Leaky Gut

Leaky Gut

Autism and Genes, Digestion, Microbiome and Gut health, SIBO

Symptoms and causes

Symptoms and causes

Normally, the bowel does not leak. However, if there is a problem with the intestinal tract, the intestinal wall can also penetrate, leading to inflammation.

On the one hand, the intestines must be sufficiently permeable to absorb nutrients and fluids. Still, they also need a defense mechanism that retains harmful substances and pathogens. The nutrients come from the outside world, i.e., many microorganisms, chemicals, and toxins are ingested daily through food and drink, which enter the body through the intestinal tract.

Formation of Leaky Gut Syndrome

The gut as a defense system

The first stop of this defense system is the barrier, i.e. the gut flora, or as it is now called: the microbiome.

The beneficial bacteria in the gut flora are capable of:

  •  To destroy pathogens
  • “Filters out” various toxins, carcinogens,
  • to produce substances that nourish the cells of the intestinal wall,
  • they also take part in mucus production, which involves the inner surface of the gut,
  • They make B vitamins, folic acid, short-chain fatty acids,
  • “Inform” the immune system of the presence of pathogens and harmful substances.

The second line of defense is the intestinal epithelial cell

In the gut, this is done by a specialized epithelial cell (epithelium), which is made up of only one layer. The intestinal mucosa is damaged by SIBO and does not ingest the pathogens due to inflammation; the duct between the intestinal cells remains open, allowing pathogens and toxins to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in other parts of the body, in addition to food sensitivities. Allergies develop. If SIBO is not treated for a long time, autoimmune processes may start.

The third line of defense is the gut’s immune system which is 70-80% of all immune cells in the body.

Leakage in the gut can also be caused by gluten, as gluten triggers the production of zonulin in the gut. Zonulin is a protein found in the small intestine that regulates the opening and closing of a channel between intestinal cells. When the zonulin rises, it opens the nodes, and the nodes close when the zonulin level falls down. This protein is activated by gluten, which elevates zonulin and opens nodes in the channels between intestinal cells.
While many suspect celiac diseases as the cause of their problems, SIBO is often the case.

Zonulin can also be activated and elevated by infections such as Candida overgrowth, SIBO, and parasites, and exposure to toxins and stress can all cause leaking intestinal tract.

Symptoms of a leaky gut

  • Digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Food allergy or food intolerance
  • Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, Attention Deficit
  • Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Mood imbalances such as depression and anxiety, decreased ability to manage stress
  • Skin problems such as acne, rosacea, or eczema
  • Seasonal allergies or asthma
  • Hormonal imbalances such as irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease
  • Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia

Causes of a leaky gut

So the following can lead to the development of leaky gut syndrome:

  • colonization of harmful pathogens in the intestine
  • food allergies
  • Hidden food intolerances: these are very insidious because
  • intolerance usually develops to food that is consumed often, even every day but does not cause immediate symptoms. (gluten, casein, eggs)
  • long-term medication, antibiotics
  • digestive enzyme deficiencies
  • hormonal changes
  • abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar levels
  • persistent stress
  • Accumulation of chemicals, and toxins in the intestine

10 signs of leaky gut

  1. Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating
  2. Nutritional deficiencies
  3. Poor immune system
  4. Headaches, brain fog, memory loss
  5. Excessive fatigue
  6. Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea
  7. Cravings for sugar or carbs
  8. Arthritis or joint pain
  9. Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD
  10. Autoimmune diseases

If you are experiencing these symptoms, consider talking to your healthcare provider and test your microbiome with the newest technology to find out what is happening inside your gut. Re-rebuilding the gut microbiome and repairing the intestinal wall is essential to stay healthy for the long term.

Resources
  • 1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33171587/
  • [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32902315/
  • [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23851019/
  • [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30394372/

    Gut and skin

    Gut and skin

    Digestion, Health, Microbiome and Gut health, Natural skincare, SIBO

    The link between gut and skin health

     

    If you have skin rashes or eczematous symptoms, you should never think it is a genetic condition.

    If you have long-term, chronic symptoms, you should not only see a dermatologist or switch to natural cosmetics but also remember that digestive problems and internal parasites could be behind the external symptoms.

    In nutritional studies, the skin has long been considered an indicator of intestinal issues and an imbalance of intestinal flora.

    To have clear, healthy skin, you should first regenerate your gut.

    Epidemiological studies show a clear link between intestinal problems and skin diseases.

    When skin problems do not respond properly to skin care treatments, the source of the problem is actually in the gut. A poorly functioning gut system can potentially exacerbate or lead to pre-existing skin conditions. Acne, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis are ten times more likely to occur with small intestinal bacterial infections (SIBO). Skin rashes occur in 14% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 24% with Crohn’s disease. Mucosal lesions, alopecia, and vitiligo are also more common in gluten sensitivity. Skin problems and acne may occur due to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) in inflammatory bowel disease.

