In a healthy digestive system, the cells that form the paper-thin lining of the small and large intestines are packed very closely together. In fact, they’re so close that only what should pass through — digested food (solutes) and water — can enter the bloodstream.
But the tight junctions of the gut lining can easily be disrupted and become too porous. Diets high in gluten, chemical-laden foods, and foods you sense you’re allergic to can damage the gut lining and force it to become more permeable.
These factors also affect the balance of both the trillions of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. When this balance is disturbed, harmful bacteria can get the upper hand and cause an increase in gut permeability.
When the gut is repeatedly exposed to toxins, chemicals, and gluten the result is intestinal hyper-permeability, or “Leaky Gut Syndrome.”
This condition allows toxins, bacteria, undigested food particles, and other undesirable gut contents to enter the bloodstream and circulate to the rest of the body.
A leaky gut can cause systemic inflammation. Because of this, the immune system may not protect the body as well as it should, leading to fatigue as well as joint and muscle aches.
Digestion is also adversely affected, and people with leaky gut often complain of bloating, cramps and diarrhea.
For more information about Dr. Silverman, please visit www.drrobertsilverman.com.