An estimated 10 million people in Germany suffer from leaky gut syndrome. With leaky gut, the intestinal wall becomes permeable to harmful substances, which promotes inflammation and can cause many problems.
The intestinal wall has an important barrier function. It prevents toxic substances, pathogens and other foreign substances from entering the body. The cells of the intestinal wall are held together by tight junctions, which can be imagined as a kind of zipper. The intestinal wall is also protected by a layer of mucus, antibodies and antimicrobial substances.
In leaky gut syndrome, this important barrier becomes permeable.
Leaky gut can have various causes. Inflammation, e.g. caused by bacterial infections or an inflammatory diet, can promote leaky gut. Alcohol, certain medications, food intolerances and stress can also lead to leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut syndrome manifests itself in numerous symptoms such as abdominal pain, malaise, diarrhea, tiredness and fatigue. Leaky gut is also often associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for leaky gut syndrome in conventional medicine because it is not yet officially recognized as a disease.
However, there is a lot of evidence that micronutrients can be helpful in treating leaky gut syndrome.
Probiotics
Probiotics can be useful for leaky gut for several reasons. First, they displace pathogenic bacteria that can damage the intestines in excessive numbers. There is also evidence that probiotics could stimulate the formation of tight junctions. Probiotics also seem to be able to support the formation of a protective mucus layer. [1]
Studies suggest that taking probiotics could lower zonulin in the blood. Zonulin is considered an important marker for the permeability of the intestinal wall.
Collagen
Collagen contains many amino acids that can have a positive effect on the intestines :
- It is very rich in glycine. There is evidence that glycine may improve the barrier function of the intestine
- It contains a lot of proline and hydroxyproline, which could improve wound healing and there is evidence that the two amino acids could be helpful in ulcerative colitis
- The amino acid L-glutamine appears to promote the function of tight junctions and may support beneficial bacteria in the intestine [2]
reishi
Themedicinal mushroom Reishi is very rich in polysaccharides, which are said to have many positive effects on the intestines.
Reishi is said to be able to strengthen the immune system and there is a lot of evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect. Reishi can probably counteract the inflammation that accompanies leaky gut. Reishi also seems to be able to improve the intestinal flora and promote the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. [3]
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in cell division and can therefore probably support the formation of new intestinal cells. Vitamin D also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Scientists believe that it can therefore counteract the death of intestinal cells due to inflammation. [4]
Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is very widespread. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute, over 50% of Germans do not have sufficient vitamin D.
zinc
Zinc has important functions in cell division and contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
Inflammation also increases the need for zinc. This is why the inflammation associated with leaky gut probably makes zinc deficiency more likely than in people with a healthy gut. [5] , [6]
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric is also rich in bitter substances that can stimulate stomach acid production and aid digestion. [7]
Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory nutrients are promising
Leaky gut syndrome is associated with inflammation and harms the entire body. Anti-inflammatory nutrients can help counteract this inflammation. People with leaky gut should ensure they have a good supply of these nutrients and avoid deficiencies.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27456494/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25972430/
[3] https://foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/1559
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26137304/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7829006/