    Studies have shown that intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis can impair the skin’s protective function. This condition, in turn, leads to a decrease in the number of antimicrobial peptides produced in the skin and may increase the severity of certain infections as part of the skin’s inflammatory response

    The intestinal flora influences the health of the skin

    The condition of the intestinal flora affects the health of the skin. The so-called neuropeptide substance P is produced in the intestine, brain, and skin and plays an essential role in the condition of the skin. An altered gut microbiome releases higher neuropeptide P levels in the gut and the skin. Higher levels of neuropeptide P affect lipid production and fatty acid profiles in tissues and can influence sebum production and fatty acid composition of sebum. Several studies have already demonstrated the positive effects of probiotics on the skin.

    Gut-skin axis

    “The GSA describes the relationship where the gut can influence skin health owing to its immunological and metabolic properties.52 Although it is difficult to strictly attribute a cause-and-effect relationship between the gut microbiome and dermatologic conditions, multiple studies support a connection between them with several cutaneous diseases being associated with GI disorders and vice versa.”(1)

    Several studies have already demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics on the skin. Fermented dairy products have a positive effect on intestinal flora, while unfermented dairy products can promote acne breakouts. However, be careful with fermented products if you suffer from SIBO. Oral probiotics reduce inflammation and systemic oxidative stress markers, which are locally elevated in acne. However, if you do not know anything about your microbiome, it is recommended to take only high-quality soil-based probiotics.

    “Gut microbiota influence the pathophysiology of acne via cross-talk between intestinal commensal bacteria and the mTOR pathway ()” (2)

    A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is critical to maintaining a healthy gut. If you do not have any particular intestinal problems, you can take probiotic supplements to increase the versatility of your intestinal flora.

    Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, and a miracle molecule can still be beneficial. Since I have been taking Quercetin regularly, I have not had a single pimple, although I am sure that my intestinal flora is not 100% perfect.

    What can you do to improve your digestion and skin?

    • Avoid dairy, soy, gluten, and rapidly absorbable carbohydrates for at least 1-2 months.
    • Take probiotics daily. Preferably something that has been studied and proven to be effective. If you have intestinal problems, take only soil-based probiotics.
    • In the case of digestive problems, take regular “digestive enzymes ” to help your digestion, which will relieve your heavy stomach immediately after a large meal. If you do not take a digestive supplement, incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routine, preferably the unfiltered variety. After a meal, a tablespoon will help digest the food. It is important to support digestion with natural supplements when altered intestinal flora and impaired digestion slow down the digestion of food because, in this case, there is stagnation in the small intestine, which causes many unpleasant symptoms and inflammation.
    • Move around whenever you can!
    • I am thinking of something other than going to the gym every day. However, you should walk as much as possible if you do not have time to exercise. Introduce a 15-minute workout at a faster pace 3x per week to work your muscles and speed up your metabolism.
    • Take evening primrose oil, as its gamma-linolenic acid content reduces the symptoms of eczema, and take omega-3 capsules (1000 mg ) 2-3 times a day to reduce inflammatory processes.

    Stick to the above for at least 2-3 months, and follow a diet high in fiber, and you will surely see the change!

    Resources
    [1]

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X21001930

    [2]

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048199/

    [3]

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7916842/

    [4]

    https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/gut-bacteria-linked-to-inflammatory-skin-disease

    [5]

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33924414/

    [6]

    Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. J Am Coll Nutr 2007:26:39-48.

    [7]

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27554239/

    [8]

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33921772/

    [9]

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33540138/

    [10]

    https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/903431

    [11]

    Demirel Ogut N. Link Between the Gut and Inflammatory Skin Disease Exposed. Accessed May 11, 2021. Published online May 7, 2021. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-05/sc-tro050621.php

    [12]

    Stocum, Linda. “Gut Bacteria Linked to Inflammatory Skin Disease.” https://www.dermatologytimes.com/, 11 May 2021, www.dermatologytimes.com/view/gut-bacteria-linked-to-inflammatory-skin-disease.

    [13]

    Juhl, Christian R, et al. “Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of 78,529 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Aug. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115795/.

    [14]

    Sanz, Yolanda. “Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet on Gut Microbiota and Immune Function in Healthy Adult Humans.” Gut Microbes, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3023594/.

    [15]

    Acne Vulgaris – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/.

    [16]

    Demirel Ogut N. Link Between the Gut and Inflammatory Skin Disease Exposed. Accessed May 11, 2021. Published online May 7, 2021. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-05/sc-tro050621.php

    [17]

    Stocum, Linda. “Gut Bacteria Linked to Inflammatory Skin Disease.” https://www.dermatologytimes.com/, 11 May 2021, www.dermatologytimes.com/view/gut-bacteria-linked-to-inflammatory-skin-disease.

    [18]

    Juhl, Christian R, et al. “Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of 78,529 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Aug. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115795/.

    [19]

    Sanz, Yolanda. “Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet on Gut Microbiota and Immune Function in Healthy Adult Humans.” Gut Microbes, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3023594/.