Leaky gut

SPOTLIGHT ON

As early as 450 BC, Hippocrates – the father of medicine – taught his students that all disease begins in the gut. This sentiment rings true to this day but, to truly comprehend its meaning, we must first understand how our gut works. In a healthy state, the gut has a protective lining formed by tight junctions that are linked together. Tight junctions ensure that only nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids) can pass from the gut into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

The trouble begins when cracks appear in the gut lining, causing the tight junctions to broaden and allow particles other than nutrients to pass through. These can be extremely small particles of food, parasites, toxins and bacteria that enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system, and cause inflammation, leading to gut problems. This is what we call ‘leaky gut syndrome’, because the gut begins to leak unwanted substances.

As a result, a person could experience a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which are bloating, belching, diarrhoea, constipation, colitis, abdominal discomfort, skin issues, joint paint, allergies and food intolerances. Leaky gut symptoms are not always physical, and can also include depression, anxiety, brain fog and fatigue.

If these cracks in the gut are not repaired, symptoms often worsen and the inflammation spreads, resulting in more difficult-to-manage conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, eczema, psoriasis, gastric reflux, gastritis and oesophagitis, as well as autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s and coeliac disease.

What causes leaky gut syndrome?

Poor food choices certainly play a role. These include processed foods, ready meals, sugar, canned foods and anything with a long shelf life. These foods contribute to increased inflammation, which leads to cracks in the gut lining and leaky gut.

Similarly, some beverages such as alcohol, coffee and black tea can cause inflammation if over-consumed. They can be corrosive to the gut lining and dehydrate the body, preventing it from absorbing essential B vitamins. Vitamin B deficiency not only causes digestive issues, but can also contribute to hormonal imbalances and neurological issues. These drinks should be enjoyed in moderation.

Long-term medication use can also have an impact on the gut’s health. This is most commonly seen with medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics and steroids. Of course, these are sometimes necessary, a