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Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It

The AHA! Team — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:19:53 +0000

Kathleen McCoy, BS via Dr. Axe – As more Americans are affected by poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload and bacterial imbalance, it appears that the prevalence of leaky gut is potentially reaching epidemic proportions. The medical profession is just now agreeing this condition even exists, which is especially shocking considering that “intestinal permeability” (another name for leaky gut) has been discussed in the medical literature for over 100 years! Why should leaky gut syndrome concern you? In recent years, studies consider leaky gut a “danger signal for autoimmune disease.” Below is a brief description of common leaky gut syndrome symptoms seen in people struggling with this condition. A four-step process is recommended to help promote healing — including trigger foods to remove from your diet and beneficial supplements to add in. What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome? The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, said, “All disease begins in the gut.” More than two millennia after his death, scientific research has now proved he was on to something all those years ago. For over three decades, study after study has been published (several thousand articles exist to date) discussing our growing understanding of immunity, gut function, and how modern diets and lifestyles negatively contribute to overall health by damaging the digestive system. This particular phenomenon is called leaky gut syndrome. In the medical literature, leaky gut is also referred to as “increased intestinal hyperpermeability.” What happens when you have leaky gut? The intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial cells that are linked together by tight junction (or TJ) proteins. As one 2020 review explains, leaky gut symptoms are a consequence of intestinal TJ malfunction. These TJ proteins are the gateway between your intestines and your bloodstream. They control what is allowed to pass into the bloodstream from your digestive system. More than 40 different TJ proteins have now been recognized to play a role in gut health. TJ proteins have a very precise job. They have to maintain the delicate balance between allowing vital nutrients to enter your bloodstream, while remaining small enough to prevent xenobiotics (disease-causing substances like toxins and bacteria) from passing out of your digestive system into the rest of your body. Here’s how a report published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology describes the pathology of intestinal permeability: “The intestinal epithelial lining, together with factors secreted from it, forms a barrier that separates the host from the environment. In pathologic conditions, the permeability of the epithelial lining may be compromised allowing the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the lumen to enter the bloodstream creating a ‘leaky gut.’” Symptoms (Plus Related Conditions) According to one review focusing on medically reviewed research about intestinal permeability (among other sources), the chronic condition of hyperpermeability may be linked to numerous symptoms and health conditions, including some autoimmune diseases. What are the symptoms of leaky gut? Some of the most prominent signs you may have this condition include: Gastric ulcers Joint pain Infectious diarrhea Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) Small intestine bacterial overgrowth Celiac disease Esophageal and colorectal cancer Allergies Respiratory infections Acute inflammation conditions (sepsis, SIRS, multiple organ failure) Chronic inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis) Thyroid disorders Obesity-related metabolic diseases (fatty liver, type II diabetes, heart disease) Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s and more) Parkinson’s disease Chronic fatigue syndrome Propensity toward weight gain or obesity Leaky gut may not directly cause any of these conditions — it’s more that people who have gut issues are more likely to have a number of other health problems. So while the scientific evidence has not yet proved that increased intestinal hyperpermeability is actually responsible for these conditions, it strongly suggests that leaky gut and other dysfunctions tend to occur simultaneously. Common Leaky Gut Problems Here’s more about some of these problems can develop due to gut dysfunction: 1. Food sensitivities Some research suggests that intestinal hyperpermeability can cause the immune system to overproduce various antibodies, which may make some more susceptible to antigens in certain foods (especially gluten and dairy). In studies involving rats and human children, leaky gut and food allergies have been linked. Allergies are believed to be one of the most common symptoms. 2. Inflammatory bowel disease Researchers from Hungary uncovered in 2012 that elevated gut permeability is oftentimes localized to the colon in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. As far back as 1988, scientists suggested that Crohn’s disease may be more of a risk for people with leaky gut. A small study (observing 12 patients) discovered that zinc supplementation may help resolve the TJ dysfunction in these cases, although more medically reviewed research is required on a larger scale to confirm these results. 3. Autoimmune disease The key to understanding how leaky gut can cause autoimmune diseases is through research done on a protein known as “zonulin.” According to a one article published in the journal Physiologic Reviews: “Zonulin is the only physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in trafficking of macromolecules and, therefore, in tolerance/immune response balance. When the finely tuned zonulin pathway is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, both intestinal and extraintestinal autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders can occur.” Eating certain food allergens, such as gluten, may trigger this dangerous cascade. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers uncovered that gluten “activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.” The good news is that it seems possible to reverse these autoimmune reactions’ problematic immune responses. 4. Thyroid problems One of the autoimmune diseases that leaky gut syndrome may directly affect is Hashimoto’s disease. Also known as “chronic thyroiditis,” this disorder is displayed with hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), impaired metabolism, fatigue, depression, weight gain and a host of other concerns. 