
Leaky Gut Syndrome. Improve your immune support and reduce inflammation.
Leaky Gut and Gastrointestinal Damage
Poor immune function, inflammation, and intestinal permeability (also known as “leaky gut”) are common problems in people with gluten sensitivity. How can gluten affect immune function?
Several years ago, researchers — including Dr. Alessio Fasano at the University of Maryland — discovered that gluten can directly cause a phenomenon known as intestinal permeability. This process has been shown to lead to the development of additional food allergies, followed by an exaggerated immune response that later contributes to autoimmune disease.
Just behind the intestinal wall lies a tissue called GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue). Research shows that approximately 80% of immune cells are housed there. Once intestinal permeability develops, the floodgates open, and the GALT is bombarded with bacteria and other microorganisms, food proteins, and a number of intestinal toxins. Over time, this immune assault can lead to inflammatory damage not only in the intestines but also in other tissues throughout the body.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
It has been shown that gluten affects intestinal absorption and also causes damage to other organs that aid in the digestive process. The stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas all contribute to ensuring that the nutrients we obtain from food are properly digested.
Gluten-induced damage to these tissues can create deficiencies in both vitamins and minerals. The loss of nutrient absorption contributes to numerous health issues. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency is very common in patients with gluten sensitivity. This vitamin plays an important role in intestinal repair and recovery.
A gluten-damaged intestine needs vitamins and minerals to repair itself; however, the same damage prevents these nutrients from being absorbed, creating a vicious cycle if not addressed properly.
Altered Gut Bacteria
Research studies have shown that gluten can affect the types of bacteria in the intestines. Some animal research indicates that this is especially true for genetically modified grain varieties.
There are several diseases associated with abnormal intestinal flora — such as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn’s Disease, among others.
So, why are healthy bacteria important? They are essential because they help the body produce B vitamins and vitamin K. They also assist the immune system in regulating its communication and controlling inflammation. Furthermore, a healthy microbiota helps protect us from pathogenic microorganisms (disease-causing agents) such as H. pylori, yeast, and parasites.
Healing leaky gut is also an important step in preventing the development of additional food sensitivities. Through your 3R Protocol, you can identify which foods may be causing inflammation, so you can Remove them and Replace them with foods rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables), micronutrients, and macronutrients, allowing you to Recover not only your intestinal health but also your energy, sleep, mood, sexual health, overall well-being — and ultimately, your individual peace, contributing to collective peace.
References:
Kinashi Y, Hase K. Partners in Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol. 2021 Apr 22;12:673708. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.673708. PMID: 33968085; PMCID: PMC8100306.
Polak K, Bergler-Czop B, Szczepanek M, Wojciechowska K, Frątczak A, Kiss N. Psoriasis and Gut Microbiome-Current State of Art. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 26;22(9):4529. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094529. PMID: 33926088; PMCID: PMC8123672.
Di Tommaso N, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Intestinal Barrier in Human Health and Disease. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 6;18(23):12836. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182312836. PMID: 34886561; PMCID: PMC8657205.
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NutriWhite Editorial Team










