Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)
Definition
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions between intestinal cells become compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to pass into the bloodstream. This triggers immune activation and systemic inflammation.
Why It Matters
Leaky gut is considered a root cause of many chronic conditions including autoimmune disease, food sensitivities, skin conditions, mood disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Healing the gut lining and restoring barrier integrity is foundational to resolving these downstream health issues.
Related Conditions
Related Modalities
Frequently Asked Questions
Causes include chronic stress, processed foods, gluten, food sensitivities, dysbiosis, infections, NSAIDs, alcohol, antibiotics, low stomach acid, zinc deficiency, and chronic inflammation. Identifying and removing triggers is the first step in healing.
Healing involves removing inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, sugar), eating gut-healing nutrients (bone broth, collagen, L-glutamine, zinc), supporting digestion with enzymes and HCl, restoring beneficial bacteria with probiotics, managing stress, and reducing inflammation.
Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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