Gut Health and “leaky” Gut
Our digestive tract is one of the primary places where our bodies interact with the ‘outside’ world.
The lining of the small intestine is an important barrier, letting nutrients in and preventing bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other unwelcome substances from entering the body. In the process of digestion, we absorb nutrients from food while eliminating various toxins and other by-products produced in the digestion process.
A Special layer of cells line the small intestine and are responsible for absorbing nutrients and protecting the body from harmful substances. This cell lining, if stretched out, would cover more than 300 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment! Between each cell is a space called a “tight junction.” The health of the cells that line the small intestine, and the health of these tight junctions, are key to what is absorbed in the digestive tract and what is not.
A Special layer of cells line the small intestine and are responsible for absorbing nutrients and protecting the body from harmful substances. This cell lining, if stretched out, would cover more than 300 square feet, or about the size of a studio apartment! Between each cell is a space called a “tight junction.” The health of the cells that line the small intestine, and the health of these tight junctions, are key to what is absorbed in the digestive tract and what is not.
What is Intestinal Permeability?
Intestinal permeability is defined as how pours or ‘leaky’ the small intestine lining is. A leaky lining occurs when the protective barrier of cells is damaged and no longer tightly connected. While some intestinal permeability is normal, increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) allows harmful substances, and partially digested food, to enter the bloodstream at higher levels than our bodies can often manage. Intestinal permeability can reduce the absorption of essential nutrients important for health.
When a leaky gut occurs, the immune system can become activated and lead to inflammation, food reaction, and increased likelihood of a variety of diseases. Some studies show that increased intestinal permeability may be an underlying cause of migraines, depression, and various autoimmune diseases, such as Celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What Causes Increased Intestinal Permeability?
There are many possible causes of leaky gut. Viral and bacterial infections, antibiotics, and other medications, toxins, stress, inflammation, food intolerances, and imbalances in gut bacteria all have been suggested as causes. There are a variety of ways to address this, and your functional medicine coach in conjuction with your physician may recommend dietary and other lifestyle changes as well as specific nutritional supplements to re-establish your intestinal barrier’s protective function.