Leaky gut refers to a condition of the intestines, where there are “leaks” in the intestinal lining that allows substances from the intestines to get into the body. While this may sound like a good thing, it is not: it means we are absorbing things that a healthy gut would keep out of the blood stream.

Leaky gut may be related to a host of conditions, including both asthma and arthritis. The problem is that the intestines are not just supposed to absorb things; they should also be acting as an effective barrier against bacteria, viruses, parasites and even undigested food! Any of these things can trigger an immune response - and may even play a role in food intolerance and food allergy.

Leaky gut also allows toxins into the body. One of these toxins is called oxalate, and it may be one of the factors behind asthma and allergies. Oxalate is a low level poison that research shows can contribute to and exacerbate inflammatory processes in the body.

As toxins circulate in the body, they tax the liver. As the liver gets overloaded, it can’t clear the toxins out. The leaky gut syndrome actually gets worse as toxins circulate back to the intestines through the blood stream, and cause more damage.

If you have inflammation from things like food allergies, this can also increase leaky gut - and intestinal permeability.

If you have celiac, food allergies, asthma, eczema, arthritis, IBS, chronic fatigue syndrome (or CFS) or many other auto-immune conditions, you should suspect leaky gut.

Source: Freeport News; BeAllergyWise