Definition-What is a Leaky Gut Syndrome?
The “Leaky Gut Syndrome” is a translation from English and means “syndrome of leaky gut”. In patients, there is thus an increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa for numerous substances with which our digestive tract comes into contact every day. There are numerous “transporters” (precisely controlled transport proteins) in the intestinal mucosa, as well as systems for “sealing” the intestine, which determine what is absorbed into the bloodstream in what quantity.
Tight junctions, for example, normally provide sufficient protection against the absorption of bacteria, toxins and insufficiently digested food components. One reason for the leakage of the mucosa is assumed to be an insufficient function of the tail junctions. Since the filter function for the transfer into the blood is disturbed, inflammatory processes or immune reactions can be initiated.
Causes
The so-called “intestinal microbiome” (the “intestinal flora“) refers to the totality of germs, especially bacteria that colonize the digestive tract. This flora is essential for the immune system, which is largely localized in the intestine. Likewise, a precisely functioning barrier of the intestinal mucosa depends on an intact environment in the intestine.
The cause of a Leaky gut syndrome can be an incorrect colonization of the intestine, i.e. an increased/reduced occurrence of certain bacteria species. Intolerance/allergy to certain food components such as gluten, histamine or lactose can lead to an immune reaction that has a negative effect on the barrier of the intestinal mucosa. Similarly, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can lead to increased permeability of the bowel, as the mucosa is massively impaired.
An inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can also promote this. An unhealthy diet with a lot of alcohol, coffee, sugar, white flour and smoking is also blamed. The consumption of preservatives, flavourings and food additives is also considered unfavourable. The frequent intake of medication such as antibiotics or painkillers has an influence on the entire digestive tract through various mechanisms, including the intestinal flora, the tightness of the intestine and thus on the immune system. Stress, operations and especially a preceding radiotherapy (generally and especially in the area of the abdomen) can also promote a Leaky gut syndrome.
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