Barrier Dysfunction: a modern epidemic

Is Leaky Gut the root cause of most chronic disease?

Gut barrier dysfunction (GBD) or more commonly known, Leaky Gut, is an increase in the permeability of the intestinal epithelium which can allow bacteria to breach the gut barrier and induce an inflammatory response. GBD and the resultant endotoxemia induce the pro-inflammatory state that leads to the development of most chronic disease.

Your gut barrier, which is the wall of your gut, a dynamic and complex structure composed of a single layer of epithelial cells connected by tight junctions, along with a protective mucus layer, plays a vital role in selectively regulation the passage of substances between your gut and your bloodstream. It prevents the entry of harmful bacteria, toxins and undigested food particles while allowing the absorption of essential nutrients.

As the gut becomes dysbiotic and dysfunctional due to an imbalance of the microbes living in the digestive tract, it leads to a reduction of health promoting bacteria and keystone species that are vital for health, more harmful bacteria then take hold this leads to a reduction in diversity. Dysbiosis is often caused by modern restrictive mono type diets that are lacking in fibre, fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Higher intake of fat particularly has a direct effect on the gut lining as it activates mucosa mast cells and decreases the expression of the tight junctions which are vital in maintaining a healthy gut lining.

High fat diets especially high omega 6 fats like corn and seed oils, highly processed diets, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, chemicals, food additives, antibiotics, general meat consumption, alcohol and pesticides and a lack of prebiotic fibre and the resultant dysbiosis, all cause havoc to the gut lining and its integrity.  We need a healthy and robust microbiome to activate our genes to replace cells in the gut wall when they get damaged. All the structural elements in our digestive system especially the small and large bowel require a healthy microbiome to carry out all the vital functions.

Increased intestinal permeability occurs when the gut lining becomes damaged or weakened, allowing toxins, microbes, proteins, metabolites and undigested food particles to pass into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation, dysfunctional immune responses, and a host of systemic health conditions. The more dysfunctional the gut, the more harmful bacteria will be present and therefore more endotoxins will be produced, the toxic metabolites that are produced when these pathogenic bacteria die.

When there is inflammation due to the breakdown of the mucosal barrier, the tight junctions become compromised. Once these tight junctions become comprised and leaky gut occurs the immune system will also become dysfunctional due to a loss of communication between the gut and immune system. It causes chaos in the immune system, either by overreaction or and under activation. The immune system is designed to mount an attack via its innate system to fight infections not a continual assault from pathogens and undigested food particles leaking into it. This constant assault causes a chronic low grade inflammatory response that then leads to a cascade of disease and compromised health conditions.

Intestinal permeability is at the root cause for most immune disorders, metabolic disorders, autoimmune disorders, digestive disorders, skin disorders, cognitive disorders like MS, Parkinson's, ADD, ADHD, Autism, Stress, Insomnia and food allergies and intolerances. As the toxins from our environment and good leak into the blood stream and then on into the entire body and organs we start to experience symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, digestive disorders which can then further lead to auto immune conditions like Crohn’s, lupus, MS, UC, RA.

As much as 70% of the body’s immune cells are found in the GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue) which is part of the mucosal immune system in constant communication with the microbiome to maintain a healthy immune balance. This Mucosa is a barrier and a first line of defence covering approx. 400sq metres which protects the epithelial cells beneath it. This mucin prevents direct contact between the gut microbes, food particles and the gut lining. The Epithelial layer is the physical barrier between the gut (outside of your body) and our body (bloodstream) which controls what enters our circulation from the digestive tract and most nutrient absorption. The tight junctions found in this layer, our gut wall, act as gate keepers controlling what enters the bloodstream from the gut. When this barrier is compromised, it is possible for toxins, undigested food particles and microbes to pass through. This then leads to immune chaos, causing inflammatory responses that have far and devastating effects throughout the entire body.

Conditions caused by Leaky Gut

Autoimmune Conditions: Hashimoto's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, MS, Type 1 diabetes

Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: IBS, IBD, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease

Sensitivities: Includes MCAS, Histamine Intolerance, Chemical Sensitivity, Food Sensitivities

Skin Conditions: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Rosacea

Brain & Cognitive Dysfunction: Brain Fog, Anxiety, Depression, Alzheimer's, Chronic Fatigue Metabolic Disorders: Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, T2 Diabetes

Chronic Pain: Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Muscle Pain

Hormonal Imbalance: PCOS, Infertility, Low Libido, Low Energy, Adrenal Dysfunction

Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins, Fatty Acids

Respiratory Issues: Asthma, Allergies

Immune System Dysregulation: Frequent Infections, Chronic Low-Grade Infections, Poor Illness Recovery

Cardiovascular Issues: Hypertension, Atherosclerosis,  both linked to systemic inflammation