Is “leaky gut” a real disease?

NGastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain aren’t just uncomfortable, but getting a proper diagnosis to find out what’s causing them can be difficult. Many gastrointestinal disorders have similar side effects, and if you’re experiencing discomfort, you’ll be desperate to figure out what’s causing it. While searching for your symptoms on the internet, you may have come across something called “leaky gut syndrome.”

Leaky gut syndrome has become a well-known term, but it can be controversial. Although leaky gut (medically known as increased intestinal permeability) is real, the syndrome is not widely accepted as a medical diagnosis.

Below, we’ll explain what the term “leaky gut syndrome” actually refers to, the conditions and symptoms that may be associated with it, and what to do if you’re worried you might have leaky gut syndrome.

Does “leaky gut syndrome” really exist?

The concept of leaky gut begins in the intestinal lining of the stomach. This barrier is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the food we eat, while also preventing bacteria from passing through. According to Harvard Health Publishing, it’s a huge area, covering an astonishing 4,000 square feet.

The intestinal lining of all people is semipermeable. That is, it is designed to let some things through and block others. However, in some cases this barrier may be compromised. People with increased intestinal permeability (such as people with certain diseases such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)) have intestinal linings that let in more water and nutrients than is ideal. .

As a result of this increased permeability, “bacteria, toxins, or some particles of digested food can pass between cells,” says Dr. said Bahar Adeli, MD, spokesperson for the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA). “It is thought to stimulate the immune system and can cause inflammation and changes in the microbiome.”

Enter leaky gut. “Increased intestinal permeability means your intestines are letting more things through than normal and are therefore ‘leaky,'” says Dr. says Dr. Samantha Nazareth, FACG, an internist.

However, although leaky gut syndrome has become a common term, it is not recognized as a medical diagnosis. Instead, it refers to the theory that increased intestinal permeability may not be just a symptom of a digestive disease like IBD, but rather an underlying cause that can develop on its own. Masu.

So, what are the signs and symptoms of leaky gut?

There is no current medical diagnosis for leaky gut syndrome, but experts are still researching potential causes of increased intestinal permeability. “There is no proven causal relationship between ‘leaky gut’ and these symptoms,” says Gail Hecht, M.D., gastroenterologist, Wonder Berry Medical Advisor, and former AGA president. However, the following symptoms may be caused by leaky gut:

Gas bloating Abdominal pain Diarrhea Food sensitivities Fatigue Joint pain Skin problems

Is it challenging again? “These symptoms are nonspecific and can indicate a variety of other medical conditions,” says Dr. Nazareth. This can make it difficult for your doctor or gastroenterologist to accurately determine the cause of your discomfort and find the right treatment options to relieve your symptoms.

Why does the intestine become “leaky”?

We know that people with certain diseases (IBD and celiac disease, to name a few) can have increased intestinal permeability. Some experts believe other factors may also be involved. we’re looking at you. Chronic stress, unbalanced diet, and unbalanced intestinal flora. “Certain bacterial infections can also cause inflammation and leaky gut,” says Dr. Adeli.

Experts continue to debate the causal relationship between leaky gut and conditions such as IBD and other autoimmune diseases. Experts are unsure whether leaky gut precedes and contributes to the onset of the disease, or whether it occurs as a result of another condition. “There is no chance evidence that anything directly contributes to leaky gut or that untreated leaky gut causes certain symptoms,” says Dr. Adeli.

The current scientific consensus is that although there is an association between increased intestinal permeability and various symptoms, more research is needed to establish a clear causal relationship.

What exactly happens during diagnosis and treatment?

Leaky gut is not an official diagnosis, and doctors do not have a test to reliably measure intestinal permeability. However, researchers are considering several different tests, including urine tests, blood tests, and tissue biopsies, all of which could be used to check a person’s intestinal permeability in the future. There is sex. It’s important to let your health care provider know if you have any symptoms of “leaky gut.” Various diagnostic tests may be ordered to determine whether there is another gastrointestinal-related disorder that is primarily causing your symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with another disease, treatment focuses on curing those symptoms and the underlying cause of increased intestinal permeability. And it’s also important to take care of your entire gut, regardless of your diagnosis. Experts recommend eating more plant-based foods, fermented foods, fiber, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It’s also important to manage stress levels and avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

Health conditions associated with leaky gut

Although leaky gut is not an official diagnosis, some health conditions can cause increased intestinal permeability, such as:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have two conditions that qualify as IBD, which cause inflammation in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition can lead to long-term inflammation and serious complications if left untreated. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Experts don’t know the exact cause of IBS, but the condition can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and intestinal changes. Studies have shown that people with IBS have increased intestinal permeability. Celiac disease: This autoimmune disease causes an immune response when eating foods containing gluten, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, and bloating, and can also increase intestinal permeability. Heart disease: The latest research suggests there is a strong connection between the digestive system and heart health. For example, one study found that people with chronic heart failure have increased permeability in the large and small intestines and an increased amount of pathogenic bacteria in their gut flora.

When should you see a health care provider for bowel problems?

As a general rule, if you have gastrointestinal discomfort, you should contact your provider. “I always tell my patients that if something is bothering you, it’s time to seek help,” says Dr. Nazareth. However, the following red flag symptoms are clear signs that you should contact your doctor.

Unintentional weight loss Blood in the stool New abdominal pain New IBS-like symptoms

Your health care provider will order tests to find out the cause of your symptoms and offer treatment options that will give you the support you need to improve your symptoms.