is often misdiagnosed and the culprit in a number of disease
disorders. It is almost common medical knowledge that a healthy gut
is they key factor to a healthy immune system. But when GI tracts
become "permeable", auto-immune diseases arise. And where does
immune activity occur? Two-thirds inside the gut.
What
Is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome is a
condition that develops inside the small intestine when the mucous
lining allows the entry of poisons, bacteria, micro-organisms and
food particles into the bloodstream. Normally, when you eat, food
passes through the stomach into the small intestine where the
absorption of nutrients is possible through the semi-permeable
mucous lining of the intestinal walls.
The importance of this
lining cannot be overstated, as it's job is to shield the
bloodstream from unwanted toxins, pathogens and undigested food and
hence becomes a vital link in your immune system which screens out
the bad guys.
The body is an amazing
machine and renews itself on a regular basis, so when it comes to
stomach lining, every 3 to 5 days, new cells form to keep it
semi-permeable. However, once toxins enter the bloodstream through
a leaky gut, their first target is the liver.
When the liver is
overtaxed from all these invaders, it cannot keep them in check so
these toxins either re-circulate or are left inside the liver. When
they re-circulate to the intestines the lining is again assaulted
leading to increased permeability (leaking, of sorts).
What
Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?
There are a variety of
factors involved when digestion is impaired. These include:
-
Stress
-
Eating processed foods
-
Not chewing foods
thoroughly
-
Excessive fluid intake
along with meals
-
Improper food
combining and overeating (if too much is eaten in one sitting, the
stomach cannot possible produce enough enzymes to process all the
food).
-
NSAIDS (Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and non-aspirin pain
relievers)
-
Antacids
-
Steroids
-
Antiobiotics
Why do the above factors
cause leaky gut? Because when bacteria is present in the intestines
and they confront undigested food, toxic gases are formed. Also,
the drugs listed can cause irritation and inflammation in the
intestinal tract, leading to colitis, ulcerative colitis and
diverticulitis.
For more information about who develops leaky gut syndrome, what are
its symptoms, how it is diagnosed and how to treat it, please see
our next article in this series:
Leaky Gut Syndrome Symptom.
Incidentally,
maintaining a well nourished intestinal lining and accompanying
mucous, with beneficial bacteria (friendly flora) throughout your
life means controlling intestinal permeability. Fiber, both soluble
and insoluble, is important as are essential fatty acids, good
bacteria, and plant-based digestive enzymes.
Our favorite plant-based
enzymes and active probiotics are formulated by Michael O'Brien.
Here is one source:
Active and Alive Enzymes and Probiotics.
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These health articles
are for educational purposes only. If you are pregnant, nursing or
have any medical condition, please see a qualified and licensed
health practitioner.
