SIBO Can Result In….

FAQ:

• SI have repeatedly heard the term “leaky gut”.  I feel really silly asking this question but does that mean the gut has holes in it, and does all the contents of the gut fall through those holes?

 Unfortunately, the term “leaky gut” is a misnomer.  I totally understand why you should think that the small intestinal barrier would have large holes in it when confronted with this term.  The proper term is intestinal hyperpermeability.

The small intestinal barrier lining covers more than a staggering 250 square meters or 2, 700 square feet of surface area. Between the cells of this barrier are tight junctions, which when working properly, help form a tight barrier that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream and what is excluded. Examples of molecules that are able to get absorbed in a healthy gut are amino acids from the breakdown of protein, monosaccharides like glucose from the breakdown of glucose, water, certain minerals and vitamins.  An unhealthy gut lining with compromised tight junctions i.e. ones that are not closed sufficiently, however, may allow substances normally too large to pass through, such as partially digested food, toxins, and microbes, to penetrate the tissues beneath it and stimulate the immune system.  Indeed, surprisingly, your gut barrier houses over 70 percent of the cells that make up your immune system. When the immune system is alerted to foreign substances passing through the intestinal barrier,  inflammation may be triggered causing gut symptoms and negative health conditions within the digestive tract and beyond.    

The reasons for an increase in intestinal permeability are many.  Most of these reasons stem from our modern diet and lifestyle.  For example, the standard western diet, low in fibre and high in sugar and unhealthy fats, can initiate the process.  Other triggers can be alcohol, many medications such as pain relievers e.g. NSAIDS, antibiotics that change the composition of our healthy gut flora, stress, and certain proteins such as gluten.

Unfortunately, over time, evidence suggests that increased intestinal permeability plays a role in certain gut conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and IBS. Furthermore, studies are now emerging that intestinal hyperpermeability may be associated with other autoimmune diseases ( examples: lupus, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis),  and other chronic conditions as arthritis, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia,  acne, obesity, and even mental illness. 

Testimonial:

Celia is very friendly, passionate, professional and exactly know what she is doing. I had some serious long term gut issues that cause deterioration in my overall health and the herbal remedies and supplements Celia has prescribed me was helping to restore my gut health almost back to normal within 3 months time. She provides you all the information and education you need to prevent further health problems as well. Highly recommended Celia if you are looking for the best naturopath!

Yashmi J. Elwood, Vic