Immune Support Online

Leaky Gut is a condition in which the lining of the small intestine has broken down. In this state, it becomes permeable to foods which should only be able to get into the bloodstream when they are more or less completely broken down (digested). With leaky gut, these food elements flood into the bloodstream as more or less complete compounds. These substances are capable of stimulating allergies and creating many problems which are widespread in the body. Symptoms of Leaky Gut Leaky gut is an advanced condition which usually follows irritable bowel syndrome. In it, the bloating, flatulence and cramps of IBS are intensified. There may be a low grade fever accompanied by a rise in the white blood count. Almost certainly, there will be fatigue after eating. Usually there is a craving for carbohydrates which, if they are not eaten frequently, will cause symptoms of low blood sugar. How does Leaky Gut Develop? The progress to leaky gut follows a fairly predictable course. It starts with early changes to the lining of the small intestine produced by and infection. This may be a viral infection like gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or a bacterial infection like Salmonella. More often however, the infection is one which is treated with acetaminophen, aspirin or another 'cold or fever' medicine followed by an antibiotic. The fever medicine (an ANSAID) thins the mucus layer. The antibiotic kills most of the beneficial bacteria which, in health, line the intestine, protecting us from unfriendly organisms. Left unprotected, these 'bugs' proliferate and end up punching 'holes' in the intestine wall - thus creating a leaky gut. The healthy small intestine has a number of tools for self defense. These include: Mucus, provides a physical barrier which washes away potential pathogens. The immune globulins, IgA secreted by specialized cells in the lining of the intestine stay in the mucus layer and stand ready to bind to, and inactivate viruses, unfriendly bacteria and yeasts. It also supports a community of beneficial bacteria numbering in the trillions in a healthy intestine and from over 250 different types. These friendly bacteria are referred to as a group as probiotics. Probiotics: these bacteria perform many critically important functions which include producing chemicals which kill yeasts like Candida. Acidophilus, a probiotic which lives mainly in the small intestine also helps to create a micro-acidic environment to assist with the absorption of minerals like iron. Many people who are anemic, have, in my opinion, malabsorbtion of iron because of damage to the small intestine and a deficiency of Acidophilus. Probiotics also create some B vitamins. Secretory Immune Globulin "A" (IgA): Islands of specialized lymph tissue in the intestinal lining create enormous numbers of antibodies (protein created in a special shape fitted to trap viruses and bacteria). Several mechanisms converge to produce a breakdown in the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The breakdown may come suddenly with an infection like Salmonella or gastroenteritis or food poisoning. XXXXX