A focus on gut health is a growing topic in many recent studies. Have you heard about the influence of gut health on systemic health? This refers to how disruptions in the homeostasis of gut microbes and an imbalance in gut flora have been found to contribute to the development of other diseases in the body. Clear links between impaired gut health and disease have been made, although ongoing research aims to find further scientific evidence for these associations.
A condition known as “leaky gut” refers to a syndrome where the gut ‘leaks’ unwanted and harmful particles into the bloodstream. Here, we will take a closer look at leaky gut and its impact on overall health.
How Does a Leaky Gut Affect the Body?
Leaky gut is associated with poor gut health and is defined as increased permeability in the gut lining. This lining acts as a barrier between the gut and the bloodstream, selectively allowing desired substances and water through ‘tight junctions’.
The barrier also protects the body against harmful substances entering the bloodstream. In a healthy state, the gut lining is selectively permeable. When the lining is damaged and the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, permeability increases, allowing undesired particles to pass through the gut lining – this is known as leaky gut.
Understanding what a leaky gut entails can help clarify its connection to other health issues. When undesired particles like harmful substances, bacteria, pathogens, and toxins enter the bloodstream, they can trigger inflammation and cause endotoxemia (the presence of endotoxins in the blood). This systemic inflammation, caused by leaky gut, leads to an immune response against the unwanted particles, which may contribute to other diseases.
Because leaky gut causes prolonged toxicity in the bloodstream, the immune response can become overstimulated, and inflammation may become a chronic condition. Such conditions are risk factors for more serious diseases.
Health Issues Related to Leaky Gut Syndrome
Research into the potential connection between leaky gut and various health problems is expanding, as this link may provide insights into many health conditions.
While the precise mechanisms remain under investigation, research suggests that increased intestinal permeability could lead to a cascade of events with implications for various health conditions. Let’s take a closer look at some of these connections.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases may cause leaky gut, but others see it the other way around, believing leaky gut can lead to gastrointestinal issues. The two factors are closely linked. In certain gastrointestinal conditions, like Crohn’s disease, the barrier function weakens, increasing permeability and leading to leaky gut.
Leaky gut can also manifest in digestive symptoms like bloating, gassiness, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
Autoimmune Diseases
A compromised gut barrier may allow undigested food particles and microbial components to leak into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response against the body’s own tissues. This misdirected attack is a characteristic feature of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Studies reveal higher levels of intestinal permeability in individuals with certain autoimmune conditions, though further research is needed to establish causality. Autoimmune conditions linked to leaky gut may include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Skin Conditions
The gut-skin axis, a complex communication network, sheds light on potential links between leaky gut and skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. Increased intestinal permeability may allow inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, exacerbating skin inflammation. While some studies support this association, more rigorous research is needed.
Neurological Disorders
The intricate gut-brain connection offers intriguing possibilities regarding the link between gut health and the brain. This suggests the gastrointestinal system can influence the central nervous system and may affect cognitive behaviour and mood. The gut-brain connection is a two-way communication system: signals are sent from the digestive system to the central nervous system and vice versa.
Studies suggest that leaky gut might be associated with neurological conditions like depression and anxiety. Possible mechanisms include inflammatory molecules reaching the brain or an altered gut microbiota impacting neurotransmitter production. However, these associations are mostly preliminary, and further investigation is essential.
Metabolic Disorders
Research is exploring possible links between leaky gut and metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increased intestinal permeability may lead to low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and altered gut microbiota composition, which could contribute to these conditions.
Studies have found that lipopolysaccharides are transferred to the bloodstream due to leaky gut, causing metabolic endotoxemia. This triggers bodily inflammation, where chronic inflammation can be observed. Research findings indicate a direct or indirect connection between leaky gut and metabolic disorders, though more studies are needed to solidify these connections.
What Can Cause a Leaky Gut?
Multiple factors can damage the gut barrier, including:
- Diet: Regular consumption of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially favouring harmful bacteria that contribute to gut barrier dysfunction. Inflammatory foods also damage the gut lining and microbiome.
- Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the gut and impact gut barrier function.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, can affect gut barrier integrity.
- Stress: Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can negatively impact gut barrier function.
