Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/755637
the microvilli that line the intes nes and absorb nutrients become damaged, leading to other nutrient deficiencies. Top causes of increased Zonulin and development of leaky gut: 1. Overgrowth of harmful organisms, like bacteria or yeast in the intes ne. A. SIBO = small intes nal bacterial overgrowth B. Fungal dysbiosis or candida overgrowth C. Parasite infec ons 2. Gliadin in the diet (gluten containing foods). Gliadin is a protein in wheat, that like gluten, is a trigger for people with celiac disease. However, a study published in the Scandiavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2006 clearly showed that gliadin can affect zonulin even in people without the gene for celiac. The researchers concluded that: Based on our results, we concluded that gliadin ac vates zonulin signaling irrespec ve of the gene c expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intes nal permeability to macromolecules. The significance of this is that gluten affects intes nal permeability in all persons to different extents. It also means that 100% of pa ents with autoimmune disease or leaky gut could poten ally benefit from a gluten-free diet. Elevated Zonulin levels and leaky gut are also associated with the following: 1. Crohn's disease 2. Type 1 Diabetes 3. Mul ple Sclerosis 4. Asthma 5. Glioma 6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease In conclusion the article states: Gene c predisposi on, miscommunica on between innate and adap ve immunity, exposure to environmental triggers, and loss of intes nal barrier func on secondary to the ac va on of the zonulin pathway by food-derived environmental triggers or changes in gut microbiota all seem to be key ingredients involved in the pathogenesis of inflamma on, autoimmunity, and cancer. This new theory implies that [once this path is ac vated] it can be ... reversed by preven ng the con nuous interplay between genes and the environment. Abby's Magazine - Volume 4 Issue 6 | Page 11