If you suffer from any of these, then there’s a good chance that your gut is leaking.

Gastric Ulcers; Infectious diarrhoea; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); Inflammatory Bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis); Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO); Celiac disease; Fibromyalgia; Food sensitivities; Allergies; Respiratory infections; Acute inflammations conditions (sepsis, SIRS, multiple organ failure); Chronic inflammatory conditions (arthritis etc.); Autoimmune diseases (lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s etc.); Obesity-related metabolic diseases (fatty liver, type II diabetes, heart disease); Chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is leaky gut?

Leaky gut has recently been called a danger signal for autoimmune disease (1) Increased Intestinal Permeability commonly referred to as Leaky Gut Syndrome is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to “leak” through the gut barrier /intestinal wall.

The gut barrier is by far and large our greatest physical barrier covering a space of 400m2, it separates and protects us from the outside world preventing harmful toxins and micro-organisms from causing damage yet allows nutrients to pass through it, into the bloodstream to be transported to your organs. It requires 40% of our energy to function. (2)

Tight junctions are small gaps in the intestinal wall, they act as gatekeepers allowing water and nutrients to pass through while blocking harmful substances. Intestinal permeability refers to how easily nutrients pass through the junctions in the intestinal wall. (2)

When the tight junctions become loose, the gut becomes more permeable and starts to leak (leaky gut). This allows tiny particles and toxins that should never be able to enter your bloodstream to pass through. This situation results in acute widespread inflammation. As the size of the holes gradually increases, a reaction from the immune system becomes increasingly likely (autoimmune). So, your normal immune response designed to fight infections and disease ends up over compensating, leading to chronic inflammation, the root of most diseases. (2,3)  

Symptoms indicative of a leaky gut

• Chronic diarrhoea, constipation, gas or bloating
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Poor immune system
• Headaches, brain fog, memory loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea
• Cravings for sugar or carbs
• Arthritis or joint pain
• Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or Crohn’s (2,3,4)

What causes leaky gut?

While the medical world remains undecided on the exact causes, it is known that a protein called zonulin is the only known regulator of intestinal permeability. When activated in genetically susceptible people, it can lead to leaky gut. Zonulin release is triggered by two factors; intestinal bacteria and gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. (6,7)

The following factors are believed to play a contributing role:

Genetic predisposition – some people develop leaky gut because they are sensitive to environmental factors that “trigger” their bodies into an autoimmune response.

Your Diet –  diets that include allergens and inflammatory foods i.e. unsprouted grains, added sugar, GMOs, refined oil, food additives and dairy products. (2)

Chronic Stress – alters bowel movements and the microbiome (bacteria living in your gut). (8)

Toxin Overload – the average person comes into contact with 80,000 chemicals and toxins (including alcohol and drugs) a year. Antibiotics, pesticides, tap water, aspirin and NSAIDS are the worst offenders. (9,10)

Bacterial Imbalance – known as dysbiosis, an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gut.

Yeast overgrowth – yeast is naturally present in the gut, however an overgrowth of yeast can contribute to leaky gut. (11)

Gluten – Gliadin a protein found in gluten can increase intestinal permeability. (12, 13)

One of the best things about your body is its incredible ability to heal. If you think your gut may be leaking and would like to know how you can help yourself to heal, please get in contact for a personalised plan designed just for you.