Leaky gut is caused by inflammation along the digestive tract, which can then lead to a number of digestive symptoms. If the inflammation becomes severe enough, the cells that separate the intestines from the rest of the body can become damaged and break down. Bacteria, foodstuffs, and other substances can then use these gaps to flow into the rest of the body.
Who Can Have Leaky Gut
Unfortunately, everyone and anyone are susceptible to leaky gut. With over 4,000 square feet of digestive tract lining in our bodies, it would only make sense that some spots are weaker than others. While there is a genetic factor, there is also evidence that our dietary choices, heavy alcohol intake, and stress can also help cause leaky gut.
What Leaky Gut Does
Leaky gut allows for the passage of bacteria, bacteria fragments, and chemicals from the digestive tract to pass into the bloodstream. This triggers a response from the immune system, which acts to remove these intruding compounds. However, this response creates more inflammation in the digestive tract, weakening the lining of the digestive tract even further.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut
Altered bowel movements are common with leaky gut due to inflammation in the digestive tract. Our bodies will use constipation, bloating, gas, and diarrhea to tell us something is wrong.
Diagnosis
Scientists consider the Lactulose and Mannitol test the “golden standard” for leaky gut testing, such as the one offered by Genova. A great alternative is the Zonulin test. Companies such as Doctor’s Data and Genova offer this test. Researchers have equated an abnormal (or positive) result on the Lactulose and Mannitol test with a high level of Zonulin Family Protein (ZFP).
Research has shown high levels of ZFP are associated with metabolic, inflammatory, and autoimmune issues. Patients with a high risk of Crohn’s disease have a high ZFP level as well.
Stool sample tests analyze the fat content of the stool and search for any vitamin deficiencies.
DDX
Leaky gut, also known as malabsorption, can be the result of multiple different issues. Dysbiosis, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Celiac Disease (CeD), lactose intolerance, parasites, and many more can cause absorption issues in the gut.
Allopathic Treatment
At this point in time, leaky gut does not have a diagnosis code. Because there is no diagnosis code, doctors don’t have a known treatment. The medical community often uses the term “malabsorption” instead. This means that the body is absorbing different particles such as carbohydrates, proteins, and other compounds when they shouldn’t be. Doctors can recommend different medications based on your malabsorption symptoms. Options include focusing on hydration management, vitamin deficiency management, and replacing enzymes such as lactase.
Natural Treatment
The goals of natural treatment are to restore the lining of the digestive tract, reduce the immune system response, and balance the bacteria in the microbiome. We can achieve this by increasing our intake of Vitamin D, a water-soluble vitamin supplement (B vitamins), and minerals such as iron and calcium. Taking glutamine, butyrate acid, and zinc can also help reduce gut permeability.
Potential Complications
The inflammation and autoimmune response created by leaky gut open the door for other conditions to potentially develop. The constant circle of particles passing through the digestive lining triggering an autoimmune response, which creates more inflammation, which lets more particles pass through the digestive lining, is a dangerous one. Having leaky gut leaves the door open for more dangerous digestive and autoimmune disorders down the road.
Related Bacteria
Collinsella aerofaciens are natural bacteria found in the digestive system. Research has shown that bacteria increases both inflammation and gut permeability. C. aerofaciens interacts directly with ZO-1, a protein responsible for tightening junctions in the gut, and prevents it from functioning properly (Taneja). Collinsella tears apart the tight junctions between cells, allowing for particles to pass in-between.
Citations
An Expansion Of Rare Lineage Intestinal Microbes Characterizes Rheumatoid Arthritis. Jun Chen-Kerry Wright-John Davis-Patricio Jeraldo-Eric Marietta-Joseph Murray-Heidi Nelson-Eric Matteson-Veena Taneja – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27102666