Leaky Gut Syndrome

This syndrome, although it affects the intestinal tract, influences the development of a wide range of diseases (fatigue, allergies, inflammations, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, etc.). Given the lifestyle currently preferred by the population, this problem is developing on a massive scale, and it is therefore necessary to pay due attention to it in relation to dietary manipulation.

The intestinal mucosa forms a fairly large surface area. On its surface lies a thin layer of cells, whose main task is to control the absorption of substances from the diet. These cells are in close connection, and their mutual communication and maintenance of optimal distance between them are ensured by specific proteins. These proteins have the ability to enlarge or reduce the space between individual cells of the mucosa, based on the current need, for the purpose of allowing substances to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Under normal circumstances, the size of these gaps is relatively small, as homeostatic mechanisms strive to prevent health complications and maintain the function of this layer of cells at a level that prevents the passage of poorly metabolized nutrients or any toxins.

Healthy intestines function such that the network of these cells does not allow larger particles to pass through. What should not get into the bloodstream remains in the intestines and is subsequently eliminated. However, if the continuity of this layer is disrupted, larger openings occur. Through these, substances are absorbed through the intestinal wall, which subsequently disrupts the healthy balance in the body. This results in what is known as "Leaky gut syndrome" or intestinal permeability syndrome (increased intestinal permeability).

Its consequences are extensive. Once unwanted substances enter the bloodstream through the intestinal wall, the immune system reacts to them as intruders. It begins to mobilize its efforts, unfortunately often unsuccessfully, resulting in:
- inflammations - of the joint apparatus, cardiovascular system, excretory system, digestive tract (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome),
- respiratory infections,
- skin issues - eczema, acne,
- food intolerances and allergies.

Increased intestinal permeability is associated with chronic and autoimmune diseases:
- Crohn's disease,
- ulcerative colitis,
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- asthma,
- multiple sclerosis,
- Parkinson's disease,
- celiac disease,
- type 1 diabetes,
- impaired function of the thyroid gland,
- metabolic syndrome.

A special chapter of increased intestinal permeability is its relationship to brain functions. It appears to disrupt the balance in the gut-brain communication channel, leading to certain psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and potentially even autism).

To address such a situation (or to prevent it), it is first necessary to understand the causes of the syndrome. Among commonly presented ones are:

1. Poor dietary conception.
2. Stress.
3. Medications used (analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, immunosuppressants - most commonly corticosteroids).
4. Presence of chronic inflammation in the body.
5. Imbalance in intestinal microbiota diversity.

The Influence of Diet on the Permeability of the Intestinal Wall

For a better grasp of the issue, let's consider diet in relation to leaky gut syndrome in two parts:

1. Factors in the diet that promote the development of the syndrome:

A) Excess carbohydrates.
This applies to both complex and simple carbohydrates (they promote the growth of yeast and pathogenic bacteria, which then produce toxins that damage the cells of the intestinal lining). It is thus advantageous to reduce their proportion in the diet to a level suitable for the individual. This does not mean that low-carb concepts are the best option. The goal is a diet that is not excessively high in carbohydrates, i.e., the proportion of polysaccharides and sugars is adequate to energy needs, and their sources are minimally processed. For sugars, this includes not only refined forms but also excess fructose (fruit sugar), which is part of highly concentrated syrups or sweetened beverages.

B) Increased alcohol intake.
This applies to all sources of alcohol, including beer and wine, which are commonly presented (in reasonable quantities) as health-promoting.

C) Processed foods containing certain additives.
Besides preservatives, emulsifiers and organic solvents are often mentioned. Since they directly impair the intestines, it makes sense to be aware of which foods commonly contain them:
- baked goods (bread, desserts),
- dairy and egg products,
- chocolate products,
- sauces,
- creams,
- ice creams,
- margarines,
- certain sausages (hot dogs).

D) Lack of fiber.
Its deficiency disadvantages the activity of probiotics in the intestines and allows pathogenic cultures to overpopulate, whose activity does not contribute to the regeneration of the damaged intestinal lining.

E) Lack of certain vitamins and minerals.
Particularly vitamin D and zinc are relevant here.

F) Excess gluten and casein.
These proteins are not 'bad' per se. They burden the gut environment when their dietary proportion is too high. Among dairy products, A1 beta-casein is most aggressive towards the intestinal mucosa. It can be avoided only in dairy products from specially selected cattle. However, it holds that moderate amounts of fermented dairy products should not pose significant problems (they contain probiotics and short-chain fatty acids, which positively affect intestinal function).

G) A high proportion of antinutrients.
Most often mentioned are phytates and lectins. Lectins, proteins bound to sugars, act as a natural defensive system of plants. In the digestive tract, lectins can attach to the mucosa, damaging it and causing inflammation. Significant sources of lectins include wheat, rice, and soy.

2. Dietary adjustments serving as prevention and supportive treatment for leaky gut syndrome:

There are several simple principles for adjusting the diet to establish and maintain the balance in the function of intestinal mucosa cells. It is always necessary to consider the current situation - whether addressing prevention or an already existing problem.