Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1526510
Page 24 | Abby's Magazine | instagram.com/abbyshealthfood What Is It? As food passes through the stomach into the small intestine, nutrient absorption occurs through the semi-permeable mucous lining of the wall of the small intestine. This membrane also shields the bloodstream from unwanted toxins, pathogens and undigested food. In this respect, the gut lining is a vital part of the body's immune system because it limits the volume of potential invaders. Leaky gut syndrome (or increased intestinal permeability) is a condition that develops when the mucous lining of the small intestine becomes too porous, allowing entry of toxins, microorganisms and undigested food particles, as well as pathogens, into the bloodstream. The function of the mucous lining of the small intestine can be compared to that of a window screen which lets air in but keeps bugs out. It is also like the skin in that it sloughs off a layer of cells naturally every three to five days and produces new cells to maintain healthy function. What Causes It? When digestion is impaired by such factors as stress, processed food consumption, inadequate chewing, excessive fluid intake with meals, improper food combining, and overeating, it can lead to an excessively permeable (leaky) gut. Here's why: When bacteria present in the intestine act upon undigested food particles, toxic chemicals and gases are produced. These intestinal toxins, known as endotoxins, can damage the mucosal lining resulting in increased intestinal permeability. As a result of repeated attacks by these toxins, the gut lining erodes over time. This is the basic mechanism by which leaky gut comes into being. It can also be caused or aggravated by a number of other factors, including: • Alcohol (gut irritant) • Caffeine (gut irritant) • Parasites (introduced into the body by contaminated food and water) • Pathogenic bacteria (introduced into the body by contaminated food and water) • Pathogenic Candida infection (due to overgrowth) • Food sensitivities • Chemical food additives (dyes, preservatives, flavorings, etc.) • Pesticide-laden foods • Enzyme deficiencies (as found in celiac disease and lactose intolerance) • Diet of refined carbohydrates ("junk" food) • Prescription hormones (like birth control pills) Perhaps the greatest contributors to leaky gut are the drugs listed below: • NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and Motrin) • Antacids • Steroids (includes prescription corticosteroids such as prednisone and hydrocortisone) • Antibiotics (which lead to overgrowth of bad bacteria in the GI tract) Prolonged use of NSAIDs blocks the body's natural ability to repair the intestinal lining.1 Once endotoxins have eroded this membrane, it becomes permeable rather than semi-permeable. ("The screen on your window gets holes in it.") Now the toxins, pathogens and food particles, which would normally not be permitted to enter the system, literally leak into the bloodstream. The body then attacks these unwanted toxins, developing antibodies to fight the foreign substances. *Vital Planet covers up to 15% of indirect costs associated with clinical studies. LEAKY GUT SYNDROME