

 Pay attention to your diet – In times of so many stimuli, it is necessary to pay attention to when we eat. This ensures better chewing, which is the first step in digesting food. Learn about and practice mindful eating.

Control your stress levels – Although it is a natural reaction of the body, stress can become harmful if not managed. Among the most commonly used tools for this are quality sleep and physical exercise. It is also possible to lower stress levels through contact with nature.