SyndromeFor numerous decades, the leaky gut syndrome was the topic of much debate but little investigation.
It was caught between alternative healthcare practitioners who claimed clear proof of leaky gut and orthodox medicine, which disregarded it as an urban legend.
However, in the last 10 years, science has finally caught up with what integrative medicine practitioners and nutritionists have long suspected: leaky gut is a very real, predictable process that may lead to major consequences, including autoimmune illness.
The term “leaky gut” means precisely what it sounds like. The cells of your gut lining are meant to be forced up against one another and sealed by “tight junctions.” These junctions keep partially digested food where it belongs: inside your intestines.
The proteins known as “zonulin” are the security officers in charge of maintaining such tight connections.
“Zonulin” may sound like a sci-fi extraterrestrial species, but it’s actually important in avoiding leaky gut and autoimmune illness! Your tight connections will remain closed and secure if you maintain enough zonulin levels. Years of poor gut health caused by the Standard American Diet (SAD) and stress, on the other hand, can elevate zonulin levels.
As a result, the tight junctions in your gut lining continue to expand in size until they are no longer as tight. This permits partially digested food, waste, and poisons to enter your circulation. When this occurs, your body perceives them as alien intruders and reacts appropriately.
The immunological reaction of your body causes a cascade of inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as rashes, joint discomfort, headaches, and exhaustion. As the inflammation worsens, it can cause systemic responses such as allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Zonulin has been keeping humans safe for thousands of years, but scientists just found it in 2000. Researchers have just discovered the capacity to measure zonulin levels. The findings indicate the link between leaky gut, diet, and inflammation.
A leaky gut has long been linked to inflammatory substances like gluten. Scientists have now demonstrated that people with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease (total inability to digest gluten) have abnormally high amounts of zonulin in their bloodstream. That means there is now a diagnostic tool to assist in identifying those who are at high risk of leaky gut.
But you don’t need a blood test to take control of your health! It’s not too late to take action if you feel that your diet or stress levels put you at risk for a leaky gut. If you already have inflammation or autoimmune disease symptoms, you may take real action to restore your gut and immune system.