The small intestine's primary function is to be selectively permeable, absorbing nutrients while providing a protective barrier from toxins and microorganisms. Leaky Gut Syndrome, otherwise known as intestinal hyperpermeability, describes the condition where the structural integrity and therefore function of the small intestine is compromised. Leaky Gut Syndrome can be caused by any condition that involves inflammation, infection or trauma and can arise from inadequate digestion, malnutrition, food allergies and oxidative stress.
Inadequate Digestion
The small intestine can be physically damaged by inadequately digested food particles that are too large for absorption. These large food particles are allowed to reach the small intestine if food is not chewed thoroughly, if there is a deficiency in stomach acid or if there is a deficiency of pancreatic digestive enzymes. Any of these factors can lead to poorly digested food particles that are too large for absorption by the small intestine and can cause damage, leading to Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Malnutrition
Vitamin A, vitamin B-5, zinc, selenium and folic acid are all required for a healthy intestinal lining. A deficiency in one or more of these vitamins or minerals can weaken the small intestinal lining or lead to an inability of the lining to repair itself.
The vitamin A found in carrots, kale, parsley, mangoes and peaches helps maintain the integrity of the small intestinal lining and is involved in the immune defense of the small intestine as well. Vitamin B-5, pantothenic acid, is needed for energy production in the cells lining the intestinal wall and is crucial in the regeneration of those cells. Both selenium and zinc are required for appropriate immune function in the gut and management of inflammation, while zinc and folic acid help regenerate and repair the cells of the intestinal lining.
Food Allergies
Delayed allergic reactions to everyday foods, also known as food intolerance, can lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome by causing immune reactions that stimulate inflammation, which over time destroys the intestinal lining. Delayed allergic reactions to foods are mediated by specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and may not cause symptoms until hours or days after ingestion.
The most common food allergies are wheat, eggs, dairy, nuts and soy, although because of the time lapse in symptoms, you may find it difficult to determine food allergies on your own. Health care workers use ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for IgG antibodies to test for delayed food allergies to find a definitive answer.
Inflammation
Local inflammation, systemic inflammation or both may compromise the permeability of the small intestine. The intestine creates inflammatory compounds called cytokines in response to bacteria, poorly digested food particles, food allergies and local injury. The small intestine may also create cytokines in the small intestine as a response to an injury elsewhere in the body, such as in chronic heart failure or a traumatic brain injury. Researchers at the University of New Mexico have found that the these cytokines, regardless of their source, increase the space between intestinal cells and contribute to leaky Gut Syndrome.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Oxidative Damage and Defense; RA Jacob, BJ Burri; June 1996
- "Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition"; Food Induced Malabsorption Syndromes; E Savilahti; 2000
- "American Journal of Physiology, Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology"; Mechanism of TNF {alpha} Modulation of Caco-2 Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junction Barrier: Role of Myosin Light-Chain Kinase Protein Expression; TY Ma; March 2005
- "World Journal of Gastroenterology"; Even Low Grade Inflammation Impacts on Small Intestinal Function; K Peuhkri; March 2007
