Where it's thin, it tears

The intestine is crucial in protecting the body from harmful bacteria and toxins. When the intestinal epithelium's barrier function is compromised, toxins, microorganisms, and proteins enter the blood and lymphatic systems. This is what is commonly referred to as leaky gut syndrome. While many doctors do not consider leaky gut syndrome to be a disease, current scientific evidence suggests that it may be associated with systemic inflammation and the development of autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular diseases.

Scientists have scrutinized the connection between the gut and the brain, and as a result, studies have found that bowel obstruction may be linked to anxiety and depression.

Warning signs

Increased intestinal permeability can be suspected with the regular recurrence of the following symptoms: chronic diarrhea or constipation, increased gas, nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, skin problems, joint pain, and inflammatory processes. Targeted diagnosis of this pathology is not carried out, but if a bowel problem is suspected, the doctor may prescribe one of the following studies:

• Determination of zonulin: this protein is a marker of intestinal permeability.
• Double test with lactulose and mannitol: This test assesses the rate of excretion of sugars in the urine, i.e., it measures the rate of transport of micromolecules and macromolecules through the intestinal wall.
• Biopsy: using an endoscope, the doctor analyzes a tissue sample from the intestine.

Risk factors

Although it is not yet known exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome, there are various risk factors. These include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Improper diet
• Intestinal infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Diabetes
• Toxic exposures (e.g., medications)
• Stress

There is no disease — there is a cure

There are no FDA-approved treatments for leaky gut syndrome, as the disease is not officially recognized. However, you can still improve your condition by adjusting your lifestyle and eliminating the root cause of the problem.

Drug treatment involves taking anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and neuroprotective agents. The doctor can also recommend nutritional supplements that help restore the intestinal mucosa, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics.

It is also important to exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. The diet must include foods that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria: vegetables (and fermented vegetables), fruits, sprouted seeds, fish, and fermented milk products. However, foods that cause inflammation and negatively affect the intestinal flora must be excluded. These include foods high in sugar and fat, canned foods, refined oils, simple carbohydrates, legumes, nuts, eggplant, and alcohol.

If the cause of bowel problems is chronic stress, you may need the help of a psychotherapist.

06 February 2025