You may have heard the term leaky gut syndrome. Do you know what this means? To clarify, it is not an actual diagnosis. It is a hypothetical condition in which the gut becomes more permeable than it should and “leaks”. This leakage allows more than the usual nutrients and water to cross through the intestinal lining.
Plastic model of the intestine showing the inside and outside.
The lining of the intestines contains mucous and is designed to allow water and nutrients to pass from the intestines into the bloodstream. This lining is part of our immune system to prevent bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other infectious agents from passing. A more permeable gut means larger molecules can seep through, leading to infections and inflammation. Imbalances in the gut bacteria of the microbiome, as mentioned last week, can lead to inflammation and possibly increased permeability.
The theory is that leaky gut syndrome is not simply a result of disease but the cause of it. If your intestines leak toxins into your bloodstream, this results in inflammation and disease. This has not yet been proven, but several diseases are associated with this concept.
Certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, specifically inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and celiac disease have increased intestinal permeability. Currently, this is thought to result from chronic inflammation from the disease, and not be the cause of the condition.
Chronic, low-grade inflammation is thought to contribute to multiple other autoimmune diseases. It is unclear if leaky gut syndrome is the cause or effect. For a leaky gut to develop, there has to be erosion or breakdown of the gut lining. This takes time to develop since this lining constantly repairs itself. The thought is that anything that creates inflammation in the gut, such as diet and stress, can lead to increased permeability, but this is theoretical.
Other conditions that cause damage to the gut lining resulting in increased permeability include:
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Food allergies
HIV/AIDS
Chronic overuse of aspirin and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
Alcohol and drug abuse
These create significant damage that injures the lining.
If the intestinal lining has been injured, these symptoms can result:
Abdominal pain and burning
Bloating and gassiness
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Picture of child holding stomach due to abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms are nonspecific but can be a part of leaky gut syndrome.
These common and nonspecific symptoms do not mean you have leaky gut syndrome. There is no specific test for this condition, but diagnostic tests are being researched.
Underlying conditions causing leaky gut syndrome must be treated to repair the gut and heal the lining.
The following can help improve the general health of your gut and keep the lining intact.
Probiotics and prebiotics from dietary sources like fermented foods and fiber.
Decreased sugar and artificial sweetener intake
Decreased saturated fat intake
A balanced, healthy diet with a variety of plants
Low FODMAP diet for those with food sensitivities and irritable bowel syndrome (this is not a general recommendation).
Leaky gut syndrome is not a medical diagnosis but the result of gut inflammation. Currently there is no way to diagnose or treat it other than treating any underlying conditions. Supplements or pills (such as L-glutamine) touted to treat this condition lack research. Beware of any home tests claiming to diagnose this condition. Maintaining a healthy gut and lifestyle is currently the best prevention.
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