What is LEAKY GUT? (and why intestinal hyperpermeability leads to autoimmunity)
More commonly referred to as "leaky gut", intestinal hyperpermeability is a condition in which the gut barrier is compromised, leading to a heightened immune response, endotoxin absorption, increased inflammation, and adverse GI symptoms.
A DAMAGED BARRIER
You can think of your gut barrier like a fence with an army of soldiers behind it.
The cells that line your gut (enterocytes) are like fence panels: their primary function is to separate the inside of your body from the outside (until you absorb the nutrients, food in your gut is still technically outside your body).
They also control what is (and is not) allowed into the body.
Immediately beyond this first line of defense is an army of soldiers (your immune cells): their role is to attack anything foreign that may have snuck through the fence.
In cases of leaky gut, those enterocyte fence panels have been damaged, leaving open gaps for undigested proteins, bacteria, pathogens, and toxins to enter the body.
Leaky gut involves disruption of the tight junction proteins that keep the gut lining sealed & selective.
As it should, the immune system army sounds the alarm (by increasing systemic inflammation) and mounts an attack (allergic reactions) against the invaders.
However, this attack often gets out of control, leading to food allergies, neurological issues, autoimmune disease, and chronic inflammation.
CAUSES & IRRITANTS
pesticides & toxins
poor sleep
corticosteroids & NSAIDs
alcohol
anti-nutrients found in raw grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables (lectins, phytates, saponins, digestive enzyme inhibitors, etc)
LEAKY GUT & AUTOIMMUNITY
Leaky gut is typically involved with the development of autoimmune diseases.
Many people have found healing with the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet.
It does not require that you give up irritating foods forever, but just until your gut heals and symptoms improve.
Are you a health coach that wants to use this content with your clients? Customize the handout template in less time than it would take to even think about hiring a graphic designer.
References
Ballantyne, S. (2013). The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal your Body. Victory Belt Publishing Inc.
Ballantyne, S. (2017). Paleo Principles. Victory Belt Publishing, Inc.
Jones, D. S., Bland, J. S., & Quinn, S. (2010). Textbook of Functional Medicine. Institute for Functional Medicine.
Gaby, A. R. (2017). Nutritional Medicine (2nd ed.). Fritz Perlberg Publishing.