Intestinal permeability, often termed “leaky gut,” refers to the condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to “leak” through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation and changes in the gut microbiota that could lead to problems within the digestive tract and beyond.

The Gut: More Than Just Digestion

Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex system responsible not only for digestion but also for housing a significant portion of your immune system and producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and cognition. A healthy gut barrier is crucial for preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and maintaining overall health.

Causes of Increased Intestinal Permeability

Several factors can compromise the integrity of the gut lining:

• Diet: High intake of processed foods, sugars, and alcohol can disrupt the gut microbiota.
• Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect gut health and increase permeability.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics can alter gut flora and damage the intestinal lining.
• Infections: Certain bacterial and viral infections can compromise gut integrity.

The Gut-Brain Axis

Emerging research highlights the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Disruptions in gut health have been linked to various neurological and psychiatric conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Strategies to Support Gut Health

To maintain or restore gut integrity, consider the following approaches:

• Dietary Interventions:
  • Fermented Foods: Incorporate foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir, which contain beneficial probiotics that support gut health.
  • Fiber-Rich Foods: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
• Nutritional Supplements:
  • Glutamine: An amino acid that serves as fuel for intestinal cells and supports the integrity of the gut lining – abundant in bone broth!
  • Zinc and Vitamins A & D: These nutrients play roles in maintaining mucosal barriers and immune function.
• Stress Management: Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep, to positively influence gut health. Remember the gut-brain axis is a two-way street.
• Limit substances that damage the gut lining: such as the use of NSAIDs and antibiotics (when possible), and reduce alcohol consumption to prevent damage to the gut lining.

Ready to Heal Your Gut for Good?

Maintaining a healthy gut barrier is essential for overall well-being, influencing not just digestive health but also immune function and mental health. By adopting dietary and lifestyle practices that support gut integrity, you can contribute to your body’s resilience against various health challenges.

If you’re dealing with symptoms like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, mood swings, or chronic inflammation—it’s time to stop guessing and start testing.

As a functional nutrition expert, we use advanced tools like the GI-MAP stool test to get real insights into your gut health. This cutting-edge test reveals what’s really going on inside your microbiome—bacteria, yeast, parasites, inflammation markers, and more—so we can create a personalized, root-cause plan customized for you.

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About the Author

Sources

Leaky Gut and Nutrition.pptx

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