The inner lining of our intestine acts as a barrier wall that only allows the normal passage of well digested fats, starch and proteins and these nutrients are passed through the barrier to enter into our bloodstream. It further allows the passage of these substances to various directions.

 

Sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride can easily diffuse through our intestinal cells. Amino acids, glucose, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals also pass through the cells by using a separate mechanism known as active transport.

 

There’s another third way of passing these substances through the cells. There are spaces between these cells lining the intestinal walls and these are usually sealed. These junctions, usually tight, are known as desmosomes.  As the intestinal lining tends to get irritated, the junctions fail to maintain its tightness and gets lose and this allows the unwanted molecules in our intestines to actually pass through the blood stream.  These substances are regarded as foreign elements by our immune system as they are not really present in our bloodstream. This leads to the antibody reaction that calls for all the digestive problems.

 

As the intestinal lining tends to get further damaged, even some large substances, like bacteria can cause disease, undigested particles of food and toxic wastes; pass through these damaged cells directly. Further, there is an alarm in our immune system and that leads to the release of certain substances called cytokines and some antibodies as well. Cytokines are the white blood cells to combat these particles. As a result of this fight, certain oxidants are produced that causes inflammation and irritation in the body.

 

Leaky gut syndrome is characterized by certain symptoms like –

 

4     Abdominal pain

4     Asthma

4     Gas

4     Indigestion

4     Mood swings

4     Poor immunity

4     Skin rashes

4     Diarrhea, recurrent bladder infections

4     Constipation

4     Bloating

4     Aggressive behavior

4     Fatigue

4     Toxic feeling

4     Aggressiveness

 

Leaky gut syndrome is also associated with some of these conditions like –

 

4     Celiac disease

4     Crohn’s disease

4     Autoimmune disease

4     Environmental illness

4     Hives

4     Acne

4     Allergies

4     Inflammatory joint disease

4     Intestinal infections

4     Pancreatic insufficiency

4     Giardia

4     Uncreative colitis

4     Chronic fatigue syndrome

4     Food allergies

4     Liver dysfunction

4     Irritable bowel syndrome

 

Cause:

 

Leaky gut syndrome ca be caused due to various factors-

 

4     Chronic stress

4     Overgrowth of small intestine

4     Intestinal infections

4     Drinking excessive alcohol

4     Improper diet

4     Environmental contaminations

4     Medications, such as NSAIDs

 

Diagnosis

 

Leaky gut syndrome can be diagnosed through lactulose and mannitol tests.  These are molecules, both soluble in water and cannot be used by the body. Mannitol can be easily absorbed only if a person has healthy and functional intestinal linings. Lactulose happens to be a bit larger and it cannot be absorbed completely. The diagnosis process involves the consumption of a solution containing lactulose and mannitol.  After six hours from the time of consumption, urine sample is collected and tested. If the level of mannitol is higher compared to lactulose, it indicates a healthy test. If both the molecules are present in high levels, it means the person is suffering form leaky gut syndrome. A lower level of both these molecules indicates mal-absorption of nutrients.

Tagged with: • • •

Filed under: Digestive Disorders Signs Symptoms

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!