However, “leaky gut” is a physiological process and not a formal medical diagnosis. Sometimes there may be increased permeability, which fluctuates constantly depending on factors such as stress, infections, and food.
Think of permeability changes as a clue that something else may be going on. Research has found an increasing number of diseases associated with increased intestinal permeability, including inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. These connections are still being studied. It is not always clear whether permeability changes precede the associated diseases and what effect they have.
But the data is particularly compelling in one area. Liver diseaseResearch shows that a high-fat diet and heavy alcohol intake can increase intestinal permeability, allowing bacterial toxins to slip through the intestinal wall and reach the liver, causing small amounts of inflammation. Over time, these small amounts of inflammation can add up and lead to problems like fatty liver disease, which is on the rise and affects one in five Americans.
Can “leaky gut” be cured?
There are many people on social media claiming that they can “cure” leaky gut with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other supplements. These claims are not backed up by scientific evidence. Instead, here are five key recommendations I give to my patients who are concerned about increased intestinal permeability. These well-researched interventions have been proven to improve the integrity of the gut lining and benefit overall health.
- Reduce your intake of highly processed and high-fat foods. Eat a typical Western meal Shown The amount of bacterial toxins in the blood may more than double, Increased intestinal permeabilityResearch has also shown that emulsifiers, food additives commonly used to extend shelf life, and artificial sweeteners found in ultra-processed foods can impair the intestinal barrier. Not coincidentally, consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to the following symptoms: Frequent chronic abdominal pain and constipation Seen in irritable bowel syndrome.
- Reduces stress. Psychological stress increases intestinal permeability through the action of the hormone cortisol (raise your hand if you’ve ever had an upset stomach before a big exam). Most cited research in BelgiumStress experienced by college students who had to give a public speech at graduation significantly increased intestinal permeability.
- Minimize or eliminate your alcohol intake. Recent data generally suggest that there is probably no “healthy” or safe amount of alcohol consumption, which is consistent with data on the health effects of alcohol. Improved intestinal permeability Established over the past few years 30 years.
- Increase fiber in your diet. The dietary fiber we ingest is fermented by intestinal bacteria and produces beneficial Short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acidThese have the effect of strengthening the intestinal lining and reducing inflammation.
- Avoid NSAIDsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen Damage to the lining of the intestineIf possible, use acetaminophen for chronic pain or preventative alternatives for migraines if you are taking high doses of NSAIDs for several days.
How do you know if you have “leaky gut”?
My patients often ask how to find out if they have a leaky gut. We do some advanced tests in the lab to measure intestinal permeability, such as tests that use a specialized device called an Ussing chamber, which includes a biopsy taken during an endoscopy. These types of tests are not available in your typical doctor’s office, and you should be wary of third-party companies that offer tests that have not been validated.
For me, it is of utmost importance to treat the many diseases and conditions associated with altered intestinal permeability. For example, study A study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that certain patients with chronic abdominal pain and hyperpermeability improved after four weeks of treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Food sensitivities It may be helpful to work with a registered dietitian to identify specific triggers. These possibilities should be thoroughly evaluated by a science-savvy physician.
What patients need to know
While some physicians may be wary of the misinformation circulating on social media and say that leaky gut isn’t real, neurogastroenterologists like me have studied gut physiology in detail and can state with certainty that altered intestinal permeability is real.
But I worry that people will get so caught up in leaky gut claims that they miss out on diagnosing the underlying illness. For example, people with celiac disease often suffer from gut troubles and brain fog, which require a doctor’s diagnosis and proper treatment. Feeling fatigued all the time could be due to iron deficiency anemia, and constipation and bloating could be related to hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome. If you’re suffering, you need to look beyond just “leaky gut” to look at the whole picture to make you feel your best.
