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LEAKY GUT: you may have it or know someone who does!

November 14, 2024

LEAKY GUT: you may have it or know someone who does!

Leaky gut (intestinal permeability syndrome) is when the intestinal barrier does not perform its function as it should, allowing the passage of sub

More than just absorbing nutrients and eliminating toxins, the intestine is linked to various other organs and processes of the body. It also acts, for example, in the production of neurotransmitters and hormones (which influence well-being as well as weight gain or loss) and in the control of the immune system and inflammation throughout the body.

Any imbalance in the intestine must be avoided, as it risks affecting general health. Among the diseases that deserve attention is leaky gut (intestinal permeability syndrome), which is when the intestinal barrier does not perform its function as it should and allows the passage of improper substances. This condition generates an imbalance in the body as a whole and can manifest through allergies, chronic fatigue, and diabetes, for example.

However, it is possible to strengthen the intestinal mucosa through good food choices, including specific supplements in the diet, and treating DYSBIOSIS.

The English term "leaky gut" is gaining increasing attention, but the scientific approach to intestinal permeability syndrome is new. What is already known is that leaky gut begins with an excess of harmful substances 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 cause an inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammatory mechanism can attack the cells of the intestinal mucosa and disrupt the junctions of the epithelial cells, leading to intestinal permeability syndrome.

We all have some degree of intestinal permeability, as this barrier is not completely impenetrable. Nor should it be, as it is through it that we absorb nutrients from food. But, with the impaired junction of intestinal cells, the passage of allergens (substances that can induce an allergic reaction) and immunocomplexes (which deposit in parts of the body and cause localized inflammation and tissue damage), in addition to microorganisms, into the bloodstream ends up occurring.

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

Numerous studies correlate the interconnectedness between intestinal permeability syndrome and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, in addition to other immune-system-related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and general allergies.

Before these diseases manifest, less intense symptoms may appear, but these are also commonly linked to intestinal permeability syndrome. These include:

In all cases, it is important to emphasize that the diagnosis of leaky gut cannot be made based on only one symptom; it must always be confirmed by a physician.

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

There is no established drug treatment for curing intestinal permeability syndrome. Therefore, the focus should remain on eliminating factors that may cause or exacerbate leaky gut. BELOW ARE 4 IMPORTANT TIPS TO IMPROVE THIS CONDITION:

This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.