Leaky gut is a disordered barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, which is associated with the development of various diseases – but scientific evidence is lacking so far. Nevertheless, there are numerous approaches to treating leaky gut syndrome, with nutrition playing an important role. We explain what you need to know about leaky gut syndrome.
What is leaky gut syndrome?
Normally, the intestinal lining provides a barrier between intestinal contents and blood. It prevents undigested food particles, toxic substances, or bacteria from passing into the blood. In leaky gut syndrome, this barrier is disturbed and there is an abnormally increased permeability of the intestinal wall, so that harmful substances from the intestine can enter the bloodstream. This possibly leads to inflammatory reactions via activation of the immune system, which may in turn increase the permeability of the intestinal mucosa.
Causes of leaky gut syndrome
The permeability of the intestinal mucosa is naturally regulated by diet and is increased after meals to ensure nutrient absorption. Pathologically increased permeability, as in leaky gut syndrome, can result from a variety of influences: In addition to a genetic component, environmental influences, lifestyle as well as the bacterial intestinal flora play a role. Thus, the following factors may contribute to the development of leaky gut syndrome:
- High-fat and high-fructose diet
- Stimulants such as coffee and alcohol
- Smoking
- Intense endurance sports
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Dietary change, such as in the context of a diet
- Infections of the gastrointestinal tract
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen
- Severe injuries or burns
- Major operations
- Multi-organ failure
- Pancreatitis
Leaky gut syndrome: symptoms and consequences.
Increased permeability of the intestinal wall does not necessarily lead to symptoms or disease. However, in individuals with a corresponding genetic predisposition, leaky gut can potentially trigger the onset or onset of various diseases. Some studies have shown a link with intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease (sprue). There is also discussion of a link between leaky gut syndrome and the following diseases:
- Allergies and food intolerances, histamine intolerance.
- Diabetes mellitus type I
- Liver disease
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Obesity and metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome).
- Mental illnesses
However, the causal direction of the association is still unclear in many cases: for example, it is possible that increased intestinal wall permeability occurs either as a consequence or as a cause of inflammatory disease.
Diagnosis: How is leaky gut syndrome diagnosed?
There are several methods for assessing the permeability of the intestinal mucosa. A lactulose–mannitol test is often used. This involves drinking certain amounts of lactulose and mannitol dissolved in water on an empty stomach and measuring their concentration in the urine after a few hours. Similar tests with other types of sugar are used specifically for different sections of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the validity of these tests is limited because the result can be influenced by various factors-such as renal function or individual intestinal activity.
Zonulin: controversial marker protein
Zonulin is a protein found in the intestinal mucosa that is thought to influence the permeability of the intestinal wall. An elevated level in the blood may indicate leaky gut syndrome. However, the relevance of zonulin in the diagnosis of leaky gut syndrome is controversial. Studies in this regard should be evaluated with caution, as economic interests may be behind them. This is because, like the test kits based on sugar measurement, the zonulin test is not a health insurance benefit and must be paid for by the patient.
Which medications are helpful in leaky gut syndrome?
Since increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa has no disease value per se, treatment with medications for leaky gut syndrome should only take place in the context of a manifest secondary disease and on medical advice. There are no drugs that cure leaky gut syndrome – such advertising promises should be viewed with skepticism. But what to do to treat leaky gut syndrome?
Treat leaky gut syndrome: probiotics can help
Considering that the microbiological balance of the gut has been shown to play an important role in the development and treatment of intestinal diseases, the use of probiotics in the treatment of leaky gut syndrome seems reasonable. For example, a 2011 study showed that Lactobacillus casei can prevent a disrupted intestinal barrier.
Dietary supplements: what helps with leaky gut syndrome?
There is evidence that certain dietary supplements can strengthen the intestinal barrier. For example, the intake of butyric acid (butyrate) and omega-3 fatty acids has been studied in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Furthermore, zinc and vitamin D appear to have a positive effect on intestinal permeability.
What diet is appropriate for leaky gut syndrome?
Around the leaky gut syndrome can be found countless nutrition tips, diet plans and recipes. Since the clinical picture is still little researched, there are no scientifically proven recommendations on what you should eat if you have leaky gut syndrome. Which foods are suitable? Foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and legumes, make sense, since the bacterial decomposition of fiber in the intestine produces butyric acid, which may improve increased intestinal wall permeability. Furthermore, we have the following five dietary tips for you:
- Fatty fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Both can have a positive effect on the intestinal barrier. One to two servings of fatty fish per week are recommended.
- Zinc can also help strengthen the intestinal barrier. The trace element is contained, for example, in seafood, nuts and beef.
- A deficiency of vitamin-A can potentially contribute to the development of leaky gut syndrome. Vitamin A suppliers are particularly animal foods such as liver and cheese. The precursor beta-carotene is found in peppers, carrots, spinach and apricots, among others. Caution is advised with vitamin A preparations: An overdose can be harmful.
- Artificial additives in industrially produced foods such as flavor enhancers and emulsifiers are suspected of increasing the permeability of the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, try to eat unprocessed foods as much as possible.
- Some counselors promote elimination diets, omitting foods suspected of causing allergies, or detoxification programs to cure leaky gut syndrome. Apart from the questionable effectiveness, one-sided diet plans are not advisable, because they can lead to nutrient deficiencies in the long run. A balanced diet, on the other hand, contributes to a healthy balance in the digestive system.
Beware of dubious offers
Leaky Gut Syndrome is a clinical picture that is controversial from the point of view of conventional medicine. Cure promises and costly treatment methods with “specialists” are therefore extremely critical. To date, there is no scientific evidence that measures to improve or restore the intestinal barrier have any influence on the development or course of a disease.
