The intestinal barrier is a complex system that plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health.
It consists of multiple layers designed to protect your body from harmful substances. In fact, The GI tract’s epithelium represents the largest mucosal lining that separates you, the host, from the external environment. Pretty cool!
In addition, it allows for the absorption of nutrients and is a key component of immune health.
The intestinal barrier is selectively permeable, it prevents the passage of antigens from the intestine into the bloodstream, and allows the absorption of water and nutrients.
When this lining is compromised, it leads to increased permeability, or “Intestinal hyperpermeability.” The popular term you may be familiar with is "leaky gut."
Hyperpermeability means larger food molecules, toxins and pathogens can enter the bloodstream. This “leakage” can be caused by many factors (often a collection of variables) and contribute to a variety of signs, symptoms and disease processes. AND those signs and symptoms aren’t isolated to digestion and gut health! Acne, brain fog, joint pain, fatigue and infertility are just some of the ways leaky gut or intestinal hyperpermeability can manifest.
Structure and Function of the Intestinal Barrier
The main components include:
1. Epithelial Cells: These cells line the gut and form a tight barrier.
2. Tight Junctions: These structures between epithelial cells ensure that harmful substances don’t pass through the gut lining into the bloodstream.
3. Mucus Layer: Produced by goblet cells, this layer protects the epithelial cells and houses beneficial bacteria.
When the tight junctions are disturbed , such is in Intestinal hyperpermeability, larger food molecules, toxins and pathogens can enter the bloodstream . When we see a decrease in beneficial bacteria on a GI Map (our most recommended test to assess gut health), and/or an overgrowth “bad bacteria” and other infections it also tells use the mucus layer is not as healthy as it could be.
Why a Healthy Barrier is Important for Overall Health
The gut barrier isn't just about digestion. It impacts many areas of your health, including:
- Immune Function: Did you know a significant part of your immune system resides in the gut? A healthy intestinal barrier prevents pathogens from entering the bloodstream, reducing the risk of infections and inflammation.
- Mental Health: The gut-brain axis is a well-established concept. Gut health can influence your mood and cognitive functions.
- Metabolic Health: The intestinal barrier helps regulate blood sugar levels and lipid metabolism, playing a role in preventing metabolic disorders.
Factors Affecting Intestinal Barrier Integrity
Several factors can compromise the integrity of your gut barrier, including:
- Diet: Low fiber intake and excessive consumption of processed foods can harm the gut barrier. Nutrient deficiencies, for example Vitamin D which can be from a lack of sun as well as impaired nutrient absorption can lead to decreased strength of the gut barrier.
- Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can lead to hyperpermeability. Chronic stress may also contribute to low levels of stomach acid, decreasing one’s ability to break down food and fight off pathogens. When stressed many tend to rush through meals, not chewing and those undigested food particles over time can negatively impact the gut barrier.
There are many things that can fall into this category:
- Medications: NSAIDs and antibiotics can disrupt the gut lining and microbiota balance.
- Pathogens and infections: Exposure to infections, pathogens, pollutants and chemicals can damage the gut barrier.
Signs Your Intestinal Barrier Might Be Compromised
As mentioned previously, signs and symptoms may not be isolated to poor digestion or GI related complaints. Everything in the body is intricately connected.
Common symptoms of intestinal hyperpermeability include:
Digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea
Gut Infections or Bacterial Overgrowth
Food intolerances and sensitivities
Frequent infections or illnesses
Chronic fatigue and brain fog
Skin problems such as acne or eczema
Nutrient deficiencies
Biomarkers from blood and fecal samples can be associated with intestinal hyperpermeability, and together with these signs and symptoms can tell us this important structure needs some attending to!
In part two of this blog post series, we will share strategies we recommend to support a healthy intestinal barrier as well as our favorite tools for helping individuals who have intestinal hyperpermeability.
If you’re curious about how to start your journey toward better gut health, let's connect and create a personalized plan that works for you. Remember, a healthy gut barrier is a cornerstone of a healthy, vibrant life.
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