What Triggers Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, can result from various factors. Here are key contributors:

• Disease Processes: Conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and IBS (particularly diarrhea-predominant) are linked to leaky gut due to inflammation disrupting tight junction proteins.

• Infections: Acute or chronic infections from E. Coli, H. Pylori, invasive enteric candidiasis, viruses, and parasites.

• Microbiome Imbalances: Dysbiosis, especially when the gut lacks restorative microbes or harbors harmful ones, impairs mucus layer integrity.

• Dietary Factors: High intake of alcohol, glucose, salt, or saturated fats.

• Food Additives: Exposure to emulsifiers (e.g., carrageenan), gums, microbial transglutaminases, nanoparticles, microplastics, solvents, and heavy metals.

• Chronic Stress: Elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) weakens the intestinal barrier.

• Excessive Exercise: Intense training (e.g., boot camps, marathons) can cause transient permeability.

• Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) contribute to intestinal permeability.

• Hormonal Deficiencies: Low progesterone, estrogen, or testosterone levels may compromise gut lining health.

• Neuro Motility Disruptions: Conditions like stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain trauma affect intestinal barrier function.

With this comprehensive understanding of potential triggers, we can develop strategies to heal and restore gut health.

So with this list of of offenders in front us we can now move into a comprehensive strategy to heal the gut.