5. Nutrient malabsorption Various nutritional deficiencies can also result from leaky gut, including vitamin B12, magnesium and digestive enzymes. Those common nutrient deficiencies are one reason why many functional medicine practitioners prescribe a whole-food multivitamin in addition to probiotics for people suffering from this condition. 6. Inflammatory skin conditions First described over 70 years ago, the “gut-skin connection theory” describes how increased intestinal hyperpermeability can cause a slew of skin conditions, particularly acne and psoriasis. Creams and drugs with endless lists of (sometimes dangerous) side effects are often prescribed for these skin disorders, yet there has been evidence for several decades that part of the root cause might exist in the gut. 7. Mood issues and autism According to a study published in the journal Neuroendocrinology Letters, intestinal permeability has been shown to contribute to various neurocognitive disorders. For example, the inflammatory response characteristic of intestinal hyperpermeability triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that are thought to induce depression. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience described the “vicious circle between immune system impairment and increasing dysbiosis that leads to leaky gut and neurochemical compounds and/or neurotoxic xenobiotics production and absorption.” The authors described findings from a number of studies that point to their theory that autism may be connected to problems in the microbiome, particularly within the first year of life. It is actually now a common hypothesis in modern science. Causes What is the main cause of leaky gut? As explained above, it occurs when certain tiny particles that should never be able to enter your bloodstream start to make their way through due to dysfunction of the mucosal barrier in the gut. There also commonly are abnormalities in the gut stemming from antimicrobial molecules, immunoglobulins and cytokine activities. This presents a major problem, as the vast majority of your immune system is found inside the gut (sometimes called the microbiome). The result is a disruption of acute inflammation and sometimes autoimmune reactions. A normal part of your immune response that serves to fight infections and diseases winds up over-performing, leading to chronic inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. Some of the underlying causes of leaky gut include: Genetic predisposition — Certain people may be more predisposed to developing this condition because they are sensitive to environmental factors that “trigger” their bodies into initiating autoimmune responses. Poor diet — Especially a diet that includes allergens and inflammatory foods, such as unsprouted grains, added sugar, GMOs, refined oils, synthetic food additives, conventional dairy products and alcohol. Chronic stress Toxin overload — This includes “chronic stressors,” such as high drug and alcohol consumption. We come into contact with more than 80,000 chemicals and toxins every single year, but the worst offenders for causing leaky gut include antibiotics, pesticides, tap water, aspirin and NSAIDs. It’s recommended to buy a high-quality water filter to eliminate chlorine and fluoride and look to natural plant-based herbs to reduce inflammation in your body. Bacterial imbalance — Also called dysbiosis, which means an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in your gut. A large body of evidence now shows that gut microbiota is important in supporting the epithelial barrier and preventing autoimmune reactions. At least 10 percent of all gene transcriptions found in intestinal epithelial cells that are related to immunity, cell proliferation and metabolism are regulated by gut microbiota. Controversies Do most conventional doctors support the idea that leaky gut is real? Not exactly, as it the topic remains controversial. WebMD refers to leaky gut as “something of a medical mystery.” This isn’t surprising, since it’s not a diagnosis that most doctors have been taught in medical school. “From an MD’s standpoint, it’s a very gray area,” says gastroenterologist Donald Kirby, M.D., director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic. In his opinion, “Physicians don’t know enough about the gut, which is our biggest immune system organ.” However, a roundtable review quotes the researchers at seven different European universities in 2014 agreeing upon the following: “Alteration of the gut barrier seems to have multiple consequences facilitating the onset of a variety of diseases depending on other hits and on genetic or epigenetic constellations, respectively. The growing significance of the gut barrier and bacterial translocation raises the questions of how we can improve gut barrier functions and gut microbiota.” While it’s encouraging that science is coming around to leaky gut syndrome being a real problem, we are by no means at a point where there are standard diagnostic tools for testing and treating this problem. This means that doctors are often left with no other choice than to follow what they believe to be the “safe path” and prescribe drugs that only treat symptoms. For example, medications (like proton pump inhibitors or antacids) can be used to manage symptoms like acid reflux medications, but these drugs don’t solve the root problem. Because there is so much unknown about leaky gut syndrome, it’s critical that you understand what leaky gut is and what to look out for in case you or a loved one is affected by it. The good news is that many functional and integrative medicine practitioners have a greater understanding of this condition than they did even a decade ago. Treatment Several leaky gut syndrome tests are available that can help confirm a diagnosis and point you in the right treatment direction. Tests are helpful for identifying specific sensitivities and uncovering which types of toxins or deficiencies are contributing to your symptoms. Available tests include: Zonulin or Lactulose Tests IgG Food Intolerance Test Stools Tests Organic Acid Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Tests Lactulose Mannitol Test What leaky gut treatments are available? A four-step process can help treat leaky gut. We cover this process in a leaky gut diet and treatment plan. The basic steps to healing leaky gut are as follows: Remove foods and factors that damage the gut. Replace these with healing foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Repair the gut with specific leaky gut supplements like butyric acid. Rebalance your microbiome with probiotics (beneficial bacteria). This is key because bacteria in your...

