LEAKY GUT

Leaky Gut

Our intestine is the first and larger immune barrier of the body, the gut lining, acts like a gate to keep any invading pathogen out of the body; the mucosal layer of a healthy gut filters out microorganisms and undigested food. But this lining can get damage by many aggressors such as, an intestinal infection due to bacteria, parasite or virus (acute situation), or some of these changes in the gut can happen overtime due to pesticides in our foods (glyphosate or others), some toxins (BPA, Mercury, lead) medications, stress, hormonal imbalances, or certain foods that the body can’t digest and can become a toxin for the intestine, such as gluten or casein for some people.

When this happens the intestinal lining starts damaging, and opens the door to let into the bloodstream, bacteria, virus, parasites and even undigested food; the body identifies this as an attack and the immune system starts reacting and can lead to autoimmune diseases. These toxins enter the body and travel to the liver the organ that is in charge of detoxifying any foreign substance in the body, usually this happens in two phases. But when the liver gets overloaded this toxins travel throughout the body and can deposit in different organs, they can recirculate to de intestinal area where they increase the permeability of the intestinal lining even more, and also keep overloading the liver turning into a vicious cycle. All of this toxicity promotes inflammation, poor cell to cell communication and the body to malfunction. The process can start in the gut but can extend throughout the body and be very detrimental for the persons health and well-being.

Besides the liver another organ that is very connected to the intestine is the brain, not just because as mentioned everything that enters the bloodstream via the intestine, travels through the body and can get into the brain; but also because many neurotransmitters such as Serotonin are mainly synthetized in the gut. That is why nowadays there is a phrase that says that a “leaky gut” induces “leaky brain”. And these can have a direct connection with many Psychiatric conditions such as Depression, anxiety

The Microbiome are all organisms and genetic material that are present in the human body, The Micobiota refers to the population of microorganisms present in various body ecosystem such as the Gut. The Human Gut Macrobiota consist in more 7000 subspecies of microorganism.

In this macrobiota we find good bacteria, which are better known as “Probiotics” and pathogen microorganisms such as, parasites, bacteria or fungus. When there is an overgrowth of these pathogens a condition known as SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) or SIFO (Small intestine Fungus Overgrowth, better known as Candidiasis) can arise and induce to “Leaky Gut”

Leaky Gut can lead to:

• Nutrient Malabsorption

• Autoimmunity

• Food Intolerances

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• Blood Brain Barrier (ADHD, Autism, Alzheimer and Parkinson)

• Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorder)

• Autism

• Inflammatory Skin Conditions

• Systemic Inflammation

The best way to treat these conditions is visit a Functional Doctor or Dietitian with experience in this area.

Evaluate to discard an infection and if there is treat it; evaluate for toxicity or food intolerances and follow the recommendations of a Dietitian for a Detox or an elimination Diet, and the recommended supplements.

If you need further assistance, please contact me - I’m here to help!!