The term leaky gut refers to increased permeability of the intestinal wall and is often used in alternative medical circles. Leaky gut is an important syndrome and not an alternative concept. The medical search engine shows hundreds of articles published in conventional medical journals describing numerous conditions associated with a leaky intestinal wall. In that case, the intestine is damaged. Leaky gut is not a condition in itself, but a symptom with various causes. It is not possible to treat leaky gut with a single product. The cause must be identified so that the intestinal wall can recover.
Permeability
Between the cells of the intestinal wall are narrow channels. The intestinal cells contain special proteins that work like small muscles and cause the channels to open or close. These structures are called Tight Junctions and are present in both the small and large intestine. When Tight Junction function is reduced, there is a decrease in beneficial substances and an increase in the passage of unwanted molecules. Zonulin is a component of the Tight Junction. Zonulin is a haemoglobin-binding protein discovered in 2000 by Alessio Fasano. The action of zonulin is complex and has not been fully elucidated, but it is known to play a key role in the permeability of the intestinal wall.
Zonulin test
Zonulin has a direct effect on contraction of the opening of the channels. Other Tight Junction proteins such as occludin, actin and claudin are controlled by zonulin. With a decrease in gut flora, inflammation, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, allergies and coeliac disease, zonulin increases and the mechanism becomes dysregulated. When the Tight Junctions are damaged, zonulin is released into the intestinal contents, where it stimulates growth receptors present in the intestinal wall. This causes overstimulation that weakens the intestinal cells. The zonulin level can be measured in stool, and an increase is used as a biomarker for reduced intestinal barrier function.
Gut flora
Leaky gut is caused to a large extent by a decrease in healthy bacteria and less diverse gut flora. Intestinal bacteria decrease in variety and number through the use of antibiotics, chemicals, painkillers (NSAIDs) and artificial nutrients. Even in a world of abundance, the intestinal bacteria do not receive enough food. A lack of fibre-rich foods, as well as a low food intake during illness or after surgery, causes the gut flora to decrease sharply. We are less exposed to microorganisms because of hygiene measures and the use of soap and disinfectants.
Important causes of intestinal damage
DeMeo published in the journal J. Clin. Gastroenterology that leaky gut plays an important role in the development of diseases. The test is combined with other analyses. Zonulin values may be elevated in:
- Gluten intolerance, coeliac disease. Gliadin from gluten activates zonulin and leads to increased permeability. Gluten markers anti-gliadin and anti-t-transglutaminase
- A low sIgA level
- Infection with Giardia lamblia
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, due to the increase in lymphocytes and calprotectin
- Overweight, high insulin levels and an increase in TNF-α
- Eosinophilia in allergies
- Pancreatitis and fatty liver, pancreatic elastase test
- Increased bile due to fatty food
- Excessive alcohol use and consequent overloading of the liver
