Leaky Gut Syndrome

Definition

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a digestive condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, causing undigested food particles, toxic waste products, and bacteria to leak through the intestines and flood the bloodstream. This can trigger widespread inflammation and potentially lead to various health problems.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Leaky Gut Syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability, is characterized by the translocation of substances across the intestinal epithelial barrier. This may be associated with a range of systemic inflammatory responses. It often involves the disruption of the tight junctions between epithelial cells, which normally act as a barrier to prevent the passage of harmful agents from the gut into the bloodstream.

Benefits

• Understanding leaky gut can help in managing chronic inflammation.
• Improving gut health can lead to better overall immune function.
• Addressing leaky gut can potentially improve nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Examples

Additional Information

• Known issues: Leaky Gut Syndrome is controversial in the medical community and not universally recognized as a medical diagnosis. Its contribution to various disorders is still under investigation, and it often lacks standardized diagnostic criteria.

Related Terms

• Gut Microbiome
• Intestinal Permeability
• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Inflammation

References

• Intestinal Permeability and Its Regulation by Zonulin: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications
• Increased intestinal permeability and gut translocation of antigens in chronic inflammatory diseases