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Incredible Bacterium Prevents Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:00:19 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Researchers made a startling discovery… A never-before-recorded new gut bacterium with impressive disease-preventing properties. Researchers in Belgium spent two years examining 12,000 microbiome samples collected from all over the world. During their research, they came across something no one had ever seen before… A new “gut bug.” They named their new discovery Dysosmobacter welbionis. Dysosmobacter exists in about 70% of the population. But it’s almost nonexistent in patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.1,2 What makes this discovery so exciting is that Dysosmobacter welbionis produces a critical metabolite called butyrate. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is generated by beneficial bacteria that thrive in your digestive tract. Its ability to keep you healthy is stunning. In fact, butyrate has been shown to: Lower insulin resistance and improve blood sugar3 Boost mitochondrial energy in cells4 Tamp down inflammation by shielding you from leaky gut syndrome5 Stimulate your brain to grow more neurons6 Relieve Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease 7 Alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety8 Modulate your immune response to keep it from overreacting9 And the latest research shows that butyrate exhibits “extraordinary anti-cancer activities.”10 Unfortunately, today’s high-glycemic, processed foods destroy the beneficial bacteria that create butyrate in the gut. And that sets the stage for what I call Syndrome Zero. But there is good news: Once you rebalance your gut biome, butyrate flourishes and your risk of chronic disease plummets. Here’s what I recommend… Start Your Own Gut-Flora Revival I always advise my patients to start with natural nutrients. Most doctors will never tell you this, but butter or clarified ghee made from the milk of grass-fed cows are two of the best sources of butyrate. In fact, the word butyrate comes from the Latin word butyrum, meaning butter. Upping your intake of prebiotic fiber is another smart move. Butyrate-friendly bacteria love almonds, garlic, apples, kiwi fruits, chickpeas, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, and avocados. Beyond nutritional changes, here are three butyrate-boosting steps for you to follow… Three Simple Steps To Protect Your Health Ban these butyrate-killers. Obviously, you want to avoid consuming an excess of processed carbs and sweets. Buy grass-fed beef to avoid ingesting the antibiotics routinely fed to most livestock and poultry. Try to buy organic veggies… And be sure to avoid artificial sweeteners since fake sugars harm beneficial flora. Add inulin and XOS. Inulin is a non-digestible fiber. Once it reaches the large intestine, it turns into a prebiotic that feeds a host of butyrate-producing microbes. Fresh chicory root is your best source of inulin. Many butyrate-producing microbes also love to dine on another plant fiber called XOS (xylooligosaccharides). This little-known prebiotic is found in bamboo shoots, corn husks, and eucalyptus wood. But who wants to eat that. I recommend supplements. When it comes to XOS, be sure to check the label. Make sure the label specifies xylooligosaccharides, and keep an eye on portion size, too. My advice is only buy supplements that offer at least a 2.8 gram portion of XOS. That’s the level at which XOS really becomes effective. But go easy at first, start with a gram a day. Then gradually increase up to five grams. Supplement with butyrate. Studies show that low dosages (below 3.5 grams daily) of butyrate supplements are the most beneficial to your digestive tract. But excessive rates (above 7 grams daily) can disrupt the intestinal barrier. Start with 500 mg a day and build up to 2 or 3 grams over a period of four or five weeks. You should always take butyrate with healthy fatty acids like omega-3 to replenish your cell membranes. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1 “A New Bacteria, Made in Belgium (and UCLouvain).” EurekAlert!, 9 June 2021, accessed September 2021. 2 Le Roy T, et al. “Dysosmobacter Welbionis Is a Newly Isolated Human Commensal Bacterium Preventing Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Mice.” Gut. 2021 Jun 8;gutjnl-2020-323778. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323778. Online ahead of print. 3 Gao Z, et al. “Butyrate Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Increases Energy Expenditure in Mice.” Diabetes. 2009. 58(7);1509–17. 4 Rose S, et al. “Butyrate Enhances Mitochondrial Function during Oxidative Stress in Cell Lines from Boys with Autism.” Translational Psychiatry. 2018. 8(1)10:1038/s41398-017-0089-z. 5 Canani R. “Potential Beneficial Effects of Butyrate in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Diseases.” World J Gastroenterol 2011. 17(12):1519. 6 “Modulating Gut Microbe Populations to Generate More Butyrate, Thus Raising BDNF Levels and Improving Cognitive Function.” Fight Aging! 2019. 7 Gevers D, et al. “The treatment-naïve microbiome in new-onset Crohn’s disease.” Cell Host Microbe. 2014 Mar 12; 15(3): 3828392. 8 Varela RB, Valvassori SS. “Sodium butyrate and mood stabilizers block ouabaininduced hyperlocomotion and increase BDNF, NGF and GDNF levels in brain of Wistar rats.” J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Feb;61:114-21 9 Chang PV, Hao L, et al. “The microbial metabolite butyrate regulates intestinal macrophage function via histone deacetylase inhibition.” Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2014 Feb 11;111(6):2247-52. 10 Williams E,et al. “Anti-Cancer Effects of Butyrate: Use of Micro-Array Technology to Investigate Mechanisms.” Proc Nutr Soc. 62(1):107-115. 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